What do you get after a D3? [Archive] - Australian Land Rover Owners

Mully

10th May 2011, 11:27 PM

LSD_AUTOMOTIVE

10th May 2011, 11:48 PM

A yellow '90.... If you don't want to drive it, I will.

Though I would say a Range Rover would perhaps be a more suitable pathway after a D3 (and forgoing the D4)?

Sarah

bbyer

11th May 2011, 02:20 AM

Greets all... Anyway... what do you get after a D3? I am beyond reluctant to change brand and have had a lot of Rovers now which all lead to the D3. What would anyone jump to after a D3? Assuming a D4 isn't an option of course.

If anyone says the new FJ I will need some strong reasons why. :pThanks for any input. I see that for lots of money, you can get RHD Chev Silverados and maybe perhaps the Tahoe as well. You do not want an Escalade, but the 4x4 Tahoe with the G80 rear end and rear axle air ride is certainly a comfortable trouble free ride.

It will not do "no road" like you are used to, (or rivers), but maybe creek crossings, but even then, I would be careful. The vehicles are reliable however, probably nothing better in the world.

Other than tires and brakes, they do not need much fixing either for the first quarter million km which is good as I doubt that there is even less fixit experience in Australia than for Land Rover.

unseenone

11th May 2011, 05:59 AM

I would go for a D4, fully kitted, and a Defender x-tech fully kitted for off road.

If you are tempted to change brands, perhaps a ford Excursion Diesel might be a good option? http://www.classyauto.com/image_large.php?image_id=264301

Pedro_The_Swift

11th May 2011, 06:09 AM

Thats a how long is a piece of string question,,

price range?
capability?
qty of seats?
intended usage?

Neil P

11th May 2011, 06:29 AM

..... What would anyone jump to after a D3? Assuming a D4 isn't an option of course.

What's your budget and do you need to tow ?

Disco4SE

11th May 2011, 06:58 AM

Mully, thats a hard call.
After driving a D3, there aren't too many vehicles that will do what the D3 does and in as much comfort.
Would be interested to know your final choice.
Cheers, Craig

tempestv8

11th May 2011, 09:19 AM

There's always the cheap and cheerful Kia SUV which is available in diesel, if you don't do a lot of serious offroading. :)

Or the uber luxury Mercedes Glendewagen at the other end of the scale. :twisted:

Wilbur

11th May 2011, 10:00 AM

Greets all...

I'm seriously thinking about selling the beloved 2005 D3 TDV6 HSE. It has all the fruit on it plus more and every time I get in I go "ahhhh...". It is a true beast but the costs to keep a D3 over 100,000 clicks on the road in the state it should be are starting to wear thin to be honest. Cannot believe the things that go wrong on the D3 and the cost of ongoing repairs... seriously silly stuff IMO.

Anyway... what do you get after a D3? I am beyond reluctant to change brand and have had a lot of Rovers now which all lead to the D3. What would anyone jump to after a D3? Assuming a D4 isn't an option of course.

If anyone says the new FJ I will need some strong reasons why. :p

Thanks for any input.

I find most modern cars vary between boring and plain unpleasant to drive.

A VERY notable exception was a rental Ford Territory AWD in which I have just covered 7,000 k's in New Zealand. Except for a bit of tyre roar, it is one of the most pleasant cars I have ever driven. Beautiful sharp steering, excellent comfortable suspension, good sensitive brakes, good all round vision and generally excellent vehicle dynamics.

There was none of that wooden steering that typifies Falcons, Toyota sedans and Commodors.

Of course it is not an off-road car like the D3, but for a road burner that can help you a bit on a dirt road, much better than I expected.

Of course I know nothing about the reliability........

bbyer

11th May 2011, 12:39 PM

There's always the cheap and cheerful KIA SUV which is available in diesel, if you don't do a lot of serious off roading. :) Or the uber luxury Mercedes Glendewagen at the other end of the scale. :twisted: The KIA might be a better bet over the G-Wagon and too bad Suzuki is not still making that little 4x4 Samurai.

