Buying D3 - V8 or TD?

[2cranky]

Hi,
First post but been lurking for a while!
I'm looking at upgrading my old '95 V8 Disco for a D3. I'd really love a TD but after looking around a bit it seems that the V8 give a lot more for the $$.
Any advice on what to look for in each of these, issues etc. I really know nothing about D3s.


Cheers


Nick.

[tempestv8]

The used market is adverse to petrol four wheel drives, so you should be able to find a bargain petrol D3 compared to the diesel D3.

As far as reliability is concerned, or maintenance costs, I suspect that the petrol V8 would be the pick of the two, fuel costs aside.

It only takes one big repair on the diesel to claw back all the savings in fuel costs compared to the petrol motor.

The 4.4 petrol motor is a bored out version from the XJ Jaguar 4.2 V8 which in itself is actually a Ford motor. Output is 220kW @ 5500rpm, 427 Nm @ 4000 rpm. But with a 86-litre fuel tank, it won't have a great touring range. Nonetheless, the motor will be a lot more economical than the Rover 4.0 V8 you currently drive and a huge improvement as it actually drives the D3 very well.

If you do not do a lot of kms, or a lot of short trips, and tend to keep your vehicles for a long time, perhaps the V8 is the way go to.

Anyway found an existing thread on the same topic: http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/185598-advice-what-look-out-used-d3.html

[2cranky]

Thanks TempestV8,
Not really doing big Ks. only put 130k on mine in 14 years. (total over 200k)
average under 10k a year.
but a lot of the driving is just around town.
I'll check out that link.

[idrabble]

It only takes one big repair on the diesel to claw back all the savings in fuel costs compared to the petrol motor.

And to be fair, it only takes one big repair bill on the petrol engine to compound your extra fuel costs over the diesel.

The diesel is actually a Ford engine as well.

[awilliams]

G'Day 2cranky

I currently have a D3 V8 and used to run a D1 V8 (1998)
It is a great engine and have not had any big issues at all ( now up to 185000 klms) the V8 is equal to the V6 on economy due to power / weight ratio. I recently did a medium difficulty off road trip with two patrols. These guys had lifted suspension, bars, etc. My D3 is pretty stock except it was fitted with the rear and center diff lockers. I was able to tackle everything these guys did and with using the HDC and diff lockers, was more capable in some areas.
I had a concern on fuel as these patrols had 120ltr of fuel compared to my 80 odd ltr thimble. The Disco ended up just fine but I am looking seriously at a rear bar and wheel carrier as a flat tyre when in the bush is a real pain due to the mounting of the spare (major design flaw) I am also considerng if I use a long range tank but considering the rear bar comes with a jerry can holder, I might leave it at that to start with and keep maximum clearance out back.

good luck
Al

[VladTepes]

and, engines aside, were there other differences between the petrol and diesel models (as in specs) which might be relevant to this discussion?

[Timj]

I believe the V8 had larger brakes and therefore cannot fit 17" wheels. Similar to the D4 so perhaps the special wheels from GOE solve that issue as well.

[willem]

The used market is adverse to petrol four wheel drives, so you should be able to find a bargain petrol D3 compared to the diesel D3.

As far as reliability is concerned, or maintenance costs, I suspect that the petrol V8 would be the pick of the two, fuel costs aside.

It only takes one big repair on the diesel to claw back all the savings in fuel costs compared to the petrol motor.

The 4.4 petrol motor is a bored out version from the XJ Jaguar 4.2 V8 which in itself is actually a Ford motor. Output is 220kW @ 5500rpm, 427 Nm @ 4000 rpm. But with a 86-litre fuel tank, it won't have a great touring range. Nonetheless, the motor will be a lot more economical than the Rover 4.0 V8 you currently drive and a huge improvement as it actually drives the D3 very well.l (http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/185598-advice-what-look-out-used-d3.html)

The D3 V8 not a Ford motor. It is the AJ26 V8 developed by Jaguar.

