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defender9



Member Since: 12 Mar 2016
Location: Fylde Coast
Posts: 1629

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 SW Keswick Green
Discovery 3 vs Land Cruiser
I imagine that there are some on this site who have owned Discovery’s and maybe a few who have owned Land Cruisers. Besides LWB Land Rovers I have also owned a D3 in the past which Was a very practical vehicle.
Anyway I’m in the market for a larger vehicle again and I have been looking online at D3’s and also Land Cruisers (not Amazons, a bit too big).
So my question to those who may have had both is what has been your experience? I have heard that Land Cruisers, indeed Japanese vehicles in particular are very prone to rusting which to me is a concern but would like to hear from those who have had actual ownership experience. I would be looking at probably pre 2008 vehicles without a DPF.

Thanks in advance.
Post #874680 26th Dec 2020 10:55am
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Muddybigdog



Member Since: 11 Apr 2014
Location: Suffolk
Posts: 1029

United Kingdom 2007 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Zambezi Silver
have had 2 Disco 3's and a LC j120 series and now J150 series.

Boot is bigger in the Disco 3, folding seats, but the J150 series now has folding in the floor seats, the ride is generally smoother (air suspension) but the LC5 with air suspension will give the Disco 3 a run for the money.

For me its the peace of mind that I will get to my destination in the Land Cruiser is crucial. I was spending an average of £400 per month on the Disco 3 repairs. Every month something was going wrong in the end I switched and never looked back. Jumped ship to reliability - Mitsubishi L200
Puma 90 XS - Sold
D3 - 2.7 S x2 (both Sold)
Freelander 2 HSE - Sold
Freelander 1 - Sold
Disco 2 - Sold
Post #874776 27th Dec 2020 11:34am
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Oldyellar



Member Since: 04 Sep 2015
Location: Central
Posts: 406

Scotland 2015 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Corris Grey
Land cruiser 120 is a good way into land cruiser ownership. Very reliable and if you get a good one you will love it.
Post #874795 27th Dec 2020 1:43pm
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Bluest



Member Since: 23 Apr 2016
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 4236

United Kingdom 2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Java Black
Just on the rust point, I don’t think Disco 3s are particularly resistant to the tin worm. I’m sure Zagato has commented on it in his thread, and I’ve seen a few pics on line of rusty ones. 2007 110 TDCi Station Wagon XS
Post #874796 27th Dec 2020 1:47pm
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defender9



Member Since: 12 Mar 2016
Location: Fylde Coast
Posts: 1629

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 SW Keswick Green
My 10 year old D3 when I sold it just had a light covering of surface rust on the underside generally where sections had been factory welded, it wasn’t bad at all IMO however I have heard that many Japanese makes can rust quite badly at that age. As I’m probably looking for a vehicle 12 years old or older that would be a concern so it’s the corrosion issues if any with Toyotas which are my main concern rather than reliability which does not seem to be such an issue.
Post #874902 28th Dec 2020 10:35am
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jonny



Member Since: 10 Mar 2013
Location: North Wilts
Posts: 172

I had a 2006 120 LC5 D4D Auto for a while...

In general it was OK - the 4 cyl diesel is fairly slow and a bit agricultural, not a patch on the Disco engine. There was a big recall for the diesel injector seals, which also turned up that the injectors themselves were shot (noisy) at about 100K miles - I think the replacement was about £2500 but I managed to get it done under warranty as it was approved used. That was the only thing that went wrong with it in my ownership..

Underneath the chassis wasn't painted / undersealed that well and starting to rust, and some of the underside floor panels were showing signs of rust at 5-6 years old. Not sure if mine was a bad one or they are all like that, but have a look underneath as it might be very ripe!

The LC5 had the integrated stereo / heater controls / nav - I'd probably say look for an LC4 which had proper control knobs rather than electrickery and a standard sized radio you could replace if needed and should be less likely to go wrong! LC4s also have spring rear suspension which removes a whole load of complexity at the suspension end too..
Post #874904 28th Dec 2020 11:05am
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defender9



Member Since: 12 Mar 2016
Location: Fylde Coast
Posts: 1629

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 SW Keswick Green
Thanks guys for the insights so far. A bit more research is called for before a final decision.
Post #874931 28th Dec 2020 3:48pm
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