Disco 3 or Shogun
Discussion
I really fancy a Discovery 3, have done for years and the flexibility of 7 seats has recently become more appealing. However I’m slightly put off by the suspension woes I read about on discovery\LR specific forums. Everyone on these forums say they are still worth the issues, however I have a weekend car and a new baby to steal my disposable income so I would like to avoid huge annual bills and constant repairs.
I figured that this forum might give a slightly more balanced opinion on the D3 as I’m sure many of you have owned them as well as other 4x4’s.
I have also considered the 2007 > Shogun mainly for reliability reasons, but I think the disco has a bit more class about it.
I figured that this forum might give a slightly more balanced opinion on the D3 as I’m sure many of you have owned them as well as other 4x4’s.
I have also considered the 2007 > Shogun mainly for reliability reasons, but I think the disco has a bit more class about it.
I drive a 2001 Shogun, which bar a few tweaks and 30bhp is essentially the same as the current model. It's somewhat agricultural, and I think you will probably find that if you drive both you'll see a night and day difference.
The Disco will anecdotally be less reliable but the Shogun isn't exactly free of problems itself. An early disco will be getting to the age that you'll need to do some maintenance on the air suspension. Air suspension bags should really be seen as consumables, and changing them before 10 years will hold off a lot of the bigger problems.
The Disco will anecdotally be less reliable but the Shogun isn't exactly free of problems itself. An early disco will be getting to the age that you'll need to do some maintenance on the air suspension. Air suspension bags should really be seen as consumables, and changing them before 10 years will hold off a lot of the bigger problems.
why the auto? Is it the way it drives or avoiding DMF issues? I was actually leaning towards the Manual as I assumed the MPG would be drastically better.
Figured that this forum would be more balanced in its opinions, rather than the standard internet rumor mill.
I'm fairly handy with the spanners, I've owned TVR's for about 10 years so I'm more than capable of handling the odd niggly repair without a trip to the dealer. Also it seems that my area is full of LR specialists.
Figured that this forum would be more balanced in its opinions, rather than the standard internet rumor mill.
I'm fairly handy with the spanners, I've owned TVR's for about 10 years so I'm more than capable of handling the odd niggly repair without a trip to the dealer. Also it seems that my area is full of LR specialists.
Why auto?
The auto gives you:
M
The auto gives you:
- More control at low speeds.
- A relaxed drive.
- Better for the drive train (most people shock-load with a manual as they use the clutch as an on/off switch).
- The 'Terrain Response' programs will change the shift patterns based on conditions.
- If you want to drive it manually, you can do.
M
agent006 said:
I drive a 2001 Shogun, which bar a few tweaks and 30bhp is essentially the same as the current model. It's somewhat agricultural, and I think you will probably find that if you drive both you'll see a night and day difference.
The Disco will anecdotally be less reliable but the Shogun isn't exactly free of problems itself. An early disco will be getting to the age that you'll need to do some maintenance on the air suspension. Air suspension bags should really be seen as consumables, and changing them before 10 years will hold off a lot of the bigger problems.
I thought the air bags were actually the most reliable part of the suspension. Point noted though, preventative maintenance in this area will save money in the long run.The Disco will anecdotally be less reliable but the Shogun isn't exactly free of problems itself. An early disco will be getting to the age that you'll need to do some maintenance on the air suspension. Air suspension bags should really be seen as consumables, and changing them before 10 years will hold off a lot of the bigger problems.
I had heard bad things about clutches and DMFs in manual shoguns. Hadnt heard a lot about much else though. Then again there isnt the internet forums for shoguns that there is for LRs.
camel_landy said:
Why auto?
The auto gives you:
M
For me the "why manual" is purely the mpg aspect. I probably need to get some ideas on the differing figures for this, ive just assumed the auto will be much worse.The auto gives you:
- More control at low speeds.
- A relaxed drive.
- Better for the drive train (most people shock-load with a manual as they use the clutch as an on/off switch).
- The 'Terrain Response' programs will change the shift patterns based on conditions.
- If you want to drive it manually, you can do.
M
Looks don't bother me to much, on my 7th one now and have only ever had two problems so fingers crossed with the new one I pick up tommorow afternoon.
Love fixing the L/Rover product as it means I can afford a reliable ugly Jap box with a five year warranty.
Would agree a manual should be better on fuel, and would stay away from L/R.
Love fixing the L/Rover product as it means I can afford a reliable ugly Jap box with a five year warranty.
Would agree a manual should be better on fuel, and would stay away from L/R.
Sarge 4x4 said:
Looks don't bother me to much, on my 7th one now and have only ever had two problems so fingers crossed with the new one I pick up tommorow afternoon.
Love fixing the L/Rover product as it means I can afford a reliable ugly Jap box with a five year warranty.
Would agree a manual should be better on fuel, and would stay away from L/R.
Interesting you deal with LR's professionally and dont have the normal love for the green oval Love fixing the L/Rover product as it means I can afford a reliable ugly Jap box with a five year warranty.
Would agree a manual should be better on fuel, and would stay away from L/R.
. Actually passed a Land cruiser today and it didn't look nearly as bad in person. Are those manufacturers mpg figures close to real life. Seems to be quoting north of 30mpg combined for the auto land cruiser? MackemPete said:
I had heard bad things about clutches and DMFs in manual shoguns. Hadnt heard a lot about much else though. Then again there isnt the internet forums for shoguns that there is for LRs.
I have the auto because I tow a lot, hill starts with a manual gearbox and 3+ tons behind is not a fun experience for either driver or clutch. Also an auto just suits a car like this much better generally. The Mitsubishi auto box is great but their manual box is just OK. It's only a 5 speed manual too. The DMF does fail on the Gen3 cars (show me a DMF that doesn't fail) but I don't know whether they fixed this on the newer ones.Shogun forums are thin on the ground, Pajero forums aren't though, with the Australian one being the place to go:
http://www2.pajeroclub.com.au/forum/index.php
The MPG is not hugely better with the manual. You have to remember the thing nearly weighs 3T with the aerodynamics of a house brick. Thye do look great though
I would not buy a car like that if you are fearful of large bills.
A close friend of mine replaced the turbo on a D3. It was a body off job and the labour bill was fairly extensive.
As others have said, the D3 is leagues ahead in terms of technology and refinement. I'd wager that it would be more reliable though.
I would not buy a car like that if you are fearful of large bills.
A close friend of mine replaced the turbo on a D3. It was a body off job and the labour bill was fairly extensive.
As others have said, the D3 is leagues ahead in terms of technology and refinement. I'd wager that it would be more reliable though.
Paddy_N_Murphy said:
I think you will find it hard to shift on a Manual and if the D3 is anything like the FR2 - the difference in driving a Manual Vs Auto is night and day.
Don't forget - these big ol' things are for shuffling around in - not for flooring and stirring gears.
Auto all the way for me.
Me too and both our company ones tow everyday.Don't forget - these big ol' things are for shuffling around in - not for flooring and stirring gears.
Auto all the way for me.
Mine, HSE auto.
Bought for £12k last August, now sitting at 104k.
No issues with it.
I've changed the wipers, 2 bulbs, drop links all round and a service.
Put new tyres on it last month.
Fantastic car that does everything I need, is comfy and easy to drive. Has a great sound system and the 7 seats are handy to have.
Only downsides are its a bit slow and the mpg is a bit lacking. Averaging about 24mpg with the cold weather. Should improve in the summer and a remap will help the performance side.
Do your homework, ask plenty of questions as check its history like I did and you will get a fine example.
The cars so good my dad is strongly considering getting one to replace his Mondeo and he has never had a 4x4 before.
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