Disco 3 niggles
Discussion
Had my TDV6 S (auto) since June 2005 and, largely, it's an excellent car and has been very reliable, but over the period of ownership I've found one or two annoying niggles which other owners (or prospective ownesr) might like to share or discuss.
Throttle:fly-by-wire; more like fly-by-night. It makes entereing a busy roundabout or junction, from rest, like a game of Russian roulette, even with the transmission in "sport" mode.
Pedal position: if you sit in the driving seat (auto model) of the Disco 3 (and I assume this must be the same in the RRS?) your right foot falls directly onto the brake. Now try holding it onto the throttle for a few hundred miles... I find it pretty uncomfortable.
Cross winds: I know it's high sided, but that, combined with the air suspension makes this car truly scary in high winds at dual carriageway & motorway speeds. I came down the M6 over Shap Summit in gale force winds earlier in the year, and it felt as though it was picking up the offside front wheel. I'm a reasonably confident driver, but I don't mind admitting I was terrified and had to plod along the inside lane with the artics at about 50mph, whilst all manner of ordinary saloons and estates blatted past, apparently unencumbered by the winds.
Panel for tow electrics: it's just insultingly cheap and awkward to use for what is (generally) an otherwise, well thought-out car. If you look, you'll see a lot of Discos with tow gear leavev the cover off altogether because it's so crappy & fiddly.
A number of the issues only really became obvious on my (infrequent) longer journeys, but have begun to niggle. It tows like a good-un, and it's a great motor for lugging kit & people about with ease, but the fact that I'm having to have remedial massage on my right leg is making me wonder whether anyone else has had this issue?
Throttle:fly-by-wire; more like fly-by-night. It makes entereing a busy roundabout or junction, from rest, like a game of Russian roulette, even with the transmission in "sport" mode.
Pedal position: if you sit in the driving seat (auto model) of the Disco 3 (and I assume this must be the same in the RRS?) your right foot falls directly onto the brake. Now try holding it onto the throttle for a few hundred miles... I find it pretty uncomfortable.
Cross winds: I know it's high sided, but that, combined with the air suspension makes this car truly scary in high winds at dual carriageway & motorway speeds. I came down the M6 over Shap Summit in gale force winds earlier in the year, and it felt as though it was picking up the offside front wheel. I'm a reasonably confident driver, but I don't mind admitting I was terrified and had to plod along the inside lane with the artics at about 50mph, whilst all manner of ordinary saloons and estates blatted past, apparently unencumbered by the winds.
Panel for tow electrics: it's just insultingly cheap and awkward to use for what is (generally) an otherwise, well thought-out car. If you look, you'll see a lot of Discos with tow gear leavev the cover off altogether because it's so crappy & fiddly.
A number of the issues only really became obvious on my (infrequent) longer journeys, but have begun to niggle. It tows like a good-un, and it's a great motor for lugging kit & people about with ease, but the fact that I'm having to have remedial massage on my right leg is making me wonder whether anyone else has had this issue?
Gazzab said:
Pick mine up on Saturday. Will report back!
Hope you enjoy it - I certainly wouldn't say my ownership experience was negative - but hopefully Iv'e highlighted a few bits which might be useful to you and others.I'd be very interested to hear from other Disco 3 and RRS owners, as regards the pedal position though. I'd have thought I'm (relatively) anatomically suitable for most cars (about 6ft, 13 stone, 32" inside leg...) and expect there may be others who've struggled to get a good long-distance driving position.
On our second D3 both of which have had an ECU upgrade. I found quite quickly that the acceleration (lack of)from rest and on motorways was a little worrying. The upgrade makes one hell of a difference. Ours takes off like a drag racer now (complete with smoke 
) it is quite a hoot to drive. Upgrade carried out by DMS and worth every penny. MPG up slightly too!
Never had a problem with the throttle placement. We have just been to Cornwall and back in ours, 5 hours each way and very comfortable.
Sidewinds, never had much of a problem with these. Only time it was a little scary was with a top box, which acted a bit like a sail/rudder on and off, so I try to avoid using it now. Are your tyre pressures OK.
Can't recommend them highly enough (albeit with warranty).
) it is quite a hoot to drive. Upgrade carried out by DMS and worth every penny. MPG up slightly too!Never had a problem with the throttle placement. We have just been to Cornwall and back in ours, 5 hours each way and very comfortable.
Sidewinds, never had much of a problem with these. Only time it was a little scary was with a top box, which acted a bit like a sail/rudder on and off, so I try to avoid using it now. Are your tyre pressures OK.
Can't recommend them highly enough (albeit with warranty).
Agree re throttle position. I fund you have to ensure that you are placing your heel in line with accelerator. Then pivot foot to brake (rather than other way round).
Throttle is strange and not easy to get right - especially when I reverse into my drive towards the merc! Either on or off.
Throttle is strange and not easy to get right - especially when I reverse into my drive towards the merc! Either on or off.
Gassing Station | Land Rover | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff