Anything I should know?

[jonesfam]

OK, after about 12 months of investigating the Discovery3, lots of emailed questions to different dealers & reading every post in this section over the last couple of weeks we are preparing to go & have an actual look at a Disco3. Have only seen real ones on the road & 1 parked next to us 1 night which we tried to look in but could not see much.
We are interested in a V6TD SE with rear A/C & DVD in the headrests. We currently have a Pathfinder diesel ST-L with most of the fruit & an in roof Alpine DVD (screen wobbles a lot). We don't overly like it, to small, hard plastics, uncomfortable seats & poor finish.
Our usage is of 3 types, the missus dropping kids around a very small town, 4-6 hour dirt/track drives & very long runs from our remote location to the East coast to see how the other half lives.
So a couple of questions.
Apart from the E-diff are there any other factory fit things I should look at? I don't think we will need the diff, we mainly do dirt roads & mud in the wet season.
How much do you think Rear A/C should cost? Is it worth the money? We live in Far NW QLD.
How much are D3's going for in capital cities?
Is the D3 dust proof? I mean really dust proof?
It is over 1000k to the nearest dealer service, how reliable are the new D3's?
On the Pathie we use a Thule roof pod, how will this go on a D3?
I look after my cars as well as possible, how will a D3 go living in the absolute sticks for 5 years or so? It would get serviced twice a year.
Does the D3 need a specialized oil & do they allow you to do your own oil changes?
Is the Almond interior OK for 4 out of control Foster Boys (aged under 6) who don't know the meaning of the word clean?
We will probably get the bar work, snorkel, HID spots etc after market to avoid Luxo Tax (thanks Mr R). Does anybody make proper mud flaps? Fitted rubber floor mats? Non sheep skin seat covers in the after market game?
We are looking at buying in Townsville, the dealer there has been most helpful both on the phone & by e-mail, running about taking photos of different bits & finding out odd things about Transmission coolers etc. He will still have to get the price right though. Poor bugger has NOT meet me in person yet.
Any advice on buying a new D3 would be appreciated & taken on board. Even advice on a 2nd hand job might be welcome.
Thanks
jonesfam

[rovers1952]

guaranteed dust proof based on my experience.

[rmp]

some quick answers...

Get the rear e-diff just in case. You can't change your mind later, and if the car has done any offroad work or is modified it'll be worth more to someone after an offroader.

D3 prices -- carsales.com.au, drive.com.au etc and knock off 5-10% for haggling.

Yes D3s are dustproof as any other car.

Reliability is fine, no worse than any other.

Pods can be made to go on a D3.

Front seat covers need to be airbag-compatible.

4 boys will mess up anything!

[inside]

You're in Doomadgee. Which dealer will you be taking it to if you have a problem? Not trying to talk you out of it but you really need to be thinking about dealer support where you are located.

[Jamo]

Rear diff lock - yes. $1,000 is cheap and you can't retro fit. Mine actually uses the rear more than the centre.

Rear Aircon - yes.

With a 2009 model you'll only need to visit the dealer once in a while to get the latest software updates. Nearly all issues have been sorted out.

Dust proof - pretty well. All I've ever got is some small amounts on the top of the lower tailgate.

[Neil P]

Doomadgee ( 4830 ? ) isn't exactly handy for many services .
You must be about 300km from Isa ?
You're going to have to make your own mind up
on a LR. No one here can say nor knows if it's going to be a
gem or a lemon. It's your money and your purchase.

...... and before the flag wavers pipeup , no one on this Forum
will be running to your door in the middle of nowhere
if anything goes pearshaped ... that's the cold light of day Jonesfam.

[jonesfam]

Inside
Have given that a lot of thought, but it has been pretty much the same with the Pathie & the Terracan before that. Although they could be serviced in Mt Isa that is still 6-7 hours by road & when possible I always got/get them done on the East coast (Townsville, Cairns) anyway.
From all I have read (mainly here) the latter YM Discoveries don't seem to have problems that actually stop them dead, more annoying stuff. I sure hope that is the case anyway.
The missus really hates the Pathie so I'm hoping a D3 will impress her & make her happy, nothing quite like an unhappy missus. They just don't forgive.
I think I will talk to the dealer about the E-diff, if I can get a good overall price I will go for it.
Jonesfam
PS Thanks for replies.

[Peter_OZ]

cosmetic add ons to consider

upgraded sound sys

nav sys

in console fridge - very handy

adapative headlights - love em!

rear rubber cargo mat

black leather - we have a hyper 6 yo boy and it has stood up to him very well.

definitely get the rear aircon if the kids are in the back on long hot trips

we did not get the LR DVD system but fitted a nice 11" alpine in roof DVD player for little bloke, works well, no issues with it but we arent driving on the poor roads you will be either.

Best of British!

