About to join the club..D3

[rb30gtr]

Hi all,

Quick intro -

I am getting ever so closer to joining the LR club, being an avid previous owner of performance cars from local and Japanese manufacturers it is time to grow up, or down, and get into an LR and head bush on more than two wheels,

I have spent the last few months looking at Patrols, Cruisers and even ute backed Ranger's, Hilux's and Navara's, but after driving an 322 320 and D3 really nothing comes close to the feel, even a later model Cruiser and far less exy.

So budget is high 30's, keen on an D3 HSE with the bits and bobs, black interior and preferably the Zenetti Silver or Buckngham blue. Aiming to get less than 150kms on the clock. All pretty straight forward, however can I get one... Seems not, every vehicle I get close to is snapped up or sold for more than advertised within the first couple of days up for sale. Frustrating, but I can be patient.

Q's for you lot,
Know of any for sale?
Anything specific to look for besides the usual? Yes I have trolled on here for a while at all the known issues, but most don't seem so bad considering I will be doing all mods, servicing and maintenance myself.
And why are dealers so full of it...oh we already knew that.

Also a note, I come from a family of mechanics, and they are petrified the direction I am looking to take, why such a bad name in the Aus market for a vehicle that just seems superior and with such personality to me..?

Lastly, thanks for a great site, and I very much appreciate the hours I spend in here looking through posts, questions and all the awesome pictures!

[oldsalt]

Welcome to the forum and good luck with your search for a D3.
I spent a few months looking for mine on the net - in papers - local car yards etc etc and finally got just what I wanted from a guy in Sydney, and it's been great - it's my daily drive plus "escape" machine - and it's superb at both jobs. :D
cheers

[Plane Fixer]

rb30gtr I am sure we all know the answer to your question re lack of knowledge about Land Rovers in general. It is the Ford/Holden or Toyota/Nissan mindset that if a vehicle is not one of those it is no good.
We all on this forum acknowledge that the very first D3 did have their moments, but time has gone on and now the superb D4 is the ultimate 4x4 straight out of the box. Yes, there are still some people having problems, but I feel it is more dealer disinterest and LRA itself in not addressing these issues. This is obvious in a couple of very strong postings of late.
I had a Nissan Patrol 3.0 grenade previously. The Nissan was a tough 4x4, but it was a truck and the step up to the D4 was the best thing I have done. I was also told I was a fool to go outback in it as it would break down. That did not happen and I took it on some of the roughest roads; Chambers Pillar, Mereenie Loop and Bungles. The only mods were a bullbar and Cooper LTZ 19" tyres. I have done 36000 since March last year and I still have not got rid of the permagrin.
All modern 4x4 are computer controlled and have their software problems and landcruisers as well as landrovers are sometimes having a ride on a flatbed, but there are now more of them going to places we could only dream of before. Leyland Brothers?

[DoctorJ]

I too went from a GU Patrol to the D3 and can't believe how good they are, add a few accessories and you have a 4WD that is hard to beat that drives around town like no other.

Best of luck with your search, you will find one in your budget, even if you look at a SE you will find that there are a number with added extras such as Rear Air Con or upgraded stereo (Harmon Kardon) that otherwise would have been in the HSE.

Cheers
Julian

[rb30gtr]

Thanks lads,

Yeah I would love a D4, unfortunately not quite that affordable at my current time in life....but aren't they something!

I can't wait to go bush, going to need some serious training, but always up for a challenge.

There is a nice HSE at a dealer in Vic I am keen on, just waiting on feedback for previous history as it has 133k's

And thanks DoctorJ, I hadn't realised the SE would be optioned to the rear aircon.
Which models come with the E-diff?


And the Layland brothers....much before my time, but well known none the less! Most likely from Kevin Wilson..

[AnD3rew]

Thanks lads,

Yeah I would love a D4, unfortunately not quite that affordable at my current time in life....but aren't they something!

I can't wait to go bush, going to need some serious training, but always up for a challenge.

There is a nice HSE at a dealer in Vic I am keen on, just waiting on feedback for previous history as it has 133k's

And thanks DoctorJ, I hadn't realised the SE would be optioned to the rear aircon.
Which models come with the E-diff?


And the Layland brothers....much before my time, but well known none the less! Most likely from Kevin Wilson..

My D3 SE has rear aircon and Harmann Kardon sound. Sadly no E-diff though.

[DoctorJ]

And thanks DoctorJ, I hadn't realised the SE would be optioned to the rear aircon.
Which models come with the E-diff?


The E-diff was an optional extra and something I don't have however that being said I haven't had a need yet for one they are simply that good! and the SE did have the option of Rear Air Con I know because I have an SE with rear Air Con!

Cheers
Julian

[Disco4SE]

I had the D3 without e-diff, then the D4 with e-diff. IMHO you can notice the difference when the going gets tough, however you could live without it. As DocJ mentioned, they are damn good without it.
Had the rear air in the D3 & D4. To me, it is a must.

Cheers, Craig

[rb30gtr]

I agree with the rear air, and it will be good for my human adult sized dog!

Ill keep my eye out for e-diff optioned SE or HSE, diesel. How can I spot the optioned e-diff, is it a VIN number registration or a noticeable difference on the diff housing, ie cables etc?