jamesonUK
Member Since: 09 Apr 2016
Location: Cambridge
Posts: 6
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JamesonUK - 2005 Disco 3 S TDV |
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Morning,
So after backing out of a 2007 Disco 3 a couple of years ago due to the oil pump not having been replaced at the time the belts were changed I have finally got my Discovery. I couldn't be more pleased, I literally smile every time I look at it
I've wanted a Land Rover for a long time to make it easier with the kids and dogs when we go out and to expand the adventures we can have as a family and I can have personally with off-road. Deciding on the Disco 3 has taken a while, I was stuck in this loop of thought as to what to do. I kept mulling over the options. Do I replace my car (BMW 330D Touring) with a newer Land Rover? I looked at D5 Discoveries and a Discovery Sport. A D5 was definitely way out of my price range, a Sport could have been an option, but I don't think I would have ever wanted to take it offload (besides I wasn't sold on it generally as my primary car).
The D4s kind of sat in the middle ground, I would have had to be my only car and with the rest of the driving I do (lots of miles around the country), I wasn't sure I would want the D4 as my primary car.
Next I considered an old Defender, clearly we know where this is going with prices now, so when discussing this with my local 4x4 specialist (They don't sell any vehicles, only servicing and restoration etc), we got back into the D3s. So then, the general idea of keeping the BMW and picking up an older D3 (Pre 2007 oil pump issue) seemed to be the thing to do. Reasonable enough to be able to run it along side another car and without the Oil Pump casting issue etc of the 2007-2008. So, a lot of ebaying later I found my car.
Its covered 139K Manual with really nice body work, very few marks. The interior is very clean apart from the Drivers seat which has a small tear, but thats no great worry. Now, it didn't come with a service history so I've built Belt replacements, full service, bushes etc into my budget. Fortunately I managed to get it at a price leaving me around 1K in my original purchase budget.
Issues I need to look at;
a) The rear drivers side brakes are squeaking under breaking and afterwards so I assume a calliper is binding
b) Aircon isn't blowing cold, so I'll need to check Gas/hoses/Compressor etc.
c) Slight pull to the left whilst driving, that might be the brakes
d) Engine System Fault displaying. So, investigation required (I've been reading threads here so am waiting to start with the fault codes and move on). My 4x4 specialist is pretty friendly so will be open to discussions and practicality on whatever we find.
I drove it 100 miles home at 75mph, It seemed lovely. Air suspension, electric parking brake, terrain modes all seem good.
So, overall, I am really happy with it. as I said, I have gone into it with my eyes open (hopefully open enough ) and have and immediate 1K (maybe £1500), to spend on the mechanics if required. If I spend all of it immediately, I would be happy it was a fair price. Anything left over and its a bargain.
Over the next 6 months I'll be looking at mods (Roof rack first I think). Its with the 4x4 guys now, can't wait to get it back and start driving it.
Chris
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9th Jun 2018 10:46 am |
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geoffsnook
Member Since: 13 Jun 2014
Location: south wales
Posts: 3169
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Hi and welcome re the air con the front condenser's are very common problems on these i changed mine and the one on my sport so have a look there Discovery 3 se gone
Range rover sport supercharged here:)
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9th Jun 2018 3:09 pm |
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jamesonUK
Member Since: 09 Apr 2016
Location: Cambridge
Posts: 6
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Thanks. (and Hi). I just found a great guide by Disco_Mikey. As soon as it comes back from the 4x4 Indy with the main stuff done (Timing belts and Service), I can get cracking.
Does anyone know of a source for Original Hardback Haynes manuals for the D3? The Paperback one I have has terrible photos.
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9th Jun 2018 3:55 pm |
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