First of all hello, and what a great forum this is!

I've joined up recently as i wanted to learn more about the RRS before taking the plunge.

I thought my heart was set on an early 3.6 TDV8 but reading some of the stories on here, they sound very unreliable and could be left with a car with an engine that will cost some 8k to fix.

With reliability in mind, would the 2.7 TDV6 be the better choice?

Reading some other posts the 4.2SC is more reliable but 12mpg....I cant do that!

Many thanks in advance

In essence, yes, the TDV6 is more reliable but then...

Both can suffer turbo issues, but the does TDV8 have more. Be sure to read up on TDV6 oil pump issue - best to have a search on DISCO3.CO.UK.

At the end of the day, I wouldn't rule out the TDV8 if it's what you want. Look around and see what you can get of either variety; either way, the most important thing is that it's a good one, as there are many other things that can go wrong regardless of engine.

 Visiting from DISCO3.CO.UK
2006 Discovery 3 TDV6 Auto HSE Zambezi Silver

Oh, and welcome, of course.  Visiting from DISCO3.CO.UK
2006 Discovery 3 TDV6 Auto HSE Zambezi Silver

Both have their expensive problems! Six of one, half a dozen of the other. I've owned both from new and never had any issues or breakdowns with them but never kept them more than 3 years either.............. 2020 Pangea Green 1st Edition D240 New Defender 110 is here and loving it
2018 Melting Silver Mini Countryman PHEV - soon to be replaced
2015MY Corris Grey SDv6 HSE Dynamic, the best car I have ever owned, totally reliable only a cou0le of rattles in 3 years, now no longer in my care
Also in my garage is a 1996 TDi300 Defender 90 County HT made into a fake CSW

Love my TDV8 if you go for one just remember service,service, service I change oil and filter every 5k and always let it tick over before turning the engine off. It's what you should do with all turbo engines but I feel it's more critical with the TDV8. 2008 G4 RRSport TDV8 current
2009 TDCi 90 current
2018 Discovery 5 HSE lux current
1994 Dakar current