Potential D3 owner - buying guide & advice

[rar110]

I'm considering going from a 110 to a D3 (although the amount of electronics is seriously scary). It will be a vehicle I'd like keep for up to 10 years. I only do about 10,000km per year. But do use my vehicle for 4wd including beach work. It seems that it will be capable enough. However, I also live in a pretty corrosive sea air environment.

Am I being unrealistic thinking the D3 electrics will be ok in my situation?

Also, what should I look for when inspecting a vehicle? I've read some posts about catastrophic engine (big end) failure. I spoke to an seller of a country vehicle and it emerged that its done regular towing of some serious weight. On one occasion during a hot day some warning lights went off. According to the owner Land Rover couldn't find a fault. Should I steer clear of a motor that's been subject to heavy towing?

thanks

[BSM]

When I was researching, I asked a couple of well known service shops what I should consider. There was no concern about the engines and previous towing ( after all that why many of these vehicles are purchased). However they did say that you should do a transmission service replacing the metal pan and the oil if it had done a lot of towing.

Regarding electronics,Yes the electronics are scary, but on the other hand that's one of the things that makes them such a capable vehicle.

I recall reading here that One of the forum members (gghaggis), has added extra protection to the ECU computers. Especially the one behind the wheel arch, and certainly corrosion from a leaky battery is known to damage that ECU.

I can't really comment on the corrosive effect of beach driving, but I would imagine that in the UK winter, the salt on the roads would be fairly corrosive too. Perhaps have a look here for some commentary on that. DISCO3.CO.UK - Index (http://www.disco3.co.uk/forum/)

In any case I think the D3 is a great car.

[TerryO]

d3's are great vehicles, but remember even if you buy the last one ever made it is now at least 5 years old. Personally I would try and stretch to a D4 which seem to have fewer issues.

I still get the perma grin with my D3 but they can cost a bit to keep going if your unlucky.

[rar110]

thanks for the replies.

what is the wading depth like on a D3?

[TerryO]

I can't remember if the wading depth is in the FAQ section or not however there is lots of other interesting information that is very good to know if one is considering a D3/4.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/93220-aulro-discovery-3-4-rrs-faq-3.html

[rar110]

I spoke to the seller again. He says the D3 needed the turbo replaced after 60,000 km and wasn't done under warranty as time expired. He didn't seem to understand the problem (said boost had to be replaced), but that there was some part of the turbo that needed replacing which couldn't be bought separately. So a new turbo was fitted.

Does this sound warning bells?

[BSM]

Does this sound warning bells?

I wouldn't think so. Parts need to be replaced when they fail.

It's more the quality of the service / repair work that's been done that you'd want tone sure of. Maybe the seller can give you the details of their repair shop and you can have a chat to them. A good repair shop will maintain a record of the work done on a vehicle and will have a sense of what might be coming up.

Alternatively if you have an idea of which service centre you're going to use in your area, go a have a chat with them about what problems they see on these cars and what you should look out for. They may suggest someone in your area who can inspect the car for you also.

In the end though it's a leap of faith buying a car out of warranty. If you love it and the price is right then sometimes you've just got to leap.

[jonesy63]

thanks for the replies.

what is the wading depth like on a D3?

700mm.

[rar110]

Can anyone please point out what upgrades were made with the release of the MY09 D3 and then with the D4 release?
Thanks

[rar110]

I'm still on the look out for a D3/D4.

There is a big price difference between a MY09 (D3) & MY10 (D4). Is there much of a difference? Talking TDV6 2.7.

[Graeme]

The D4 has a more up-market interior than the D3. The D4 has LED tail, blinker and stop lights. The D4 has stiffer shocks and anti-roll bars and a lower suspension roll centre from revised geometry, which all provide improved handling but with some reduction in the original soft D3 ride.
IIRC the 2.7 in the D4 has a different brand of ecm to the D3 with some driveability differences. The D3 front seat headrests tilt too far forwards for some people but the angle can be modified with appropriate force. My 2009 D4 SE has built-in hands-free phone which might not be standard in a D3.

