Land Rover Discovery 3 | Discovery 4 L319 (2005-2016) Avoid buying a broken LR3 | LR4 (TDV6 and V8)

Land Rover Discovery 3 L319 or LR3 and Land Rover Discovery 4 or LR4 L319 2004-2016 Buyer’s guide for 2.7 TDV6, 4.4 JLR V8, 3.0 TDV6, 3.0 SDV6, 5.0 V8, and 3.0 Supercharged V6. Are you trying to decide between an L322 Range Rover or a Discovery3 and Discovery 4 for a car to enjoy on-road and off-road? Avoid buying the cheapest broken Land Rover Discovery 3 / Land Rover Discovery 4. In our review and buyers guide, we advise how to avoid the mistake of buying a broken LR3 or LR4 to fix as a project and it becoming a money pit by explaining common faults and common problems. This buyer’s guide covers the L319 Land Rover Discovery 3 and L319 Land Rover Discovery 4 from 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2014, and 2016 in all trims from S, SE, HSE, XXV, G4 other limited editions. Our used buyer’s guide will help you buy and find the right car for sale so that you can say you bought a Land Rover Discovery that isn’t a project and instead is something you can enjoy from the test drive to your home. If you are an owner looking for a guide or considering changing our video should be useful but we also have videos on the L322 Range Rover, BMW X5, and Volvo XC90 that you may also be interested in.
The issues discussed in our buyer’s guide for the L319 Land Rover Discovery include rust, timing chain guides, front lower arms, and heavy brake wear.
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Legal and disclaimer - Any content not originally created by The Miles Driven remains the property of the original owner and is editorialised for media reporting. All content is used within the confines of media reporting/editorial use and is transformative in nature to inform others with new information and content about cars and vehicles. We use no more of the original content than necessary in alignment with U.S copyright law for fair use and U.K fair dealing. We accept no liability for the purchase of vehicles using our guide and suggest thorough due diligence by individual professional inspections before making a buying decision.

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[@tyrantking1916]

You have forgot mention the 4.0V6 Ford engine on the Discovery LR3

[@bugjuicer]

My Disco 4 has over 220,000kms on, and it's still as tight as a drum. It's had a minor turbo issue, but it still drives like a new car. Like any vehicle, if it's been looked after, it'll last. If it hasn't, it won't.

[@themilesdriven]

Great to hear yours is going strong and thanks for the comment 😁

[@fubar12345]

'if it's been looked after, it'll last' I wish it were that simple. Unfortunately the crankshaft failures can happen at any mileage, regardless of maintenance.

[@chrisandrews602]

Mine on 181000

[@Jack-rc1yl]

@@chrisandrews602 My 2011 on 345,000 going strong

[@kevinclark908]

Had a LR3 and currently still own my LR4. Loved both and despite the constant chirping of people calling thier reliability into question - I had no issues with the LR3 other than an suspension airbag that was replaced under the warranty and the LR4 needed a new starter at 90K. Two vehicles, two issues in 16 yrs...not too bad. Had over 120K miles on LR3 and LR4 currently at 98K. Some of the best and most offroad capable vehicles on the road...period. Even better when you install johnson rods (3 inch lift) and 33's on them for off road use.

[@pilotgabe]

Great video, my ‘06 LR3 V8 just turned 300,000 miles on the original engine two weeks ago (sitting at 302,000 today). It’s such an amazing rig and I probably trust it more than my ‘13 LR4 and ‘16 LR4.

[@themilesdriven]

Take care of them and they'll take care of you in practice here 😁 great to hear your LR3 is serving you so well

[@taxmanabii]

Those AJ8 Jaguar engines are bulletproof once you get past the Secondary timing guides/chains issues

My Discovery 3 from 2004, seemingly one of the first built without Diesel filter, has 356‘000kms and still going strong and is still in fabulous condition! Greetings from Switzerland

[@antoniomacuacua4457]

I have a question,Google says that the SDV6 HSE can go 180kmph but mine can go till 250.how fast is yours

@@antoniomacuacua4457: I NEVER drive as fast! Because of that, I still have the first engine with 357‘000kms!

[@vincenthoh3709]

my disco 4,filled with euro 5 diesel ,cruising on malaysia high way smooth as silk......the original battery and front air suspension last for 9 year.....i am very satisfied with the durability......actually its better than my previous disco 2......much better...

