Which Discovery?

[joncastle]

Over to the PH collective - a friend is looking to buy a Discovery, and has asked me for assistance. So, a couple of questions

Which is the 'optimum' Discovery, and which to avoid?

Series 1, 2 or 3? And what are the important differences?

Common failures/expensive repairs?

Tell-tale signs to walk away?

High milers?

All of your insight very much appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Jon

[zumbruk]

What's the budget? Your spec covers vehicles from £40K to £1500. And what's the proposed useage pattern; a £1500 banger bought to haul hay and horseboxes round a farm isn't going to be much use as a "look at me" posemobile.

[joncastle]

zumbruk said:

What's the budget? Your spec covers vehicles from £40K to £1500. And what's the proposed useage pattern; a £1500 banger bought to haul hay and horseboxes round a farm isn't going to be much use as a "look at me" posemobile.

Thanks zumbruk

Fair question - budget up to around 6k sterling, but would prefer less. Priority is 1) reliability 2) reliability and 3) reliability. Doesn't need to be a posemobile, and will see a little off-road use, primarily in hot, dry sand. I was curious to discover which is regarded as the 'best' all-rounder, ie early engineering/build quality issues resolved, and not late models overburdened with toys and cosmetic stuff. Likewise, are later engines/drivetrains significantly improved over earlier versions? At what age/mileage do things begin to fail? Is100,000 miles commonplace, or a miracle?

Appreciate your feedback.

Jon

[Hard-Drive]

6k is bang in Disco 2 territory. More toys than a Disco 1 so more to go wrong but newer so will be less worn. However plenty of things like air suspension and ABS to throw a wobbly.

Or buy really nice D1 300 and spend some money on off road bits and workshop bills!

[p100]

Hi, I have to agree with the guys above, TD5`s are good but really do have alot of toys to go wrong. And, some of the bills with the high spec models can be frighteningly high.

I run a very late 300 TDi GS which regularly returns 30 mph on a run. yes it is a bit noisey, compared with the Discovery 2, but its reliabilty and service bills are half what you will pay with a Disco 2. Parts are also much more reasonable!

Again I would suggest that you search for a good independant specialist in your area to get the best from your Discovery. Try looking on the goodgaragescheme.com for a recognised and regulated local garage.

All the best.

Roy

[Maycott]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

In my TD5 I genuinely get close to 600 mils from a full tank, week in week out. Mostly motorway to be fair though. They do seem to vary in consumption terms from car to car.

For off road use, I think traction control on the TD5 beats diff locks on the 200/300 series too. Plus the air suspension at the back lets you raise it over bumps...saves banging the rear deck.

[Maycott]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

[quote=Maycott][quote=fesuvious]


P.s Il take Diff Locks any day of the week. Mechanical grip is more reliable

I agree, mechanical grip is far more reliable. If only Discovery diff locks were reliable too

[Hard-Drive]

p100 said:

I run a very late 300 TDi GS which regularly returns 30 mph on a run.

That's crap mate! I can see 90 out of mine...

[john p]

Having owned a 300tdi and a td5,I'd go for a series 2,much better made in my oppinion.My td5 is a 1999 GS spec,so it doesn't have too much to go wrong.I think the 5 seater models don't have the dreaded air suspention.I'd keep away from ACE,electric seats,electric sunroofs and climate control etc,keep it simple.Fuel economy was not much different between the two.