Faults:

Most of the issues were self provoked from bush bashing every weekend.

Replaced the A/C pulley, water pump pulley, and adjustable tensioner (about $150 for all pulleys).

Front brake hose split, leaving me without any compression for the brakes (new hose cost about $30).

Needed new clutch (parts and labour, $1100).

Roof lining is sagging.

General Comments:

Unlike the later TD5, the 300tdi is easier to service and fix as it has less electrical faults.

Great economy!! $100 for a full tank would get me about 850km, until I put bigger tyres on and only get about 650km and lost torque due to the upgrade. However power can be gained again, by bypassing the EGR valve and replacing the catalytic converter with a straight pipe.

It is a very sluggish car, but makes up for it with reliability, fuel efficiency, and its 4.5T towing capacity.

Its capabilities offroad are under rated, and it gets over any obstacle the bush throws at it (not the comp truck tracks). My dad, having owned the auto 300tdi, tends to be more capable on dunes and out bush, due to not losing momentum during gear changes.

This car has served me greatly, travelling, commuting, bush bashing and dune driving, and as my every day car. Built with a strong reliable motor, I recommend this vehicle to anyone in the market for an economical and spacious 4x4. Just like any car, a well maintained car with more km is better than a car with less km and thrashed about.

Faults:

Both drivers and passenger seats seams have separated and began to sag. The rear seats and jump seat's leather is still in good condition.

Both front seats have 8 way power seats; in each of them, one direction blew, and randomly directions won't work until you restart the truck.

The rear sunroof first began rattling, then eventually flew off on the highway. Replaced with plexiglass.

The clips on the sunroof shades snapped, so they are screwed in closed.

Front sunroof sometimes gets stuck in vent mode.

Cruise control didn't work when I purchased it.

Wipers squeak and rear wiper fluid nozzle fell out.

Front headlight washers never worked.

Blows headlight bulbs every few months.

Front fog lights turn off and on, depending on the weather; no input from button.

Rust hole in rear driver's door frame, rust at bottom of passenger door (aluminum body).

Radio antenna flew off on highway, stereo control button to raise volume barely works, and the display itself flickers.

Power outlet has to be wiggled to work.

Sometimes the door locks don't close correctly.

Alarm key fob doesn't work any more.

ABS light was flashing, and now stays on.

SRS light on after the battery died, and only a dealer can turn it off.

Muffler and piping rusted and fell off.

First, the passenger window motor blew, then the solder on the window lift ECU separated, so both rear windows aren't working.

One of the plugs came loose, and it was running on 7 cylinders for a while; fixed now.

Coolant leaks from the overflow tank when the outside temp reaches over 90 degrees.

Oil leaks from valve cover.

Gas leaks from cracked line next to tank.

Transmission fluid leaking from bolt.

A/C was working until both buttons for A/C and recirculate decided to stop working.

Fan blower only works on speeds "2" and "3".

Transmission shifts hard.

Headliner falling down.

General Comments:

I like my Discovery. It is big and comfortable, and can drive anywhere, until something goes wrong.

I off-road my truck regularly, and that has contributed to its downfall.

The interior is roomy, and everything is power, so everything has the option to not work when abused.

The truck always starts and runs great, when all the fluid levels are maintained properly.