NB. I fitted 2009 D3 shocks and anti-roll bars to my D4 to soften the ride on my country back-roads.

[rar110]

The D4 has a more up-market interior than the D3. The D4 has LED tail, blinker and stop lights. The D4 has stiffer shocks and anti-roll bars and a lower suspension roll centre from revised geometry, which all provide improved handling but with some reduction in the original soft D3 ride. IIRC the 2.7 in the D4 has a different brand of ecm to the D3 with some driveability differences. The D3 front seat headrests tilt too far forwards for some people but the angle can be modified with appropriate force. My 2009 D4 SE has built-in hands-free phone which might not be standard in a D3.

Thanks. The D4 interior & external refinements are a great improvement. Didn't know about the ECM & suspension changes.

[TerryO]

As I mentioned previously in my opinion if you can stretch yourself to a D4 then that would be the go especially if your wanting to keep it for a decade or so.

[Epic pooh]

Yes, apart from the front cupholders ... haha !

[catsman]

The D4 has a more up-market interior than the D3. The D4 has LED tail, blinker and stop lights. The D4 has stiffer shocks and anti-roll bars and a lower suspension roll centre from revised geometry, which all provide improved handling but with some reduction in the original soft D3 ride.
IIRC the 2.7 in the D4 has a different brand of ecm to the D3 with some driveability differences. The D3 front seat headrests tilt too far forwards for some people but the angle can be modified with appropriate force. My 2009 D4 SE has built-in hands-free phone which might not be standard in a D3.

NB. I fitted 2009 D3 shocks and anti-roll bars to my D4 to soften the ride on my country back-roads.

Is there any major difference between the 2005/06 model D3 and 2008/09 D3's?

Contemplating a 2006 v8 but at 8 years old think it might be a bit too old, especially if they improved things in the later D3's

[rar110]

It's a tough choice with a max spend of about $45k. A base 2009 D4 2.7 starts at about $40k (higher mileage) nicer interior & exterior design, but misses out on things like 7 seat & bi-xenon lights. A D3 SE MY09 is as low as $30k (under 180,000km), with bi-xenon lights and a easy 2-DIN dash to fit a big screen stereo/nav/reversing system. Both are about the same age.

[TerryO]

It has been reported in here previously by those who should know that the 2009 D3 had many of the upgrades that came with the D4. Plus as a bonus most 2009 models had lots of extra's factory fitted to make them more attractive to buyers because everyone knew back then that they were a run out model, so they are easilly the pick of the bunch if you want a D3.

Regarding the V8, nothing much goes wrong with these in any year model, the V8's are thirsty in comparision to the diesel but have much lower running costs and much higher levels of reliability. Plus the V8 is extremely nice to drive and goes like stink, not sure I would want to tow a 3 ton caravan across the ountry with one though, given their like for fuel.

Apparently its a good idea prior to buying a V8 model to get the sellers to change the spark plugs. Reason, if they have not been changed for a long time, which is normal, sometimes they seize in the head and it can be very expensive to fix.

[Graeme]

About the only upgrade done to the 2009 D3 was to fit colour-coded wheel-arch flares and later to reduce the available paint colour options due to paint bays being used for new D4 colours months before they were released. MY07 was an upgrade model with quite a few changes.

[BSM]

Sometimes I look wistfully at those newer D4s, I peer in the windows and think - yeah that looks good. I acknowledge the overall slickness of the package and think Mmmm, why didn't I go for one of those? And then I remember, that I was going to get a Pajero, and then I test drove a D3 that was 3 years older than that Pajero - and there was no contest. The D3 drove (and still drives) like a dream. It was just within my budget, and it had so many more features than the Paj. If I hadn't have gone with that D3 I would never have known just what a joy (an expensive joy) the LR Discovery is.

