what do you like about your D3

[2_door]

I am in the market for a second hand D3, looking at an 05 V6 petrol as I am on a modest budget :eek:.

Unfortunately there isnt much around Tassie for sale and will probably end up having to fly and buy from the mainland.

So, I would like to know from owners what they like about their D3....some inspiration to go justify all the trouble in getting one over a D2a :angel:

thanks in advance

[justinc]

I am in the market for a second hand D3, looking at an 05 V6 petrol as I am on a modest budget :eek:.

Unfortunately there isnt much around Tassie for sale and will probably end up having to fly and buy from the mainland.

So, I would like to know from owners what they like about their D3....some inspiration to go justify all the trouble in getting one over a D2a :angel:

thanks in advance

As you well know I don't own one....:( BUT I'd have one in a flash, preferrably the diesel though. The torque and driveability has to be experienced, and they are chippable to beyond V8 performance with way less fuel outlay. Fantastic trans software, they shift as good as any manual box, such little 'slush' you hardly know its an auto.
The only drawback with the 's' version IMHO is the appaling lack of ground clearance (No height adjustable air suspension), with their long wheelbase the ramp over angle is a disaster:( I would urge you to wait a bit and get a TdV6 SE when they become a bit cheaper, you won't be dissappointed:) And you'll be glad to know they don't seem to be expensive to maintain, and ATM I have seen way less faults with them than some D2's.

JC

[rmp]

Clarification. Some early "S" models were coils. Air was an option. Now all S models are air/Terrain Response.

If you find one you like why not post here, I'm sure some kind souls will assist with a checkout before you fly over.

[justinc]

Clarification. Some early "S" models were coils. Air was an option. Now all S models are air/Terrain Response.

If you find one you like why not post here, I'm sure some kind souls will assist with a checkout before you fly over.

Good point Robert, But the SE got a few more bits too that weren't optional on S models, IIRC like nav and reverse sensors etc. If I were buying used, I'd try and get a SE, budget permitting of course:(

JC

[rmp]

I would waver between S and SE. I own an SE because I have a family and need the 7 seats. But if I was to fast-forward life to Grey Nomad Time (bring it on) I would be considering an S, bit more space in the back. Haven't looked, but the S models might be a lot cheaper than SEs? Buy cheaper, have to sell cheaper? Not sure.

The nav is hopeless being based on Sensis maps. The reverse sensors are good though. Can't remember the other options. Electric seats weren't an SE spec.

I'm glad to hear you back up what I've heard others say about D3s though on the reliability front.

[ozscott]

Mate - if you want to get a broad spectrum of answers from a broad spectrum of owners with both D2a and D3 why dont you post this question also on the D2 thread....I wont answer your question here because I will get in trouble....

Cheers

[scarry]

Saw a good few on a recent Cape trip & spoke to a few owners & they couldnt be happier.

Actually saw one trundle through Nolan brook,for those of you that know what it is like,& how many vehicles it claims each year.(have a look at the Ho Hars avatar)

In fact saw more D3's north of Cooktown than any other rover product.

If i was gonna get the S,i would hunt around for one with Air Suspension.

Now as for my D2a,i couldnt be happier,but cant comment on D3 as i dont own one........yet.

[2_door]

theres a few in Vic for sale on car point. They are all S variants, V6 petrols, auto (I dont think they made a manual did they ???) with air suspension and the wizzbang terrain thingy :angel: and fall into my budget of btn 35 and 40k.

Now, I am assuming, but would expect that if it has air suspension, then it would also be height adjustable???? which should alleviate the ramp over issue that JC has identified. It will be a shopping trolley and 'easy' weekend get away machine, tourer etc as I have a good D1 for keeping up with JC in the tuff stuff :angel:

I would probably prefer the air suspension, P38 owners rave about it so it must be a good thing.

I must admit I know almost zip about the D3 other than they are very under rated by the majority....I mean Yota and Datsun owners but we wont got there :twisted::twisted:

keep the info coming, I really appreciate the input :p

[justinc]

Mark,

I would still suggest you look at the TdV6, maybe an early S optioned with terrain response/ air susp? You will kick yourself if you don't get the height adjustable suspension, as I feel that it is mandatory in a vehicle of this capability. I have 1 customer that is wishing HE did:( after I point out more underbody damage nearly every time I see it for servicing. Tasrobs D3 is a weapon, but is new and fully kitted out etc for touring, winch, tanks, racks, bla bla... he could help sway you with a drive of the diesel and check out the suspension etc.....:D Now you can call me the evil tempter....:twisted::twisted:

JC

[gghaggis]

The D3 EAS (Electronic Air Suspension) is a generational improvement over that in the P38 Rangies or later D2s. It's quite different, far more robust and yes, it's selectable.

