heine
Joined: 07 Feb 2007
Location: Midrand
Posts: 2021
 
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Another point worth considering is towing . I think most people will agree that an auto is better
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 Wed Jul 16 2008 10:05am |
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HarrisonB
Joined: 03 Dec 2005
Location: Leicester
Posts: 167
 
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I bought a new 06MY base 7 manual in December 2005 to replace a 300tdi manual that I had owned for 10years. The D3 was fantastic and the manual gearbox was a dream compared to the 300tdi (remember those frosty morning – forget trying to engage 2nd gear until it had warmed up – fond memories).
The issue I had with the D3 manual was not with the gearbox but the electric parking brake. I never used it and just went straight from the foot brake to clutch and accelerator when moving off on a hill. However, SWMBO just could not use it and rarely drove the car (there is a god  ).
A complaint to Land Rover resulted in her being invited to a ½ day on road/off road at Rockingham. Under tuition she drove an automatic RRS and the problem was solved as the auto had automatic EPB release.
In November 2007 I faced your dilemma SKYWRITER. Manual or Auto. The manual had been faultless over 22000 miles and returned an average 27mpg.
08MY D3 manuals now have auto EPB release so it was no longer an issue for SHMBO. I test drove a 08MY manual and automatic. The effortless drive of the auto won me over. I was concerned about 23 mpg but did the sums and the loss of 4 mpg was insignificant.
I bought a 08MY GS and after 8000 miles I have no regrets it is superb. The initial 21 mpg has now raised to 26 mpg so no problems there. I occasionally use command and sport shift for a bit of manual control entertainment  .
Manual or Automatic it’s a personal thing, who cares it’s a D3.
H 20 years a Land Rover owner - 1xSeries3, 2xD1s and 2xD3s
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| Wed Jul 16 2008 10:30am |
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britindus
Joined: 25 Apr 2008
Location: Dusseldorf
Posts: 168
 
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heine wrote:I went auto because you don't get the HSE here in manual , but in all honesty I think I now prefer auto .
ditto ... never owned an auto since I had the HSE G4 now .... auto I love it!
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| Wed Jul 16 2008 10:52am |
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hernan1304
Joined: 28 Feb 2008
Location: Dubai
Posts: 374
 
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And you always have Command Shift when you feel like playing driver...
The auto D3 does everything for you. At times (in certain offroad situations), I don't like it and wish I had more manual control - not only of gears, but also some of the systems like the locking diffs etc. That said, the D3 still gets up, over and through anything I throw at it so who am I to complain? I get the feeling that the car and its systems were designed with an Auto gearbox in mind.
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| Wed Jul 16 2008 1:09pm |
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LT
Joined: 31 Dec 2005
Location: South West
Posts: 1061
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The auto D3 is very good at wafting effortlessly around, feeling very much like a limo. With a manual, this effect is not nearly as noticeable.
The auto is also incredibly well matched to the TDV6 & the V8.
For me, the manual just ruined the overall appeal of the D3.
I still prefer a manual for any car with "sporty" pretensions. The last 3 cars that I used for business were all manual. I still own a manual car.
So I'm not a die hard auto fan, but for the D3 I'd never consider a manual.
IMO only of course, each to their own etc.
Be warned though, selling a used manual D3 for a sensible price can be tricky. The auto is much more popular.
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| Wed Jul 16 2008 2:02pm |
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Simonet
Joined: 13 Nov 2007
Location: North West
Posts: 68
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have to agree with the virgin Auto owners. Never had Auto before but wouldn't have anything else in a Disco. When in for service I was given a Manual and I hated it!!
MPG was better in the Manual but I still get around 30 mpg anyways Stornoway Discovery 3 XS Auto
VW Camper 1970
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| Wed Jul 16 2008 4:43pm |
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sacimiddx
Joined: 09 Mar 2007
Location: winchester
Posts: 65
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have had manual se
now have auto hse
go for auto without any doubt
there have been a series of manual clutch plate problems (search forums)
also this is a proven autobox across lots of models (not just land rover) and has a history of greatness
a new clutch will be quite costly to fit Illegitimi Non Carborundum
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| Thu Jul 17 2008 8:07am |
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cmyers_uk
Joined: 10 Apr 2005
Location: Near Bristol, UK
Posts: 248
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Once you have had the auto you wont go back , especially if you tow / move around a heavy boat on a slipway. Offroad if your not an expert it makes it all so easy. Traffic jams again so easy.
Advantages of a manual , better fuel consumption , bigger left leg
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| Thu Jul 17 2008 8:22am |
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1stLandie
Joined: 07 Jun 2007
Location: Essex
Posts: 9
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Auto for me too
Smooth, quiet, refined when cruising but....if you fancy having some fun....anticipates exactly when power is needed. 
Don't forget you have the sport and "steptronic" modes to play around with aswell. 
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| Thu Jul 17 2008 8:26am |
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Bodsy
Joined: 06 Nov 2006
Location: Home, home on the range........
Posts: 5487
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I think you need to look at Dom Harvey's new motor, he sums up the difference between Manuals (which he's always driven) and the Auto that he has now.... TDV6 HSE Black, Black Wheels /MTR's(in the shed!), Black RRS front/rear LR badge (tbf) Black Leather, Black Glass, Black TowB, Shiny Tasmods, Dull Mantec, White (& Orange) Reflective D3 Sticker, Black steering wheel badge, black air intake. Optima & Traxide dual battery setup.
Need black RRS wheel centre caps.
Now with added Engel.....
We D3, therefore we are..........
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| Fri Jul 18 2008 9:06am |
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Peanut
Joined: 01 Jul 2008
Location: Solihull
Posts: 12
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Only with an auto can you
Adjust the radio
Light a fag
drink your coffee
And debate the female preference of tights over stockings as you glance out of your window to the right. 
But when you end up in the ditch, should have no probs getting out 
Peanut
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| Fri Jul 18 2008 11:49am |
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tucker_j
Joined: 01 Oct 2005
Location: Kent
Posts: 163
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Had both, prefer auto (most of the time) 2008 TDV6 HSE
1998 90 TDi CSW
IT's NOT A JEEP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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| Sat Jul 19 2008 10:25am |
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owen1
Joined: 03 Feb 2008
Location: Charfield Gloucestershire
Posts: 38
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Having owned many cars over the years,both auto and manual,the box in a D3 is a good one and suits the character of the car well.
Hence I would recommend the auto.
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| Sat Jul 19 2008 12:37pm |
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chesters
Joined: 03 Oct 2005
Location: The Toon
Posts: 443
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Manual Arctic Frost Discovery 3 TDV6 SE, Active Rear Diff, Adaptive Head Lights, Tow Pack, Ebony Leather, Roof Rails, Mantec Guard. Tasmod Stainless Sill plates. Grabber AT2's. Home made mud flaps. Side Steps back on until the next time.
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| Sat Jul 19 2008 1:36pm |
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