RE: The Land Rover Discovery at 30
Discussion
Pertinent timing for me - I've just bought my first ever LR, a 2012 Disco 4 HSE.
For our upcoming camping trip, the boot alone can swallow everything our previous CR-V could absorb, plus the entire contents of our 320L roof box AND a dog crate...with space left over.
Surprisingly economical and sprightly too.
For our upcoming camping trip, the boot alone can swallow everything our previous CR-V could absorb, plus the entire contents of our 320L roof box AND a dog crate...with space left over.
Surprisingly economical and sprightly too.
I have had 6 Disco's so far, 3 200's and 3 300's. The interior of the 3 is a much nicer place with such mod cons as Hot air through the dash vents (unlike the 200 which only blows cold through the ones facing you :-D and also you can put a decent head unit in a 300 which is hard work on a 200 due to the small space it has top fit in. Gearbox is nicer on a 300 too.
Sold the Red Camel last year as it wasn't being used and now have started looking for a 300 to smoke around in when and do a bit of greenlaning :-D they get under your skin.
My 200 TDi Camel at Eastnor Castle on a Bob's Bash in 2008. It was originally a LHD but a friend and i converted it in 2004, I still miss old KBAC.
My 2nd Camel, and the only Red one ever made.Repainted by SVO along with a Blue Disco, a Silver 110 and a SIlver Freelander they were used on the 98 PreScout as well as doing the 97 Event in Sandglow. Owned by a chap from Pompey now.
Sold the Red Camel last year as it wasn't being used and now have started looking for a 300 to smoke around in when and do a bit of greenlaning :-D they get under your skin.
My 200 TDi Camel at Eastnor Castle on a Bob's Bash in 2008. It was originally a LHD but a friend and i converted it in 2004, I still miss old KBAC.
My 2nd Camel, and the only Red one ever made.Repainted by SVO along with a Blue Disco, a Silver 110 and a SIlver Freelander they were used on the 98 PreScout as well as doing the 97 Event in Sandglow. Owned by a chap from Pompey now.
Very cool, utilitarian machines. They did define their sector back in the late 80s.
More recently have become Luxury SUVs, but when launched, they were used mainly for their intended purposes.
I've had three Series 1 Discos, a '96 300 TDI Auto 5 Door, a '95 300 TDI Manual 3 Door, and a '96 300 TDI Manual which was converted for off-roading (winch, snorkel, lift kit, Insa tyres, etc).
Wallowy old things and not brilliant on fuel, but the ones I had were all rugged and reliable, and fairly simple mechanicals.
Had a few RRs, including the Classic 3.9 EFI, several P38s and one L322 4.4 V8. RR models are definitely more refined to own and drive than the Disco, and seem to do pretty much everything a Disco does but with added luxury (perhaps not as capacious as the Disco though).
Much prefer the RR and currently got a 2000 4.0 SE with the Thor engine and LPG conversion. Nice old buses to waft around in.
And totally agree - the D5 model looks hideous. Even people who know nothing about cars or have zero interest, comment on how bad the design is and that rear number plate positioning - WTF were they thinking?!
D4 in HSE is nice and I wouldn't mind one. Recently been hankering after a D3 2.7 in manual. No idea why!
More recently have become Luxury SUVs, but when launched, they were used mainly for their intended purposes.
I've had three Series 1 Discos, a '96 300 TDI Auto 5 Door, a '95 300 TDI Manual 3 Door, and a '96 300 TDI Manual which was converted for off-roading (winch, snorkel, lift kit, Insa tyres, etc).
Wallowy old things and not brilliant on fuel, but the ones I had were all rugged and reliable, and fairly simple mechanicals.
Had a few RRs, including the Classic 3.9 EFI, several P38s and one L322 4.4 V8. RR models are definitely more refined to own and drive than the Disco, and seem to do pretty much everything a Disco does but with added luxury (perhaps not as capacious as the Disco though).
Much prefer the RR and currently got a 2000 4.0 SE with the Thor engine and LPG conversion. Nice old buses to waft around in.
And totally agree - the D5 model looks hideous. Even people who know nothing about cars or have zero interest, comment on how bad the design is and that rear number plate positioning - WTF were they thinking?!
D4 in HSE is nice and I wouldn't mind one. Recently been hankering after a D3 2.7 in manual. No idea why!
Edited by pSyCoSiS on Wednesday 10th July 10:13
Brooking10 said:
It's not just the cost of making them though.
It's the cost of marketing, servicing, inventory and administration for a model derivative which would have sold in tiny numbers in UK and EU markets at the time.
I doubt either of us will know anything for sure. But marketing?? Nope, all it is is a line in the brochure. Which are usually pretty generic anyhow. So may have cost them more to remove it. It's not as if they had a bespoke TV ad just for the V8.It's the cost of marketing, servicing, inventory and administration for a model derivative which would have sold in tiny numbers in UK and EU markets at the time.
