2010 D4 or later?

[ccandjc]

Hi all, this is my first post on the forum, which I have been obsessively reading for a few months now.

Recently I convinced a friend who had just bought a rural property with difficult access and who therefore needed a new (second hand) 4wd that a Pajero was a reliable choice for weekend escapes and daily duties. For a $30k budget he did well. However, I now have a similar decision to make myself and I think I have talked myself and my wife into a second hand D4.

The question is, which year and model and what options should I be waiting for? My budget is $50k max, so that leaves me looking squarely at 2009-2011 D4s with between 70k and 130k on the clock. MY2010 cars dominate the cars available.

My current thinking is a 2010 2.7 with a few options such as the upgraded sound system (wife's requirement), sat nav, seven seats and rear air and electronic e-diff. I'd love the extra power of the 3.0lTD in an SE, but I think I want the 18" rims, as we are regular campers and plan going further than our trusty Mazda6 has been able to take us (which is a long way).

I'd be interested in thoughts. I've read that quality took a big leap forward in 2012, but haven't seen hard facts (such as the level of warranty claims) to support it. I'd also be keen for thoughts on the must have factory options. In due course I'll add a dual battery, proper bull bar, roof rack and rear wheel carrier.

Thanks all.

Jonno

[giskard]

All the best with your purchase, whichever way you go. D4's are an exceptional car. If you go a 3.0, there are 18" wheels available aftermarket. Obviously an extra expense, but worth keeping in the back of your mind.

[ccandjc]

Thanks giskard. It is a good point. If a great SE materialised I think I'd accept 19" rims and tyres even if I couldn't afford a set of GOE wheels. I drive a diesel Mazda6 now with 140kw and 400nm of torque, similar outputs to the 2.7 D4 ... except that the Mazda6 is much lighter. We've become very fond of effortless overtaking and great acceleration and awesome economy.

[scarry]

I would try and drive both,the 2.7 and the 3.0.

I have found the 2.7 fantastic,but then again i came from a TD5,and don't tow.

And i am no Peter Brock...

The other advantage is the 17's,there are heaps of tyre threads for you to read on here,so i won't go into tyres.

What ever you choose,you won't be disappointed:D

Don't look at anything that does not have a good service record.

Good luck:)

[rambada]

We had a similar dilemma recently and kept it simple, went for the latest model we could afford, mainly due to resale.

That gave us a 2011 D4 SE with the 3L. We did drive a RR sport with the 2.7 & was damn impressed. But as we tow trailers/van, had a preference for the 3.0L. As luck would have it we found one & I must say, this is the best car I have ever owned & driven - I truly understand the permagrin. We've owned ours for 12 months now and couldn't be happier. And we've owned/driven a multitude of quality vehicles.
Its funny what you say about the extra's - ours didn't include the upgraded entertainment unit & I miss the reversing camera of all things. But thats all. As far as wheels is concerned, we can always get 18s later, but more 19s are coming available and realistically, they will suit our purposes.

But it seriously takes my breath away even still - this is a complete package as far as motor vehicles is concerned & whichever you opt for, you will not be disappointed.

[scomac]

ccandjc, the 19's will and can get you a "long way" you just need to be a bit more careful with them. I have a 2010 D4 SE 3.0 with 19's and have tackled some rocky terrain with no problems, also have been on some very soft beaches here in WA where I have let them down to 15psi. I would love a set of GOE 18's but the finance dept won't allow it at the moment. :( But until then the 19's get me by ok.

Cheers
Scott.

[ccandjc]

That's good to know Scott. I've read a lot about the pros of 18s vs 19s, but the reality is we aren't planning on doing four wheel driving for the sake of it - it is to get us places that we currently can't go for holidays and weekend trips. We have an adventure planned to the eastern side of the Simpson later in the year (my dad ran safaris out there 30 years ago), but we will be taking it easy.

Jonno

[WhiteD3]

I sold my 2011 D4 2.7 on October for $44k so you should have no dramas with your budget.

[ccandjc]

Any opinions on the must have features / options?

[LandyAndy]

Google Barbagallos Perth.
I went past both their yards last tuesday.There is a neat early D4 with a snorkle in Ipenea Sands at Osborne Park,and a white one at Cannington with a bullbar,both look as new.Sorry no prices for you.
Andrew

[ccandjc]

Thanks Landy Andy. We live in Brisbane but my wife and I were just talking today how a trip across the Nullarbor in a new D4 could be fun.

[LandyAndy]

Thanks Landy Andy. We live in Brisbane but my wife and I were just talking today how a trip across the Nullarbor in a new D4 could be fun.
I bought my brand new D4 back in August.I have long service owing at work.Im hoping to do a roadtrip over east to celebrate my 50th year on this planet,49 this year!!!!
Ive got a 95% completed diy camper trailer project in the shed,hope to get to the top of NSW,Bathurst for the Taxi racing and some time in Tassie too.
You wont be dissapointed with the D4,they are a loverley vehicle.
Andrew

[jon3950]

I bought my brand new D4 back in August.I have long service owing at work.Im hoping to do a roadtrip over east to celebrate my 50th year on this planet,49 this year!!!!
Ive got a 95% completed diy camper trailer project in the shed,hope to get to the top of NSW,Bathurst for the Taxi racing and some time in Tassie too.
You wont be dissapointed with the D4,they are a loverley vehicle.
Andrew

Maaate, if you are going from Bathurst to Tassie you have to go via the High Country - and that would be the perfect time of year. I'm sure there'd be one or two of us who would be happy to show you around. ;)

Cheers,
Jon

[Bytemrk]

Maaate, if you are going from Bathurst to Tassie you have to go via the High Country - and that would be the perfect time of year. I'm sure there'd be one or two of us who would be happy to show you around. ;)

Cheers,
Jon

I can smell I big high country trip in the making :D

Next year Andy?.......

