Good Value? 2007 TDV6 SE - Opinions please

[Budron]

Hi all.

New to the forum and would highly value your opinions.

I have always wanted a Land Rover for as long as I can remember, but always thought they were way out of my budget.

Until I found this one locally.

https://photos-1.dropbox.com/t/2/AABMGMoGeLAZeM7c1-5BYjKnEP9xFoNmXu0cm52HUj8BNg/12/84938718/jpeg/32x32/1/_/1/2/2.JPG/CN6fwCggASACIAMgBCAFIAYgBygB/yigZ3hcFxxy3i4jGo-BHEFG2qopI2YVGD54D9U7QOJs'size=1280x960&size_mode=2

It's a 2007 D3 TDV6 SE. 186,000km on the clock. Full service history (including upgraded trans sump cover) except it hasn't had the timing belt service.

I reckon I can negotiate the guy down to $18,000. Would this be good value considering the high km's in your opinion? Apparently a Melb CBD car until the 100,000kms mark and went to a rural property to tow a horse float here is SA.

Anything else I should be looking at or asking about? Am I crazy for buying something with this many km's? With full services, is it silly to think these cars can go to 400,000kms?

I really appreciate the help guys!

Cheers, Aaron.

[Budron]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/06/819.jpg

[winaje]

My 2009 has done 334k, had full service history until I took it over at 310k. I reckon you'll be OK provided you plan for the big service coming up at around 335k.

[~Rich~]

Yes factor in that belt change in your bargaining. Find out when that auto was last serviced, I'd recommend another service after 50,000k to prolong the life of the gearbox. You will always get the normal wear out items such as suspension bushes & brakes that can't be helped.

[Budron]

Thanks guys, all valuable info.

If the following 2 Discos were the same price, which would you go for?

> 2007 TDV6 SE 186,000km's. Due for Timing belt service.
> 2007 V6 Petrol SE with 134,000km's

I will be towing a small caravan for family holidays (1500kg) and driving on beach + some more relatively light off roading, but on road 90%.

Is it true the petrol model has a chain and not belt? ie, no big service?

[~Rich~]

What sort of areas are you taking the van to?
If only easy tarred roads then range is not an issue - buy either the V6 or V8 petrol. The V8 won't cost you any extra towing unless you like to use the power. ;)

The diesel is better for remote travel such as desert travel, but if something goes wrong with the engine / turbo it will cost you more.
Mines done 205,000 on original engine & turbo without an issue, no so the auto which has only just been done due to the lack on an early service.

[Budron]

Only tarred roads with the van, but was looking forward to the fuel economy of the TDV6.

But I suppose if I can get the TDV6 for $18,000, it is really worth closer to $20,000 after I factor in a timing belt service.

So it really comes down to Petrol V6 for 18,000 or TDV6 for $2000 more with 50,000 more kms.

hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, Anyone wanna make the call for me? lol

Any major services close to 130,000kms with the petrol?

[rar110]

Tranny only. Both are good at those prices.

The tdv6 needs a timing belt as Rich mentioned. That's a bit over $1000 from memory. Both could do with a tyranny service if not already done. Changing diff oil is also probably a good idea.

[Wasa57]

Factor in more than 2 grand if you go the diesel. More like 5 grand, the rear belt that drives the high pressure fuel pump will need doing as well. Plus a few other gremlins...the dollars soon add up.
I love my tdv6 for a number of reasons, but my advice, given your stated needs and circumstances, would be go the petrol. You will most probably end up ahead when you sell/trade the petrol over the diesel, given the lower km, and less investment on repairs.

-Wasa

[Budron]

Actually saw the Petrol V6 in the flesh today and had a test drive.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/06/734.jpg

It drove ok, didn't think the V6 would go as well as it does. Unfortunately though it was a bit rough for my liking. Services were randomly every 15-25kms with non specialist dealers and no steel sump upgrade. I asked about trans oil changes and was assured they were done, but couldn't find any evidence to back up.

Together with the fact the newish disc brakes needed to be machined (wheel shaking when breaking, but new discs and brakes) Headlight needed replacement globe, gas struts for bonnet buggered, and a ripped centre storage lid. It just seemed a little unloved and uncared for.

With all this in mind he said he'd do $17,500, but still leaning towards the TDV6 at this stage. :confused:

[LRD414]

"Services were randomly every 15-25kms with non specialist dealers and no steel sump upgrade. I asked about trans oil changes and was assured they were done, but couldn't find any evidence to back up. Together with the fact the newish disc brakes needed to be machined (wheel shaking when breaking, but new discs and brakes)."

Those things would put me off the petrol, particularly if the TDV6 appears to be much better looked after from what you've mentioned.

Scott

[Budron]

Thanks for the input Scott.

I'm test driving the TDV6 tomorrow morning. I have extensively spoken to the owner about condition and servicing and all seems great, but tomorrow will be the real test. Only issues is a few dings from shopping trolleys apparently. Not sure what the cost would be to get them filled and painted? Only a small job.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/06/789.jpg

[Grumbles]

Hey Budron - what is the rush?

The best advice I can offer is don't rush. Perhaps hang back and chill a bit.

The right Disco with an immaculate maintenance/service history with a perfect interior and exterior will surface for you. Don't compromise and settle for second or fourth best just because they are available. If you do you may end up regretting it.

I would avoid both of those Discos you have posted about but that is just me.

Good luck in what ever you do..

[rar110]

I agree
I took 6 mths to find my RRV.

[Budron]

Thanks guys. You do make a good point Grumbles. The only factor for me comes down to price. I'm sure a great conditioned Disco 3 is just around the corner, there's some out there now. But they are worth $10,000 more than the one I'm looking at at the moment.

I just saw the TDV6 and the only issues I have with it is the small dings in the door (see pic) and the slightly high kms (186,000).