I did look at the G-Wagon when I was casting about for new wheels and decided that a G-Wagon made more sense than a Hummer, but a LR3 made even more sense than the G-Wagon.

I will agree that the body is probably more solid than the 3, (one can hang the spare tyre on the rear door), but the solid axles really were a bit yesterday. As to a luxury interior, well I suppose the G-Wagon is closer to looking like an off road vehicle than the D4 HSE.

I think it would do the off road bit OK and that the G-Wagon could wade rivers. It was deemed good enough that the Canadian Army bought a flock of them for use in Afghanistan - armoured even. Like everything over there, they did not work out too well and are now restricted to joy riding within the wire. Rumour has it we may be going back to the Iltis, unless the Samurai goes back into production - too light to set off mines and like, plus the population think it is locally produced.

lpj

11th May 2011, 04:47 PM

Why not trade it in on the 2009 D3? If you still love the car, you'd just be updating to less issues. Maybe even take out extended warranty.

gazm3

11th May 2011, 05:35 PM

id wait and get the RRS TDV8, if you can afford it.

if you want something different get a BMW M3 pure edition. No unnecissary electrics and for once a price drop. Haha put a lift kit and mud terrain tyres.

Searover

11th May 2011, 09:04 PM

Go the 2011 V8 Jeep grand cherokee, looks to be the goods at a reasonable cost.

Mully

11th May 2011, 10:39 PM

Thanx all for the input.

To be honest, I would miss the D3 like crazy and it's over the top systems unreliability and issues are the only things that have stolen "my trip away" confidence. I wouldn't replace it with a really nice city car as we do like to actually go play in the scrub.

I am thinking either tricking up the '98 TDi (in the avatar) or maybe a sweet Defender. Prolly been with Landies too long now to change over to something else... LPJ, your 2009 comment is interesting.. Could have some merit.

The HSE D3 is still a beast and has all the fruit you could possibly want (bar dual battery) so it would be hard to sell her.

The thinking continues and thanks again for any and all input and suggestions.. It really does help!

Drover

12th May 2011, 05:52 AM

Mully,

I went through the same dilemma as you 2 years ago.

I had a tricked up D3 SE TDV6 2005. (Bar, winch, drawers, dual bats, and lots more). Awesome vehicle and very capable, as you know. But the reliability was woeful, spent more time at the dealer then away with me tripping about.

I eventually went to a PUMA SVX, 2 years down the track and it has all the gear and I couldn't be happier.

Yeah D'fers are a bit more crude than the D3, but it is very very reliable and I have the confidence to go any where any time.

Don't be put off by others telling you they are old school, uncomfortable....

I, like most Defender drivers love them and driving a D’fer is as good as it gets.

Even the SWMBO likes it better than the D3 :D

Cheers

Redback

12th May 2011, 07:01 AM

Why not a top of the range Pajero, they are very nice to drive, not bad off road, good power.

What issues are you having with the D3 if you don't mind me asking:confused:

Baz.

Discophil

12th May 2011, 08:16 AM

Mully - i can really appreciate your position as i was in a simliar one 3 months ago with an electrical fault that could not be fixed. I love land rovers, but am always nervous about long term ownership of them. I must admit i have a lot more confidence in Japanese built cars.

So what would i get? I thought about a pajero or prado. The pajero is pretty good value, but feels like a downwards step from the D3. The prado is very capable and reliable, but would wait until they bring out a better diesel donk.

Ultimately i like the idea of trading up, and the only thing i would really want to trade up to would be the RRS, which goes against the whole idea of moving away from LRs!?

Long story short, the electrical fault is now fixed so i am out of the pickle... but for how long...

Keen to know what you decide.

irondoc

12th May 2011, 08:44 AM

I know what you mean about the diesel engine in the Prado DiscoPhil, I ordered a 2.7 D4 3-4 months ago, having previously had landcruisers. Every time i sit in a Prado since, I wonder if i made the right decisions as the Prado seems to be a pretty capable car, but it is just let down by that engine.

If they had a better diesel engine, it would have been a much harder decision.

Cheers
Lucas

DiscoWeb

12th May 2011, 08:57 AM

Mully,

If you like the scrub and want to do some long trips in it then you could also consider a top of the line Hilux/Navara/Triton style 4 door ute.

