Member Since: 15 Apr 2017
Location: England
Posts: 5
D3: Manual v Auto
Hi all,
Am looking to purchase a Disco 3, mainly for long family trips, so won't be used as a daily, hence my thought about whether to go for a manual rather than auto.
My question isn't about preference, but more about reliability comparisons as have read a few stories about auto gearbox failures which are quite costly to repair/replace.
Appreciate feedback/comments from those who have experience of both!
Many thanks
14th Jun 2017 6:33 am
Simonstarski
Member Since: 24 Jun 2012
Location: Cornwall
Posts: 686
If I was replacing my manual car I'd have an auto.
I don't want to do down my manual, it works fine and Ive had no issues at all, but, the car struggles with low down grunt. It always has and even after a tuning remap it's still gutless low down and needs to be kept in a working rev range. Nothing worse than constantly bogging on a country land hill because you've dropped off the turbo.
At least with the auto it's always in the right gear when you need it.
Just my opinion of course, I still love my manual and it's only a slight niggle. Narpy Grill, tinted windows, Smooth leather wheel (TLO Group buy), ACM fitted (thanks TLO), Rear door loom and Row 2 & 3 audio switch upgrade, RRS 20" wheel change, 285 Cooper LTZ's Sat Nav Mod (until I get a Faultmate upgrade), Front & Rear lamp guards. 4x4 screen now switched on - Woody32, Follow me home reverse lights - woody32, Auto release EPB - Woody32. Off Road Navigation - Woody32. Remap + EGR's switched off. Full chassis clean and Waxoyl.
both can have issues
after many years in manual Discoveries I opted for the auto as I have an ankle injury and long range towing used to give me some grief with all the clutch work, should have had one years ago
the wife was really worried about driving an auto as she never had before the D3
she also stated should have done this years ago
the ride is more refined and the power is there when you need it , just better
14th Jun 2017 7:13 am
geoffsnook
Member Since: 13 Jun 2014
Location: south wales
Posts: 3169
the manual is more reliable than he auto it suffers with clutch wear whereas the auto suffers with a few bits but for towing i now prefer the auto as it is so much easier i have had both being a manual disco 3 and now have a range rover sport Discovery 3 se gone
Range rover sport supercharged here:)
14th Jun 2017 7:27 am
discoteca
Member Since: 08 Mar 2010
Location: Warwickshire
Posts: 1477
I would say don't base your decision solely on reliability. Yes, autos are expensive to repair/replace when they go wrong but the manual is far from perfect as well. Manual clutches, even the supposedly heavy duty later version, are at best fragile and don't last very long, then you have dual mass flywheels to worry about. There are also one or two examples emerging where the manual box itself has also gone fubar.
Very few D3s sold were manuals, so you would expect to read much less about issues with them compared to autos. That doesn't mean that the few that are out there are trouble free.
The other issue will be that you will seriously limit your available choice on the used market if you decide to go manual.
I had a manual D3 and I really enjoyed it. If I had my time again I would have gone auto.
14th Jun 2017 7:31 am
Ja92mie
Member Since: 16 Sep 2014
Location: Newquay
Posts: 1259
I have a manual and I love mine.
14th Jun 2017 8:37 am
Iguana
Member Since: 14 Oct 2013
Location: 'Sunny' Zomerset
Posts: 9402
I love my manual, had it over 4 years and it's been fine, only real issue I have is as already mentioned low down grunt is missing, it has always struggled pulling away in 1st on a steep slope as it needs quite a bit of revs. I know use low ratio for such occasions and it works a treat.
Only other issue and this is not car related, but 'Left Knee related' I'm getting older and my knee really pains me in very heavy traffic jams, with the constant clutch in/clutch out - So I think my next LR will be an auto
Have towed heavy trailers with it without any issues Iggy/Ieuan
Current LR =
2015 RR Sport Autobiography
&
1992 Land Rover Defender Camper
- Gone but not forgotten:
MY10 D4 GS
MY05 Disco 3 'S'
MY14 FL2 HSE manual in Blue
MY15 Disco 4 HSE Lux in Santorini Black
MY08 Disco 3 SE manual in Buck Blue
1960 Series 2 88" (No idea why I sold it!)
14th Jun 2017 9:21 am
Disgoeshere
Member Since: 06 Dec 2014
Location: North East
Posts: 278
I love my manual as well,disadvantage heavy built up traffic,but on motorways/towing cruise control no problem at all.
At the time of looking I was adamant that auto was for me but after much searching this one was the one I wanted cairns blue/beige interior it just happened to be a manual box I just could not walk away it just felt right.