[@davids9549]

Great overview - this short but succinct overview told me more about the model than countless other rambling videos. I'm a latecomer to the LR party, but have owned my 2015 Disco HSE for 2 years now and only wish I'd had one earlier. No issues yet, doubtless some will arise, but as long as they're not too crippling I can see this car staying with me until Our Nanny State outlaws them.

[@themilesdriven]

Many thanks, and really glad to hear you're enjoying owning one 👍

[@Alex-tz1hu]

Pretty solid points, but my 2006 LR3 TDV6 just hit 300 000 km on it's original engine. The air suspension is a bit broken, but I'll have it fixed soon (it sometimes gives errors and if you raise and lower the suspension a few times it will start raising slower once the air suspension compressor starts heating). Other than that, no issues after 2 years of ownership.

[@JRVerster]

They also came out with a 4.0 V6 Ford petrol engine in Australia, South Africa and US. The LR4 made an XS model with a coil spring suspension and lower spec diesel engine, and limited electronics.

[@SupremeKid98]

One of the best KZbin channels

[@themilesdriven]

Really appreciated 👍

[@MrQwertyfromhell]

I’ve put more into my Lr3 than I paid to buy it, and I (somehow) couldn’t be happier with it. The only thing I’d change is that I’d really rather have a British model with the diesel and a manual transmission.

[@brianmoore4778]

Have 2005 lr3 4.4 hse 220,000 miles change oil every 3 to 4 thousand miles drives more places than my 05 touareg V8

[@MrQwertyfromhell]

@@brianmoore4778 it’s mostly just a matter of fuel economy (and manuals being more fun to drive) than anything else.

[@selebalotsiu7139]

​@@brianmoore4778 I m still trying to search for a LR 3 V8 HSE owner who is not happy about it. So far everyone says BEST VEHICLE ever

[@jamesrebbechi5247]

Excellent review!

[@themilesdriven]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@robgreenhill1426]

Great video, love my disco 3, and it’s poverty spec , so hopefully less electronic gremlins

[@themilesdriven]

Thanks for the comment. Glad to hear yours is going strong 😁

[@lr._ry]

love the d3

[@JasonBarnhart]

I have a 2005 LR3 with 195k. It’s got its things. Having to replace coil packs and the heater motor and blend door actuators up front but other than that it’s great. Previous owner changed out the radiator hoses and replaced the factory plastic tubing with aluminum. I put in a new water pump when I learned they hadn’t but that’s not really been a problem either. It’s a high mileage vehicle, it’s going to need things, but that’s no different than any other high mileage vehicle.

[@themilesdriven]

Great to hear another LR3 is being well taken care of 😁

[@jeslynlane]

I got my 2016 LR4 in June before this video came out and took it to Rover Restoration and Repair in SLC for a mechanic check prior to solidifying the deal. HIGHLY recommend them if you are in the SLC area - it would be a mistake not to take your rover to them! Great vid for other things to keep an eye on, thank you!

[@themilesdriven]

Great to hear, and thank you, all the best with your LR4 😁

[@clue___]

SLC is that in Europe or US

[@jeslynlane]

@@clue___ US - Utah :)

[@zackdaniels6858]

Thankyou friend... More LR3 Vids Please. Actually....All Rangerover/Landrover vids please. Cheers~

[@themilesdriven]

We are working on a LR Defender video currently 😁

[@ericjohnson6802]

SC V6/V8 water pumps were and initial failure usually replaced under warranty. Best to replace the associated coolant pipes with metal ones as the plastic fails. The rotary gear selector also can fail due to poor solder joints. LR USA replaced them, but not in Aus- a common LR bias on fault fixing. We love our SC V6 LR4 - best car and won't go backwards to a Toyota! Only 300 sold in Aus. Ours cost 32k used, now worth 50k!

[@themilesdriven]

Some great information for potential buyers, thanks for adding your ownership experience 👍

[@freddieflanders]

Our 4.4 Discovery 3 is great !!

[@themilesdriven]

Grat to hear 😁

[@redtim3690]

Very good overview - well done. A great Land Rover but go in with your eyes wide open - it is not a budget run-around.

[@themilesdriven]

Thanks, great to hear you enjoyed the video 👍

[@CEC321]

Would love to see the same video on the L405 Range Rover.

[@themilesdriven]

You'll be happy to hear that the L405 Range Rover is in our release calendar for September/October 😁 Consider subscribing if you haven't already 👍

[@dipladonic]

Reasonable review. Very subtly written.

