Second hand 2.7TDv6 SE

[Grasshoppr]

Hi all, I'm a proud owner of an 04 TD4 Freelander manual.
She been a brilliant all rounder, down on the beach and playing in the mud. have even tackled the Mundaring power line several times. She just doesn't have the height. Would believe, the wife said we can caravan camp if I go bigger. Is that a good thing, hell yes.
So I'm in the process of researching for a Disco 3 SE or HSE with a 2.7 diesel. Here we go.. what are the tips for looking at a second hand Disco?
I'm going to say most will be over 200k for up to an 06/7 model.
This new electronic tran and transfer I dont know. I am used to hi/lo 2 or 4 x 4 transfer box.
Is the all wheel drive better/worse or is it a different driver experience?
Does it have two full axels or is the front drive from CV joints?
Is it true that you get full height adjustable air bags?
when do wheel bearings fuel pumps need changing?
TDV6 timing chain or belts?

My research shows that the SE and HSE has some extra driving options so hence the SE.
Electrically, what can go wrong? The Freelander has only had the fuel rail pressure switch connector at the end of the loom break.
You've help me buy the TD4 and change out a burnt clutch.
Now be brutally honest, what's a D3 really like.
Thanks for reading.
Bruce
P.S. hope this thread is in the right spot..:)

[Narangga]

So I'm in the process of researching for a Disco 3 SE or HSE with a 2.7 diesel. Here we go.. what are the tips for looking at a second hand Disco?
I'm going to say most will be over 200k for up to an 06/7 model.

This thread asked a similar question:

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/l319-discovery-3-4/240357-reasonable-km-second-hand-tdv6.html

And this has some good info in it too:

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/l319-discovery-3-4/220533-price-vs-age-d3-d4.html

Do a google search and add aulro to the search line means you get results from the site too.

So the basic summary would be:
The usual suspect - regular servicing.
Timing Belt - 168,000km or 7 years (whichever comes first) - with new oil pump housing installed at the same time.
Transmission - serviced regularly (every 50 - 75,000km).
Operation and response of the EAS compressor.
The small plastic coolant adaptor on top of the engine under the acoustic cover is a little blighter than often gets overlooked but if that splits it is good night nurse. Unless you are positively told it has been replaced in a certain timeframe then I would have it replaced at the first service for peace of mind.



This new electronic tran and transfer I dont know. I am used to hi/lo 2 or 4 x 4 transfer box.
Is the all wheel drive better/worse or is it a different driver experience?
Terrain Response is a different driver experience. Many will say that it is far better off-road than the traditional setup. I can not personally comment yet as I have not be able to get mine truly off-road since I bought it 13 months ago. That will change this week :D and I will report back.

Simply, you have 5 selectable road/surface conditions that you select and the vehicle responds accordingly. You combine this with the selectable height controls as well.


Does it have two full axels or is the front drive from CV joints?

Front and rear diffs driving axles but to gain maximum benefit from the Electronic Air Suspension (EAS) it does not look like a traditional system.


Is it true that you get full height adjustable air bags?

On the SE & HSE models, Yes - air bags with shocks as a single unit. You have three selectable heights. Access, Normal and Off-road. These can be enhanced by buying rods to extend off-road or by getting a LLAMS unit which allows electronic override to lower any height by 20mm or extend any height by 30mm. Great bit of kit is the LLAMS.

EAS does come at a price as there is a compressor to run the system. The AMK compressor now used in the D4 has proved more reliable than the original Hitachi used in the D3's.


when do wheel bearings fuel pumps need changing?

Front wheel bearings are part of the hub and so most change both together. Rears can be done in the usual way. Mine required new rears at 225,000km but the front's have not indicated any need at this stage.

I also required a new steering rack 5,000km earlier. Why? - I am not sure but others have had to do the same at a similar age. It seems that repairing the rack is not usually done and a genuine (quite expensive) replacement is virtually the only option.

High Pressure Fuel Pumps were an issue on earlier models but I would say most have been changed by now due to a LR replacement program.


TDV6 timing chain or belts? See above. Allow $3,000 to complete the timing belts and also replace oil pump housing and other belts in the one service if done by a mechanic.


My research shows that the SE and HSE has some extra driving options so hence the SE.
Electrically, what can go wrong? The Freelander has only had the fuel rail pressure switch connector at the end of the loom break.
You've help me buy the TD4 and change out a burnt clutch.