The S variants were often optioned up with the EAS, and if you don't need the 7 seats, represent good value for money - the EAS option includes the Terrain Response, which allows selective tuning of the traction control. Other differences between S and SE depend on the model year - things like leather seats, bi-xenon headlights, 6-stacker CD were variously available on SE's. Sat Nav was only std on HSE.

If buying 2nd-hand, the post-2007 models have a slightly better CANBUS system design and subsequently less small electronic problems.

Cheers,

Gordon

[2_door]

Thanks JC, I know what your saying but the budget wont stretch to a low mileage TDV6 unfortunately....:( this one is a beauty

2005 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY 3 SE Cars For Sale in VIC - CarPoint Australia (http://www.carpoint.com.au/all-cars/dealer/details.aspx?__Ns=pCar_PriceSort_Decimal%7c0%7c%7c pCar_RankSort_Int32%7c1%7c%7cpCar_Make_String%7c0% 7c%7cpCar_Model_String%7c0&__Qpb=true&Cr=4&R=7558579&MileageTo=751&keywords=&__N=834%201216%201247%201282%201252%201246%2042949 65541%204294954915%20937%20%20751&SearchAction=N&silo=1011&seot=1&__Nne=15&trecs=39&__sid=11DCB20C6032)

It is a bit of a stretch to get into a D3 and the V6 petrol with air suspension is still a great ride....pure luxury for me ;) esp coming from D1's and a two door RRC :p:p:p

I will only get an air bag equipped vehicle, that way it has the height adjustable suspension and terrain response, they seem to be the critical things for me and will make it an all rounder.

will I need that gold plated credit card if I appear on your door step JC :p

[justinc]

Thanks JC, I know what your saying but the budget wont stretch to a low mileage TDV6 unfortunately....:( this one is a beauty

2005 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY 3 SE Cars For Sale in VIC - CarPoint Australia (http://www.carpoint.com.au/all-cars/dealer/details.aspx?__Ns=pCar_PriceSort_Decimal%7c0%7c%7c pCar_RankSort_Int32%7c1%7c%7cpCar_Make_String%7c0% 7c%7cpCar_Model_String%7c0&__Qpb=true&Cr=4&R=7558579&MileageTo=751&keywords=&__N=834%201216%201247%201282%201252%201246%2042949 65541%204294954915%20937%20%20751&SearchAction=N&silo=1011&seot=1&__Nne=15&trecs=39&__sid=11DCB20C6032)

It is a bit of a stretch to get into a D3 and the V6 petrol with air suspension is still a great ride....pure luxury for me ;) esp coming from D1's and a two door RRC :p:p:p

I will only get an air bag equipped vehicle, that way it has the height adjustable suspension and terrain response, they seem to be the critical things for me and will make it an all rounder.

will I need that gold plated credit card if I appear on your door step JC :p

HA! No I reckon the Tdv6 ones I work on seem to be cheaper to maintain than any D2, for a start only 1 oil filter, same capacity of oil almost, and synthetic aswell, but the service intervals for drivetrain are well extended. EG the auto trans is 'filled for life':eek: but I would do it at 160K with the timing belt (Diesel) and the diff oils at the same interval, unless hard towing then 80K. I really know little about the petrol ones and their reliability / servicing cost etc, I would PM Scouse about that as I reckon they would see heaps through for servicing etc.

That link is a beauty, diesel too...:twisted:

(Yes, alright, I'd have one too, maybe when the kids have been through high school etc...)

JC

[2_door]

thanks JC.

I PM'd scouse last week and he sent me some useful info. Its handy having mates 'in the know' who will give you unbiased info :)

keep your ear to the ground for me mate.....then I will owe you 2 flat whites ;)

[justinc]

thanks JC.

I PM'd scouse last week and he sent me some useful info. Its handy having mates 'in the know' who will give you unbiased info :)

keep your ear to the ground for me mate.....then I will owe you 2 flat whites ;)

So whats his opinion on the V6 petrol then?
(If it is too inflamatory, you can PM me :))
JC

[2_door]

I dont think he would mind me saying. Pretty much summed it up as a generally 'under rated' engine, he reckons they are fine with very little problems. The front ball joints and suspension seems wear quickly on some of them but other than that, there is no real issues or inherant faults with them overall.

sounds good to me and he would see a few thru the workshop for servicing.

[justinc]

I dont think he would mind me saying. Pretty much summed it up as a generally 'under rated' engine, he reckons they are fine with very little problems. The front ball joints and suspension seems wear quickly on some of them but other than that, there is no real issues or inherant faults with them overall.

sounds good to me and he would see a few thru the workshop for servicing.

Thanks Mark, as I said I haven't got any customers with the petrol ones, all are TdV6 which I am impressed with. So, time to go for a look on the big island then??

