Member Since: 16 Aug 2022
Location: Surrey
Posts: 4
Disco 3 vs 4 vs Freelander 2 vs Toyota LC
Just come back from a second long-distance tour on motorbike, and the Mrs and I have come to the conclusion that it's not for us. First time it peed down the whole trip and the second it was 30+ degrees and wearing full leathers nearly killed us.
We've decided we'd like to give overlanding and wild camping a go and I'm lost after spending the day researching.
I've whittled it down to the vehicles mentioned in the title.
My heart is with the Disco 3, I love the size which gives us plenty of room for all our camping gear and for an upcoming construction project which is going to mean a lot of runs to homebase. Although the 4 has a better cabin and more extras. I want something I don't mind getting a bit bashed up. However, we may be moving country next year so resale value is a consideration.
Our budget is around 12k and from what I can see that will bag us a decent, well maintained 3 but of course, there are concerns about running costs, particularly reliability which seems to have a real mixed bag of opinions.
That of course leads me to the Toyota which seems to be far more reliable but the cabin isn't anywhere near as nice as the LR which is important as they'll be lots of motorway driving to get to places like Lake District, Scotland and Wales.
We're not going to be doing any rock-crawling, mostly green lanes and forest paths I would imagine so the Freelander 2 looks capable enough, but the smaller size is a concern as we're planning on just chucking a mattress in the back to camp.
Would appreciate any advice.
16th Aug 2022 1:04 pm
jimbo55
Member Since: 10 May 2022
Location: England
Posts: 38
All of your options have their benefits and drawbacks so it is up to you which you want to prioritise
Don’t be fooled by the land cruiser reliability, they aren’t as good as they once were. They have as many problems as most cars do, but they are expensive to repair as the aftermarket supply for parts isn’t as good as LR in the Uk. The interiors are pretty poor as you say unless you spend big bucks on a 200series
The freelander 2 is a great car, i had one for 4 years, they do what they say on the tin, does everything well but is a very boring car to have. For me the towing capacity was the biggest drawback (only 2T vs. 3.5T on a d3/4) but for 2 people it is certainly big enough to go travelling in but. It sure if a mattress would fit. The interior is definitely “cheaper” than that on the d4 but that is dictated worth the initial purchase price of the vehicle new being a lot less but saying that, the maintenance and running costs are a lot less than a disco or LC. Purchasing one you could get a really late model high spec option in your budget as well which is a bonus.
The D3/4 is a much nicer place to be than a freelander or a land cruiser but they have significantly greater running costs. You can sleep in the back easily and are great off road. I used to have a D3 and gave it a fair amount of stick off road and other than a CV joint letting go it was very reliable. I now have a D4 and plan to use that for overlanding as I’m bored of using the defender for long journeys and want to go everywhere in luxury. A Late model d4 with the 8 speed is definitely a much more refined vehicle than the d3 but comes with the price tag, pretty much any d3 would be within your budget and you could potentially get a d4.
Me, along with many others on this forum will be biased and suggest a disco, but any of your potential choices have their merits and would all probably do the job you want
16th Aug 2022 1:42 pm
Moo D3 Decade
Member Since: 13 Aug 2010
Location: Wiltshire
Posts: 13906
Very tempting.New Defender L663 110 SE (known as Noddy!)
Sold Volvo XC90 R-Design (known as Basil)
Sold - D4 HSE (Known as Gerty)
No longer the Old Buses original owner
231,000 miles and counting
05 S manual owned from March 2005
D4 Face lifted
Still original injectors and turbo
V8 Front brakes
BAS Remap, Allisport Intercooler and deCat
EGRs blanked
T-Max split charge
Hanibal Expeedition rack
Prospeed ladder
Duratrac tyres
IID BT
BAS FBH control
16th Aug 2022 2:08 pm
ronp
Member Since: 29 Nov 2006
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 15213
Having had an FL2, D3 and now D4, that’s a fine sum up there jimbo. I was a normal heterosexual chap, but in these new woke awakenings I now identify as a Wardrobe.
16th Aug 2022 2:09 pm
discott
Member Since: 24 Sep 2010
Location: Harrow
Posts: 131
Choices, choices
If you decide on a D3 let me know because I will, reluctantly, sell mine because of the impending change to the London ULEZ footprint. If you'd like a spin in it to help with the thought process then just drop me a PM. I'm in Harrow but know my way around Surrey (ex-resident of Epsom).
It's a 2006, just about to reach 100k miles. It would be well below your budget.
16th Aug 2022 2:16 pm
LT
Member Since: 31 Dec 2005
Location: South West
Posts: 23366
If you’re planning to explore the U.K. I’d favour the D3.
If you’re venturing overseas then the Toyota becomes more attractive.
