New potential owner

[The Fizz]

Hi all. My first post on here.

Imam currently driving a VW Touareg and need to move it on for a more suitable off road vehicle due to new work location. I am moving to Nhulunbuy (Gove) NT.

I am very seriously looking into a D3 (hopefully with some mods... Bullbar, LR fuel, steel rear bumper with wheel carrier etc) to replace my much loved Touareg. My only other option is a LC200 but they are 20k dearer and pretty sparse compared to the D3/4.

Can anyone give me some advice on what to look for with regards to potential problems on the D3? I will only buy a diesel so tell me, max KM for a 2.7 Tdi , and when I can expect to have suspension or gearbox problems? Has anyone experienced electrical problems with the off-road system? And where is the best online place for parts at a reasonable price?

Thanks in advance.

[WhiteD3]

Welcome Fizz.

Potential problems? None really. Change the transmission oil at 100k. Make sure the compressor does not get caked with mud and overheat as this seems to shorten its life; other than that the EAS is very reliable. You shouldn't get any electrical probs but the carputer does not like low voltage so you need to ensure the battery is in good nik.

Max Kms? I've seen some with 300+ on them but its personal taste really. The TDV6 has been around a long time now (not just in Discovery's) and seems to be a reliable motor.

[NavyDiver]

Every car requires maintenance. Mine needs lots of TLC and is getting to 300,000 now but I give it a rough life :D

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/176806-long-term-running-costs-used-disco-3-4-a.html

This thread might be of interest to you.

[rb30gtr]

Great choice and worth looking into a D3/4, I love my Disco and am so glad I went that direction rather than a 100/105 series or Pootrol.

[The Fizz]

Thanks for the replies so far. Good advice. Cheers

[DiscoWeb]

Fizz,

Welcome and as has been said, D3 Vs LC 200 is a good choice, particularly if you are doing long miles (most likely in NT).

The D3 has been around for a while now and is pretty well sort. If you look through the FAQ at the top of this section of the forum it will give you plenty of useful information.

If I was you I would;

1. Find the newest and lowest km D3/D4 you can. See if you can get one that has the electronic e-diff as they are make a very capable off road vehicle even better. At this time I do not think there is an after market locker for the D3.

2. Price up the bits you want to add on and allow them in your budget that way you get want you want and need and nothing else. Both ARB and Opposite Lock make bullbars for the D3/D4. Again the FAQ will give you lots of information.

3. Add in a good set of A/T or mud terrain tyres. If you are buying the 2.7 TDV6 then you might even consider a set of 17 in rims, particularly if most of your miles or going to be rough as it gives you a wider choice of rubber, particularly MT. In saying that the choice in 18's continues to increase and there are some good options in the 18's (again lots of threads on that so have a search through the forum).

4. If high km's are over 100,000 make sure you get the gearbox flushed, if it has not been done already and check if the Electronic air suspension (EAS) compressor has been done as they do fail.

5. These vehicles are very very capable off road but before you go try and find a course or someone who can show you a bit about all the electronic trickery.

6. Be prepared for a permagrin as this seems to affect most people who buy one.

Otherwise, enjoy and good luck with the search.

George

[Gords]

Keep in mind servicing and maintenance, these vehicles (in my opinion with a D3 with 270,000km) take more maintenance than your cruisers etc. That being said they are absolutely incredible both off and on road, but still a big consideration. I have replaced pretty much all the likely to known to wear items and very happy with mine still... I however might not have been so tollerant if I was a number of hours away from anyone who could service it / work out what was at fault etc.

Having been to Gove before I would doubt that there would be someone with the right diagnostic equipment to service the D3/4's? Keep in mind even things like wheel alignments are tricky for those without the know how...

Tonns of really helpful people and info on this forum! Soak it up!
Cheers,
Gords