I had the clutch go at 114K original clutch going by the mechanics who done it, new DMS as well we don't do that many miles a year so really no issues having the manual version so should serve us well.
35 years of driving manual gearboxes just second nature for me, in fairness both are good. It is a heavy lump for sure to drive about.
Good Luck with your search Andy
07MY (8A) D3 2.7 TDV6 Manual SE
New oil pump, water pump, cam belt - DM
New prop, new clutch TVLR,Beanie Grille,Black & Silver Badges
All Filters, oil change,clock on dash,4x4 info,RLD Protector,silicone hoses
Front and Rear TRW low Dust dtec V8 brake upgrade,new oil sump
14th Jun 2017 11:24 am
L319
Member Since: 14 Dec 2013
Location: Herefordshire
Posts: 2080
My first D3 was a manual and I thought 1st gear was too high, making starting on a hill or when towing difficult. The only satisfactory way without too much clutch slip was to use low range. I then had an Auto and have stayed with that since. Talking to LR Driving experience at Eastnor ,also thought the auto better for towing.
14th Jun 2017 1:08 pm
rrhool
Member Since: 28 Aug 2014
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 4400
I specifically bought a manual, but in hindsight, I think a car this heavy would be better as an auto. And yes, the clutch is weak. My car has had three (including the original one) in 100K miles.Richard
D3 SE 2007. Triumph 2.5Pi 1973. Ferguson TEA20 1948.
Discovery 2 4.0 ES 2001- Gone
Discovery 1 300Tdi ES '95 - Gone
Range Rover Classic '79 - Gone
14th Jun 2017 1:20 pm
ruben D3 Decade
Member Since: 26 Sep 2006
Location: ASTURIAS
Posts: 2386
I do not agree at all, I live in an especially mountainous area, it is Asturias north of Spain, and I have the original clutch with 260,000 km. Although it is true that the car is heavy and the relations of change are somewhat long, but IMHO, I think that its reliability and duration depends a lot more on the way you drivelost in translation!
14th Jun 2017 2:43 pm
SafariDave
Member Since: 19 Nov 2011
Location: NYC & LA
Posts: 775
Re: D3: Manual v Auto
mazza wrote:
Hi all,
Am looking to purchase a Disco 3, mainly for long family trips, so won't be used as a daily, hence my thought about whether to go for a manual rather than auto.
My question isn't about preference, but more about reliability comparisons as have read a few stories about auto gearbox failures which are quite costly to repair/replace.
Appreciate feedback/comments from those who have experience of both!
Many thanks
Get an Auto V8 use the Cruise control on highway I get about 23-25 mpg.
I have driven mine 4 times from NYC to Los Angeles 3000 miles each way, thats about 9000 miles, plus all the other city driving, up to the Sierra Nevada's and off road in the desert with 116F heat without issues in one year. Just do the services on time.
DaveD3 2005 V8 SE Bonatti Grey "The Rhino" (our NYC D3)
De-tangoed Headlights, D4 2016 Style Black Pack Grille, D4 19" Wheels/ Bridgestone Alenza
D3 2005 V8 SE Bonatti Grey, D4 2016 Style Black Pack Grille (our LA D3)
D2 1999 V8 SD7 Chawton White (our Caribbean Beach truck)
Last edited by SafariDave on 14th Jun 2017 2:47 pm. Edited 1 time in total
14th Jun 2017 2:45 pm
ruben D3 Decade
Member Since: 26 Sep 2006
Location: ASTURIAS
Posts: 2386
I forget to say that I have not used to towing ever! and Maybe that can be a reason!!lost in translation!
14th Jun 2017 2:46 pm
Gazellio
Member Since: 09 Jan 2011
Location: Chilterns
Posts: 4130
ruben wrote:
I do not agree at all, I live in an especially mountainous area, it is Asturias north of Spain, and I have the original clutch with 260,000 km. Although it is true that the car is heavy and the relations of change are somewhat long, but IMHO, I think that its reliability and duration depends a lot more on the way you drive
Yup Ruben - if your driving style slips the clutch don't be surprised when you need a new one
14th Jun 2017 3:05 pm
kevin-t
Member Since: 12 Nov 2007
Location: sheffield
Posts: 680
auto or man......
I can't comment on the manual box, as i have an auto.
What i can say tho, almost 200,000 miles on the box now, had a couple of gearbox flushes whilst I've owned.
Put that down to towing the twin axle intent tho.
Great box
By the way, been driving almost 40 years. This was my first ever auto, should have converted soooooner.
Just point and go
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I'm getting older and my knee really pains me in very heavy traffic jams, with the constant clutch in/clutch out - So I think my next LR will be an auto 