The other petrol motor, the V6, is a Ford motor.

The 2.7 litre diesel is a PSA motor, not a Ford motor.

Willem

[jonesy63]

I believe the V8 had larger brakes and therefore cannot fit 17" wheels. Similar to the D4 so perhaps the special wheels from GOE solve that issue as well.

The V8 D3 can also use 18" (or larger) wheels from a D3 or D4 - it doesn't have to use the GOE 18" wheels.

[Epic pooh]

I'll chime in with my predictable "I've had a V8 D3 for years and it is great, other than normal D3 problems (and not that many really) it has had no engine problems or work" remark.

The V8 is widely sold in Africa, USA, Canada and seems a very unproblematic motor (as is the AJ-28 in Jaguars - factoid, the AJ-V8 is only the 4th all new motor in the history of Jaguar). The confusion about it being a Ford motor is because Jaguar used to (may still) occupy space in a Ford factory (factory within a factory arrangement) where the motor was built and a poor cousin made its way into a Ford Thunderbird for a couple of years.

Fuel economy is fine (my 10,000km average is 13.5 in all conditions from towing, to long distance work, to offroad, to mums taxi etc). For perspective on the open road it is about the same as a V6 Commodore and around town (short trips) it is very similar to my 4cyl Subaru (fuel guzzler). As far as range goes, I can count on at least 500km out of a tank with my little van on the back in most conditions, so that is good for me (and I can mount fuel on the van so no worries).

The sound of the V8 is awesome, the performance is quite surprising at times. It is an engine that likes to rev (power and torque produced at high rpm) which is when the fuel consumption goes south.

V8 was only available as SE and HSE spec whereas you could get the Diesel as S spec as well. So most V8's have more fruit.

I've previously had a D1 4.0 manual and this motor is radically better than the old V8. In reality, if you do 10K a year, your choice will come down to do you like the sound and performance of the V8 or do you prefer the better range and low torque of the Diesel. Personally ... no discussion for me as I dislike Diesel engines ... but others mileage may vary ! Good luck whichever way you dive !

[slydr]

My 2 cents. The V8 is excellent. I have had issues with coils packs and changed these and the plugs. The cooling system bleeder tee (under the engine cover) gets brittle and should be replaced with the coolant when you buy it (not the 10 years BS that LR advise.

I have done my own services and fluid changes etc, all bits are available and cheap. (Thank you Repco for your 25% off weekends) I change oil and filters at 10k.

The V8 does not require timing belt changes like the V6 petrol and diesel (a nice saving). I average 13.2lt /100km and have achieved 10.8 when hyper-miling.

There seems to be no down side except mine is too nice to bash down crap roads (yes, I got precious after purchase)

[Marmoset]

Same as above, just bought a V8 in October last year - Really easy to service, not looked at the engine up close (I was always checking my D2 TD5 for leaks etc so it makes a refreshing change) but I may have to clean out the throttle body as it stutters every now and then.

Our driving profile is the same as yours 2cranky, so the price of diesel motors didn't make sense given a 10 year payback period on the purchase cost alone. I think we're getting about 16l/100km average but 90% of it is town driving. Out on the open road it's sitting just over 11l/100kms at 110 Km/h.

It also sounds fantastic when you open the throttle! :D

[Disco_Ben]

x2 with the comments above.

My D3 V8 is great. No engine related issues to date, at 160K kms. Fuel to work and back is about 13l/100kms with mixed stop start and freeway driving.

Servicing is no problem, mine is done every 10k.

There is nothing like the sound of a V8 on full song. :cool:

Enjoy
Ben

[2cranky]

Thanks for all the comments!
Yeah I do like the sound of my V8.
I am surprised there is not more support for the TD though.
anything in particular I should be looking out for?


Cheers,


Nick.

