Might have to get out of my FFR for a while and have been looking at the Disco 3 TD6 around the 2006- 2008 year range, as a replacement. What I'm looking for is some one who can tell me how the rides compare between the two vehicles. The only ones I could test drive near me are the latest models and thats won't really give me a comparison. Also the usual dealer 10 minute road test is not enough.

Hi.

I had a D3 (54 plate) and I think the ride is very similar (a bit jittery in both), although this may be because I have had two cars with faulty suspension. When I looked into the cause, all I could find was: Air suspension does not react as quick as spring, so certain conditions can feel worse than 'normal' sprung suspension. Off road though both cars ride exceptionally well.
Extra 2 seats in back are useful.
Uber impressed with D3 off road

I've not owned a FF actually, but the Disco ride is excellent, though naturally, it is affected by the state of suspension components also, which they get through fast, being so heavy. They are great vehicles all round, but much like a FFRR, they are still expensive to run. If you aren't already aware, be sure to look up the oil pump/cam belt tensioner issue, amongst many other things.  Visiting from DISCO3.CO.UK
Discovery 3 TDV6 Auto HSE Zambezi Silver

Its all just one big trade off when you want the green oval ! TD6 FFR and the gearbox will go pop, TDV8 FFR and the Turbos will bankrupt you.... Wouldn't expect any thing different from the Disco !! Will be doing a lot of motorway cruising hence I wanted to make sure that it wasn't a million miles away fro the ride of the FFR which I have really enjoyed for the last 3 years.

Oh yes, the D3 is perfect for long distance cruising.  Visiting from DISCO3.CO.UK
Discovery 3 TDV6 Auto HSE Zambezi Silver

I have had one, and also have a s/c FFR and 2015 D4 on my drive.
The D3 vs the FFR, the D3 is much more agricultural and a step down from a FFR in terms of space and comfort, also the v6 is not a patch on the s/c.
The D4 is much more like the FFR, bar the engine not being as refined or punchy, but the 8 speed gearbox is fantastic. I would still say the FFR rides better and has a feeling of more space...

Currently have a 55 plate D3 (about to sell I suspect as she isn't used enough now and SWMBO has new car) and have had L322/L405 FFRR.

I enjoy driving the D3, it feels old school LR with a more upright windscreen and square shape. Long distance comfort is not an issue. Off Road it's amazing. Tyres can make a difference - I have a road biased set and some ATs. Quite different. The TDV6 is smooth and although the later 3.0 has better performance it is rare that our 2.7 has felt inadequate.

The suspension is a little less comfortable in terms of it is a bit noisier and perhaps a tiny bit harsher. But then my last L322 had the electronic dampers, not certain if the difference is as marked compared to an earlier L322.

In space terms an L322 might feel more spacious but if you switch from the D3 to L322 as a colleague has done recently his complaint is that there is significantly less storage for a family to travel, the stadium seating in the D3 is better for rear seat passengers and the boot is in a different league.

They are vehicles with different target markets. I'd take the D3 for transporting family and dogs, using as a van and for work but that could double up for a trip to the theatre. BUT I'd have the L322 for the sense of calm, well being and status.

Hope that helps.

Nick 2019 D5 HSE Lux SDV6 Indus
55 D3 SE
98 MX5 1.8 RS
gone 17 older variants of FFRR

I had a D4 and a L322 5.0
Still have the D4 and can't see me selling it as it's so practical yet offers 80% of the luxury you get from the FF. Regards
Mark

2009 D4; 1993 Classic 3.9 VSE

Maybe but this is a D3 we are talking about here which i would say is 30% of the luxury vs the FFR.. But as stated is a good dog carrier or 7 seater if you need that..
When i have the option of our D4 (which is HSE Lux spec) or the S/C FFR, i always take the FFR...

Unless its first thing in the morning and the timed FBH has kicked in and its all warm and defrosted in the D4

Define luxury.

OP asked about ride comfort on an FFRR forum. As we are all fans (other than those who are on the forum to get the FFRR fixed) then I would be surprised if we did not turn out to be pro-FFRR. In truth there is not that much difference.

Ask the same on the D3 forums do see how they reply. There are loads of D3 which are reporting 200k miles plus so people are doing loads of miles and not complaining about ride.

The D3 might have cheaper leather, harder plastics, less woolly carpets and not compare to the FFRR s/c but it never was designed that way. 30%, 80% it is subjective. My D3 has most of the same features as my L405 (seat heaters, heated windscreen, electric seats, remote locking, auto box, air suspension.....) but it is more utilitarian and maybe more durable for it.

Nick 2019 D5 HSE Lux SDV6 Indus
55 D3 SE
98 MX5 1.8 RS
gone 17 older variants of FFRR

All depends on how you class luxury. My D3 HSE has the sunroof, electric leather seats (inc. driver's seat memory) - heated front and rear, adaptive bi-xenon lights, rear HVAC, HK Logic 7 system, bluetooth, navigation, voice control (not that I use it) and cubby fridge. If I wanted them, I could retro fit a heated steering wheel and TV, DVD and RSE systems. That's plenty of luxury for me, and I'd say a lot more than 30% of the luxury of a comparable FFRR. The less "trim-heavy" interior is more practical anyway; there's more space for "stuff" and "things" in the D3 than the D4.  Visiting from DISCO3.CO.UK
Discovery 3 TDV6 Auto HSE Zambezi Silver

Define luxury.

You just did

D3 might have cheaper leather, harder plastics, less woolly carpets and not compare to the FFRR s/c but it never was designed that way.

The ride is not as good, its not as wide, or as smooth, the D4 is better (due to the gearbox), i loved my D3 as it was hard for my young kids to destroy, i love my D4 as its still hard to destory (less than the D3).
The FFR is my choice to take if its the ride, luxury and comfort you want, a lot is down to the engine as well, the D3 engine is rough (like a tractor and needs a remap to be useful), the D4 is much much better, mainly due to the 8 speed box, but it still does not compare to the S/C.
Now put a S/C in the D4 and it would be very close, but LR will never do that as it would affect FFR sale

To DaveK

I have a D3 of the age you asked about. I am happy to drive it all day on and off road. I.e. 12 hours.

Nick 2019 D5 HSE Lux SDV6 Indus
55 D3 SE
98 MX5 1.8 RS
gone 17 older variants of FFRR

I have Discovery as a daily driver.

forever wrote:

The FFR is my choice to take if its the ride, luxury and comfort you want, a lot is down to the engine as well, the D3 engine is rough (like a tractor and needs a remap to be useful), the D4 is much much better, mainly due to the 8 speed box, but it still does not compare to the S/C.

You can't possibly compare the TDV6/SDV6 with the SC though; they'll always be totally differen't beasts by nature. To say the TDV6 is "rough" and "like a tractor" is, well...nuts. Admittedly, mine is remapped, decatted, and has an uprated intercooler which all makes a big difference, but the standard engine is OK with bags of torque. Yours couldn't have been suffering from bad injectors (or a more major issue) could it?

 Visiting from DISCO3.CO.UK
Discovery 3 TDV6 Auto HSE Zambezi Silver