x3 or land rover discovery?

[tmoody]

looked into both models. both have free maintenance, LR has the V8 and seemingly tons of room. BMW X3 is, well, like my 3 series with a backpack. mileage isn't too much different (surprisingly) but yes the LR does get a lower number estimated on the highway (17mpg).

fit/finish seems to be about the same.......

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

Go with the ROVER...

 

[Tom]

All though the LR3 looks really attractive, based on Land Rover's history of poor quality, I wouldn't trust their first year vehicles.

Other models you want to consider while in the market:
1) Vovle Xc90
2) Infiniti FX35 or FX45
3) Lexus GX470

 

[Big Daddy]

My nephew had a Land Rover Discovery II, sold it, he said it leaked oil all the time and required constant maintenance.

 

[MrElussive]

I think your decision depends on the type of SUV that you would like. I think you said it best in that the X3 is like your "3 series with a backpack". So if you want the sporty feel of your BMW in SUV form, go with the X3. If you want something more utilitarian (bigger trunk, available 7 passenger seating, ready for all kinds of terrain and weather), and a more comfortable drive, go with the LR3.

 

[JeffKiel]

Disco vs X3

I agree with the above poster who said it depends on what you are looking for. I am moving from a '03 Disco S to an '05 X3 due to a bad rollover accident. Now, I don't say that to scare you, but it does demonstrate one key difference: on road driving experience. The Disco drives like a truck, period. It has a VERY stiff frame (ideal for offroading) which means it will behave stiff on the road. The accident was caused by a bad driver's side rear tire (lost pressure suddenly during a lane change at highway speeds), but if the frame wasn't as stiff as it was, it wouldn't have gone on 2 wheels and eventually roll 4-5 times. That said, the X3 is not a true offroad vehicle (sorry to burst anyone's bubble here). I would NEVER take it to the same locations that I would have felt fine taking my Disco.

So, if you forsee lots of offroading (real stuff, not unpaved/fire roads), and don't mind a stiff, truck like feel, go with the Disco. I can vouch for the quality of the machine (yes, it has oil leaks...) and the safety even in a rollover accident. But, if you are going to remain on road, you CANNOT beat the feel of the X3. The ride comfort, the tightness of the steering/suspension, the gas mileage (I got < 14 in 70/30 hwy/city driving in the disco, I hear 19-20 is normal for X3 drivers), huge sunroof, etc. are the reasons for me going with the X3.

BTW, I am waiting for my X3 delivery any day now...

 

[///M SPEED]

Welcome to the board JeffKiel. Sorry to hear about the rollover and happy you are OK and able to purchase your new X3. You will love your new bimmer. When you get try and post some pictures. We don't enough pictures of X3's in our gallery.

 

[JeffKiel]

Thanks for the warm welcome. I just heard from the dealer that my car has arrived and I am going to pick it up this afternoon. X3 3.0 Mystic Blue/Gray, 6 speed manual, PP, heated seats, heated steering wheel, zenons, privacy glass.

 

[Big Daddy]

Cool, post a photo of her when you get a chance!

 

[Kirby]

Two relatives have had LRs and had nothing but problems....

 

[MrElussive]

I agree with the above poster who said it depends on what you are looking for. I am moving from a '03 Disco S to an '05 X3 due to a bad rollover accident. Now, I don't say that to scare you, but it does demonstrate one key difference: on road driving experience. The Disco drives like a truck, period. It has a VERY stiff frame (ideal for offroading) which means it will behave stiff on the road. The accident was caused by a bad driver's side rear tire (lost pressure suddenly during a lane change at highway speeds), but if the frame wasn't as stiff as it was, it wouldn't have gone on 2 wheels and eventually roll 4-5 times. That said, the X3 is not a true offroad vehicle (sorry to burst anyone's bubble here). I would NEVER take it to the same locations that I would have felt fine taking my Disco.

So, if you forsee lots of offroading (real stuff, not unpaved/fire roads), and don't mind a stiff, truck like feel, go with the Disco. I can vouch for the quality of the machine (yes, it has oil leaks...) and the safety even in a rollover accident. But, if you are going to remain on road, you CANNOT beat the feel of the X3. The ride comfort, the tightness of the steering/suspension, the gas mileage (I got < 14 in 70/30 hwy/city driving in the disco, I hear 19-20 is normal for X3 drivers), huge sunroof, etc. are the reasons for me going with the X3.

BTW, I am waiting for my X3 delivery any day now...

I agree with you completely and I don't think everybody who has reviewed the X3 has made it quite clear that its off-road intentions are...well, limited. It's unfortunate that you had a bad experience with your Land Rover, although I'm very confident that the new LR3 should be much better in terms of on-road handling just because it is a newer, beter vehicle. Although, between the two vehicles, it still comes down to utility (LR3) vs sport (X3).

Definitely post some pictures when you get a chance!!

 

[Militant-Grunt]

All though the LR3 looks really attractive, based on Land Rover's history of poor quality, I wouldn't trust their first year vehicles.

Other models you want to consider while in the market:
1) Vovle Xc90
2) Infiniti FX35 or FX45
3) Lexus GX470

Land Rover may have a poor history, I mean I know it myself. I own a 95 disco I. It likes to leak oil, poor mileage and constant little quirks. BUT. The LR3 is jaguars engine and not land rovers own, also the LR3 is done on a completely new body now, chassis, etc. The only thing from the old discovery is that badge... Its a very comfy car, I would definitly go for it. Top Gear has nominated the X3 as one of the Worst suvs on the market I would stay away from it. If you want a good suv get an X5 3.0 liter, or the volvo XC 90 like Tom mentioned. The mercedes ML has also come a long way. Im myself getting a ML 55 AMG in may. Read cusumer reports and review articals on which cars you may want to consider.

 

[subman]

I just did an extensive test drive on the LR3 (as well as the X3) - very nice interior and looks great on the outside but the swaying on the turns was absolutely frightening. The vehicle is very heavy and akward. I felt like the vehicle could roll over without notice. If you need to go off-road real most of the time in luxury and don't plan to make any sporty turns with the much heavier and larger LR3. For all around handling go with the BMW X3 - it's a blast to drive.