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View Full Version : Decided..I think.. on the D3 for me



Ashes
1st May 2009, 07:56 PM
I've found doing lots of internet research on cars can make things more confusing but at least it means you haven't rushed out and committed to the wrong option. Please let me know if my logic is fatally flawed!!


1 - I want a D3. It is the best vehicle I've seen that carries 5 conventially in comfort that can also carry 7 in comfort. Usable boot space and versatility (town + 4x4 are 2nd to none). That is the easy bit..a no brainer:) I think we can all agree on this easily.

2 - Cost - I can afford a new TDV6 SE BUT... having just been off work for 4 months after taking a redundancy package (a handy payout) and starting a new permanent job next week, there is no guarantee at the moment of continued employment and the market for my brand of IT skills is extremely tough at the moment . I do not want to be taking a risk of buying new and then having to sell within 12 months if things get tight and dropping 10 - 15k in the process. This leads to a USED car.

3 - This will be my first 4x4 and whilst I have dreams of getting into 4x4'ing, I would be starting very tame and realistically 98% the vehicle will be used around town ferrying kids all over the place and family trips (not necessarily 4wd or camping though). This tells me that buying a car with bull bars, e-diff, snorkel, UHF etc. is not necessary...so keep it simple (no extra 4wd fruit needed on a more than capable stock car).

4 - Diesel or Petrol...many threads on this. economy, resale, reliability, service costs..the list goes on and on and is the subject of many threads. Heaps of good arguments for both and no need to debate this for this thread. I have decided on the Petrol...Why...the initial outlay will be around 8-10k cheaper for an equivalent mileage and age car. If for no other reason, I will sleep better with a smaller outlay. I also don't intend on towing anything more than my 7x5 trailer and that won't be very often.

5 - Year. For me the magic number is 2007. For a few reasons.
- KM's on the car will be around 30 to 40k.
- We do around 20-25k per year (average K's).
- Over 3 years this will mean we will have a 100k 5yo car which at best guess would have a residual value of 35% of new (63k new - approx resale 22k)
- A 5yo petrol engine with 100k on the clock is still sellable although diesel would be easier. Being able to sell it at a lower price because it was purchased lower could be a good thing.

6 - Private or dealer...Seems to be about a 5k premium by going through a dealer. For a 2007 model, still under warranty, with full service history and a one owner I think the risk of buying privately is worth it. People spending 60k+ on a new car usually look after them!


So...Looking for a 2007 V6SE, about 30-40k on the clock, private sale with the only option I really want/need is rear air con. What are my chances of picking one of these up for around $45k on the road (including stamp duty)?

Sleepy
1st May 2009, 08:52 PM
Did a quick search of carpoint and saw one for 47K (Not sure about the rear A/C?) .
I would have thought you are in the ball park.
My old man bought one from a dealer; bit older, more kays, and diesel v6 for a fair bit less.
Good Luck - they are a very nice vehicle!

rmp
2nd May 2009, 06:50 AM
Good to see some nice car purchase logic laid out clearly.

Ashes
16th May 2009, 12:20 PM
The Commodore is now off it's lease and will be thoroughly cleaned up for advertising next week. Once it's sold, off shopping for a D3. Anyone in the market for an 04 VY II with just ove $100k on the clock:)

Now the interesting bit...

Mate #1 who knows a lot more about 4x4's than me, a farmer, and a guy who has done a few trips..tells me he will shoot me if I don't buy the diesel:eek: Problem is...he is a pretty good shot so nowhere to hide.

I'll be talking to mate #2 shortly who has had a Diesel Disco for many years. I think I know what he'll also be advising..

Maybe they could both chip in the extra $'s and we will all be happy:p

Hoping to sell the Commodore quickly..it will be competively priced and then the D3 shopping can commence. So should have at least a couple of weeks to lock in what I'll be looking for, longer if I cant sell the Commodore.

CaverD3
16th May 2009, 12:24 PM
WTF is mate #1's problem with a diesel?

