Potential buyer...

**clubagreenie** · 22nd July 2011, 01:26 PM

I bought a 2000D2 with 200000k's just over 2 years ago for $10k, quite a bargin but based on the probablility of requiring repairs. Since I've spent the difference on replacing the engine with a new 4.6 and rebuilding the auto plus a bunch of other regular service neglected stuff. Bonus was it was a long distance highway traveller. Downside was lack of proper servicing (and leaking heater that was blocked off causing the need for engine replacement).

But I've spent the same and have a brand new driveline which I can look after. And the 4.6 make it like it should have been. Insurance value is still at $18k so i'm laughing if anything does happen.

**TerryO** · 22nd July 2011, 05:49 PM

I can understand where your coming from and how confusing it can be because I went through roughly the same process. But I approached it from a different direction just over two years ago. I looked at a 2005 D3 V8 HSE first up and decided it wasn't good value compared to what you could buy a good D2a V8 HSE for at the time.

I expected to use the D2a as a everyday driver and for off roading. But after owning it for several weeks I decided it was to nice to use off road so I brought a highly modified D1. Then decided I would get a good of road camper, and for several thousand dollars less then the price of a secondhand V8 HSE D3 I purchaseda D2a HSE, a highly modified D1 and a excellent off road camper.

I still very much enjoy driving the D2a as my everyday driver and the D1 is so much fun to drive and practically unstoppable off road and because of the mods it has it would run circles around the D2a off road.

You have also asked on the D3/4/RRS forum what a D2 is like compared to a D3. I can say having both vehicles and both being HSE's the difference is quite huge. A D3 HSE is more like a luxury car to drive then a 4x4 but don't underestimate how good a D3 is off road especially one with a E-diff and air suspension, the D2a HSE is a very comfortable and capable luxury vehicle that is also very good off road, but it is definately a 4x4 to drive.

Our D3 is off getting some warranty work done at present but should be back late next week, if you want to come down to Goulburn, you can have a drive of the D1, the D2a and the D3 if it is here and then you can see what I'm talking about for yourself and that might make your decision process a bit easier.

PM me if you would like to take up the offer.

cheers,
Terry

**tileys** · 22nd July 2011, 10:17 PM

Many thanks Terry - that's very nice of you to offer. I may well end up paying you a visit.

Looks like you've really hedged your bets

I did my sums for the v8s and it just looked scary. What kind of mileage do you get on your v8s for everyday driving ?

I'm going to have to pull together some spreadsheets

to take some of the emotion out of my choice - figure out exactly what I'm after.

**Davetd5** · 22nd July 2011, 11:04 PM

Tileys it sounds like you started out after a reasonably priced diesel that's capable off road and able to be modified, and the td5 seems to fit that bill (and possibly the V8 too if the sums add up).
We all love our Land Rovers here but the truth is, to answer your earlier reply about maintenance, someone will have to do regular work on it whether its you or a LR specialist, more so if its a daily driver that racks up the km's. I'm sure if money wasnt an issue we'd all have the latest and greatest, but we live in the real world

A td5 suits my needs on my wage and at my current stage of life as its the best compromise for me regarding cost, comfort and off road ability (and I use it to pull stumps in my paddock - true!). I looked at a Toyota Prado or 100 Series LC, but for the extra 12-20grand they cost at the time I'm still ahead with a td5 even with maintenance costs factored in (I've fitted 3 grand worth of parts in 2 years).
Cheers Dave

**Fluids** · 23rd July 2011, 01:55 PM

tileys, I went thru this 2yrs ago. I spent a bout 3 months doing ny research, and came to the conclusion that a pre facelift D2, plus the possible cost of addressing the issues came to around what I could find a facelift D2a for with alot of the issues sorted ... and ended up with a 2004 D2a Td5 Auto Classic for $22k with 120k. (had to fix the front tailshaft at $220 and the turbo oil drain hose gaset at $2).

Currently after 2 years, this is where I'm at http://www.aulro.com/afvb/discovery-...ing-wrong.html

It's our daily drive, tourer/camper & offroader. It gets used in moderate anger. The only offroad mods are tires are 255/70 (instead of 255/65) abd I've fitted a front swaybar disconnect. It's taken me everywhere I've wanted to go ... I could mod it more, but it doesn't need it to take us where we want to go ... so far.

Don't write-off the pre facelift model (with all the issues already sorted), but for my money the D2a is the better of the two (and has a CDL already fitted ex factory).

Good luck with the choice ...

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