[@drmichaelatkins]

My first was a D3. Upgraded mine with a D4 (an ex-LandRover manager's car). There is nothing like it. At a recent service, a salesman said he would be buy a D4 in an instant if they made them again. Key unique features compared to modern Land Rovers include full sized side steps, a full size boot lower half you can sit on, and a totally flat boot interior with all rear seats put down.

[@themilesdriven]

Agreed. The well kept ones are likely to only get more desirable with age. Great to hear yours is serving you well 👍

[@l.mpatamali8738]

such an great video, thnx..but after watching It seemed to me that landrover has more problem every turn, high blood pressure maker

[@themilesdriven]

Thanks, they certainly can have issues, but hopefully our buyer's guides help everyone avoid the broken ones 😁

[@chrisandrews602]

You missed the most common folt the handbrake gears

[@antoniomacuacua4457]

My dads SDV6 HSE can go till 250kmp ph and 0-100 in 5 seconds,but google says it can go till 180 which is rare couse i can't find the specs of ours,my dads one has a six speed transmission,is it rare or not

[@themilesdriven]

Is it standard or modified? The 6 speed is initially used but from memory around 2012 the 8-speed is paired to the SDV6, so yes a bit rarer to have the 6-speed. A 0-100kph (0-62mph) in 5 seconds flat would suggest serious engine modification as the standard vehicle would be closer to 9 seconds with a 6-speed 👍

[@McUser1965]

I owned 3 of them - 2 LR3 and 1 LR4 - my recommendation: once you get 2 fails on the same vehicle within only 2 months get rid of it - there will be an avalanche soon….

[@dipladonic]

Bullshit.

[@johnjames7332]

Friend had one of these and oh my god the amount of money he had to spend to keep it running was like a horror movie. In the end he just sold and cut his losses.

[@themilesdriven]

Thanks for the feedback John 👍

[@merseybeat1963]

3.0 TDV6 ..3.0 SDV6 30 to 35 Miles per gallon ? Is that possible ? Our 4.4V8 never got more than 15.1 and now only does 13.3 Were those engines offered in US ?

[@themilesdriven]

Hi the figures for the 3.0 diesel (TDV6 & SDV6) were taken from official figures supplied by land Rover. It is worth noting though that the Discovery 3 and 4 were tested on the old NEDC cycle and not the new WLTP cycle, which is generally closer to real world mpg than the old system 👍 the 3.0sdv6 was introduced into the USA in 2016 on the L405 Range Rover, however it doesn't look like it was ever offered the LR4.

[@merseybeat1963]

@@themilesdriven yes it sure would have been nice to have gas mileage of even 22-25 mpg ..wow..though not at the expense of reliability.

[@kaloyankatzarov9284]

Honestly if money allows it I'd say an engine transplant would be great, the chassis is absolutely amazing, hats off to the designers. A Toyota or Isuzu engine could be a strong option, they've definitely made some long living and tough offroad engines. That and I love frankencars.

[@themilesdriven]

a good thought. theoretically the 3.6 TDV8 engine from the L320 Range Rover Sport should mount in the engine bay since they both use the same frame underneath, would be interesting to see someone try it out 😁

[@brucelittle2025]

If my engine goes I'm going to fit a Lexus V8

[@christiansaywhat4492]

No thanks. The performance from a Toyota engine is pathetic. The best choice is GM erod engine.

[@Bhubesi]

​@@brucelittle2025 Reckon it's possible on a Discovery 4, how would you modify the Air suspension etc.....

[@philscholes6225]

@@brucelittle2025 I met a guy who had done that with his Defender 90. It was a superb vehicle but he reckoned sorting the cooling had been a nightmare

[@brucelittle2025]

What about the Discovery 3 4.0L V6?

[@themilesdriven]

Thanks for pointing this out, up to now we knew of the 4.0-litre V8 in the discovery 2 but hadn't seen a 4.0-litre V6 in the Discovery 3 and it is missing from our guide in this video. We''ll bring it up in a future podcast to cover it off 👍 😁 The 4.0 DOHC engine was available in Australia and North America and is a Ford engine also fitted to the Mustang V6 of the time. Timidg chain rattle appears to be the main area of concern for this engine 👍

[@brucelittle2025]

@@themilesdriven I own a 4.0L V6s Land Rover discovery 3

[@themilesdriven]

@Bruce Little we edited our original response as I had read it wrong thinking it said V8 not V6. We have a Land Rover Discovery podcast episode coming out at the end of October and will add in a section at the beginning for the 4.0L V6 👍

[@AndyK.1]

I don’t think the 3.0 diesel is any more reliable than the 2.7.