It has new tyes, new breaks, steel sump, always garaged and looks like it's been paid attention to with servicing. I negotiated to $17,000(yet to commit) with the timing belt service in mind.

I just don't know if this is a great deal, or something that comes around all the time.:confused:

[rar110]

It is a good price. I would get it inspected. If your really keen put on a small deposit and sale subject to inspection.

[Grumbles]

I agree with getting any prospective buy inspected and preferably by an independent Landrover workshop.

Buying and selling Rangies and Discos is basically a buyers market and you "might be/are" the only genuine prospective buyer the seller has encountered. Bargain hard and bargain low and walk away but leave your phone number. The seller isn't your friend - the relationship is simply a dollar transaction - with the dollars better in your pocket than the sellers.

[Wasa57]

I agree with getting any prospective buy inspected and preferably by an independent Landrover workshop.

Buying and selling Rangies and Discos is basically a buyers market and you "might be/are" the only genuine prospective buyer the seller has encountered. Bargain hard and bargain low and walk away but leave your phone number. The seller isn't your friend - the relationship is simply a dollar transaction - with the dollars better in your pocket than the sellers.

Geez I wish Grumbles was around when I bought my TDV6 - I would probably be ten grand better off now!

-Wasa

[Budron]

Fantastic advice Grumbles! Cheers

[NavyDiver]

I'd take the Diesel myself but get it checked first as mentioned. Mine is 2005D3Se with over 300,000 km clocked up. They only get cheaper every year that passes so agree no rush to get the right one.

[Budron]

Thanks NavyDiver. It's always good to get the opinion from someone who also has a higher km disco 3. Is yours TDV6?

I've heard Triumph Rover Spares do a good job here in Adelaide, so will get in contact with them on Tuesday to organise inspection.

I've now definitely ruled out the Petrol V6 I looked at.

[Jonny Fin]

2.5 years ago I bought the SE with 105000km's on the clock - well looked after vehicle - used as a shopping trolley.
Since then I've put 65000km's on the clock - about 80% blacktop but with some serious off-roading in WA. Had the air suspension go 5000km's after purchase which was thankfully covered by the extended warranty.
Since then had a front bearing go and managed to get water into the electrics after an over zealous engine clean. Funny how every time I walk into the dealer it ends up costing me $700 - they must see me coming.


I paid just under $40k then - the diesel models available on the local market then were almost $10k more. Can't help but feel I paid too much at the time but love the car. If I had the choice now I would go for a diesel. Just seems way too hard to get some after market parts on the petrol mode (after extensive research I'm yet to hear of anyone fit a snorkel to a petrol D3 - I am hoping to be proven wrong).


Take your time (I rushed into mine and regret it) but you'll be happy with your D3 no matter which one you decide to go with.



Actually saw the Petrol V6 in the flesh today and had a test drive.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/06/734.jpg

It drove ok, didn't think the V6 would go as well as it does. Unfortunately though it was a bit rough for my liking. Services were randomly every 15-25kms with non specialist dealers and no steel sump upgrade. I asked about trans oil changes and was assured they were done, but couldn't find any evidence to back up.

Together with the fact the newish disc brakes needed to be machined (wheel shaking when breaking, but new discs and brakes) Headlight needed replacement globe, gas struts for bonnet buggered, and a ripped centre storage lid. It just seemed a little unloved and uncared for.

With all this in mind he said he'd do $17,500, but still leaning towards the TDV6 at this stage. :confused:

[Fatso]

If you go ahead and purchase and when you do the belts front and rear of the eng also get the oil pump housing changed , this is bit that the timing belt tensioner is bolted to and can break off thus stuffing the engine this is a known problem wit this vintage . At least get the mechanic to check it for cracks etc while the front cover is off . There is plenty of info re this on Aulro and the net . Rgds & good luck you will luv it !!.

[Budron]

Thanks for sharing your experience Jonny Fin.

Fatso, that's some very valuable info a newbie like me wouldn't be aware of, so cheers!

Also, I checked the VIN on TOPix. "There are currently no outstanding Field Service Actions for this vehicle" Does this mean any recalls have been attended to?

[Fatso]

Any recall jobs already carried out are usually identified by a sticker on the drivers front door post , just near where the door hinges are .

[NavyDiver]

Is yours TDV6?


Mine is a TDV6. Excuse my missing details.
I have also :
Put a new gear box in. Slight shudder and I am sensitive type :D. A new one installed by Ritters (Melb) cost less than reconditioning mine- go figure!
Lower control arms twice
Timing Belt Twice
One bearing (Front right I think)
Two batteries sorry three replaced my dual battery recently as well:cool:
LED Lights for brake lights ( A Must do IMO) see link to Richs very helpful post http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/145750-d3-led-rear-lights-brake-tail-blinker.html#post1896767 This eliminated almost all suspension issues I had!

Fun stuff
Light Bar on roof rack ( honestly the lights on my D3 have as good range if not better. would not buy one again)
Rock Sliders from a nice gent on this forum
ARB Bull bar and winch ( Tigerz now- broke my Aldi one using it a a snatch on a very big tree :cool:)
VHF
LLAMS from Graham
17 inch BMW rims with MTs - I only get dressed when going off road properly
18 inch for the more mundane drives - (if there is such a thing in my Disco?)
replaced the cloth front seats with leather


4wds no matter what brand need servicing and maintenance to behave as we want them to. Like you mine was second hand and brought significantly under a new car price. I was trying to buy a D3 and the dealer mucked me around trying to get me to buy a D4 which had just come out. I like the change still left in my pocket after buying, upgrading and maintaining mine over a the new one I was trying to buy.:D I wanted the D3 due to the 17 rubber options it allowed as I do get wet and dirty at times.