Put a lift kit on it, a lockable canopy and some after market kit and could be a reasonable choice for a bush tourer. Obviously wildly different form the D3 in every respect but not sure what you requirements are.

Not relevant if you want to stay with and LR but an option not already mentioned.

George

irondoc

12th May 2011, 09:09 AM

Isn't there some awesome new engine in the new Nissan pathfinder.....

Mully

12th May 2011, 09:49 AM

Hey fellas thanks once again, really helpful.

I've had a Hi Lux, Bravo, Rodeo and have driven most of the others and they are great but being off the tools now, would find it hard to go back but do see George's point. They are reliable and good things, the Hi Lux was probably the standout for me but slightly thin in important areas (axles/diffs seem so small) I thought and I'm sure I may break one on the next airborne flight over a lip etc. Possibly not though. :cool:

Drover the Puma sounds really interesting, might have to check them out. I'm a Defender fan (had a few Series before) and drove a spanking new 90 before picking the D3 only because the D3 offered SO much more for the same money albeit pre loved. New Defenders seem over priced but I need to check again... been a while.

Baz the problems I'm seeing are all the ones common to a 2005 D3 with these k's up:
1. Auto shudder. A service (and filter/pan mod) has seen this righted but eventually you just know it will reappear and eventuate in a rebuild. May be five years from now.... but.
2. The alternator just carked it. Sure that can happen any old time but with less than 150 thou up on a vehicle like this? The way it all shut down was insane as each system took it's turn to fail... wow.
3. Normal front end issues... ball joints etc. Should have been a recall for sure.
4. Electric hand brake... the quoted $1100 repair is crazy but I do have hope of cleaning it all up for a fix to be fair.
5. Infrequent system msgs. Definitely better after the alternator swap out to be fair but when you can turn the ignition on and try again and it clears, you have to wonder.
6. The tyre choice (or lack of it) is still a shock.

Hmmm... doesn't seem so bad once I see what I wrote because the pluses are truly incredible (being the HSE does help), it is an awesome vehicle when going at 100%. The choices are to keep it and take the repairs as they come on the chin, change to a different brand or start looking at Defenders as this owner prolly has just lost confidence with his pride and joy. :eek:

More as we go.... and thanks again to all.

TerryO

12th May 2011, 10:55 AM

Mully

12th May 2011, 11:19 AM

Yikes... thanks Terry. I'm not up to speed with Puma at all so will go and check it out.

Cheers.

Redback

12th May 2011, 01:03 PM

Isn't there some awesome new engine in the new Nissan pathfinder.....

I believe they are putting the new Renault/Nissan developed 3.0l V6 that is going into the new Patrol into the new Pathfinder, lets hope it's better than the old 4 cylinder 3.0l handgrenade.

Baz.

VladTepes

12th May 2011, 02:18 PM

Do teh maths as the cost of repairing the D3 now and then may well be less than the cost of buying a new vehicle.

andyrover

12th May 2011, 08:39 PM

I have had a serious look at the new Jeep Grand Cherokee and it seems to me like a very good replacement for a RRSport at half the price - check it out...

Tote

12th May 2011, 09:00 PM

I am looking at replacing the D3 as a lease car next March, I'm thinking that I will semi retire it and pay out the lease residual and keep it as a touring vehicle. My thinking goes along the following lines:
I've put at least $10K of extras on it and the payout is only about $13K.
Maintenance is a less better pill to swallow when it isnt my primary vehicle
To fit out a D4 as a tourer would cost me another $10 K on top of the purchase price
Downside is another rego to pay and less shed space.

For a replacement vehicle I'm thinking of a second hand low kilometre TDV8 RRS. Similar price to a D4 and I don't have to worry about scratching it up in the bush if I keep the D3 and I get the same ride and comfort as the D3. I'm also interested by the Grand Cherokee and if they ever put a new engine in the Patrol maybe one of those.

