Thread: potential D2a Purchase

Radio - just noted that the non working radio is a radio cassette, not the CD player one would expect in an 03 HSE

Originally Posted by Michael2

Hi Guys,

I'm looking at buying an 03 D2a with 170K km from interstate, and although the seller tells me it's roadworthy, an inspection revealed the following issues listed below.

Any advice about their severity or rectification or potential cost would be appreciated. I only got the engineers report tonight, and will try to cost the issues out tomorrow, but your wisdom would be appreciated.

Thanks, Michael

radio code required to make the radio work

clock not working

hill decent warning light on

windscreen has scratches

spare tyre is unroadworthy and the rear tyres are mismatched. It's got 18" rims, but I would really like to swap them for 16" rims.

rear fog lamp switch is missing

battery cover not secure?

headlamp (the smaller lens) has dirt in it. Is it faulty or is it just just inadvertent ingress?

I'll answer to the best of my ability:

Radio code - fixable by seaching the forum

Clock not working - may be fixable - could be disconnected wiring

HDC light on - would need a nanocom or other diagnostic tool to confirm reason. Depends on cause as to what the fix is.

Windscreen - price on a replacement should be easily obtained. Are scratches from wiper blades?

Tyres - obviously spare needs replacing and owner hasn't. Mismatched rears? Could be owner is tardy (including spare issue) or just doesn't know. Hard to say.

Fog lamp switch - replaceable.

Battery cover - mine didn't come with one and it had lived all it's life on Sydney's North Shore! Less than $50 new if it is the cover - other wise the box underneath the cover needs replacing or another closign solution found.

Headlamp - no experience of D2a so can't comment sorry.

Originally Posted by Michael2

Radio - just noted that the non working radio is a radio cassette, not the CD player one would expect in an 03 HSE

Not knowing the standard kit of the HSE I would have thought the CD stacker would be hiding under the driver's seat.

Hope this helps - even if only a little.

What you listed is mainly cosmetic.
Get the fault checked and cleared, new windscreen and rest is a walk in the park.
There be a cd stacker under passenger seat.

HSE is hard to come by in TD5.
Get them to check oil in harness and on road performance.
Where is the car, not in SA by any chance, I be happy to go for a look.

I know of one in a yard here but it looked pretty rough and black in colour. Could be the one.
If the price is right, spend a couple of grand and get it sorted and you are set.
Oh and check service history.

The vehicle is dark green with an ivory leather interior with a genuine wrap around brush bar with spotties, so as far as looks go, it's the best combo. there are no other accessories, though it looks like three pairs of cordless headphones live in the back.

The body has a couple of minor shopping carpark dings.

There's a bit of oil weep around the turbo and the t/case.

It was a farm vehicle (winery). Land Rover tell me all the recalls have been done, but they didn't do the services. the owners haven't supplied any service history (being sold through an auction house).

It's under $20K, but by the time it's inspected, freighted and taxed for crossing the border, it's going to be around $21K.

oh, and if I buy it, then I'll be buying a Hawkeye diagnostic prognosticator tool too.

The headlamps leak moisture so wouldnt be surprised about dirt,,

check if the CD player gives you all the right functions, I doubt the steering controls will work(unless its a LR pov pak eurvox?? ) balance , fade , sub,

not keen on mismatched tyres, your choice,

with that list it might pay you to go elsewhere,,

roadworthy will require replacement of the screen, leaks fixed, no dash lights,
check all lights "check" on startup!

Hi Michael,

A good D2 can be a pleasure to own although even on a good one you are likely to encounter some problems in regard to electrical issues. On the other hand a not so good D2 can be an absolute nightmare and a very costly and painful proposition. By reading through past AULRO threads relating to the purchase of a D2 you will note that a very common piece of advice is that a proven comprehensive service history is a must. These things need to be looked after.

A couple of the items you've listed are tell tale signs that the car you're looking at has had a questionable service history or an owner who is not very interested or careful about having the car in good shape. Mismatched tyres indicate that they haven't been rotated as required which is a basic maintenance item. Even if one tyre was damaged and required replacement, a careful owner who cared would replace it with the same tyre or buy two new ones and use the old good one as a spare, especially as the spare is unroadworthy. Missing or broken switches are another sign of neglect.

FYI a new windscreen at Windscreens O'brien is about $800 fitted. You might find one cheaper elsewhere but be careful because they have a reputation for leaking. Also, incorrect fitment can result in water entering the heater duct on the passenger side.

I believe that if you want a good reliable D2, don't get caught up in "needing" an HSE. When buying these things there are more important things to look for other than leather, plastic wood, and DVD players. If you're prepared to settle for an "S" you'll still get enough luxury and will have a much wider range of vehicles to choose from and you'll increase your chances of getting a good one. If ACE is a must have you will find some of the lower spec D2's had it fitted as an option.

Good luck
Martin

Originally Posted by Michael2

the owners haven't supplied any service history (being sold through an auction house).

It's under $20K, but by the time it's inspected, freighted and taxed for crossing the border, it's going to be around $21K.

Hi Michael

Thats a lot of money to spend on a car with no service history. If it's low K's and has had a very thorough inspection done by a trustworthy LR guru you might be OK, but I'd be bargaining down a bit to leave room for any surprises. It's not black so reasale value will be good !