Discovery 3 vs Touareg vs Merc ML
Discussion
Anyone know anything about these?
Looking at upgrading the family car - spending no more than £14K.
On the face of it, the Touareg appear to be better value, with the Disco's having slightly more miles and age for the same money.
the ML's look faster, but I'm wary of Merc gremlins.
Anyone any experience of these?
Looking at upgrading the family car - spending no more than £14K.
On the face of it, the Touareg appear to be better value, with the Disco's having slightly more miles and age for the same money.
the ML's look faster, but I'm wary of Merc gremlins.
Anyone any experience of these?
I've had 2 Disco 3's and now a GL. Personally, I now prefer the GL, though for absolute off-roadability the Disco would have the edge.
In terms of running costs, you need to have a really good, trusted independent to keep the costs on a Land Rover sensible. The Disco 3 is essentially very reliable, but there are some known weaknesses, none of which are especially cheap, and certainly not at main dealer prices. More things wear out than you might expect.
I don't know about MLs, but there's a lot of commonality between them and the GL-Class, which I've found to be excellent. Only costs so far (20k miles, acquired at 60k) are a battery and an EGR valve. And a lot of fuel - it's better than the Disco was though.
The Touareg is, from what a colleague with a 3.0 V6 TDI says, an excellent car. If you don't need 7 seats, then it's probably the most car-like of the 3 to drive, and is a genuinely nice car. He's had his for about 4 years and has had no particular issues. He reports 30+mpg easily.
In terms of running costs, you need to have a really good, trusted independent to keep the costs on a Land Rover sensible. The Disco 3 is essentially very reliable, but there are some known weaknesses, none of which are especially cheap, and certainly not at main dealer prices. More things wear out than you might expect.
I don't know about MLs, but there's a lot of commonality between them and the GL-Class, which I've found to be excellent. Only costs so far (20k miles, acquired at 60k) are a battery and an EGR valve. And a lot of fuel - it's better than the Disco was though.
The Touareg is, from what a colleague with a 3.0 V6 TDI says, an excellent car. If you don't need 7 seats, then it's probably the most car-like of the 3 to drive, and is a genuinely nice car. He's had his for about 4 years and has had no particular issues. He reports 30+mpg easily.
We've had two ML's and both have been fantastic vehicles.
First was a 55' black m320cdi sport, really nice car, went well for the size of it and seemed well put together too.
Second is a 58' silver m320cdi sport, again, really nice car, goes even better than the last one although this is most likely due to ecu updates etc. the only issues that we've had was on the silver one which was some sort of oil seal leaking, which merc replaced under warranty.
Both cars were approved used vehicles and both vehicles have returned around 27/28mpg round town, which I don't think is too bad due to the size of them and the way they are driven. On a run to gat wick airport I have seen 35mpg from the silver one cruising at 0.8/0.85 leptons, the only thing I will add is that servicing and tyres are a tad dear, but that's to be expected for this type of car
First was a 55' black m320cdi sport, really nice car, went well for the size of it and seemed well put together too.
Second is a 58' silver m320cdi sport, again, really nice car, goes even better than the last one although this is most likely due to ecu updates etc. the only issues that we've had was on the silver one which was some sort of oil seal leaking, which merc replaced under warranty.
Both cars were approved used vehicles and both vehicles have returned around 27/28mpg round town, which I don't think is too bad due to the size of them and the way they are driven. On a run to gat wick airport I have seen 35mpg from the silver one cruising at 0.8/0.85 leptons, the only thing I will add is that servicing and tyres are a tad dear, but that's to be expected for this type of car
I would have a manual box Disco 3 TDV6, cracking motor, yes parts can wear/break, however Landrover parts prices are not what you would think, with many part available for what is imo very good prices. A good indie preferable with Landy experience will keep on top of it, get one that has been looked after though.
I would service them every 12 months minimum regardless of miles its cheap to do and they benefit greatly from it.
Usual stuff check everything works, and get yourself over to the Disco3 forum, very helpful lot who have done it all, and taken pics along the way.
I would service them every 12 months minimum regardless of miles its cheap to do and they benefit greatly from it.
Usual stuff check everything works, and get yourself over to the Disco3 forum, very helpful lot who have done it all, and taken pics along the way.
We test drove all of the above and had a similar budget
Disco 3 felt very agricultural but spacious, had no sense of occasion or comfort, more like a tonka toy - later models are far better based on my family friends HSE model
Merc felt like a 2001 taxi inside, we just didn't get on with the very hard plastic feel of that generation of Merc - it was a 320cdi - Engine felt v good indeed
Toureg was our preference but finding an altitude spec one in our budget left us with dogs and didn't fancy it in the end - great to drive and a lovely place to be (we drove an 09 plate with 90k miles)
We actually bought an SE spec 2007 X5 with dynamic pack - it's fantastic, had to go up to 16k but well worth it. Interior is far better (although Idrive is dated compared to the Toureg), handles amazingly well, great engine and generally looks great and zero bling in SE spec with running boards
That aside either the x5 or Toureg are lovely motors IMO
Disco 3 felt very agricultural but spacious, had no sense of occasion or comfort, more like a tonka toy - later models are far better based on my family friends HSE model
Merc felt like a 2001 taxi inside, we just didn't get on with the very hard plastic feel of that generation of Merc - it was a 320cdi - Engine felt v good indeed
Toureg was our preference but finding an altitude spec one in our budget left us with dogs and didn't fancy it in the end - great to drive and a lovely place to be (we drove an 09 plate with 90k miles)
We actually bought an SE spec 2007 X5 with dynamic pack - it's fantastic, had to go up to 16k but well worth it. Interior is far better (although Idrive is dated compared to the Toureg), handles amazingly well, great engine and generally looks great and zero bling in SE spec with running boards
That aside either the x5 or Toureg are lovely motors IMO
I had the previous shape ML500 which was thristy but only ever suffered a problem with the front tv not working, which I could live without. I had no experience with the newer model.
