Second hand D3 advice

[kizz21]

Hi guys,


I've trawled through various forums for a while now and cant really make a conclusion as I've never owned an LR or (this is going to sound bad) a second hand car before.
So I thought I'd post my query in detail and hope to gain the benefit of others experience.


I'm looking at buying a Disco 3, preferably MY07 up as I've gathered that the reliability issues were cleared up by then.


It will spend 4-5 days a week in a garage and only ever used on weekends for the foreseeable future.
Most of which will be highway driving, but hopefully I'll be getting into the bush more often as I become more confident.
my budget is about 36k (vehicle) and I'll add toys over time largely doing the install myself. ...unless anyone wants a Hyundai ix35 in trade?... no ..didn't think so. :P


My major queries are as follows:


1: 4L petrol, they are much more common and can be found with far less K's than the TDV6 (in WA).
Is the petrol or diesel the better option for the kind of use I'm hoping to get from it? (given the price difference can be as much as $10K and 80'000km...)


2: subject to the normal inspections; what am I likely to be up for $$$ wise in 6-12 months on a vehicle with 130'000km on the clock?


3: I'm probably an 'advanced beginner' when it comes to 4wding, I've spent 4+ years in the mining industry (driven hilux's, Prado's, amaroks in some pretty hellish conditions), been out with friends a fair few times and driven others 4x4s ... and also rolled one... once.
Given that, is a disco really the best option or would I be better off starting in something else?
(that probably should be my first question...)

[austeve01]

Hi,

I have 2007 TDV6 HSE purchased at 153000 kms. I love the diesel averaging 9.8 km/lt Initially I replaced brakes (rotors, pads etc), timing belts, 2 batteries (incl aux), alternator and one of the EGR valves all within the 1st 12 months. Recently I replaced the air suspension compressor. I've had the car for 4 years and wouldn't change it for quids. Brilliant on & off road. I have no mechanical experience so all work is carried out by some very competent techos in Redcliffe. Certainly it hasn't been inexpensive but I love the ride! ... but you do have to look after them.

Cheers
Steve

[kizz21]

Steve, thanks for the overview, that's similar era and kms I'm looking at.

Rough guesstimate of what that lot cost you ?
I'd be prepared to have the whole lot done at once to give me peace of mind for another 50-100km

[Nomad9]

Hi Kizz21,
I've had a couple or so TDV6's I'm now in a 4.0 V6 petrol, personally after six months of ownership I'm more than happy with the V6 petrol. I'm averaging between 12.8 and 13.1 litres / 100, not as quick as the V8 petrol which is well within your price bracket and is more economical than the V6. If I could have afforded the V8 at the time I would have gone that way, still might in a couple of years.
The 10k you save on the petrol will buy you a lot of extra fuel, I've had no issues with the mechanics of my D3, just coming up to 198,000 klms. I got mine for just over half the of the price you mention (in Perth), it is a 2005.
I do my own maintenance so I wanted to get away from some of the nightmares I had with the diesel. Personally I'm more than happy right now. I got th SE not the HSE, off road diesel petrol still a D# and awesome no matter what engine you pick. Ride is great, sound system great, and just being a part of this group of people here.
Never short of constructive assistance a bit of banter and help anytime you need it. You can't go past a Land Rover without stopping to admire the aerodynamic body styling of a regular house brick, and yet it is such an outstanding vehicle..............

[austeve01]

Steve, thanks for the overview, that's similar era and kms I'm looking at.

Rough guesstimate of what that lot cost you ?
I'd be prepared to have the whole lot done at once to give me peace of mind for another 50-100km


Hi again,

Just a rough guesstimate from looking at a log I have kept on totals for services and repairs would suggest 'round $6800 which also included 2 front lower control arms & auto trans flush & steel pan/filter changeover. These prices were 'bout 4yr ago though.

Cheers
Steve

[V2Evo96]

I'm with Nomad9 on this - I picked up a low k 2009 D3 4.0L and am very happy with it overall.
Look for fresh control arm bushings/general suspension refresh/transmission service/updated air compressor as good things to have been done on the vehicle by the previous owner.

Also consider buying in the East and freighting to the West as I know this is done quite a bit. Not a big savings in dollars but far more choice 'over here' and a bit cheaper so you can include the freight in any savings (if any).

[Nomad9]

V2Evo96,
Agreed, when I bought mine it had had the front control arms replaced and also had a new air compressor, plus full service history. These are for any D3 petrol or diesel though. I was just glad to get away from CW outlet connections, timing belts and EGR valves, all specific.

Over East, definite option, I've bought two D3's over East and driven them back with my wife, we made a bit of a holiday out of the drive back. Watch the legalities of doing this, I tried my best to do the trip legally inter state certainly has its challenges.

Trucking or Training over is easier and legal however costs considerably more going East to West than West to East.

[kizz21]

I'm off to check out a TDV6 and a 4L 6, today to get a feel for how they drive.

My one hang up with petrol is the limited range compared to diesel, especially in terms of heading off the bitumen.
Though as much as I'd love to believe I will trolling off to the wide red dust yonder it will spend 70% of its first year on the roads

[Nomad9]

Hi Kizz21,
Long range tank with the money you saved and the rear wheel carrier, still in front..........:) Filling it, you can't get away from that though.

[kizz21]

That's true, pump price isn't the big factor here.

I've just looked at the 08 petrol SE; the dealer who shall remain nameless gave me the wrong vibe so I didn't even touch it.
It was also a smokers car.

Spoke to the wonderful people at the 'other' LR team in perth.
Took it out, it doesn't pull anywhere near like my ix, but it feels solid and there are no suspicious sounding noises.

It's been taken off road, but the service history is primarily dealer with a few others scattered throughout.

What should I look out for on the air suspension system?
I'm going take a few pics.

Can anyone suggest a good perth LR/Indy mechanic to look it over ?

[kizz21]

Slight update.
I took it out again after talking with the finance people.
Haven't put pen to paper but it's definitely not going to be a head decision, hearts already sold

[eddy]

A bonus would be if the transmission sump has a steel sump meaning it has had the oil replaced.When driving slowly over any bumps any knocking in the front end also any movement fore & aft in the front wheel when braking, even gently....both indicate control arm bushes[1st to go is the lower rear one] worn.Could try Rovertech in Bentley or Lifestyle in Morley for pre purchase check.Good luck!

[kizz21]

Thanks eddy.
Didn't feel any knocking or slip over those daft plastic speed bumps.

Cheers

[Nomad9]

Hi Kizz21,
Kevin Falconbridge knows his stuff he'll give you a good idea, Rovatech in Bently.

[Cliffy]

+1 with taking to Kevin,
Saved me from a purchase that would have been a mistake. Car I ended up with is A1!

[shorty]

What should I look out for on the air suspension system?

[shorty]

Sorry that was meant to be a quote...

Check to see if it still has the older hitachi compressor. It it does you might be up for a replacement AMK in your ownership - anywhere from $1,000 - $2000 depending where you source one and who puts it in.

If you plan to keep it long term at some stage you will also need new complete struts as they will wear out.