Disco 3 test drive.

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I've just been for a test drive in a Disco 3 2.7 V6 TD, the HSE version with the leather interior.

I was comparing it with our Nissan X Trail 2.2 TDi, which is the Sport version with the manual 6 speed box.

I was expecting the Disco to be a tad sluggish, especially in comparison with the 3.9 V8 RR Classic we had before the Nissan.

But I was extremely impressed with the Disco, it's an absolutely sweet engine, with virtually no engine tyre or transmission noise evident in the passenger compartment other than a muted roar from the induction system when you boot it a bit. The induction roar was reminiscent of the V8 we had. The ride and handling were absolutely superb, it feels just like a RR.

It certainly made my mind up to get one when they start going through the second hand sales route, in about 10 months time.

The only thing that puts me off is all the electronics - the parking brake, the high low change, the suspension settings, the ABS, HDC, and all the other systems are either pneumatic or electronic - it does give me concerns for when it's about 10 years old. We have an acquaintance with a Disco 2 who is suffering the rear o/s wheel collapsing into the wheel arch about 1 in 50 times she parks up - needless to say it doesn't happen when it's in the dealers workshop. Sounds expensive !!!!! :(

[manthing]

thanks for sharing,
they will be old b4 i can afford one, :eek:

[Greendisco300]

Ummm if only!!! i did not really like the look of it at first but i said that about the ford focus and have had 4 of them now!!!! Its definately growing on me! Esp. after seeing it on top gear!!!

MC

[Lighting90]

I have to sy I didn't like the look of them in the show rooms etc.. but in traffic they look fine.. though I think if I win the lottery, it might be Range Rover Sport rather than then disco LR3

[jjsaul]

i never liked the back of them from seeing them on telly, but having seen a few on the road they don't look quite as hideous IMHO :D

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i never liked the back of them from seeing them on telly, but having seen a few on the road they don't look quite as hideous IMHO :D
I know what you mean, but when you're in one it just feels like the proverbial dogs doo dahs. It makes an X Trail feel like a small tin box - it just feels like that first time you got out of a s3 Lightweight and drove a Classic RR - just a big grin from ear to ear, oodles of torgue, a feeling of superiority and luxury.
I've never driven any RR apart from Classics, but it feels superb like they do.
I've driven s1 Discos and there's no comparison - this is much more like a RR Classic. I hate the electronic gizmos 'cos I'd be worried about them packing up, and the air suspension likewise - but I figured I might look at an entry model 5 seater which has coil springs and then pay for the optional auto box (an extra £1.5k !!! :o ). PLus £495 for the metallic paint.
If I can persuade her indoors that is.
Anyone want to buy an 18 month old X-trail Sport Di?? :)

[Renny]

I have to sy I didn't like the look of them in the show rooms etc.. but in traffic they look fine.. though I think if I win the lottery, it might be Range Rover Sport rather than then disco LR3

I'll agree with you there!

If a lottery win it will be the Supercharged version, but in all probability it will be a TDV6.

[TravisD]

So you guys over the pond get a diesel powered D3 ? Over here only thev8 is offered. To bad North Americans are leary of diesel poweredvehicles. I would love to have a tdi in my D1

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So you guys over the pond get a diesel powered D3 ? Over here only thev8 is offered. To bad North Americans are leary of diesel poweredvehicles. I would love to have a tdi in my D1
It's a superb V6 turbocharged diesel - it pulls like a train. :)
Excellent motor.
It's also used in the Jaguar range.
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[marcholland]

Hi Guys,

My first reply on this site. I just have to tell you that I love my new disco3 (diesel-Hse- Adriatic blue/ black leather) !
I had the disco 2 Highlander but their is realy no comparisson possible.
The engine the much less noise everything is so much better.
Yes, also I had to (and still have to ) get used to the rear of the car but the total look, the front and the inside make up for this "detail".

Marc

[Lighting90]

Welcome mark to the forum.. I think the LR3 (disco3) will grow on people, the change was quite big for a lot to accept.

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Once people drive one I think they'll forget about the rear end; I had a comparison drive in a 2.5 DHSE RR2 (a P38 in other words) and although the interior was great, there is just no comparison with the engine - the 2.7 wins hands down, and is a far far superior engine. I just wish they'd put it in the Defender, it really does feel as good as a V8 petrol.
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[James Withnall]

i noticed that the spare wheel is slung under the vehicle, surely that going to be difficult to get at when you are stuck off road in mud with a flat???

basically i think a door mounted spare is far more practical
but then if you dont' of road it dosnt matter

:p

[Lightbulb]

i noticed that the spare wheel is slung under the vehicle, surely that going to be difficult to get at when you are stuck off road in mud with a flat???

basically i think a door mounted spare is far more practical
but then if you dont' of road it dosnt matter

:p
I think for the average Disco owner it's superfluous, for those going on an expedition or committed to regular off road forays it's alterable, for those who go off road once in a blue moon they'll simply pull it out, and change it on hard ground.
It's the motor that will sell it, it's just a pleasure to drive.
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