Regards,
Tote

lpj

13th May 2011, 09:51 AM

I am also looking to get back into a 4x4 after a lot of years in sedans. Growing family and both our Mums are getting to the stage where they are less confident driving, so i need a bigger vehicle. In my mind, it's gotta be a diesel disco 7 seater, either late D3 or a D4.

Heart says D4 3.0. Head says get an MY09 2.7 D3 HSE and save some money for the goodies I want. Bar work, spare wheel carrier, dual battery etc. Getting the latest in a model line seems more logical than the early model of a new line.

The problem (apart from finance at present) is that there are very few MY09 D3 2.7's around. I won't buy black or any dark colours. Too many dusty roads and I like to keep my car looking clean when I'm not off road.

I'm VIC based but not averse to travelling for the right vehicle.

stevo68

13th May 2011, 11:37 AM

This is what I got after owning a D3... Pics for proof ;)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/05/972.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/04/1448.jpg

Sold D3 and got this....

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/05/973.jpg

Which now looks like this :cool:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/09/718.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/11/631.jpg

Regards

Stevo

Mully

13th May 2011, 12:12 PM

stevo68

13th May 2011, 12:18 PM

Stevo you may be reading my thoughts lately... I sold my '99 TD5 Disco however... just found it to be too long for personal taste and kept the '98 300TDi because of this... but the TD5 was excellent and I LOVE what yours looks like... perfect... although the roof rack is fair huge!:eek:

Do you miss the D3?

Cheers! Hey mate.....yeah with 4 kids....need a big rack plus also have an oztent so need it for that as well. The D3 is still in the family......its now a shopping trolley for my SIL.

Yeah I do miss it....but both ( ie D2 and D3) have pro's and con's. Mind you there is a lot more mods that can be done to a D3 compared to when I owned one. I sold it with 100,000kms on it around 3 yrs ago. I miss it most on road.......whereas off road must admit prefer the D2.

Would I get another....for sure.....though next time round am considering a Deefer,

Regards

Stevo

PAT303

13th May 2011, 01:24 PM

If Puma's were more reliable and cheaper to keep on the road than D3's then Alliance would have stopped offering extended warranties on D3's and kept offering them on Puma's.

In reality they didn't, they just stopped offering extended warranty on Puma's because it cost them so much in diff rebuilds, new clutches, engine rebuilds etc etc. And often on Puma's that had never been taken off road.

Have a read of the Puma /Fender section the horror stories in there from Puma owners is not pretty. I'm not saying you shouldn't buy a Puma, I wouldn't mind one myself, but if your put off by ongoing and expensive repair bills on a D3 then chances are you will be horrified by what it can take to keep a Puma on the road.

cheers,
Terry

When I bought my D1 all I heard were horror stories,same for my Tdi defender and when the L322 came along I got stories of people stuck in the bush for weeks waiting on filters or belts or because no one would work on it.I'll let you in on a secret,I've seen none of it,ever,and I live in the Pilbara.If I had a D3 I would look at the last ones made or a D4,when my L322 comes up for sale it'll be changed for a newer one,I can't go backwards nore can I ever go back to a Hilux,cruiser or Patrol.My new Puma arrives in July also. Pat

Michael2

13th May 2011, 04:27 PM

A friend recently sold his 2005 TDV6 HSE D3, and is now very happy with an '03 D2a.

What it lacks in power compared to the D3, it makes up for in reduced weight, so performance hasn't been an issue for him.

Personally, I'd say a Defender.

Wilbur

13th May 2011, 04:31 PM

TerryO

16th May 2011, 11:43 AM

When I bought my D1 all I heard were horror stories,same for my Tdi defender and when the L322 came along I got stories of people stuck in the bush for weeks waiting on filters or belts or because no one would work on it.I'll let you in on a secret,I've seen none of it,ever,and I live in the Pilbara.If I had a D3 I would look at the last ones made or a D4,when my L322 comes up for sale it'll be changed for a newer one,I can't go backwards nore can I ever go back to a Hilux,cruiser or Patrol.My new Puma arrives in July also. Pat

Sure there are lots of storys all over the place about LR's and the problems they have. I wasn't speaking about comments on the Toyo or Patrol sites that love putting down Landys I was talking about the common issues that many have had with Puma's on here. Sure take with a huge grain of salt what others say but if you can't rely on existing Puma owners and Aulro members comments then who can you rely on?