My friend purchased a Discovery 3 new back in 2007, it's been driven hard over terrible roads and used for shoots in the middle of the hills etc.
When it reached 100,000 miles a multitude of problems seemed to come one after another, the worst I remember was his wife stuck in the middle of the road at night with the whole car shut down, no electrics, no lights. Unfortunate as it had a 100k mile warranty. He was very close to trading it in but decided against it. For the last year its been brilliant and no problems at all. The ride is firmer than the Mercedes, he has the cream leather interior and its a really nice place to be. Still looks like a modern vehicle. The last time I was in it there was a slight wind noise issue, nothing huge.
Another friend has a toureg 3.0tdi, This is a very comfortable car and I would say the best ride out of the three. She's has it chipped and it really does go like the clappers. It gets used mostly for carting around s
t machines in their st machine boxes. This has had no real issues over the past few years.
Personally I would go for the Disco. I think it looks great, more offroad focused but still nice drive. I've never disregarded a car choice because of reliability stories. If I like it I take the gamble.
(Looking back at my car history and all the problems I've had maybe I should be more thoughtful).
My friend purchased a Discovery 3 new back in 2007, it's been driven hard over terrible roads and used for shoots in the middle of the hills etc.
When it reached 100,000 miles a multitude of problems seemed to come one after another, the worst I remember was his wife stuck in the middle of the road at night with the whole car shut down, no electrics, no lights. Unfortunate as it had a 100k mile warranty. He was very close to trading it in but decided against it. For the last year its been brilliant and no problems at all. The ride is firmer than the Mercedes, he has the cream leather interior and its a really nice place to be. Still looks like a modern vehicle. The last time I was in it there was a slight wind noise issue, nothing huge.
Another friend has a toureg 3.0tdi, This is a very comfortable car and I would say the best ride out of the three. She's has it chipped and it really does go like the clappers. It gets used mostly for carting around s
t machines in their st machine boxes. This has had no real issues over the past few years.Personally I would go for the Disco. I think it looks great, more offroad focused but still nice drive. I've never disregarded a car choice because of reliability stories. If I like it I take the gamble.
(Looking back at my car history and all the problems I've had maybe I should be more thoughtful).
In terms of off-road ability, do I really need this? No. But let's not go there. The towing ability is very useful.
I'm not including an X5 in my consideration as I don't want to go up in budget, and already have a 2003 X5 that will become my work car. I won't combine my towing needs with work car as 35K pa behind one dash is enough.
My heart says Discovery... Any known problems? Cambelt change intervals? (I think this is a big job);
I'm not including an X5 in my consideration as I don't want to go up in budget, and already have a 2003 X5 that will become my work car. I won't combine my towing needs with work car as 35K pa behind one dash is enough.
My heart says Discovery... Any known problems? Cambelt change intervals? (I think this is a big job);
fathomfive said:
What are the main things to look out for with the Disco 3?
Depends on the mileage. Anything over about 80k and I'd be ensuring I had a really good transmission flush - they're prone to torque converter failure at higher mileages. Anything over 130k and you're entering the realm of turbo failure, which is meant to be a body-off job but people have found out a way to do it without that; hideously pricy anyway.Edited by fathomfive on Sunday 13th April 09:43
Other stuff - the usual suspension bushings (cheap), lower control arms (expensive), steering tie rods (not too extortionate), sunroof drainage pipes (annoying but cheap), alternator (reasonably pricy, I seem to recall), EGRs (one per bank - not too expensive), and there was a recall for the brake servo which should have been done by now.
I spent a fair amount on my second one, but then I was in the 150k+ territory where you have to renew lots of things on many cars.
Still a great car - hugely practical, fantastic off-road, and the best car I've ever driven in snow by miles.
Edited to say: obviously you have the big service at around 100k miles - cam belt change and other things will add up, and I believe the bill for this for my car was circa £1k.
Edited by longblackcoat on Sunday 13th April 12:18
None of them... my money would be going on a land cruiser
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...
I like the silly running boards, and my daughter finds them useful for clambering in....
Picked the car up today and am really pleased. Not as slow as I feared and feels quite majestic to drive.
I have a button and can't find what it does.... Top one below. Any ideas? It's not folding....
Picked the car up today and am really pleased. Not as slow as I feared and feels quite majestic to drive.
I have a button and can't find what it does.... Top one below. Any ideas? It's not folding....
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