There’s no doubt that the D3 has the best layout and is the most comfortable.2006 D3 HSE (Original & still the best)-GONE
2010 D4 HSE (A bit bling)-GONE
2014 D4 HSE (Almost too bling)-GONE
2015 D4 HSE (A heated what?)-GONE
2016 D4 Landmark (Written Off)-GONE
2016 D4 Landmark (Surely the last!) PD1881 rims-GONE
2017 FFRR SDV8 Autobiography
Last edited by Ivan on 16th Aug 2022 4:17 pm. Edited 1 time in total
16th Aug 2022 2:42 pm
M3DPO
Member Since: 22 Sep 2010
Location: Notts.
Posts: 8100
If you can afford the running cost(fuel) a well maintained D4 will serve your purpose without a doubt, the GB and TC is far more reliable and robust than a D3, D3 are prone to TC problems starting with a judder and ending with a £3k+ bill, a major plus for D3/4 the rear seats fold flat, but if you want economy and reliability a Freelander but there rear seats don’t fold flat. Good luck and remember with a D3/4 you will have tremendous support and comradeship from this unique forum It can when others can't,
It will when others won't,
It goes where others don't.
16th Aug 2022 2:45 pm
jwal90
Member Since: 16 Aug 2022
Location: Surrey
Posts: 4
Thanks for the replies all, a lot of useful info. Leaning more so toward the D3. I went to take a look at a D4 yesterday and it was a great car but above budget at 27k. I have seen a few in our budget but normally with huge miles on the clock.
I wonder if running costs are as much of a consideration as it will only be used when we go away and for runs to DIY stores, my main concern is something big going wrong and landing us with a huge bill. From what I've read, making sure the car has extensive service history will help avoid that.
Discott, might be interested if you want to PM me so more details?
16th Aug 2022 2:51 pm
Pete K
Member Since: 15 Jan 2016
Location: GL
Posts: 10363
If it’s not an everyday car then do consider the petrol.
16th Aug 2022 3:35 pm
discott
Member Since: 24 Sep 2010
Location: Harrow
Posts: 131
Choices, choices
PM sent
16th Aug 2022 4:59 pm
DIY Ace
Member Since: 06 Feb 2019
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 879
M3DPO wrote:
If you can afford the running cost(fuel) a well maintained D4 will serve your purpose without a doubt, the GB and TC is far more reliable and robust than a D3, D3 are prone to TC problems starting with a judder and ending with a £3k+ bill, a major plus for D3/4 the rear seats fold flat, but if you want economy and reliability a Freelander but there rear seats don’t fold flat. Good luck and remember with a D3/4 you will have tremendous support and comradeship from this unique forum
My 2009 Freelander 2 rear seats folded perfectly flat. I ran the FL2 for about eight years with hardly a fault in sight. A great car for everyday use. I bought the D3 alongside as I found the FL2 just a little short on space for camping holidays etc.
The D3 is superb but best as a second car only, I couldn't sleep if my work commute relied upon it daily. That's not a slight on the D3, but just sensible for any 150k mile car that's now 17 years old.2022 BMW i4 M50. Bought Oct 2022. 10,200 miles and counting...
2014 BMW 435d convertible. Bought July 2021. 58,000 miles and counting...
2005 Discovery 3 HSE Auto. Bought Feb 2019. 169,000 miles and counting...
2009 Freelander 2 XS Manual. Bought Sep 2013. SOLD Aug 2021 (already regretted!)
FL2 is going to be very tight if you plan on putting a mattress in the back. I have the commercial floor/bulkhead in mine and it measures 5ft 3" to the inside of the tailgate from the bulkhead, which roughly corresponds with where the seat folds down.I know it's not considered "kind" to say no these days, but no. Just no, ok? And if it's not ok, still no.
16th Aug 2022 9:26 pm
DG Site Moderator
Member Since: 12 Dec 2005
Location: The Gaff
Posts: 50934
Quote:
it measures 5ft 3"
Never refer to yourself as "it" Al 21 year LR veteran > D2 GS 2003 > D3 S 2006 > D3 HSE 2009 > D4 HSE 2013 > D4 HSE 2015 > D5 HSE 2018 > DS HSE R-Dynamic P300e 2021
16th Aug 2022 10:14 pm
LT
Member Since: 31 Dec 2005
Location: South West
Posts: 23366
Have you considered a TDV8 L322 FFRR? In many ways just a plusher D3 with a V8 diesel.
The advantage of a Freelander off road is it’s size. I’ve had some close shaves in my D3/4 & FFRR on narrow lanes and going through gateways. Current FFRR has some nasty scratches and bramble rash, from narrow lanes.2006 D3 HSE (Original & still the best)-GONE
2010 D4 HSE (A bit bling)-GONE
2014 D4 HSE (Almost too bling)-GONE
2015 D4 HSE (A heated what?)-GONE
2016 D4 Landmark (Written Off)-GONE
2016 D4 Landmark (Surely the last!) PD1881 rims-GONE
2017 FFRR SDV8 Autobiography
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