The gentleman was asking about what to replace his ageing D3 that was having what appear to be the normal D3 problems that are pretty much well known about and he was unhappy with. My way of looking at it was if he was struggling with the known issues of a D3 then he might end up slashing his wrists if he ends up with a Puma that has some of the problems they are known for.

I wasn't putting down Puma's, more a case of pointing out that often Puma's tend to be more of the enthusiasts LR than a Disco :angel:

...read into that last comment what you may. ;)

cheers,
Terry

WhiteD3

16th May 2011, 12:09 PM

I recently upgraded from a D3 (ie 3 days ago). Revisited all the choices but couldn't go past the D4 (base 2.7 with Xenon's and eDiff) for reasons of comfort, ability and features.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/06/383.jpg

DiscoWeb

16th May 2011, 12:51 PM

They do look very very nice in White !!

George

dominicbeirne

16th May 2011, 01:28 PM

Learnt to drive at 9 in a 1977 Rangie :) - got to love Dirranbandi and Straddie during the 70s.

So now with my own 09 D3 I would have to say you get disappointed unless you get an 09 D3 :cool:. Great car and no issues so far - 48 000 KM:thumbsup:

Get diesel though as I was stuck with getting a petrol and have regretted it ;) every time I fill the tank, at least 3 times a fortnight :eek:

Desert Traveller

17th May 2011, 10:26 AM

An Audi TT Roadster. I needed a car for the city. With work committments I don't get many chances to use the D3 (or even the TT).
But I still have the D3 in the garage. I don't need the 3.0l TDV6 of the D4. No room for compressors and spare batteries under the bonnet.

Garry

22nd May 2011, 11:47 AM

This is a fantastic thread

I too am considering changing out my 2005 V8 HSE with a defender

I too have upgraded my D3 with Bullbar, winch, Kaymar twin wheel carrier, Black Widow drawers and much more, you can imagine what the wife is saying to me after doing all this to sell it

I am on the other foot though as I have never had any issues with mine as it has only ticked over 97k on the clock so still plenty left there

I took the defender for a test drive yesterday and while it is a fantastic looking car and more capable than the D3 its a tough pill to swallow given the refinement and handling of my V8

In saying all of that I have never met an unhappy Defender owner, there might be something in that statement worth considering

I will continue to watch this one develop

G

TerryO

22nd May 2011, 01:21 PM

Hey Garry,

hope you mind me asking but could you go into a bit more detail on how you found driving a Defender after a V8 D3?

cheers,
Terry

Garry

23rd May 2011, 07:02 AM

Hey Garry,

hope you mind me asking but could you go into a bit more detail on how you found driving a Defender after a V8 D3?

cheers,
Terry

Hi Terry

For starters is was a climb to get in and there no handles on the roof to help my wife and with a sore arm she struggled but once in she was fine. It is high off the ground for a good reason

The driving position is by far more upright due to the shape of the body, i suppose it has to be so you get the full view all around and the seat is higher from memory, probably to give you the comfort sitting upright like i mentioned

I haven’t driven many cars or trucks, mostly Discovery’s so I can only compare it to be similar to a removal van I once drove moving house but nowhere near as clumsy, my last 3 cars have been V8 Discovery's so please don’t flog me for that comparison

The defender drives really well and once moving it is fast and fun to drive albeit a little noisy

The sound system is very poor after leaving the 13 speaker assortment my HSE has, however NOS on the forum has installed a speaker under the back seat of his 110 and is as good as the HSE's and louder

After writing this I feel I am comparing apples to oranges they are completly different animals and should be treated as such

The question is, is it good enough to part with my D3 and trade down as the wife puts it?

I think it is and it is a much simpler vehicle that will take you anywhere you point it with the minimum of fuss, so I am told as I have never taken one off road just tried to follow one that made some obstacles look easy that my D3 struggled with

Mully, I don’t want to hijack your thread and make it a defender one so I will edit this post if there are any more questions of me on the topic of defenders

Have you anymore thoughts on which one to go for?