[jonesfam]

I have never owned an Automatic car before. I have read some very good things about the auto in the D3, like it has a cooler & sort of works out how you drive & adapts to this.
How does it handle 2 different drivers? How does it handle you changing your driving style (eg long country run to arriving in a city)? Or towing to not towing?
Is it a smooth box (had an auto Landcrab as a work car, gear box was very harsh) & does it give fast enough reactions when required?
Is there anything else I should know or ask about it?
Jonesfam

[Desert Traveller]

The ZF box is the ultimate, also used in other German vehicles like X5's etc. The gear changes are as good as you get with 7 speed autos in some exotic cars. I have driven a Pathfinder and it agricultural compared with a D3.

I can say that the dust proofing is better than most vehicles on the market. At Doomadgee you'll experience a lot of bull dust in the winter months and the D3 will be up to it. I'd stick to 18" rubber or even 17" as it is easier to get. Get an extra wheel and tyre as part of the deal (I always do), just incase you bend or wreck one, you will still have 5 good ones.

I have both the E-diff and rear AC on my SE, they are are value for money options.

For the first couple of years I had to travel 600 kms to my dealer, but I still chose the D3 and I am still MORE than happy with my decision. OK I'll be honest, I'd prefer a RR Vogue TDV8 but its out of my league as a new purchase.

[rmp]

I have never owned an Automatic car before. I have read some very good things about the auto in the D3, like it has a cooler & sort of works out how you drive & adapts to this.
How does it handle 2 different drivers? How does it handle you changing your driving style (eg long country run to arriving in a city)? Or towing to not towing?
Is it a smooth box (had an auto Landcrab as a work car, gear box was very harsh) & does it give fast enough reactions when required?
Is there anything else I should know or ask about it?
Jonesfam

It adapts to each driver as the driver drives. It takes a little while to "learn" a new driving style. The differences are small. Shift into Sport or Command Shift for a real difference. It is a very smooth box. Reactions reasonable, but it's an auto turbodiesel so it won't react like a petrol sportscar. If you really need a gear at a certain time that's what Command Shift is for.

[CaverD3]

Your description of the Pathy is why i didn't buy one.
E-diff if you are getting new but you may have to wait or be lucky with a second hand one.
Adaptive headlights are great in the bush, you can see what is around the corner sooner.
Very dust proof (unlike the LC200) on dirt roads the handling is superb (what corrugations).

[Peter_OZ]

we had lots of factory fitted extras added to ours so was a special build in the UK which added about 4 months to delivery time

[asterix]

Hey jonesfam,

I'm on a similar train of thought to you (Pathy, etc), but i live in Brissie. Having driven several D3's during the last couple of months, i can attest to the huge step up from the Pathy(particularly having to get back in the Pathy after driving the D3), not only in the way they drive, but fit'n'finish, room, build quality and sheer comfort & ability. The Pathy is out of lease in a few months and i'm leaning towards a TDV6SE with the exact extras you are thinking of (rear A/C, E diff). Mine will also have an ARB bullbar, rear bar/tyre carrier and Mitchell Bros tow hitch.

From everything i read, they have similar Brake wear issues, any trailers with LED's is a problem, but nothing of any real concern. (unlike clutches in the Pathy!!).

I know my wife is being driven barny at my constant chatter re the D3, and as she has a slight vertical challenge, i sold her on the ability of the vehicle to "kneel" down when getting in (she loved that feature!!)

If you want to see any D3's in action offroad, take a look at utube and type in "discovery d3". I was astounded how capable they are out of the box.

cheers
Geoff

[jonesfam]

asterix et al
I have booked a test drive for the 21st of April, start my leave next Friday.
My missus has had enough of me going on about Discoveries as well, I just say it's a bloke thing. But she is over the Pathie probably more than I am, she really doesn't like it. Her main gripes being comfort & size.

What is the story with LCD trailer lights? My trailer has these.
What is the difference in tow hitches? Aren't they all pretty much the same?
I don't know what B/B to get yet, I like ECB as a brand (had a few), I don't like TJM & have yet to look T ARB. I will get that after market due to Mr Rudd's Tax.
The rear A/C would seem a good idea where we live given 4 X kids & the Ediff will depend on the deal.
Of course, the missus has to really like, I'm already sold & haven't even driven one yet.
Jonesfam

[ozscott]

asterix - mate I like the L3 but I dont think that capable out of the box has the same connotation as capable out of the box with say the D2 because out of the box is pretty much how you have to have the D3 like it or not...ie apart from a bit better rubber you cant do much to them to enhance them off road. I only make this comment in case the uninitiated think that wow they are so capable out of the box can you imagine what they are liked modded. What you see, is what you get and what you get is a very impressive 4wd, but dont be thinking extra height lifts (save for marginally higher tyres say) and the like.

Cheers

[asterix]

OZ,

Yes i fully understand how there is virtually no suspension mods to enhance offroad ability and no aftermarket diff locks and that tyre choice is limited. For what i want (island hopping, some 4wd parks and the Cape) the D3 will be fit for purpose. Having owned a lot of different vehicles (some heavily modified and some not) they all had one thing in common. Whenever suspension kits, diff locks, power enhancement and the vast array of kit gets added, it does little to enhance the enjoyment, safety and performance where my vehicles spend most of their life these days(unfortunately),,, on-road.