Maybe he has owned Jap diesels in the past?;)

Sleepy
16th May 2009, 12:32 PM
Have you driven one Ashes? The Tdv6 goes very well - I was very impressed, given the weight of the package. No RRS V8, but pulls nicely.

Dad tows his caravan around with one - no dramas - yet.;)

As you say no need for too much fancy stuff yet but if you plan to go off road you will need as a minimum:

Good tyres - minimum AT
Snatch strap,
recovery points front and rear
Shovel.

Other handy stuff:
Air compressor (don't get a cheapy)
CB Radio (UHF) - portable OK
GPS - and some good maps



(Be warned - if it's your first - you are in very real danger of becoming hooked...:angel:...)

Good Luck!

DI5CO
16th May 2009, 12:36 PM
WTF is mate #1's problem with a diesel?

Maybe he has owned Jap diesels in the past?;)

Caver, He said his mate would shoot him if he DOESNT buy the diesel, not if he buys it!! I don't think he has a problem with it!!:D

CaverD3
16th May 2009, 12:39 PM
:oops2:

Must raed posts properly.:wallbash:

Edit:
:oops2:
Must write posts properly.:wallbash:

Ashes
17th May 2009, 10:20 AM
Have you driven one Ashes? The Tdv6 goes very well - I was very impressed, given the weight of the package. No RRS V8, but pulls nicely.

Dad tows his caravan around with one - no dramas - yet.;)

As you say no need for too much fancy stuff yet but if you plan to go off road you will need as a minimum:

Good tyres - minimum AT
Snatch strap,
recovery points front and rear
Shovel.

Other handy stuff:
Air compressor (don't get a cheapy)
CB Radio (UHF) - portable OK
GPS - and some good maps



(Be warned - if it's your first - you are in very real danger of becoming hooked...:angel:...)

Good Luck!


Thanks. I've actually only test driven the TDV6 and was 100% happy with that. Much quieter and smoother than I expected. I don't think I'll be doing any serious off road but if I can pick up a 2nd hand with some of the gear already on it that will be a bonus.

I'll need to do a bit more thinking on spending the extra..

stevo68
17th May 2009, 11:21 AM
Good move on not buying new....let someone else wear the depreciation. I got my D3 HSE when all was hunky dory....then went back to working for myself....it became a luxury I wasn't allowed to afford anymore. In 2 yrs took a loss of around $45k.....if someone else is paying....who cares...if its coming out of your back pocket.....care. Now there is a gamut of nice D3's at the right price........just biding my time :).

I have driven all variants...I had the V8.....great for grunt....ok on fuel. Depends on km's travelled. When I go around again...it will be the diesel. Good delivery of power.....better range....and a pleasure to drive.

Regards

Stevo

Tote
17th May 2009, 08:53 PM
The only comment I'd make is if you have an opportunity to get a rear diff lock go for it, but don't let a good one go if it has everything else you want.
Regards,
Tote

Ashes
4th June 2009, 06:28 PM
Well, still procrastinating!!

The Commodore which we will be selling suffered a back quarter panel smack today due to another driver not giving way at a roundabout:mad: At least 3 weeks before it is back on the road. Two good things...the Mr's wasn't hurt and the detailing work I was going to do this weekend might be done by the smash repairer..:D

Still trying hard to stretch the $'s to a diesel but they are a bit hard to find (which is a good thing I think). Anyways, plan still remains the same. Sell commodore then buy D3. Hoping when the time comes to pull the trigger, the good folk here can help with tracking down a fair vehicle. Hopefully by then, I'll have finalised year and fuel!

Ashes
9th June 2009, 07:57 PM
Looking at a MY06 SE V6 tomorrow with leather and rear air which is just out of warranty. At a dealer so at least 3 months warranty from them so time for me to get it professionally checked over for any warranty issues. Wouldn't go for it without the initial backup of a warranty. If it checks out I'm likely to be in a D3 for a bit less than what I thought.