[@themilesdriven]

Thanks for the comment. There seems to be a lower incidence of crankshaft failure, although the 2.7 may just be reaching failure point of age/mileage more often as its been around longer 👍

[@carlosjaviercanochumillas]

Muchas gracias por el video, tengo un disco 4 tdv6, cuando podremos escuchar el podcast de este video? Gracias, un saludo!!!

[@themilesdriven]

Gracias por tu comentario 😁. Haremos un especial de Land Rover en el podcast después del verano. Hicimos un especial de Range Rover en el episodio 30 del podcast (Thank you for your comment 😁. We will be doing a Land Rover special on the podcast after summer. We did a Range Rover special on episode 30 of the podcast)

[@tempestv8]

Agree, I don't think the 3.0 TDV6's crankshaft is any more robust than the 2.7 TDV6's crankshaft. Those big end bearing shells spinning out of position are to blame.

[@chrislee5430]

I have had to replace the electric handbrake on my 2010 Disco 4 three times, annoying and expensive ,but the vehicle is otherwise sensational as a go anywhere family car

[@themilesdriven]

Glad to hear you got it sorted and its been running well otherwise 👍

[@merseybeat1963]

That part is ridiculously expensive..ours started making a loud noise so we put it on unlock (Automatic Transmission) and put electric tape over it to not accidentally pull it. A really unnecessary burden when a manual one would do.The other weak part is the rear hatch Actuator which fails and can not be got into without a real hassle..and still the replacement parts have not been upgraded.The wire tends to break we have had it done 3 times.. The coolant Hoses on 4.4 V8 stay on top of them every 80-90k miles change them all or you will have dead cats and heartache because of the leak.I would change the Radiator at 140-150k miles too. The original front Tire Rods used to wear and fail wear and fail but upgraded ones with poly bushings we put in last time last and last.

[@tempestv8]

A very common failure item. Not good where the electronic mechanism is placed.

[@merseybeat1963]

@@tempestv8 And a ridiculously expensive part as well..when a manual brake would have been less cost and more dependable. It's like the stupid idea to remove the oil level dip stick in place of a less reliable sensor inside the engine which requires a fortune to replace and puts the engine in great danger in a car susceptible to coolant leaks. You would think that Land Rover Inc cares nothing for they're customers and is building into the car a limited life span.

[@tempestv8]

Agree! Its overly complicated. I think Toyota have the right mix of "old technology" for engines, because keeping it simple makes more sense for vehicles used in remote places. Keep the high tech stuff for the vehicles mostly used in the cities.

[@TheStephenspann27]

The mustang 5.0 engine is not the same as the jaguar 5.0 in the rover

[@themilesdriven]

A fair comment, we should have said 'striking similarities' which include a large number of interchangeable parts when cross referencing part I.D numbers using OE parts checkers. (Websites like Teccat are good to play around with for this). The engines have different ratios, and a variety of 'identifying parts' although Ford and JLR were licensing part designs from each other at the time. The extension of this relationship meant that Ford built the JLR 5.0 in-house at the Bridgend factory. We appreciate saying 'the same' is an over simplification in the video and you are correct they are not copies of one another, however we try to give digestible information in our videos to the average buyer rather than become too technical. But great spot and thanks for pulling us up on this detail 👍

[@Northernerdownsouth]

Was also updated in 2016 wasn’t it? Slightly tweaks to the engine.

[@themilesdriven]

End of 2015 it became Euro 6 compliant. Power/Torque figures remained the same and the official fuel economy changed by 1mpg but this was likely due to new testing. Specification/Trims became more limited for the final year as well 👍

[@Slayer66642]

Ive put 340.000 kms on my facelift LR3, still had the original turbo when i sold it. Some major pieces broke like the HP fuel pump, but I never ended on the side of the road. Yes, its British, not Japanese unfortunately... I miss that car, it was a proper work horse with luxurious interior. The air suspension was superb, nothing broke down on it. Just respect the minimum oil intervals. To me, Land Rover made a superb car with its own proper and stubborn looks. They should have further engineerd it, not put out newer ridiculous ugly inferior models. I honestly dont understand their (Indian?) management.

