Before you buy a Land Rover Discovery 3 in Uganda

by Edwin

The Land Rover Discovery is a mid-size luxury SUV, from the British car maker Land Rover. There have been two generations of the vehicle, the first of which was introduced in 1989 and given a Series II update in 1998. The second generation, titled Discovery 3, launched in 2004 and was marketed in North America as the Land Rover LR3. These second generation models were updated in 2009 as the Discovery 4—Land Rover LR4 for North American markets. The Discovery 5 is currently in pre-production testing waiting to be unveiled to the market.

Before you buy a Land Rover Discovery 3 in Uganda

The Land Rover Discovery is the famous 4X4 brand with real cross-country function. 4.0-Lier V8 DOHC (Double Overhead Cam) gasoline engine (ABA-LA40) generates 215ps/36.7kgm. The transmission is full-time 4WD (Center Differential Locking) with so called manual-shifting function "Intelligent Shift" 6AT. The suspensions are double-wishbone for all wheels with ETC (Electronic Traction Control) also equipped with self-leveling air-suspension system, which makes it possible to enhance drivability and comfortability on off-roads. For all models dual-airbags, ABS (Anti-lock Brake System), EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution), anti-theft immobilizer are available.

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Buying a foreign used Land Rover Discovery 3 from a local Ugandan car bond

There are a number of ways you can buy a Land Rover Discovery 3 in Uganda today and one of the simple ways is through a car bond. Here, everything has been done by your car bond dealer. All you have to do is simply pay for the car from the car bond and drive home. However, you can also find that some Land Rover Discovery have only been cleared the CIF fees only.

This would mean that if you want a Land Rover Discovery 3 then you will have to clear the rest of the taxes. Alternatively, you can buy a Land Rover Discovery from a local car bond in Uganda with all the due tax charges and fees paid. All you have to do is to pay the whole price of the car and then the car is transferred to you as the new owner.

You can find the Cost, Insurance and Freight of a Land Rover Discovery 3 (from abroad to Kampala in Uganda) to be around USD 6,000 or even above as stated by the car bond dealers. The total sum of the CIF can change due to year of manufacture, condition of the car, mileage and the dealer you choose to buy your Land Rover Discovery from.

Click here to buy or hire a Land Rover Discovery 3 and Car Spare parts in Uganda

Importing a foreign Used Land Rover Discovery 3 from Japan or other parts of the world

In case if you prefer to import you own Land Rover Discovery 3, things would change a bit. However it is important to note that most of the Land Rover Discoveries are more common in European countries like Britain than in Japan. It is also important to note that cars bought from Europe are more expensive as compared to those bought from Asia specifically Japan. So a buyer of a Land Rover, its very important to ascertain where you want to buy your car from either from Europe or Asian.

After considering those points above, it will require you to find a trusted dealer or seller in that regard, determine your specific car features and requirements, expected budget you plan to spend on buying the car and well calculated taxes to be paid to the tax authorities in order to clear Land Rover Discovery 3.

The taxes charged by the Uganda Revenue Authority include Import Duty, Value added (VAT), Withholding Tax, Environmental Levy, Infrastructure Levy, and Registration Fees basing on the CIF of the Land Rover Discovery 3 from Japan. For example a Land Rover Discovery 2008 can be got at a price of $4,000 and will have a fee of Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) totaling to USD 6,000 to Kampala, Uganda with no Local taxes paid yet.

On arrival to Kampala, Uganda, you will have to clear the taxes at The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), apply and pay for a number plate and then the third party license. You will also notice the some of these charges or fees differ from other vehicles.

Some of the taxes charged by the Uganda Revenue Authority for motor vehicles include Import Duty, Value added (VAT), Withholding Tax, Environmental Levy, Infrastructure Levy, and Registration Fees.

Click here to buy or hire a Land Rover Discovery 3 and Car Spare parts in Uganda

General Land Rover Discovery 3 reviews for Uganda

If you need to go further into the rough stuff, a twirl of the Terrain Response dial will adjust the electronics to suit the surface. The added bonus for us Tarmac-users is that the Discovery was built for tougher stuff than the school run. The rear washer jet for instance actually sprays the entire rear window, and the wipers are big enough to clean the whole thing so you can clean it properly.

The space in the disco is enough to carry seven blokes who are each over six foot. The raised floor means there’s no transmission tunnel intrusion for the middle-row passengers, and the Discovery is wide enough for three to sit comfortably abreast.

In the very back anyone under six foot will be absolutely fine. Insist on putting a 6ft 6in bloke back there and the worst he’ll suffer will be knees pressed against seats. No other car offers as much room for seven people. And the seats are such a doddle to fold that we never even looked at the instruction manual.

Land Rover Discovery 3 complaints basing on model year comparison in Uganda
Some of the complaints include high running costs and high depreciation of the disco 3. Secondly spares are not readily available in Uganda. Sometimes you may have to send for spare parts from abroad something that takes a lot of time.

Click here to buy or hire a Land Rover Discovery 3 and Car Spare parts in Uganda

Land Rover Discovery 3 alternatives in Uganda

Genuinely capable seven-seat off-roaders are few and far between, but the Mitsubishi Shogun is worth a look as it has lots of equipment as standard and is great value. It doesn’t feel as special as the Disco, and trails on handling and pace, but it’s very reliable.

For a better-quality cabin than the Shogun’s, consider the Volvo XC90. It’s one of the safest 4x4s available, although the third row of seats is for kids only.

You could also look at the Audi Q7, BMW X5 MkII and Mercedes GL. All are costly to buy and run, but not necessarily any more so than a Discovery.

We also have the Land Cruiser Prado J120 series. This SUV has staged a competitive edge against the Disco mainly due to low running costs and generally cheap to buy.

Click here to buy or hire a Land Rover Discovery 3and Car Spare parts in Uganda

Our Conclusion

If you want something that feels truly premium, can carry seven full-size individuals anywhere, and makes you feel like you’re literally on top of the world when you’re behind the wheel, then the Discovery is the car to have.

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