JC

[rmp]

I think we need to step back and let 2_Door state what he intends to use the car for. We already know the budget. Then we can advise. The V6 is a fine vehicle of course, but if he starts saying he's got 3000kg of trailer to tow then we'd be talking TDV6. Also, that budget may or may not include the $ for accessories which he may or may not need depending on what he intends to do with the car.

[justinc]

I think we need to step back and let 2_Door state what he intends to use the car for. We already know the budget. Then we can advise. The V6 is a fine vehicle of course, but if he starts saying he's got 3000kg of trailer to tow then we'd be talking TDV6. Also, that budget may or may not include the $ for accessories which he may or may not need depending on what he intends to do with the car.

Agreed Robert, but AFAIK he is still thinking camper trailer only, and weekends away, not extended outback travel at this stage. Also, he has a pretty capable plaything for weekend activities, lifted and twin locked D1:twisted:, so I doubt that the D3 will see much more than the odd beach and some dirt roads, and touring eventually. I suppose if he goes petrol, then a longrange tank would be a necessity?

(Is till reckon TdV6 is the only way, BUT, budgets are budgets:()

JC

[rmp]

Ah ok, you've got some information not divulged here! Fair enough.

Sounds like a V6 could work then. I love long-range tanks in general, but they're generally a case of convenience rather than necessity. If he's towing as a general rule one jerry will put the range back to what it was without a trailer, and a second and third will extend.

I'm thinking V6 and any extra $ goes for the tyres, UHF radio, fire ext, first-aid kit etc. Unless say mainland long-distance touring trips are planned at some stage.

But a V6 with air/TR for sure.

[2_door]

sorry Robert, JC does have some inside information.

It will be a shopping trolley during the week for SWMBO and a dirt road tourer on weekends towing a camper trailer into the bush/along the beach etc

It will have long distance touring duties as well to the mainland but a LR tank and jerries on the camper will alleviate those problems.

I am one of those who are not really concerned about fuel economy, I quite contently pay for the things I love in life.....and putting fuel into a vehicle has never stopped me going anywhere.

I think that because I have the 'small' budget of 40k at a stretch, the V6 petrol with air bag suspension/TR and some accessories like bullbar, LR tank and spotties would be fine for its intended duties.

Like JC said, I have a pretty capable D1 for weekend mud duties :twisted:

But you are right Rob, I wasnt particulary clear with its duties.

any advice :angel:

[WhiteD3]

........So, I would like to know from owners what they like about their D3....

Everything:D

[rmp]

OK, I agree the V6 petrol would be fine. Just check there is in fact a LR tank for it, and also budget for a spare-wheel carrier or be prepared to carry the spare on the roof or inside the vehicle. I don't think there is a snorkel for the V6, but you could use the LR RAI and waterproof it (CaverD3 is the specialist here).

[TerryO]

Hi Mark,

It now sounds like you have made up your mind on geting a D3 rather then a D2a.

So if your not worried about fuel economy then why not buy a V8? I have not looked for a couple of months now but then you could easily buy V8 SE's and even the odd excellent nic HSE for around the 40K mark, as I said not that long ago.

The fuel consumption is about the same anyway and if you drive a V8 you won't want a six I bet three coffee's on that. The 4.4 is a really nice bit of gear to drive compared to the noisy and rough in comparision petrol six.

Even new vehicle owners usually buy on a fixed budget and a up spec V8 HSE D3 can be 30+ thousand dearer then a lower spec petrol six, that being the case how many owners of petrol six cylinder D3's have ever driven a V8 or a diesel, so how many could really tell you how good their model is compared to a different higher spec V8 or diesel version?

I'd guess very few especially when it comes to the V8 because most people were worried about fuel comsumption (wrongly) and the extra cost of purchase. When it comes to second hand though the price gap between the highest spec D3 and the lowest spec closes up dramatically, so don't right yourself off on looking at even HSE's for 40k.

Remember the asking price is just where you start from.

Just a thought.

cheers,,
Terry

[2_door]

Thanks Terry. My mind and heart really is with a D3 ;) even if I can get a nice D2a for less, they are quite different cars and the D3 has the edge.

Next question, is the 100k service a big one. Most of them seem to be around the 90k mileage and I would like to know how much, ball park, a 100k service will set me back.

thanks

[TerryO]

Hey Mark,

after saying about why don't you look at V8's I checked the various Carsales websites and there aren't many V8's around right now, not like there were three months ago when they were plentyful and relatively cheap.
I've noticed this goes in cycles and right now the V8's are either not poping up or people are realising how good they were for the dollars and snapping them up.

Either way unless your prepared to wait for the right car at the right price then maybe right now a petrol six is the go. Still might be an idea to drive a V8 and compare then you will know if it is worth waiting a few weeeks for a good one to pop up or not.