Having a diagnostic tool (approx. $600-$800) is a definite help as the vehicle runs of 15 control units. There are over 100 items that can appear in the message centre on the dash alone! However that just means the vehicle is telling you there is a thing or things out of the ordinary and the diagnostic tool aids isolating any issues more quickly.

Like most vehicles, a D3 does not like being drowned!



Now be brutally honest, what's a D3 really like.
Thanks for reading.
Bruce
P.S. hope this thread is in the right spot..

Any D3/D4, RRS, L322 or newer Range Rover are absolutely incredible vehicles. A week ago I drove Darwin to Adelaide over 4 day (3 with camper trailer in tow) and it was a pleasure to drive.

However you don't get something for nothing and so the relative cost is higher. You need to initially research (as you are doing) and armed with the information gleaned ask the necessary questions to get answers to the questions you have when inspecting vehicles.

If you are already talking 200,000km plus vehicles then am I right in assuming your budget is around the $20K mark. Circumstances will dictate what you can afford but getting something closer to the 150-160,000km mark may well prove a better (although initially more expensive) buy in the long run, particularly if the timing belt service has been completed.


Happy Hunting as you consider joining Team Permagrin. :D :D :D

[Russrobe]

What Dale said, really need a budget to work towards. Here's 2 nice ones though one being a HSE and the other just had the timing belt done:

2006 Land Rover Discovery 3 SE Auto 4x4 (http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Land-Rover-Discovery-3-2006/SSE-AD-4069133/?Cr=3)

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Land-Rover-Discovery-3-2005/SSE-AD-4127640/?Cr=0

[Grasshoppr]

Dale,
Gee, I didn't expect such a great answer - cheers for taking the time.
You are right on the proposed budget as I couldn't find many D3's in Perth with low k's.
I've been searching around for other thread links on my quest.
So thanks for them also.

Russrobe,
So there is some around.
I'd look a million dollars driving around in the gold one.

Other reason I was looking for an older D3 was that I didn't have to worry about it to much getting it's first scratch.
Can the D3 wade in 700-1000mm of water? I think Iv'e read somewhere 700mmm depth.

A work colleague has a D3 SE in their family with a lot of mechanical upgrades. they love it. would you believe though it's got canvas seat covers.

looks like i'm going to have to throw another 10k$ into the kitty.
Once I get the no back out nod from a very loving wife xxx.

If any administrators read this, It took 3 attempts to post this reply as some flash thing stopped responding and I lost the lot.

Fill me in on Team Permagrin

Last question, wise to buy from a dealer for a warranty or buyer beware going private with a mate looking it over.

Thanks again Lads, it means a lot knowing there is so much knowledge that is shared to all.

[Grasshoppr]

I thought these came with satnav, or is this an option?
Bruce

[Russrobe]

The NWC warranty i got is hit and miss. They only cover a limited number of things, but if you think you might end up needing a transmission rebuild, which i did, it will pay for itself twofold in one bill. High kms also mean increasing chances of engine rebuilds, $5k would be nice then too... Can't recommend them or condemn because it's been okay for me but i've heard too many stories..

The 3 month statutory warranty is something a dealer can't avoid though... Can think of 2 other people plus myself that had problems within the first 3 months, mine were all fixed for free... All $12000 worth. They're not cheap

I'd put a snorkel on if i thought I was going to be approaching 1M wade depth, Not worth risking a motor.

Beaware, if you drive a D4 your budget will instantly increase to $35k and you'll have one.

[Russrobe]

D3 GPS is a option unless hse, but it's not good anyway. Screen will be more useful for the 4x4 settings it displays. I used to use Google Maps instead.

[Grasshoppr]

The NWC warranty i got is hit and miss. They only cover a limited number of things, but if you think you might end up needing a transmission rebuild, which i did, it will pay for itself twofold in one bill. High kms also mean increasing chances of engine rebuilds, $5k would be nice then too... Can't recommend them or condemn because it's been okay for me but i've heard too many stories..

The 3 month statutory warranty is something a dealer can't avoid though... Can think of 2 other people plus myself that had problems within the first 3 months, mine were all fixed for free... All $12000 worth. They're not cheap

I'd put a snorkel on if i thought I was going to be approaching 1M wade depth, Not worth risking a motor.

Beaware, if you drive a D4 your budget will instantly increase to $35k and you'll have one.

I better stay out off a D4.
snorkie it is then. better for out back dust also.