Tried and true
Our 2004 Land Rover Discovery Series II has been a fairly solid companion for over a year. We used it as a recovery vehicle, support vehicle, chase vehicle, a camera platform, a tow vehicle and a camper. Sure, the Land Rover Discovery Series II has a terrible reputation for reliability. It’s known for its expensive and difficult to replace components as well as astronomical servicing prices. Still, we’ve grown fond of this off-road machine as it is capable, comfortable (surprisingly) reliable – despite some abuse.
Roman decided that it was time to replace our Discovery Series II.
It’s not a question of liking a vehicle or not, at team TFL, we have to constantly rotate our tiny fleet in order to keep things fresh. Besides, Roman was beginning to feel that the LR2 was about to have a major (read: expensive) issue sooner or later. It is time to move on.
Our new acquisition
We purchased a 2006 Land Rover Discovery 3 – known in North America as the Land Rover LR3. Yep, we go from the frying pan – right in to the fire. This is a complete different vehicle, far more car-like than the Series II. Our LR3 has a unibody design (with a subframe) with four-wheel independent suspension. There’s a Jaguar-sourced 300+ horsepower V8 and six-speed automatic transmission to boot.
Interestingly, this particular LR3 came as a five-seater. It was later retrofitted to use seven seats by its former owner. It also has a 2.5-inch lift along with beefy-looking Nitto A/T Terra Grabbers. On top of all of that, it has a beefed up bumper, rear ladder and snorkel.
Can Nathan smash it? Can Andre drown it?
Sadly – no. While we will update and upgrade our newest off-road rescue vehicle, it’s doubtful that Nathan and Andre will be abusing it. That’s why they have off-road toys of their own to damage. This LR3 is partially meant to be a support and film vehicle when we head off-road to test. As such, it needs to last a while.
The new name for the LR3 is ‘Project Heartland’. We will explain this in a future episode.
In this video, watch as Roman surprises Tommy with what will replace his beloved Land Rover Discovery Series II!