[rar110]

Sometimes I look wistfully at those newer D4s, I peer in the windows and think - yeah that looks good. I acknowledge the overall slickness of the package and think Mmmm, why didn't I go for one of those? And then I remember, that I was going to get a Pajero, and then I test drove a D3 that was 3 years older than that Pajero - and there was no contest. The D3 drove (and still drives) like a dream. It was just within my budget, and it had so many more features than the Paj. If I hadn't have gone with that D3 I would never have known just what a joy (an expensive joy) the LR Discovery is.

The Paj is a lot of car for the money, esp as the new model has a rear diff lock. I've driven the BILs NP diesel and was impressed. However I dislike the instrument panel, part time 4WD and rear door.

There's no doubt the D4 is a top vehicle. But a D3 is pretty close.

[Epic pooh]

Last year when I was at the Snow, my 2005 D3 **** a wheel bearing and I had it taken to Canberra to be fixed and ended up with a current model Pajero as a hire car for week (yay for NRMA premium care). It was a brand new Paj and I did quite a bit of driving in very mixed road and very slightly offroad conditions. It was a revelatory experience, the Paj is a very honest car and very good value for the money, reasonable to drive, engine power is quite ok, fuel economy is only ok, the back door really bad, overall performance and handling are ok, found it a bit noisy inside (rattly diseasel engine and wind noise at speed).

I was so pleased at the end of the week to pick up my Disco on my way through Canberra for the drive home ... chalk and cheese ... my smooth, powerful V8 vs Paj torquey tractor engine; my supple, yet precise air suspension and grippy tyres vs the Paj and it's bouncy coils, slippery tyres and overly stiff understeery suspension; halogen headlights vs my 'daylight' bi-xeons ... some kind of tin can stereo vs logic 7 ... I could go on quite a bit ... but anyway, IMO, the Paj is a good honest vehicle and good value for money, but to drive and as cars, there is no comparison, even at 8 years old my Disco is in a different league.

[catsman]

Does anyone know if D3s came with bash plates standard? Some have them some dealer ones dont, wondering if they were removed to make it look cleaner??

[BSM]

Does anyone know if D3s came with bash plates standard? Some have them some dealer ones dont, wondering if they were removed to make it look cleaner??

There a steel engine sump protector plate that comes standard, which is pretty good.

Other than that there are rounded covers shielding the steering gear that are just plastic, and the transmission cover is also just plastic. There no protection for the compressor or the rear dif.

You can buy D3 bash plates from a range of suppliers including Green oval experience, Ironman4x4, and Pedders (Asfir) that extend the protected area forward to the radiator and rearward to the transmission and cover other vulnerable ares like the compressor. Some of these plates (eg Asfir) are designed for the European market where bull-bars are not allowed, and hence the protection toward the front of the car is incompatible with bull-bars. If you want a bull bar- then I suggest get it first then fit any protection plates based on what remains exposed and what can fit.

[catsman]

Thanks everyone for your help. Purchased a 09 D3 this arvo. One thing I wasn't sure about, it has 20" range rover storm wheels. Couldn't tell what the spare was. Are these compliant for a D3 as far as load rating goes? Or should I get them chaged over before I pick it up??

Also do the 20" tyres fit in spare wheel well?

http://ts2.mm.bing.net/th?id=HN.608003284371375683&pid=1.7

[~Rich~]

Congrats, a picture would be good ( of the car)
I'm not sure about the load rating for these rims sorry but any rim size as long as the tyre overall size is approx 790mm or less will fit in the spare wheel bay.
Standard tyre is about 763mm approx O/A.

[catsman]

I'll do some action shots when I get it, but this is how it looks:

What's the go with the silver grill bar? Haven't seen that before.

[rar110]

I'll do some action shots when I get it, but this is how it looks: What's the go with the silver grill bar? Haven't seen that before. I think that grill was for the MY09 HSE. Is it a V8?

[catsman]

I think that grill was for the MY09 HSE. Is it a V8?

Nah definitely an SE (4L petrol)

[discoandrew]

I bought a D3 a few months ago and to be brutally honest it's cost me a bit to get it up to scratch. On the dirt, they are a sensational vehicle, comfortable, easy to drive, go anywhere.

