I think it must be to do with changing / modifying the original vehicle design which had to undergo 'type testing'. Another consideration is that springs do give a harder ride.

I have been in the motor trade for the best part of 25 years now. In all the time I have worked in bodyshops I have never seen an insurance accessor checking for coil springs or air springs. In my honest opinion the majority of these guys wouldn't even know what model they are looking at. All they are interested in is if the bodyshop is trying to pull a fast one. If a repairer has estimated the vehicle is beyond economic repair the accessor goes out to check the damage and verify that all is above board. I put my Disco on coils a few months back. Best move I ever made, yes it's a harder ride but at least I don't have to worry about my main stealer taking another £800 off me for acompressor an two air springs. ( which lasted 14 months and the compressor **** it's self again) get the coils in and forget about it.

One of the problems with the compressor is that its under the floor and vulnerable to water ingress. The normal cause of failure is water being sucked in through the compressor air inlet and then siezing. This I think is what has happened to mine which I remove the weekend and attached power to it on the bench. All was silent so I have bought a replacement from Terrain Vehicles on Fleabay, £280 posted, genuine article. The airbags are obviously OK as it has only sunk a little. The other failure scenario is of course a leaky airbag and the compressor is running all the time and this mullers it. By the way it took about 20 minutes to remove the compressor.

If your going to "Bin" your old compressor, I'll happily pay for the postage for you to send it to me instead.

Let me know