[gghaggis]

If you had stated that you wanted to use the car for touring/towing/heavy off-road use, there would have been more support for the TDV6. For your usage (as stated), the V8 will be fine.

Cheers,

Gordon

[Garry]

I have had my D3 V8 for almost 6 years and by far the best Discovery I have owned

Its no hassle either, just keep the servicing up and you will have no problems

Oh and if you do get one cut the muffler out under the cubby box as it makes it sound like a true V8

G

[Graeme]

I made the same recommendation to my brother because of his expected usage pattern whereas the diesel is my preferred engine for my use.

[ytt105]

Great to see how honest we are!

All us TDV6 lovers aren't pushing OUR love, because we believe the V8 would suit YOU better, just as the diesel suits US better.

Regards

[2cranky]

Great to see how honest we are!

All us TDV6 lovers aren't pushing OUR love, because we believe the V8 would suit YOU better, just as the diesel suits US better.

Regards

Refreshing!
:)

[tempestv8]

If the budget can stretch it, the D4 V8 is a 5.0 litre and, incredibly, has slightly better fuel economy. :)

The D4 has stiffer suspension bushings compared to the D3. One thing you need to inspect is the front wish bone bushes. Typically these wear out quickly and result in a wobbly steering wheel under certain conditions.

The auto gearbox will also require a fluid and filter service to avoid the shuddering issue.

Electronic Park Brake prone to failure, so make sure it works properly before purchasing.

Air suspension can fail - check to see if it's got the Hitachi (old) pump or the AMK (new) pump, indicating that the air suspension has been repaired.

These are the most common generic issues for a D3

And here's another thread on a D1 jump to a D3 that you might find relevant: http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/188940-going-d1-d3-next-week-cupla-questions.html

[2cranky]

If the budget can stretch it, the D4 V8 is a 5.0 litre and, incredibly, has slightly better fuel economy. :)

The D4 has stiffer suspension bushings compared to the D3. One thing you need to inspect is the front wish bone bushes. Typically these wear out quickly and result in a wobbly steering wheel under certain conditions.

The auto gearbox will also require a fluid and filter service to avoid the shuddering issue.

Electronic Park Brake prone to failure, so make sure it works properly before purchasing.

Air suspension can fail - check to see if it's got the Hitachi (old) pump or the AMK (new) pump, indicating that the air suspension has been repaired.

These are the most common generic issues for a D3

And here's another thread on a D1 jump to a D3 that you might find relevant: http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/188940-going-d1-d3-next-week-cupla-questions.html

Okay now we are getting somewhere!
Unfortunately I have already stretched from D2 to D3!:D

[2cranky]

Just checking out a few D3 V8
First one turned out to be missing 2 cylinders! :)
Looking at another but the K's are over 200,000
Should I be concerned? Price is good!

[Epic pooh]

I don't think anyone can answer that question without seeing the vehicle and in particular seeing the service and repair history and then doing a price/risk 'guesstimation'. An 05 model is now going on 9 so 200km on a 05 is not out of the ballpark - once a vehicle is of this age, service history, repair history and general vehicle condition are just as or more relevant than mileage. I don't think many of the V8 inhabitants of this place have done that kind of mileage - I certainly haven't. Good luck !

[Marmoset]

Mines only just got over 100k km's, there's plenty out there with far lower km's on the clock so look at a few more. It's not so much the engine but the rest of the drive train that has additional wear on it as well, that needs taking into account.

[2cranky]

The 200k one was a washout - the vehicle was trashed! Mine at 10 years older and similar k's was far better.
Right now looking at a SE TD with low k's in great condition. But no fruit. And a HSE V8 with average k's and all the fruit..

What is the deal with the TD service costs? Some say expensive. Can you do it yourself?

[2cranky]

Not sure how to search for this so sorry if it is in here somewhere already!
But what is the best way to manage a purchase when buying interstate privately?
Like duty, rego etc.

[sheerluck]

........What is the deal with the TD service costs? Some say expensive. Can you do it yourself?