G

Chris Preso

23rd May 2011, 08:16 AM

I went through similar decision making process. I have had the D4 for 12 months now, upgrading from TD5 D2, and previously a two seater 300tdi Defender. Our choice after ruling out Japanese 4wds came down to Defender or 2.7ltr D4.

We chose the D4 for comfort and safety features. With three growing boys, soon to be teenagers we needed maximum space in the second row of seats and there is a big difference in the space and comfort between the two.

The full array of safety features in the D4 also weighed in our final decision.

Having said that, the Defender was definitely our number two choice and I would happily drive that around if the D4 was not an option.

Cheers, CHris

CSBrisie

23rd May 2011, 10:05 AM

very small point (Desert Traveller), there is plenty of room under the bonnet of the D4 3.0l for an ARB air compressor (mounted in front of the battery) and a Optima Yellow Top 2nd battery mounted in the 2nd battery box (Opposite Lock in Mile End SA have done a number of these now for D4 owners and just move a few bits and pieces in the 2nd battery box - as plenty of others on this site have also done before).

cheers

Chris

Mully

24th May 2011, 09:42 AM

Greets all, apologies for slow input as self employment can make things a bit TOO busy some times.. especially combined with a move to 17 acres. :eek:

Some really good input and feedback here and big thanks again to all... it is all very helpful.

My position now is pretty much to look at either trading or selling private the D3. Will be a very sad day I have to say and we will miss all those seats etc but the reality is that the trips away are going to be on hold for a while (already had to say no to Border Track and High Country :() so it makes sense to move it along while the value is still up and focus on the 300TDi for now.

Bit sad actually but will be making some calls to explore trade in for a Defender also... the deefers still look very cool I reckon and will be better use on the small acreage as well... did someone say tax advantage? Hope so... :)

Anyways, still keen to hear any input from you folk!
Cheers! Mick

Mully

27th May 2011, 07:31 AM

Quick update after doing some vehicle shopping... mostly been looking at Navara & Colorado style options.

The D3 may end up being worth the effort of fixing as we go... everything else out there is a long way short of what the D3 offers but in fairness I've only been checking out the more working class style of truck. Just can't get keen about Pajeros and the like and Defenders just can't be found in yards which tells you something about them.. in a good way I think.

Will be doing some DIY homework on the issues that put me off the D3... may be a better option to fix the beast up! If it is cost effective by taking the time yourself, then the D3 may end up being the winner... again. Latest issue sounds like a wheel bearing!

Cheers.

Redback

27th May 2011, 08:30 AM

What about a VW Amarok, saw one in the flesh the other day, very nice looking and much bigger than the other dualcabs on the market, can't hurt to look at one;)

Baz.

dominicbeirne

27th May 2011, 10:40 AM

I looked at the Amarok the other day also, as I thought it would be closer to D3 than it is. From what i could find it seemed that everything standard on D3 was an option/accessory on Amarok.

Cheers

Dom

Disco4SE

27th May 2011, 10:45 AM

Mully

27th May 2011, 10:51 AM

Yeah fellas.. I did stumble across them on the web... look interesting for sure. Price wise they match up well with their market competition.

The Navara D22 at $31k drive away is still a bit of a standout to me albeit basic but it comes with sports bar and side steps which was not too bad. Having said that, I'm waiting on a Colorado package price up as an option because for a little more money you get a lot better features than the D22... I 'think'. Still early days.

And after having said all the above, if there is money to be shelled out to downgrade, it may simply be smarter to stick with the D3. If the ball joint issue can be resolved with a bigger replacement option (need to do some more homework on this) and the regular auto service keeps it happy, then the silly stuff like wheel bearing and electric brake noise can all take their turn like any normal vehicle. The reported diff issue is one I need to still research a bit more though... THAT one is ridiculous.

Cheers & beers!

Signal1

27th May 2011, 01:24 PM

I'm sure you've considered Ford and Mazda but the Ranger and BT50 feature more prodominantely for off road capability than any other offering. The Ranger/BT50 won 4WD Action Best Ute off road two years running.