Either way good luck finding one that you like at the right price, the D3 is a very nice vehicle and as a tourer and or daily driver it would be great to own.

Cheers,
Terry

[rmp]

The V8 is indeed a nice engine, but it'll be more expensive to service and repair if it goes wrong. It will also be more expensive to buy than a V6. I'm a big fan of not spending the whole budget on the car but leaving some for accessories, or buying a really good example of a lower-spec vehicle than just getting into a higher spec in not as good condition.

[Tassierob]

HI Mark

You won't be disappointed with any D3 as long as it has the air suspension.

If you are interested in having a look at mine then I am down Margate way and would be only to happy to run through all the accessories, features of the vehicle etc... Mine is a 2007 SE TDV6 and is by far the best car I have ever owned:)

Cheers

Rob

[shining]

I can't add much to what has already been said...but my advice is if you find one you like don't muck around and buy it quick. I missed out on 3 units because I waited too long. I have just picked a MY07 TDV6 HSE from Morwell. When I arrived to pick it up the dealer showed me emails from others who were too slow and missed out. It can be good having to travel to pick one up because then you get a nice long, quiet drive home. What a difference from a MY95 300tdi Disco :D:D (which I am keeping BTW)

[2_door]

Rob,

I might take you up on that offer. I will shoort you a PM and try to arrange something for maybe this weekend.

thanks guys for all your help, looks like I have some ringing around to do.....and a quick trip to the big smoke ;) with a nice leisurely trip home in my new D3 :):)

[2_door]

okay lads, finance is approved, SWMBO has given approval, I WANT one sooooo, whats keeping me? I am glad you asked ;)

I just need one to buy now :angel: keep your eyes and ears open boys and girls.....happy to travel, budget is $40k max. If it has air bag suspension and TR I am all ears

I am going down to Rob's (tassierob) on Sunday for a bo peep at his set up. Not sure thats such a great idea, will make me even keener for one :D:p

:twisted:

[justinc]

okay lads, finance is approved, SWMBO has given approval, I WANT one sooooo, whats keeping me? I am glad you asked ;)

I just need one to buy now :angel: keep your eyes and ears open boys and girls.....happy to travel, budget is $40k max. If it has air bag suspension and TR I am all ears

I am going down to Rob's (tassierob) on Sunday for a bo peep at his set up. Not sure thats such a great idea, will make me even keener for one :D:p

:twisted:

Great news Mark!!!!

Might see you down at Robs Sunday, I'll ring him and ask if he doesn't mind a few visitors, bearing cake etc of course:D

JC etc

[Chucaro]

What happens with that link that I have gave to you, any good?
Good luck Mark :)

[rmp]

okay lads, finance is approved, SWMBO has given approval, I WANT one sooooo, whats keeping me? I am glad you asked ;)

I just need one to buy now :angel: keep your eyes and ears open boys and girls.....happy to travel, budget is $40k max. If it has air bag suspension and TR I am all ears

I am going down to Rob's (tassierob) on Sunday for a bo peep at his set up. Not sure thats such a great idea, will make me even keener for one :D:p

:twisted:

Check out the Melbourne LR specialists such as Ritter, Range Rov, even places like MLR for secondhand D3s as well as private buyers.

[2_door]

What happens with that link that I have gave to you, any good?
Good luck Mark :)

thanks Arthur, thats a nice D3.

I will start ringing around over the next few days and keep you informed.

cheers ;)

[PCH]

I like my D3 very much and would consider a D4 in time.

Pros
- Very easy to drive and park for a big vehicle due to it's shape.
- Quite even with AT's fitted
- Super comfortable and handles very well on twisty roads considering it's bulk.
- Reasonable economy for the TDV6 if you are gentle in acceleration around town.
- Can avoid those annoying carpark dents when you park and set it in off-road height
-Relative ease in towing our Kimberley Karavan
-Seems to negotiate any track I've thrown at it
-The spilt tailgate is great as a temporary roof in rain when loading the rear

Cons
- 18" wheels have a limited in AT/MT tyre choice thus needing you to spend money on a set of 17" rims and the trouble to swap them for trips.
- Tow hitch is impractical for a 4WD. Thus needed to buy the Mitchell Bros hitch and spend more money.
- I've got an early D3 with raw plastic wheel arches and the are great for off-roading. I don't like the painted arches on the D3 and D4. They will look great until you hit the dirt and get them peppered with stones.
- The exhausts under the rear axle is prone to rock damage and the heat shield protecting the spare is easily shredded
- The fuel tank capacity of 82 lt is too small for long range touring. Another 20 -40 lt would have been nice.
- The spare wheel is a PITA to access in muddy conditions.
- The wheel brace needs to be replaced with a proper breaker bar and 22mm socket.

Chris