Things to look out for:
Make sure you get the suspension compressor checked. They are costly to fix. I got one from the UK for a reasonable price, but it was a pain.
Check the front suspension for knocks. Although easy to fix it's just another cost.
The electronics can be troublesome, but it's not a nightmare as some make it out to be. I've had a few switches here and there that needed replacing, but most were cheap to replace.
There are a few other mechanical things to look for, but generally the diesel motor is a gem.
The auto box needs regular servicing despite what LR tell you.
Note, they aren't the cheapest car to run. I get around 14-16litres/100km around town, about 7-8L/100 on the open road. Off road they can drop to 15-18l/100

I love my D3, but I would have preferred a Defender. I just couldn't get one for a decent prices or Kms. I'd gladly sway for a Defender or even a Freelander 2 but hey, this is the choice I made and I'm living with it.

Good luck with your search.
If you need any other pointers, feel free to PM me.

[rar110]

I bought a D3 a few months ago and to be brutally honest it's cost me a bit to get it up to scratch. On the dirt, they are a sensational vehicle, comfortable, easy to drive, go anywhere. Things to look out for: Make sure you get the suspension compressor checked. They are costly to fix. I got one from the UK for a reasonable price, but it was a pain. Check the front suspension for knocks. Although easy to fix it's just another cost. The electronics can be troublesome, but it's not a nightmare as some make it out to be. I've had a few switches here and there that needed replacing, but most were cheap to replace. There are a few other mechanical things to look for, but generally the diesel motor is a gem. The auto box needs regular servicing despite what LR tell you. Note, they aren't the cheapest car to run. I get around 14-16litres/100km around town, about 7-8L/100 on the open road. Off road they can drop to 15-18l/100 I love my D3, but I would have preferred a Defender. I just couldn't get one for a decent prices or Kms. I'd gladly sway for a Defender or even a Freelander 2 but hey, this is the choice I made and I'm living with it. Good luck with your search. If you need any other pointers, feel free to PM me.

Thanks, what year and how many kms?

I am going from a 1989 turbo Isuzu 110. Apart from the noise and no air con, I like it better than the Puma 110. The torque from idle in the Isuzu is impressive and the ride is softer, despite being 25 yrs old. The Puma air con and interior is a leap.

[catsman]

Having gone through the purchase experience I would add I think some dealers are removing front bash plate to make it look cleaner underneath, and D3 inside door handle is very cheap plasticy and creaks and moves when worn, used it as an indicator of wear.

[Epic pooh]

Looks good - I'd say that the grill is a cosmetic update to go with the wheels - don't think I've seen one like that before. Good luck with it !

[ozscott]

The Paj is a lot of car for the money, esp as the new model has a rear diff lock. I've driven the BILs NP diesel and was impressed. However I dislike the instrument panel, part time 4WD and rear door.

There's no doubt the D4 is a top vehicle. But a D3 is pretty close.
yep they are a good honest truck. very well sorted an in VRX trim are excellent value for money. However after driving them I cant wait to get back into my d2 for many reasons including just the sheer feeling of quality and solidity.

a mate has a very low K d3 4.0. very nice capable truck...SE...likes a drink with the Explorer motor but impressive power plant given the weight of the vehicle.

Cheers

[rar110]

All the good ones are down south.

http://carsales.mobi/cars/details/2008-land-rover-discovery-3-se-series-3/SSE-AD-2866143

[RickO]

And there's likely to be a Stornoway Grey My08 SE D3 on offer in the next week or so after 'someone' :angel: took the plunge on a new MY14 D4 last week...

The D3 in question has 139k on the clock, has had one owner since new, no accidents, a full LR service history and has no expense spared mechanically after just coming off a novated lease in Oct last year. In addition to no 'hard' towing or offroading, it has an ARB bar + Warn winch, Traxide DB kit, tinted windows, Mitch hitch and the AUX input 'fix' often mentioned on the forum.

...watch this space

[aus86inch]

Where and how much?

[TerryO]

All adverts need to go into the MARKETS section please guys, there is no problems pointing out in here that you have something for sale in the markets section though.