And servicing/inventory also unlikely as almost all the parts would be stocked for the RRS anyway.
Ultimately we will never likely know the real answer.
300bhp/ton said:
I doubt either of us will know anything for sure. But marketing?? Nope, all it is is a line in the brochure. Which are usually pretty generic anyhow. So may have cost them more to remove it. It's not as if they had a bespoke TV ad just for the V8.
And servicing/inventory also unlikely as almost all the parts would be stocked for the RRS anyway.
Ultimately we will never likely know the real answer.
All those 'little' things add up... But like I said, the main one will be type approval.And servicing/inventory also unlikely as almost all the parts would be stocked for the RRS anyway.
Ultimately we will never likely know the real answer.
https://www.acea.be/industry-topics/tag/category/t...
M
camel_landy said:
pSyCoSiS said:
Recently been hankering after a D3 2.7 in manual. No idea why!
Don't do it... It horrible!! The auto is soooo much better.M
Also you'll find the manual on a lot of base model entry models. Not really an issue, but these are often low spec and only 5 seaters not 7. The 5 seaters also tend to lack the air suspension and full terrain response system. Again not really an issue for road use, but coil springs and independent suspension will make it comparatively rubbish off road compared to the air suspension equipped models.
300bhp/ton said:
camel_landy said:
pSyCoSiS said:
Recently been hankering after a D3 2.7 in manual. No idea why!
Don't do it... It horrible!! The auto is soooo much better.M
Also you'll find the manual on a lot of base model entry models. Not really an issue, but these are often low spec and only 5 seaters not 7. The 5 seaters also tend to lack the air suspension and full terrain response system. Again not really an issue for road use, but coil springs and independent suspension will make it comparatively rubbish off road compared to the air suspension equipped models.
I must admit I thought it might be more engaging to drive, but as with Range Rovers, I think the auto might suit the car better. It's not a sports saloon, so the manual might be a bit agricutlutal in them.
And yes - most manuals I have seen have the horrid base spec cloth seats and entry level trim.
pSyCoSiS said:
Contrasting views!
I must admit I thought it might be more engaging to drive, but as with Range Rovers, I think the auto might suit the car better. It's not a sports saloon, so the manual might be a bit agricutlutal in them.
And yes - most manuals I have seen have the horrid base spec cloth seats and entry level trim.
The auto boxes are pretty stout. But probably do benefit from an oil and filter change if they are getting on or done a lot, especially towing. I think they are still listed as sealed for life however.I must admit I thought it might be more engaging to drive, but as with Range Rovers, I think the auto might suit the car better. It's not a sports saloon, so the manual might be a bit agricutlutal in them.
And yes - most manuals I have seen have the horrid base spec cloth seats and entry level trim.
The ZF auto is a 6 speeder. Nothing wrong with it at all and works fine as a point and squirt machine. But they do take quite a bit of the driver engagement out of it. And for some reason the auto is very slow of the line initially. A remap helps to a degree, but never fully gets rid of it. The 2.7 TDV6 is far worse than the V8 in this regard. You'll notice it pulling out of junctions and at round abouts.
The manual is also a ZF unit, it isn't agricultural in the least. And does make for a more interesting vehicle to drive. It will generally be a bit more economical and more spritely too.
Neither are bad vehicles though and I certainly wouldn't dismiss the manual without trying one.
I've often looked at D3's and seriously considered them when I bought my p38 Range Rover. The p38 represented better vfm at the time. But I do really like the appeal of the additional seating in the D3, so they are still on my radar. I'd opt for either a V8 (all are auto) or a manual diesel. The auto diesel just isn't one I'd consider personally.
pSyCoSiS said:
camel_landy said:
pSyCoSiS said:
Recently been hankering after a D3 2.7 in manual. No idea why!
Don't do it... It horrible!! The auto is soooo much better.M
Isn't there more to go wrong with the auto box, or are they generally ok?
pSyCoSiS said:
Contrasting views!
I must admit I thought it might be more engaging to drive, but as with Range Rovers, I think the auto might suit the car better. It's not a sports saloon, so the manual might be a bit agricutlutal in them.
And yes - most manuals I have seen have the horrid base spec cloth seats and entry level trim.
Indeed... I've had many, many hours of driving both on & off-road, as part of my job. The manual also means you miss out on some of the finer points of the Terrain Response programs (i.e. the ones which control the shifting of the gears).I must admit I thought it might be more engaging to drive, but as with Range Rovers, I think the auto might suit the car better. It's not a sports saloon, so the manual might be a bit agricutlutal in them.
And yes - most manuals I have seen have the horrid base spec cloth seats and entry level trim.
Off-road, the auto gives you more control and if you're towing, don't even bother looking at the manual.
...but as for trim levels, you can get the HSE with a manual but they are somewhat rare!!
M
Having driven a D3 manual. I have the auto.
The manuals f
king awful, why bother getting a clutch and such on a car that weighs 2.5+ tons.