You have the complication of the timing belt and HP fuel pump belt change every 80,000km. Possible as DIY, though the HP belt change needs small hands. The extra issue is that of the turbo - any problems with that and you need to take the body off.


Not sure how to search for this so sorry if it is in here somewhere already!
But what is the best way to manage a purchase when buying interstate privately?
Like duty, rego etc.

There's a Google search box at the bottom of every page. ;)

[Dougal]

10k oil changes on the V8 seem a bit keen. What is the factory recommended distance?

Is the D4 V8 fitted with the 8sp auto? If so that'd be the fuel economy gain.

[Geedublya]

No 8 speed on the 2013/14 V8 it is still a six speed. Factory recommended oil change is 24K and it holds 8l from memory.

[Graeme]

You have the complication of the timing belt and HP fuel pump belt change every 80,000km.More like 160K kms!

[sheerluck]

More like 160K kms!

Oops. Don't know what i was thinking of there. :D

[lpj]

Not sure how to search for this so sorry if it is in here somewhere already! But what is the best way to manage a purchase when buying interstate privately? Like duty, rego etc.

It depends where you going to end up. I bought in NSW and live in Melbourne. All I had to do was pay the guy, drive to VIC and take it to VicRoads and get the plates changed (after forking over the stamp duty and rego fee). I had to pre book the VicRoads visit and they took the NSW plates and sent them back. Was very straight forward.

Your local road authority should have an explanation on their website.

[2cranky]

So if I want to fly to Melbourne do the deal and drive it back to Brisbane? What is the best way?

[sheerluck]

So if I want to fly to Melbourne do the deal and drive it back to Brisbane? What is the best way?

If it's registered, just jump in and drive. If it's unregistered, get an unregistered vehicle permit in VIC, and drive it home, get a roadworthy on arrival in QLD, then hit the Queensland Transport office.

Or just get it sent up on one of the car carriers.

[2cranky]

If it's registered, just jump in and drive. If it's unregistered, get an unregistered vehicle permit in VIC, and drive it home, get a roadworthy on arrival in QLD, then hit the Queensland Transport office.

Or just get it sent up on one of the car carriers.
Yeah, more concerned with duty and claiming the remainder of the Vic rego & CTP plus having the RWC for Qld. The logistics is the easy part for me.

[Graeme]

If Qld does what NSW does then you won't get any rego refund from cancelled interstate rego.

[2cranky]

Okay, maybe I need to buy it unregistered. Get the rego & CTP taken off the price. Get an unregistered vehicle permit and drive it home.

[murray073]

I bought my D3 in Sydney, transferred the rego to me, drove it home to Queensland, got a safety certificate, went to transport department with proof of purchase, paid the stamp duty (way too much) & rego, gave them the plates then applied to NSW RTA for a refund on the registration part then applied for a refund of the CTP insurance from the CTP provider which was all successful eventually. It was basically on the QLD & NSW websites but difficult to find so I found it better to actually ring them to get all my questions answered.

Cheers, Murray

[gossamer]

Not sure how to search for this so sorry if it is in here somewhere already!
But what is the best way to manage a purchase when buying interstate privately?
Like duty, rego etc.

i'd say dont do it Dealer yes private no, someone on here brought a car from Vic and it blew up an engine on the way home to NSW :( i dont think it was a dodgy deal just bad luck and you have no insurance claims.
As for owning a V8 mine has 230,000ks and it goes great. After those ks i have fitted a new suspension compressor and it currently need new shocks and lower control arm but with what i payed im happy to spend that on it.

[2cranky]

Bought my D3 on Friday and drove it from Vic to Qld over the weekend. Seller insisted on keeping plates so I got an unregistered vehicle permit from VicRoads - cost about $50 for 14 days.
Must say it drove extremely well - ate up the k's. :)


I don't think the compressor has been updated - how do I check for that?