D3 reliability issues

[SiddersC]

Hi,

I have been toying with the idea of upgrading to a D3, so have been trawling through all the posts in the D3 section.
Have a question though, most of what i am reading is parts simply wearing out not real faliures, is that the case or am I totally off base.
I mean everything has a service life, and all cars have parts that wear out.
Obviously maintenece is key, so will a well maintained one be reliable?
A device to read and clear codes is obviously a necessity in remote outback touring, but is there anything common that will stop it dead and leave you stranded?

Cheers

[Neil P]

What age D3 and money are you talkin' here ?

[SiddersC]

06/07 - 45K +/-

[WhiteD3]

45-50k should get you a good diesel 07 D3. Might even get one with an extended warranty in place. The D3 is a complex vehicle but aren't they all these days!

I've just replaced my 07 D3 with an '11 D4. The D3 was a great, reliable car and I have no qualms in going to the D4. 'nough said :)

[Mully]

Hiya Sidders... I'm in the south of Adelaide if you want to have a squiz at my '05 D3 anytime just for reference. It pretty well has had all the known issues with a D3 at around 150 thou. You're welcome to have a looksee if it helps you at all.

Not looking to sell, just give you a chance to see what you need to look for etc.. only if it helps of course.

Cheers.

[DiscoWeb]

SiddersC,

If you have been looking through the forum you would also notice that some people have had issues with particular D3's. Check the service and performance history if you can as it seems if a particular car has a poor history it is likely to continue to have issues, especially electrical issues.

From my read the later model D3's seem to be a little better sorted than the early model, seems logical so the later model you get the better. Some ball joint issues and niggles with the early models were mostly sorted by 2007/2008 (I think).

Becoming more common on higher km vehicles are issues with the transmission which is a result of it being "sealed for life". General consensus seems to be that it is much better for the transmission to be flushed and fluids changed at various intervals, I think there is a thread going at the moment on this.

Diesel's seem to be the most common but I think most on here who have had the petrol V6 or particularly the V8 have been pretty impressed unless you plan to do a lot of touring Km's, then range becomes an issue. The petrol V8's can be picked up relatively cheaply as well.

Be aware they can be pretty expensive to maintain so find a local independent who knows LR and you will save plenty on maintenance and services.

For me, I have a 2009 TDV6 SE and have had no issues with it, 55k on the clock and I love it every time I get in it, especially off road, they are a great vehicle.

Hope this helps a little.

George

[trobbo]

I have an 05 tdv6 hse with 160,000km on it. In the 18 months I have owned it, it has never failed to proceed.

[jonesy63]

If you do look at a 2007-2009 TDV6, make sure that it has had all the recall work completed. The replacement of the high pressure fuel pump is a problem which will cause "failure to proceed". My D3 was flat-bedded to the dealer twice because of that one.
Land rover (http://www.recalls.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/952880)

Also note the 07MY model started in about August 2006.

[peterall]

Hi Sidders,

If you want to chat with 4 or 5 D3 and RRS owners, come along to the Range Rover Club of SA meeting next Tuesday. It will be held at Sovereign Motors in Kent Town at 7pm.
PM me for more details and a chat and have a look at the web site.
Range Rover Club of SA (http://www.rangeroverclubsa.com/)

Peter
0423366229

[SiddersC]

Thanks Mully,
I will definately take you up on the offer, I will be away for the next couple of weeks, but will be in touch when I return, I am also down south.
Cheers

[SiddersC]

Hi Sidders,

If you want to chat with 4 or 5 D3 and RRS owners, come along to the Range Rover Club of SA meeting next Tuesday. It will be held at Sovereign Motors in Kent Town at 7pm.
PM me for more details and a chat and have a look at the web site.
Range Rover Club of SA (http://www.rangeroverclubsa.com/)

Peter
0423366229


Thanks Peter,
I am away for the meeting but may come to a future on if I may?


Just on a side note, what sort of K's can you expect out of these cars?, I see a lot at around 150K, but not too many over this.

Is it worth buying a higher mileage one with all the work done or a lower K one and expect to have repairs soon?

Cheers

[Mully]

Howdy Sidders, no worries, whenever suits.
As for the K's... I've seen a couple around the 200 thou mark still going strong and if it's looked after, cannot see why it won't keep going for quite some time.
I wouldn't expect to have to do repairs if the known issues have been attended to, having said that, a lower priced one with some faults may be worth considering IMO as you then know how it was before the works were done... and that they have actually been done and properly (hopefully) :).

Cheers.

[vbrab]

I live quite remote (1650 k's to nearest traffic light, or nearest LR service option), and have an August 2007 disco TD3, with 192k's on it. It has been serviced regularly and runs like a clock, but I am getting anxious each time I head bush on weekends because of all the worry worts with lower k's discos reporting "issues" and 200k's seems like I should get a new one or face major consequences.
I'm just wondering what major services might be useful next May when I am visiting the big smog (should have 230k's by then) and can leave it to get serviced? Perhaps get the tranny serviced?
Anything else major that might need a service check while I'm in town??
happy to hear of any preventative maintenance suggestions.
vbrab

[dangermousehouse]

vbrab,

My 05 D3 has 240000 klms on her. I've just changed the oils in both diffs, transfer box and changed the filter and about 5 ltrs of oil in the auto gearbox.

All the above (and engine oil and filter, diesel filter and air filter are relatively straight forward for a home mechanic).

The front ball joints need doing, but the dealer will be doing this.

Before I got the D3 the starter motor and air compressor was renewed.

Nothing major, just wear and tear.

I've also just purchased a Fault Code Reader from Blackbox solutions. It's a great tool and worth considering to be able to identify faults and clear them yourself.

I had one fault not long after I bought the Disco which was traced to a faulty brake switch. The symptoms were a dash display of lights and the suspension lowering. It happened whilst offroad, but reset with switching the engine off and on again. Even when sick she still goes strong.

Hope that helps