I got mine remapped by BAS, fitted the RS500 intercooler, the egrs have been blanked and I got it decatted as well.
It doesn’t have any issues getting off the line, the decat made the biggest difference.
The issue with the auto is the lack of oil changes when the box was lower miles, by the time they change the oil it’s already too late and the box is juddering or slipping.
You need to change the oil every 50-75k and I would say 50k is plenty. My box got changed and a new tc fitted. It’s done 33k and will be getting the oil changed soon.
Also. Despite the bullst of the internet, you don’t have to remove the body for belts or turbos etc.
However, it can be cost effective to remove it if you are getting a load of work done at once.
I got my cars body off last year before it’s trip to Le Mans as it had passed 175,000 miles and as I’m going to keep it for several more years, we went front to back giving it a freshen up on several areas and sorted a few things that I hadn’t noticed.
The manuals f
king awful, why bother getting a clutch and such on a car that weighs 2.5+ tons.I got mine remapped by BAS, fitted the RS500 intercooler, the egrs have been blanked and I got it decatted as well.
It doesn’t have any issues getting off the line, the decat made the biggest difference.
The issue with the auto is the lack of oil changes when the box was lower miles, by the time they change the oil it’s already too late and the box is juddering or slipping.
You need to change the oil every 50-75k and I would say 50k is plenty. My box got changed and a new tc fitted. It’s done 33k and will be getting the oil changed soon.
Also. Despite the bulls
t of the internet, you don’t have to remove the body for belts or turbos etc.However, it can be cost effective to remove it if you are getting a load of work done at once.
I got my cars body off last year before it’s trip to Le Mans as it had passed 175,000 miles and as I’m going to keep it for several more years, we went front to back giving it a freshen up on several areas and sorted a few things that I hadn’t noticed.
camel_landy said:
Yeeeessss.... Gearbox oil changes every 80k help extend the life.
M
Mine had one at 65k and still let go at 110k unfortunately M
, someone on here a while ago said the ZF 6 speeds in the Supercharged and TDV8s have stronger internals and are less likely to fail, I’m not sure if there’s any truth in that though?.As much as I like the new Land Rover cars I think I’d only ever have an older one now, probably the latest I’d risk would be a early 4.4 petrol L322, out of all the ones I’ve had they were pretty trouble free.
A.J.M said:
Having driven a D3 manual. I have the auto.
The manuals fking awful, why bother getting a clutch and such on a car that weighs 2.5+ tons.
Plenty of bigger heavier vehicles have manual boxes and clutches. And it really isn’t “fThe manuals f
king awful, why bother getting a clutch and such on a car that weighs 2.5+ tons.king awful” as you put it. That is pure hyperbole for the sake of the internet. I’m not saying you have to prefer it. But that hardly is a justifiable means to make outrageous over the top claims. 
Come on, I know you know better
A.J.M said:
I got mine remapped by BAS, fitted the RS500 intercooler, the egrs have been blanked and I got it decatted as well.
It doesn’t have any issues getting off the line, the decat made the biggest difference.
It doesn’t have any issues getting off the line, the decat made the biggest difference.
I’ve not been in one modded as much as this. But a remap and they are still weirdly reluctant to move off the line, without heavy provocation. I’m not saying removing the cats won’t help. But I can’t understand the mechanical reason for how or why they would solve this issue. To me it seems more of a programming decision either with the throttle or gearbox or both.
And of course running no cats is technically illegal in the UK and will fail an MoT.
No 300. It is fking awful.
I drove it plenty, I towed with it and even the owner admitted he wished he got the auto.
Hence I have an auto. I drove both to make up my mind fully, I had a freeby at the time and that had a nicer box in it.
You can of course claim hyperbole but nearly 7 years and 97,000 miles of auto is my own experience and I’ve not regretted it once.
Plus with sports mode and command shift it’s ideal for auto. If, like me you fit the D4 wheel and the control boards and clock spring you can get a D3 with flappy paddles and heated wheel.
Yup, it is illegal if you can see it.
Given I have the full Prospeed under armour. You can’t see any of the exhaust till the spare tyre location so I’m not worried.
It picks up nicely with the decat and doesn’t affect the noise levels like taking out the centre silencer does.
king awful.I drove it plenty, I towed with it and even the owner admitted he wished he got the auto.
Hence I have an auto. I drove both to make up my mind fully, I had a freeby at the time and that had a nicer box in it.
You can of course claim hyperbole but nearly 7 years and 97,000 miles of auto is my own experience and I’ve not regretted it once.
Plus with sports mode and command shift it’s ideal for auto. If, like me you fit the D4 wheel and the control boards and clock spring you can get a D3 with flappy paddles and heated wheel.
Yup, it is illegal if you can see it.
Given I have the full Prospeed under armour. You can’t see any of the exhaust till the spare tyre location so I’m not worried.
It picks up nicely with the decat and doesn’t affect the noise levels like taking out the centre silencer does.
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