[@TR4zest]

Not Japanese unfortunately? Go buy a Japanese car and quit whining.

[@papagen00]

But the MPG sucks.

[@themilesdriven]

You could check out guide for the Volvo XC90 as that gets a bit better fuel economy 😁

[@nigel22347]

If you want an LR3 list....3 months a/c, 6 months suspension collapse, wheel bearings 12 months. Absolute crap!

[@georginikolov1141]

Ur example was bad can say this for any car

[@johnplatt8369]

Don't know why people buy these hunks of junk they are nothing but trouble you will be spending thousands on it to keep it on the road there is no doubt about that no matter what owners say. It's always the same no matter what make of car you own the owner will always say it's a brilliant car..... But you see more Land rovers /Range Rovers broken down than any other car. They look fantastic but that's as far as it goes, total waste of money be honest.

[@blackbeardadventures7374]

There is no other modern vehicle better than this one that still runs this well after as much mileage, off road usage, luxury ride quality and experience, utilitarian capability and street appeal as this vehicle ever would. Well worth sticking up for. Show me any other 20+year old modern car still doing what these do regarding towing,off road, and that still gives as much handsome looks...NONE!

[@user-vx7vi3vq1c]

@@blackbeardadventures7374A 20 year old Toyota Land Cruiser does this with far less maintenance.

[@blackbeardadventures7374]

@user-vx7vi3vq1c Well, yeah, though that's just a differently classed car on its own innit.. but fair enough. Point made.

[@stuarthotchkiss3669]

Overrated off road like all Landrovers - a Tesla is better in most circumstances. The Terrain Control stuff is a joke and for practical purposes simply does not work which might explain why newer ones have an 'auto' position. The electrics are a nightmare and LR are clueless at fault finding - the GAP tool is miles better and more comprehensive than LR diagnostics which are rarely in the hands of competent trained people. And yes, it will rust and rust a lot underneath. It has nice touches like the electrical connectors at the rear being open to the elements and BELOW the waterline when wading. It will go into limp mode at the drop of a hat for any number of reasons and once more, LR have no idea why. It is an overpriced, over -complicated liability and yes, the TDV6 engine is used by Ford, Volvo, Citroen, Jaguar and Peugeot but the Landrover is the only one which manages to break the crankshaft after less than 100K and often break the timing belt. Avoid this car like the plague

[@themilesdriven]

Sorry to hear you had so many problems with yours, hopefully our buyer's guides hope you find something else 😁

[@MrEediot]

If I hated a car that much I’d avoid videos about it. I sold my D4 a few years back and have regretted ever since. In the market for another one. Maybe an XXV if I’m lucky.

[@themilesdriven]

Best of luck with the car search Luke 👍

[@brianmoore4778]

But what do you really feel. I have owned countless Japanese 4x4 vehicles over the years 1985 Toyota sr5 4x4 220k, 1991 Toyota xtracab V6 225k, 1996 Mitsubishi Montero SR 3.5 V6, 1991 Toyota land cruiser I6 250k, 1994 land cruiser 280k, 2000 land cruiser 320k, 2006 touareg 4.2 V8 145k, 2005 land rover lr3 hse 220k 4.4 V8. Air suspension has been great locking rear differential loves Glamis sand dunes 275 65 18 tires w lift. Blew transfer case on extreme angle hill climb. Found used one 75.00 250.00 for installation. Otherwise so far so good.

[@MrEediot]

@@brianmoore4778 Another key point is that cars are expensive and you need to love the car your are driving. I miss my D4. Currently driving a "sensible" Passat Alltrack. Great car but boring as heck!

[@ichhasseamerika]

Um, the 900 lb gorilla: the crankshaft could go at any minute, and there's not much one can do about it?? Deal breaker. . . . and I REALLY wanted a Disco.

[@markmcgrath9098]

More likely in the Disco 4 SDV6 than TDV6 in the Disco 3/4. Watch some of the videos from LR Time. It really comes down to making sure the service history is good and oil changes frequent.

[@ichhasseamerika]

@@markmcgrath9098 - good to know, thank you. so an early disco 4 cud be safe if well taken care of, i guess.

[@selebalotsiu7139]

Unfortunately the TDV6 have that problem... It takes extra effort to be safe