The Ranger is on run out currently with the 2nd from top model, XLT Crew Cab 4x4 Diesel Manual with towbar, gps, side steps, sports bar etc for $36999. The new model coming out after June I believe will be an $8000 jump for the same spec level.

If I was putting a fair whack of kms on a car, it wouldn't be a Discovery. We all have our fors and against and I love my Disco every time I drive it but I hate it on its service days. I could save money having a non-LR knowledgeable person service it but then run the risk of the usual LR idiosyncrasies not being picked up on or adhered too. I drive an '05 Ford Escape V6, 170K kms on the clock, close to 40K per yr, driving in heavy traffic, driven hard...never had a cost over normal minor servicing.

FWIW,
Peter

Graeme

27th May 2011, 05:36 PM

If the ball joint issue can be resolved with a bigger replacement option (need to do some more homework on this)
My understanding is that the lower wishbones are normally replaced with the later version complete with the redesigned ball-joints. However the D4 ones might be a better option to get the lowered roll-centre if that's all that is changed.

Mully

27th May 2011, 09:12 PM

Thanks guys... off to check out the Ranger website and then try and find a wishbone price!

Cheers!

85 county

27th May 2011, 10:38 PM

I see that for lots of money, you can get RHD Chev Silverados and maybe perhaps the Tahoe as well. You do not want an Escalade, but the 4x4 Tahoe with the G80 rear end and rear axle air ride is certainly a comfortable trouble free ride.

It will not do "no road" like you are used to, (or rivers), but maybe creek crossings, but even then, I would be careful. The vehicles are reliable however, probably nothing better in the world.

Other than tires and brakes, they do not need much fixing either for the first quarter million km which is good as I doubt that there is even less fixit experience in Australia than for Land Rover.

Tahoe, nope we had dozens of these in russia, broken shock mounts 30 000 rubles each, radiators. diffs falling out. doors sagging. door handles broken. a long list. just a dog

PAT303

28th May 2011, 09:17 AM

Mully,there is a good write up in LRO a few months back about the handbrake and how to fix it,pretty simple job.I would replace the ball joints with the newer ones and service the tranny etc as per a normal vehicle and go from there.My L322 will cost me some money shortly,it's ticked over 160,000k and needs all it's fluids done and maybe ball joints also but I'm more than willing to pay it as it's the perfect vehicle for me.Like my defender it saves me money everyday simply through cheaper running costs in all area's,from cheaper service costs,better economy to longer tyre life and I simply cannot get interested in jap dual cab utes.It's worth noting that they have just as many annoying issue's as LR's,sometimes more but thats the price we pay for modern,and lets face it good performing vehicles. Pat

Wilbur

28th May 2011, 10:27 AM

Mully, very early in this thread you said you were considering swapping from a D3 to a Defender. My first thought was that you were nuts - much as I love my Defenders, compared to a D3/D4 they are just so noisy and agricultural feeling.

Except... I have just been to Sydney and back - a boring 6 freeway hours each way - in my TD5 130 Defender single cab. This trip reminded me just how comfortable those plain non-adjustable seats are, and just how satisfying they are to drive.

I expected to be knackered, but no, despite the noise there is something very relaxing about driving the Defender. It may just be the secure feeling that one gets because you can really feel the car and feel what is going on. Also I just simply expect the Defender to always get there and back without any hassles whatsoever, wherever "there" may be.

So after that little refresher drive in the Defender (it is normally just a farm ute) I start to understand why you would consider swapping a D3 for a Defender!

Having said that I pick up my new D4 on Monday - I hope I eat my words!!!

Cheers,

Paul

Mully

29th May 2011, 09:36 AM

Pat thanks for the info... I will hunt for the article! Your summary is on the money too I reckon.... Alas I have a business partner and we shake our heads when considering what this vehicle is going to be costing over the coming years. The pending auto cost is really the decider because everything else I am prepared to sort out myself (once I get a new shed).

Paul I love that story.... Brilliant and kind of a good summary I reckon. I also reckon you are going to LOVE the D4....awesome. Thanks for the share.