A good friend has purchased a 200 series VX diesel and has spent another $20k on extras. It is more capable than stock and there is a lot of companies that make almost anything you could want to put on them. But i dont want something that i HAVE to spend $20k on, to perform the way the D3 will (with a rear E diff). I have seen 1st hand how capable a well driven D3 is, both in person and on camera. Sure they wont go major rock hopping without bending panels and breaking bits and i am aware that i cant fit 35" muddies, but im also not 25 anymore. I have a family that i want to show all the places i have been in our beautiful country and do it in the haven of a comfortable, capable and most importantly SAFE vehicle.

I have been to the Cape twice, first in a MY82 Subaru wagon with a 2" lift kit and 14" Desert Duellers (that was a true adventure!!) and the second time in a V6 NL Pajero SWB. I'm really loking forward to taking the D3 there, as i know it will be supremely more comfortable and capable.

Sorry for the rant, but i am becoming more atuned towards the D3 and cant wait until my current lease expires (imaging how my wife is sick of my raving about the D3 https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/09/470.jpg)

Hope i didnt offend or bore anyone, just my 2cents worth.

cheers
Geoff

[CaverD3]

Not offended me! :D

D3 is fantastic. Doesn't need the mods. I have a system which does give extra height but with one switch just moves settings up a notch so you can go at greater than 40kph in off road height.:D

[asterix]

Caver,

I'm interested in the system you are employing. I have seen threads and pics of the shortened arms, but not much on what you are using. How do they work?

cheers
Geoff

[CaverD3]

Caver,

How do they work?

cheers
Geoff


That would be telling. ;)

Basically it works by replacing the suspension rods with an acuator that shortens them by 10mm. This fools the system into raising the suspension to of road height. All heights raised a notch. Simple on/off operation with light to tell you it is on.

I will produce an initial run of five at at an intro price $1000 for a kit.

PM me if you are seriously interested.

[rmp]

OZ,

Yes i fully understand how there is virtually no suspension mods to enhance offroad ability and no aftermarket diff locks and that tyre choice is limited. For what i want (island hopping, some 4wd parks and the Cape) the D3 will be fit for purpose. Having owned a lot of different vehicles (some heavily modified and some not) they all had one thing in common. Whenever suspension kits, diff locks, power enhancement and the vast array of kit gets added, it does little to enhance the enjoyment, safety and performance where my vehicles spend most of their life these days(unfortunately),,, on-road.

A good friend has purchased a 200 series VX diesel and has spent another $20k on extras. It is more capable than stock and there is a lot of companies that make almost anything you could want to put on them. But i dont want something that i HAVE to spend $20k on, to perform the way the D3 will (with a rear E diff). I have seen 1st hand how capable a well driven D3 is, both in person and on camera. Sure they wont go major rock hopping without bending panels and breaking bits and i am aware that i cant fit 35" muddies, but im also not 25 anymore. I have a family that i want to show all the places i have been in our beautiful country and do it in the haven of a comfortable, capable and most importantly SAFE vehicle.

I have been to the Cape twice, first in a MY82 Subaru wagon with a 2" lift kit and 14" Desert Duellers (that was a true adventure!!) and the second time in a V6 NL Pajero SWB. I'm really loking forward to taking the D3 there, as i know it will be supremely more comfortable and capable.

Sorry for the rant, but i am becoming more atuned towards the D3 and cant wait until my current lease expires (imaging how my wife is sick of my raving about the D3 https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/09/470.jpg)

Hope i didnt offend or bore anyone, just my 2cents worth.

cheers
Geoff

It's easy to spend $20k on a D3. However, none of that money will really go into improving offroad capability. It'll go into improving touring capability.

[Desert Traveller]

Totally agree, having spent $20k on extras. The only ones that help the offroad capability are
1. Tyres - running MTR's
2. Rear Kaymar Bar - stop ripping off the plastic skin off the rear bumper.
3. Adjusting the suspension height by changing the sensor rods (a number of ways to achieve this end, need to visit Disco3 to catch up on developments).
4. Some additional underbody protection

Of the above only tyres really make any difference, the others are insurance. For 99% of occcasions this is all that is required as a D3 with an e-diff (and DCS "turned" off) is awesome.

[jonesfam]

Yep! Wondering about tyres.
Should we end up with a D3, do I change the tyres straight away or wear the Wranglers out first?
Will I do a better deal changing them while they are new?
The Pathie came with 17" Wranglers which are still on it. After 8 months they are showing a fair bit of stone damage but I was surprised the went OK in the mud during the wet. They did struggle in the black mud but went fine in the red mud. They have a few K's in them yet.
On the Terracan I had Yoko ATS tyres, they were very good but cost a few bob.
Jonesfam

[rmp]

If you need offroad rubber, swap the tyres immediately.