Possible D3 purchase

[ozscott]

Hi all,

Well its taken 11 years, but my D2 V8 manual now has high miles on it and with the family getting older I need more room - especially for camping. The D2 has been a great vehicle and still is, but it needs a home with say 2 kids not 3! I tow a trailer, but for some trips I would like to stuff it all in the back and on the roof.

I have decided against a lease, so its an outright purchase which means very budget conscious.

I am thinking early (but not first year...) D3 SE with air suspension - it seems to me that even though coils cause less problems they are just not good enough for sand and rock hopping work, and while you can raise them that would cause premature CV and bushing wear and make them too tall.

The 4.0 V6 Exploder motor powered ones are cheap as chips - I know they are the worst of all of them for economy, but it would take many years to realise the difference between it and a diesel in running costs. I tow a 2 tonn boat, but I would have thought married to the ZF 6 Speed 2 tonns will not be a problem for the V6 and given the gearing it should be at least as good as my D2 V8 manual.

I am thinking if I get one with under 100k on it, I can put on a serviceable pan on the gear box and get the oil changed and keep it happy fora very long time.

I worry about the electronic hand brake for off road and reliable use, but I dont understand the later models to be any better? I suppose in most cases I could just leave it in park...

I would take a V8 Jag motor at the right price, but they are dearer usually. I dont do enough outback stuff to warrant diesel and the advantages it offers. Same with very heavy towing - infrequent.

What can go wrong with them? I know the air suspension can, but I am thinking a dealer warranty would cover this nicely for a while. The CV's and ball joints? Can you import US stuff for cheaper and stronger replacement? Other than that the SE has the usual assortments of electronics, but it is standing up ok I think?

I am hoping for 17 inch tyres and to then stick on higher profile for the sand work. Does anyone know how the V6 4.0 and the V8 4.4 respectively go in the sand?

Cheers and thanks

[ozscott]

As much as I like my LR's I am looking hard at long term reliability and am considering an NT Pajero 7 seater 3.2 DiD for the same price...I know that say in State Forrest trails the D3 with air suspension will eat the Paj for breakfast and its quieter and more comfortable than the Pajero, but the Pajero is very reliable and proven and its 3.2 is very economical and a great tow machine (I know from using them, and having mates who used them to tow heavy loads - 3tonns). On sand the Pajero is very handy too - they can easily run 31-32 inch tyres and heaps of low down torque for the sand and not as heavy as the D3. So I have a pretty big decision to make in terms of staying with the mark or not. The Paj is a bit smaller I think in the cargo area, but there isnt much in it.

Cheers

[Disco4SE]

Ozscott,
A mate of mine had a Pajero. Great on the road, but we were forever snatching him out because of the lack of ground clearance. I would suggest a suspension lift for sure.
I found the 3.2 motor noisy and truck like. Probably an OK donk though.

Cheers, Craig

[Redback]

I'm sure the Paj comes standard with 32s, they are a nice car, as is the new Challenger, but it may be a tad too small.

From what has been said about the petrol D3, they are not a very good tow vehicle, what about a V8 D3, they are going fairly cheap as well, I have seen them cheaper than the TDV6.

Good luck with whatever you choose,

Baz.

[Geedublya]

With patience you can pick up Diesels and V8s for the right price. The big problem I had when searching is getting an E-diff included. I found a lovely Diesel SE for a very good price but without an E-diff. I also think rear aircon is important and hard to obtain.
Consider also that front and rear bars add about 5k on top if you want them so finding a car with them fitted is also a bonus.

Even though I replaced the air suspension when I got mine I had for the most part factored it in to the purchase price. Now that I have had it for a while there is no way I could have a vehicle fitted with coils only.
The air suspension was one of the reasons why I went for the D3, the Nissans and Toyotas would not have fitted where I need to go once they had been slightly lifted. The D3 makes it easy I just hit the button and I fit everywhere so far.

If I could have waited I would have paid a lot less for new airbags if I had imported them from the UK.

I attended a driver training day on the sand at Stockton Beach, I was surprised how well the D3 performed it did everything I tried to do and succeeded where quite a few defenders failed, the other D3 had a few problems and it wasn't until the end of the day we realised that he hadn't turned of the DSC.

[101RRS]

Even though I replaced the air suspension when I got mine I had for the most part factored it in to the purchase price. Now that I have had it for a while there is no way I could have a vehicle fitted with coils only.

If I could have waited I would have paid a lot less for new airbags if I had imported them from the UK.

Why did you replace the air suspension? While there are some issues with the air compressor the rest of the system is remarkably reliable in the D3 with very few failures of airbags.

Garry

[ozscott]

Thank fellas - yep the DSC seems to hamper them if not turned off. The 3.2 is pretty agricultural but in NT and NW is a lot quieter than before.

On forestry trails they would get hung up but on the beach the diffs are tucked up high and the clearance is good enough - with the large standard tyres (with ability to go a little higher) and the grunt they do very well on the beach.

I know that me head says Pajero for what I want it for, but my heart says LR (of course...).

Cheers

[gghaggis]

For mainly sand and tow work, you won't need (or miss) the rear eDiff, so that opens up the choice a little. Towing or deep/soft sand - you'd be better off with the V8 or TDV6. There were quite a few D3 S models that were specc'd with the EAS as an option. That might be a cheaper way to go, rather than the SE.

Cheers,

Gordon

[ozscott]

Thanks Gordon - I could always add a locker later (aftermarket) I suppose if I wanted one.

I will broaden the search for S with EAS.

Cheers

[Ivan]

Ozscott

Go D3 V8. Theye are awsome vehicles and fuel wise not too bad at all. Running around town I get abour 16ltr per 100K on my 2005 D3 V8 on a run I have had it down to 12ltr per 100, and I don't drive like a Granny. Definitely go for the SE model as a minimum or at least air suspension and terrain response.

