Advice on what to look out for in used D3

[Meken]

Hi looking to buy a D3. Preference is the diesel in hse form.
Budget is below about $45k. Searching carsales reveals that money gets you 05 / 06 years with sub 100k on the dial.
Any significant differences between 05 & 06 yrs?
What are the things to look out for in these vehicles that may hurt the hip pocket after purchase?
There does seem to be quite a few vehicles with + 100,000ks on them - if they are in good condition (body & interior wise) are these worth looking at (I know Diesel engines will go forever compared to petrol)
Appreciate any comments and experiences
Thanks Ken

[Yorkie]

buy from a dealer so you get 3 month warranty at least to avoid this,,,

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/185376-d3-engine-jammed-highway.html

[ak]

And keep reading this forum specific to D3's/D4's. Read as many threads here as possible read and read and read. Then you should know just about everything to look out for.

I'd also pay a reputable independent LR mechanic to do a pre purchase inspection.

[TerryO]

Hi Meken,

Actually the V8 petrol engine in a D3 has proven to be the most reliable off all the engines by far. Plus service costs for a V8 are much lower, yes they use more fuel but fuel is usually the lowest cost of owning any vehicle.

For 45k you should get a very good HSE and if your patient a later year model than 06 as well.

V8 D3's used to be much cheaper than diesels up till recently, now the difference often isn't that great. If I was buying another D3 I would buy a V8, unless I was going to be using it mainly for towing heavy trailers / caravans or wanting to do lots of outback touring.

[Shawrover]

Hi, I am also interested in a D3, TDV6 prob 2006. I dont expect to pay more than 26k , but I see prices at 37k, this seems over the top, or am i just not in the loop. Remember, these vehicles are going on 8 years old and may need a 'real' service. Advice on the issues with these vehicles would be well appreciated.

[rb30gtr]

Advice from a recent 07 D3 buyer,

Check alternator
Air compressor - Sit in the car and cycle it up and down a lot
Make sure you get 2 keys! 600 each from LR
Check recalls, especially the brake booster one, even better check the pipe on the brake booster for signs of oil ingress
Service history - Timing belt etc, make sure they did pulleys also

And usual signs of wear and tear of course.

Mine has 180,000km's, is an 07 HSE and got it for under 30k. Great price, but has had a few minor issues, so expect to get what you pay for. Unless you buy one someone has ironed out all the kinks on.

And keep on the forum, a well looked after one may pop up for sale. Might have to move mine on for funds to buy another house soon, but it isn't as good as a 45k Disco.

[Fatso]

Make sure Timing & HPFP belts have been changed , @ 168Ks or 7 yrs .

[rb30gtr]

And check for a steel pan on the gearbox, or service history for a full flush service.

[rb30gtr]

Hi, I am also interested in a D3, TDV6 prob 2006. I dont expect to pay more than 26k , but I see prices at 37k, this seems over the top, or am i just not in the loop. Remember, these vehicles are going on 8 years old and may need a 'real' service. Advice on the issues with these vehicles would be well appreciated.

Could easily get an S model for around that price.

But who would want a D3 with no air shocks

[Epic pooh]

The V8 is awesome and by all reports bulletproof. Once you get in the groove of driving it, the fuel economy is not bad at all (providing you can show right foot restraint), range could be better thanks to the too small fuel tank, but that said, it's not a big deal, just plan around it on long trips. And as some wit said "worrying about fuel consumption in a vehicle like a D3 is like worrying about having sugar in your coffee after you've eaten a slice of cheesecake".

For your budget you could easily get a super nice, low klms, V8 HSE with all the fruit (hunt for one with the HK Logic 7 sound system ... great sound for the unlikely moment you get tired of the tunes from the engine). If you're patient, you'll get a later model than a '05-'06 too.

Good luck.

[ctgiles84]

Hi, I paid $20k for 05 HSE, lots of k's but new motor 80,000 ago. It has had a few issues but easy fixes. There are heaps out there so take your time looking. K's mean nothing in diesel motors. They have common problems but what car doesn't. I have fixed all issues my self and with minimal cost.