[SimmAus]

I can smell I big high country trip in the making :D Next year Andy?.......

"Build it / Post it ...,,and they will come".
I'm ALWAYS up for a VHC trip...

[Tassiefender]

Any opinions on the must have features / options?
Well mate, you will certainly get some opinions on this question! Frankly, it depends on the purpose. I bought a MY2010 D4 2.7 with 18 inch rims last year (upgraded from a D3). The selling point for me was low kms, rim size, seven seats and the upgrade to the HK premium sound and nav. Not saying I wouldn't have bought it without the latter, but certainly nice to have. All up, $44 K.

Now, that said I have added a colour coded ARB deluxe bar, a light bar, rhino roof system etc because we travel and tour extensively. Therefore, look around to see if you can get one with these features already applied - will save you heaps.

I also tow. Noting a 3.0 L would have been nice, I have not noticed any lack of performance from my 2.7 L and have had nil issues (touch wood).
My thoughts? Hard to be unhappy with a D4 regardless of spec. You can always make it work for you:-)

[LandyAndy]

Those who say they want a 2.7 to get the 17" rims,we all know Gordons GOE rims do fit the 3.0 at a cost.
The bonus is the D4 3.0 brakes are substantialy bigger than the 2.7 brakes.Not only does this benifit in braking and towing the terrain response system works substantially better due to the larger braking system.
Andrew

[scarry]

i would have thought people would buy the D4 to get 17's.

A much better option than 18's.

For off road use,without going oversize.

i wonder how much better the TR system actually works with the bigger brakes?

[ccandjc]

Thanks Tassiedefender. Your rig sounds pretty much like the one I want . Out of interest:
- how many is did it have when you got it
- Are you happy with the upgraded sound and Nav?
- Do you carry two spares touring?

Cheers

[LandyAndy]

i would have thought people would buy the D4 to get 17's.

A much better option than 18's.

For off road use,without going oversize.

i wonder how much better the TR system actually works with the bigger brakes?

OK a typo.But I was paying attention on our GOE seminar when Gordon said the 3.0lt Terrain Response is a huge improvement over the 2.7 due to electronics and brake sizing;)
;););)
Off to correct the typo.
Andrew

[LandyAndy]

Have a look a D4 3.0 rotor size next to a 2.7,The 3.0 rotors fill the rim;);););););)
Andrew

[ccandjc]

What's the difference in the TR between the two Andrew? I haven't heard that before. Is it likely to make any noticeable difference to the average outback tourer?

Jonno

[LandyAndy]

Improved electronics on the MY14 onwards.Larger brakes = less brake overheating whilst Terrain Response is active.
Help me Gordon,I was paying attention:cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool:
Andrew

[ccandjc]

Yeah, I get the brake rotor sizing bit ... better brakes ....but what is the difference in electronics and what does that mean in practice?

[LandyAndy]

Before I bought mine Gordon mentioned a non E Diff equipped MY14 D4 is as competent off road as the earlier E Diff models.
You do get stronger axles and bearings with the E Diff,none were available at the time with the deal I got buying my D4.
Andrew

[ccandjc]

Thanks Andrew. An MY 14 is out of my range alas - sounds like a 3l with e-diff is the go.

[Tombie]

Have a look a D4 3.0 rotor size next to a 2.7,The 3.0 rotors fill the rim;);););););)
Andrew

Rears only :cool:

[gghaggis]

Improved electronics on the MY14 onwards.Larger brakes = less brake overheating whilst Terrain Response is active.
Help me Gordon,I was paying attention:cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool:
Andrew

Essentially yes. There were issues with the D3's overheating the brakes when RockCrawl was used for extended periods (with HDC). The TR settings are improved in the D4 3.0 ltr in part due to the greater surface area of the front discs.

The software improvements have been incremental over all 5 years since the D4's release, but quite noticeable in terms of the amount of wheel scramble when you compare say a 2010 with a 2013.

Cheers,

Gordon

[letherm]

[QUOTE=gghaggis;2325231]Essentially yes. There were issues with the D3's overheating the brakes when RockCrawl was used for extended periods (with HDC). The TR settings are improved in the D4 3.0 ltr in part due to the greater surface area of the front discs.

The software improvements have been incremental over all 5 years since the D4's release, but quite noticeable in terms of the amount of wheel scramble when you compare say a 2010 with a 2013.


Does anyone know if the updates are applied to older D4's when, for example, you get a service done or is this precluded because there are hardware changes between models? Mine's a MY13.

Regards
Martin

[gghaggis]

New algorithms such as fuel mapping, Terrain Response improvements etc are not released by manufacturers for updating older models. However, software "enhancements" that fix a perceived problem or issue are usually made available.

Cheers,

Gordon

[ccandjc]

Thanks Gordon. That all makes perfect sense. Accelerated obsolescence by incremental improvement is what keeps the automotive industry ticking over.

Cheers,
Jonathan