HTH

Ivan

[ozscott]

Thanks Ivan - I think the V8's are very good value for money and that Jag motor is a gem!

Cheer

[Geedublya]

Why did you replace the air suspension? While there are some issues with the air compressor the rest of the system is remarkably reliable in the D3 with very few failures of airbags.

Garry

Mine is a 6/2005 build and now has 230K km. When I got it I planned to have the original dampers replaced with Bilsteins. When they dismantled the struts they found that the airbags were cracking around the hole where the damper rod passes through and although they were not leaking yet I had them replaced at the same time. I examined the bags myself and agreed they were likely to fail in a short while.

[101RRS]

Thanks Gordon - I could always add a locker later (aftermarket) I suppose if I wanted one.

Sorry but no you cannot - there is no aftermarket locker. Likewise the OEM is exactly that OEM and in normal circumstances - it has been done but is just not cost effective and is difficult to do.

Garry

[Epic pooh]

I recently bought an '05 V8 HSE - I spent quite a long time (~6mths) looking to find the right vehicle (ie. ediff, alpine roof + rear air, 7 seats, logic 7, Nav, not a dark colour, low to average kms, documented service history). After some agressive haggling (private buyer) with a vehicle fitted my criteria, I got one for around the same price as you'd pay for a V6 SE and a lot less than a Diesel.

I could not justify the Diesel (at least $5K more) and after driving the V6 and considering the poor fuel economy I decided, to coin an old holden ad, that theres nothing quite like a V8. The 4.4 is a pretty neat motor and the performance is sometimes quite surprising.

If you take your time about it, seems to me to be a pretty good buyers market for these vehicles. I took my time to find one with all the fruit, reasoning that I may as well wait for a tow in comfort !!

[Geedublya]

I forgot to add, try and avoid the sunroof as it is known to have problems with the plastic mechanism cracking. Also it adds weight and is another entry for water.
Mine has one but on balance the other additions outweighed the negatives. I don't open it though.

[Graeme]

Mine has one but on balance the other additions outweighed the negatives. I don't open it though.Sounds like my EPB - its there, couldn't get the vehicle without it but don't use it.

[~Rich~]

Sounds like my EPB - its there, couldn't get the vehicle without it but don't use it.
Me too, but only on level ground!

[SBD4]

Sounds like my EPB - its there, couldn't get the vehicle without it but don't use it.

Doesn't the EPB come on automatically if you 'forget' to apply it yourself?

[dominicbeirne]

I got my 09 SE 4L V6 in Aug 09. Very happy :D:D:D with the car and 76,000 km on the clock so far. Stock standard car no e-diff and only 18" GG AT2s. Fine fully loaded with three kids and two adults and all the gear in the sand on Moreton and Straddie, been great for paddock bashing and wonderful for state forest tracks.

Towed a dual axle trailer, one of the large hire ones closed in for furniture and stuff, with about 450 - 550 kg load from Sydney to Brisbane. Had no issues, except for the worse fuel economy, in staying with and overtaking traffic. :coplight:

Recently put traxide dual battery system and optima yellow top in as well for fridge. :twobeers: The car is my daily drive so it has two rug rats in and out every morning and afternoon as well as a 22 kg hunting dog. Rear A/C and EAS is vital for this lot.

Never had a problem, touch wood, that has been too serious. My two cents is get a D3 of any type that fits the budget and your "must have" criteria. As long as it is a sound vehicle you can't go wrong, can you?? :whistling:

Cheers

Dom

[gghaggis]

Doesn't the EPB come on automatically if you 'forget' to apply it yourself?

No, it disengages automatically if you drive off and have forgotten to switch it off!

Cheers,

Gordon

[Tote]

Just a comment with regard to the EPB, I had a module fail on corrugations between Alice Springs and Arltunga 2 1/2 years ago, it was replaced under warranty with a later module that has since done in the vicinity of 150,000KM with no problems. We have since done the Simpson and Hay River with no issues from the EPB module. The only problem is that I keep trying to drive SWMBO's Wrangler with the non electronic hadnbrake on (not that it makes a difference releasing it....)

Regards,
Tote

[Mori]

Might be a bit off the mark here but I'm pretty sure you cant fit an aftermarket rear locker. Has to be done during manufacture.

[TerryO]

If I knew back then (18 months ago) what I know now I would have bought a V8 D3 HSE instead of the TDV6.

Cheaper fuel costs up front while attractive to, I'd guess, 99% of people at first glance don't always mean a better all round package once you add up all the pro's and con's.

Have never heard of a 4.4 seriously failing mechanically, has anyone else? While I have heard of plenty of TDV6's and the on going service and major costs of the diesel as far as I'm concerned are way excessive.

Plus you can buy a V8 for up to 10k less than a TDV6 and the V8 is smoother, quieter and faster. If I buy another D3 to replace the ageing D2a it will be a V8.

To me anyway paying about another $5 to $10 per hundred k's is a cheap price to pay for the other many benefits.

By the way Scott if you buy a D3 will that mean you no longer tell us how good D2's are in comparision? ... ;)

cheers,
Terry

[Stuart02]

Tho the better economy of the diesel also means much better range for touring...

[Mike_S]

That's the only downside. I get about 18mpg out of my V8, if/when we use it for touring I guess I'll be fitting a long range tank and bunging the spare wheel up on the roof rack.

[TerryO]

If your towing a decent sized van on a regular basis anywhere off the beaten track then really you need a long range tank even for the diesel. The standard tank is to small for long distance towing.

By the way I didn't say I would get rid of the TDV6, I said if I buy another D3 it would be a V8.

cheers,
Terry