Answer
Mar 08, 2018 - 05:16 PM
Hello there!
The Dicovery 3 has proven itself to be quite durable, with few serious flaws in most models. We'd suggest you consider the V6- or V8- engined petrol variants though, as the 2.7 TDV6 is known for some fairly serious issues regarding the engine's durability (oil pump or crankshaft problems, premature turbo failure, expensive early-generation direct injection fuel system). The petrol engines are quite robust, on the other hand, although they're not that cheap to repair if things do go wrong. At least the transmission, body, and electronic systems on all versions are fairly problem-free, according to the Land Rover enthusiasts.
The usual pre-purchase checks apply: Make sure that the vehicle is accident-free, with a full service history. Particular to these vehicles is the air suspension, which can suffer from compressor failures - usually as a result of the suspension's air bags developing cracks and tears with age. Fortunately, these air bags are quite cheap and easy to replace (if you're prepared to do the work yourself), so as long as the compressor is in good order, failing air bags shouldn't be too much of a concern. Alternatively, you could look for one of the GS variants, which used normal steel springs and lacked the Terrain Response system as well - this is the one serious overlanders prefer as well.
Hope this helps!
The AutoTrader Team
The Dicovery 3 has proven itself to be quite durable, with few serious flaws in most models. We'd suggest you consider the V6- or V8- engined petrol variants though, as the 2.7 TDV6 is known for some fairly serious issues regarding the engine's durability (oil pump or crankshaft problems, premature turbo failure, expensive early-generation direct injection fuel system). The petrol engines are quite robust, on the other hand, although they're not that cheap to repair if things do go wrong. At least the transmission, body, and electronic systems on all versions are fairly problem-free, according to the Land Rover enthusiasts.
The usual pre-purchase checks apply: Make sure that the vehicle is accident-free, with a full service history. Particular to these vehicles is the air suspension, which can suffer from compressor failures - usually as a result of the suspension's air bags developing cracks and tears with age. Fortunately, these air bags are quite cheap and easy to replace (if you're prepared to do the work yourself), so as long as the compressor is in good order, failing air bags shouldn't be too much of a concern. Alternatively, you could look for one of the GS variants, which used normal steel springs and lacked the Terrain Response system as well - this is the one serious overlanders prefer as well.
Hope this helps!
The AutoTrader Team
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