Decisions..2005 D3S or 2005 D3SE

[bruiser69]

Hi D3ers,

I am currently looking at upgrading my 2000 D2 TD5 to a D3.
I have narrowed choice to two vehicles, both 2005 TDV6 & both private.
One is S spec with no options & coil suspension. It has 95K on clock and asking $41.5K. Extended warranty expires at 110K
Second is SE spec withTerrain response air suspension, leather & nudge bar. It has 82K on clock & asking $45.5K. Extended warranty expires 12/10 or 110K.
These prices are well below dealer, but still above Glasses Guide (2005 SE TDV6 $31860-338940 private, $41700-$50040 dealer & 2005 S TDV6 $$27180-33220 private & $35900-$43080 dealer).
I am a bit concerned from what I have read about the electronic/air suspension that this may be costly to maintain. It would certainly be nice though for towing & the SE spec would probably hold value better (leather seats would be nice also).
I would appreciate any advice on which way to go.

Cheers..B

[WhiteD3]

Go the SE. There are too many advantages over coils to choose otherwise.

TR itself
Access height
Off road height
The ride is fantastic
Self levelling for towing
(Edit) 7 seats, climate, Bi xenon headlights, etc.

There were some issues with compressors and software in the early D3's but fixes were provided (I understand) by LR under warranty. Should be in the log book if done.

[DiscoSaffa]

As long as they are both within budget, the SE is the way to go.

7 seats and air suspension are desirable come resale, also coils limit off road capability due to limited clearance.

I would investigate the option of extending warranty to put your mind at rest RE ongoing costs........

[AnD3rew]

If you have any intention at all of going off road then you need the SE, just not enough clearance on the standard coiler

[slug_burner]

For that price difference go the SE for sure. The problems are a beat up by those that don't have air bag suspension.

[DiscoWeb]

Bruiser69,

I agree all other posts, go the SE, it will be $4 k well spent.

Whilst $4k a 10% premium, the SE with air suspension, terrain response, 7 seats etc almost puts the SE in a different league to an S with coils and 5 seats IMHO and no disrespect meant to coil S owners out there.

Enjoy either way, most will say you will not be disappointed with either.

George.

[big guy]

I bet your mind was already made up.

Se anyday, if you already spending that sort of money, what is another few K and you get what you really want.
Leather Hmm, air susp Hmm and better re-sale.
Life is short and I bet you will not be saying when you not able to drive anymore in many years time that you wish you saved the few dollars and went coil.

I been in both and what a difference.
The Hse is even better but really, its a bit too much.

Go for it, enjoy.

[chuck]

The headlights in the SE are fantastic so are the auto rain sensing wipers.
There is quite a bit of extra fruit in the SE.

Get the vin no & take it landrover to check the services & updates have been done.

Whilst I have heard of compressor & software failures for the air suspension I have not yet heard of any air bag failures.

I would go the SE.

Regards

Chuck

[CaverD3]

The only air bag failure i have heard of was one in Morroco. Flew over dune and laned heavily on the front.:o

It was not the airbag that blew but the connection for the air inlet.

[Neil P]

Are we being asked about air-bags ( for accidents ) or susp. air-bags
that hold the vehicle off the stops ..........:confused:

[Neil P]

Second is SE spec withTerrain response air suspension, leather & nudge bar. It has 82K on clock & asking $45.5K. Extended warranty expires 12/10 or 110K.... Glasses Guide (2005 SE TDV6 $31860-338940 private, $41700-$50040 dealer ..

Not giving it away , are they ! Keep looking .......

[CaverD3]

Air bag suspension.:angel:

The other sort of bags didn't go off.

[bruiser69]

I bet your mind was already made up.

Se anyday, if you already spending that sort of money, what is another few K and you get what you really want.
Leather Hmm, air susp Hmm and better re-sale.
Life is short and I bet you will not be saying when you not able to drive anymore in many years time that you wish you saved the few dollars and went coil.

I been in both and what a difference.
The Hse is even better but really, its a bit too much.

Go for it, enjoy.

Yeah already decided..you were spot on! SHMBO (in this case also company secetary & wife of 32years) Told me this morning that I would be crazy to go with the D2+. Now I know why I married her..Very smart woman:)

[Nomad9]

Hi Bruiser69,
I had a D3 S which came to an unfortunate premature, I spent over $1k getting the suspension lifted to get the extra clearance, not a job for the faint hearted. I've now got a D3 SE which had 76k on it from the ACT, I had to travel there weren't any available in WA at the right price. If I budget a grand to go and pick it up the one I got I was more than happy still cheaper than anything in Perth. My wife and I made a bit of a holiday out of the trip back to Perth, went over to Tassie drove around there a bit and came home. So the SE is definitely the way to go but don't restrict yourself to a local search try a Car Sales (hint) web site you might be surprised at what is possible.
Getting a D3 over the pits is easy especially being the age they are, good luck on your quest.....

[Bushwanderer]

Hi Nomad9,
Are you saying that you paid +$1k for lifting a coil-sprung D3? If so, you were taken for a ride. I paid about $600-$650 for a King Spring's lift, including 4-wheel alignment.

VERY happy with the result.

Peter

[Nomad9]

Hi Peter,
I got the King Springs kit as well also suitably impressed, my cost also included getting someone else to fit the rear springs to the struts, I took the rear struts off and got the old springs off but I couldn't get the new ones on, I had a bit of a near mist when one of the spring compressors let go, after that considering the safety implications and my wanting to live past 50 I decided to get the coils fitted by an "expert", I suspect this is the bit where I got ripped off. After my near miss I didn't really care about the cost, I pooped myself at the time.
I also fitted some new suspension bushes while I had things apart, plus I broke a sensor on the rear disc which had to be replaced, it all added up.
I've now bought an SE so I no longer have this problem to contend with, I've got other stuff to play with now!!

[Bushwanderer]

Hi nomad9,
With the length and strength of the King Springs, I didn't attempt to do it myself. I was pleased, as when I went to pick it up the installer advised me that he had broken his compressor on my springs & had to madly rush around finding an alternative compressor.

I believe that he no longer fits the springs to the D3. :eek:

Best Wishes,
Peter