To help answer you question I will tell you about a recent experience on my own search for a D2
Saw a D2a with low kms and a very good price. Not ridiculous but the only ones cheaper had a lot more mileage. Ad stated it had a full log book history. Organised to have a look with my deposit ready and waiting...
First thing I noticed when inspecting the vehicle was panel damage. In the photos on the web the body looked fine however in the flesh this thing was bashed. Further inspection revealed serious hail damage all over the vehicle. Then I found a rust spot. two tyres were bald, one seriously so and the spare had not been touched.
The truck was registered in one state, service history (which was patchy but still reasonable) in another state and the current owners in another.
I still took it for a drive. The engine ran fine and auto box was smooth. So, did I buy the vehicle?
NO! The current owner stated they would get all the damage fixed at the advertised price however there was one thing clear about the vehicle:
No one had looked after it. It was a late model, low kms with service history but it needed serious work. I found one rust spot but I am sure there would have been more. The owner had not had it long and I doubt they paid much for it at all!! Sure the drive train seemed fine but there is a lot of other stuff that can add up quickly in repairs.
The one you want is the one you can speak to the owner who can tell you all about the car. High kms and age is fine when you know that the old fella has kept it in a garage, had it serviced every time on time and you cant see a 2.6 tonne caravan sitting in the yard. Ask them what has been repaired on the vehicle. If they say nothing ask them about factory recalls (such as the fuel line).
Ask them why they are getting rid of it and look around. Good reasons are downsizing or buying a new one. Have a look around their yard/house. See anything else in disrepair or not looked after (unless they are a LR nut and spend every cent on it while the house/wife/kids fall apart/starve!!)
At the end of the day the chances are there is something that will need fixing. After all there must be something motivating each person to sell their vehicle or at least put the idea in their head to buy a D3/4.
D2a's are more popular in part due to their modernised appeal with the rangie style lights. This helps with resale but if you are buying a high mileage vehicle then resale is negligible.
ACE is great but I can say with confidence that all the D2a models I have driven handle fine and leave every other 4wd of that age and price for dead on the road.
At the end of the day any of those vehicles may be the one you want. Give all of them a call and ask them the same list of questions. Where do you get it serviced? Three Amigos?? Are you buying another LR? Does it tow well and if so when did you last service the auto or clutch? etc...
Hope this helps
Cheers
Michael
