D3 SE vS HSE

[crawal]

New to the forum and Discoveries , just wondering on the thoughts of SE with 80-90 km or HSE with 120-130 km
There are a few out there and we are wanting to do a trip next year with 4 kids and camper ?

[Marmoset]

I'd go on condition rather than spec. Sure it's nice to have all the toys but the base vehicle is the same and it's more fun if it's reliable and well looked after!

I've got an SE and can't say I miss a lot. The stereo can be upgraded pretty easily if it's base unit and aftermarket sat navs often outperform a 7 year old manufacturers system.

[TerryO]

Does the SE have rear air conditioning? The HSE does and long trips with kids in the back without air conditioning wouldn't be fun.

If the HSE has the Logic7 stereo upgrade then you are buying a vehicle with one of the best stereo's ever fitted to a vehicle. Plus all HSE have rear stereo controls in both rows of rear seats so the kids can plug in headsets and listen to music while not troubling you.

Apart from fully adjustable captains chairs the base model HSE can be a bit plain, but plenty of them have extras that make a big difference on long trips, like a centre consul fridge etc.

Like Marmoset said condition is extremely important, it doesn't matter what model your considering make sure it has a good and full service history.

For long trips there is no other 4x4 I have found that eats up the miles in absolute comfort as a D3/4, especially a HSE with those great captains chairs, so good luck.

[jimc]

I have a SE and our rear most passanger has a 12v fan sourced from Jaycar for $28. No need for any 3rd row air conditioning anymore.

I went the SE due it being in fantastic condition far and above any of the other SE and HSE's on offer at the time.

[coolum]

I have used the 7 seater as a 2 x 2 x 2 configuration and the rear and third level aircon is great and much appreciated by the occupants.

Especially by the third row as they don't get the option of a window that opens.

I believe a lot of SE's have this and perhaps may be std on HSE's.??

something to consider in a hot summer stuck in traffic or just keeping temps down - 4 kids can get temps up by themselves I would suggest.

[PKD4]

I would agree with the rear air comments too. I did not choose my vehicle because it had the rear air con, but would now choose one with it over one without. Especially, as you would be using the third row a lot.

Pat

[Epic pooh]

I agree with Terry's comments regarding the merits of a well specified HSE - rear air, logic 7 and memory electric seats. These are awesome things (particularly the seats and the logic 7) and if you're shopping used then you can take the time to find a vehicle with these features (or not as the case may be depending in their value to you). Personally when buying mine my wife said to me "take your time, get all the features you want so you don't look back with any regrets". I took that advice ... V8 HSE with those three things and the alpine roof.

The roof is annoying in really sunny days - fixed with a dark bit of cloth if it gets too much.

Good luck !

[coolum]

From what I can gather its really hard (if not impossible) to add bits to the D3 with a few exceptions.

From what I have read on this forum I have gleaned

You can:

Upgrade stereo but you'll have to add all the extra speakers too and they come with the door cards etc so its a bit more than expected.

Upgrade the console to a fridge (and $300.00 +) +

there may be other bits ???

Add a tow bar and roof rails, snorkel, lightbars, etc (but they are more accessories rather than features..

Make sure you get what you want 'cos it seems with the D3, its not easy adding to the beast you buy.

happy hunting

[Disco3man]

We have an SE and love it. We do lots of long distance driving with two young kids and it is very comfortable. Ours has the rear air conditioning and we find the stereo is great. I have fitted an aftermarket sat nav as I agree with Marmoset the maps can be updated a lot easier.
If you are interested I am actually selling mine, it is on the forum and is well set up for touring.
Feel free to send me a PM if you have any questions about the D3.

[sheerluck]

From what I can gather its really hard (if not impossible) to add bits to the D3 with a few exceptions.

From what I have read on this forum I have gleaned

You can:

Upgrade stereo but you'll have to add all the extra speakers too and they come with the door cards etc so its a bit more than expected.

Upgrade the console to a fridge (and $300.00 +) +

there may be other bits ???

Add a tow bar and roof rails, snorkel, lightbars, etc (but they are more accessories rather than features..

Make sure you get what you want 'cos it seems with the D3, its not easy adding to the beast you buy.

happy hunting

Not quite. If you head over to Disco3.co.uk you'll see what has been retrofitted to both D3s and D4s. Some of it (depending on what you are upgrading from, or adding) requires splicing in of looms, but it seems that only adding the sunroof is extremely difficult.

Most retrofitted items will need the CCF updated to show that they are there now.

[connock]

I would go for the best condition and best serviced if you have a tightish budget. I had the choice when buying my D3 SE or a RRS, The sport was actually 1k cheaper but I went the D3 because of condition/ service history and the space inside.
Coolum I have used mine a few times as 2x2x2 the fridge full of beer on the 2nd row works a treat, all passengers can reach it :D air is for pussies (ok and kids).

connock

[crawal]

Thanks folks , the kids are getting bigger so not sure for how long we will need to put them in the back.
We aren't in a rush to get a vehicle so we will look at all options ..

[BobD]

Thanks folks , the kids are getting bigger so not sure for how long we will need to put them in the back.


You will need the third row with four kids until they get their own licence. The third row seats are fine for any age including adults. We often need more than 7 seats in our D4 SE even though all of my six kids have their own cars!

Bob

[coolum]

If you have beer, you don't really need air.

The disco using a 2x2x2 seating config. lets everyone get a lux ride with plenty of room and makes the third row less claustrophobic as well.

The 2nd row centre seat can be left slightly raised for an armrest and (with plenty of cool air pumped through for the pussies) it's a real limo experience.

A 60km/hr drive up the beach on low tide is like 'flying', except whisper quiet..

Can't beat it.

[rb30gtr]

I went for the HSE Diesel,

3rd row air is brilliant, I have a Bullmastiff so this pretty much sealed the deal, no other 4x4's offer 3rd row air in that price range.

I looked long and hard for no alpine roof or sunroof, me being tall they can take up head space, and I didn't want to have to deal with the leaking issues and I don't really have a use for a sunroof.

Front captains chairs are a brilliant addition I must ad, and I also really like the HID headlights.

Also the stereo is far better in the HSE, but I have no rear controls for mine