Yesterday I drove a new XLT Ranger and it was quite good and a little better than expected... Had the simplicity I was hoping to enjoy from a Defender but Deefers just cannot be found as a trade option in Adelaide. One last dealer to try tomorrow though and fingers crossed as it is the second preference behind miraculously keeping the D3.

Trade in value on the D3 as it is looks good so we will see what pans out this week... At least we still have the 300TDi Disco!

Thanks again for the input... It really helps.

Best cheers.

ade

29th May 2011, 09:51 AM

my 95 300tdi disco will be with me forever, plenty enough comfort, easy to fix yourself anywhere (hammer and wire), cheap to run, goes everywhere i have pointed in stock standard, not electronics to get you stuck in the bush

Mully

29th May 2011, 04:05 PM

Ade that is so true. I've even pulled the gearbox out in the driveway at home and everything on it is 'doable'... end of an era really?

Cheers.

Redback

30th May 2011, 06:34 AM

Mully just a word of warning on the Ranger/BT50, they have a weak gearbox/transfer, so if your going to be towing anything heavy, I'd stay clear.

Baz.

TerryO

30th May 2011, 09:21 AM

One of my brother in laws has a BT50 that he brought to tow his off road camper in the bush.

At Christmas time we stayed on his 5 acre property out in Orange in our caravan, it rained very heavilly for days. When we decided to leave he was of the opinion that there was no way we could tow the 2.5 ton van out given the amount of water still running down through his property which is on the side of a pretty steep hill. He based this on getting stuck several times in his BT50 while driving around the property in similar weather conditions.

There was much fuss about how we wouldn't be able to do it without getting stuck that it ended up pi**ing me off so much that I bet him $100 the D2 would tow the van out without issue.

Needless to say I didn't get the $100 even though it drove straight out first pop. But I did get a begrudging acceptance in the end that the old Disco was more than likely a superior 4x4 vehicle to his near new BT50 that he was so proud of.

I wished him well going off road with his camper considering he struggled driving around his property when it was wet.

cheers,
Terry

Mully

30th May 2011, 07:51 PM

LOVE IT.... :)

PAT303

30th May 2011, 08:59 PM

Mully just a word of warning on the Ranger/BT50, they have a weak gearbox/transfer, so if your going to be towing anything heavy, I'd stay clear.

Baz.

Navara's are the same,thier gearbox's are **** weak. Pat

Mully

31st May 2011, 08:59 AM

Hey thanx fellas... the Ford interest is over as the HSE is too top end for a viable trade. Trade prices (for those interested) ranged from $14k to $28k and Red Book placed it somewhere between $35-39k. All the extra fruit add ons increased trade valuation by nought unless you go private sale of course.

Might consider the other brand options like Colorado etc but it's looking like I will need to keep the beast a while longer unless the Puma I just found becomes a viable option... but I don't honestly know a lot about them...yet. :)

Plan at this stage may be to set up a decent shed (again:)) and start back on the DIY trail to keep the D3 running costs down as we go. When running well, the D3 is a sweet ride.

Has anyone done the wishbone swap out to get the upgraded front end ball joint solution? Price I've seen so far is about $700 for the new wish bones.

Cheers.

bbyer

31st May 2011, 09:19 AM

Has anyone done the wishbone swap out to get the upgraded front end ball joint solution? Price I've seen so far is about $700 for the new wish bones.Cheers.

Yes, I did the change out about a month ago and am quite pleased with the results. Within the link below is my post re the good results. My post is a part of a larger thread on the mod.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/101399-lower-ball-joint-issues.html

Mully

1st June 2011, 01:33 PM

Had a quote of $1100 to do the full front end rebuild and realign. Assuming that includes the upgraded ball joint size (ie: replaced wishbones), sounds like a good deal.

Update: I'm keeping the D3 and also ordered the new Faultmate from one of our esteemed forum members. There really isn't an option out there that replaces the D3 unless you go to the D4 or a later model & the D3 is too high end to trade easily. Private sale would be fine but we all know how much that isn't. :)

Thanks all again for your very helpful input, it assisted the process greatly.