Thread: D2 to D2a or D3?

Originally Posted by Wasa57

and predict thousands more in next few years

Out of interest on what specifically are you predict this expenditure?


Not a huge amount of difference between a D2 and D2a. If your not happy with the D2 then it is highly unlikely that the D2a will satisfy you.

There's significant differences between the D2/D2a and D3 and a D3 is not necessarily going to suit everyones needs though. It's really a personal choice thing and the particular uses of the vehicle needs to be considered.

Been tackling the same question Wasa. My 2002 D2 now has 473k - been very happy with it and still enjoy driving it. Do I continue to put money into it knowing eventually I will need to rebuild almost everything mechanically, or do I pick up a late D2a with less than half the kms knowing what issues to expect and keep the D2 for spares, or jump up to a D3 with less than a third of the kms knowing you will lose as much in depreciation and probably still need to spend money on it.

I suppose in the end you sometimes have to make decisions based on your heart and not your head....

"I suppose in the end you sometimes have to make decisions based on your heart and not your head....[/QUOTE]

Indeed, that's a big part what makes us Landrover tragics in the first place.

I love my current D2, but starting to sweat about reliability issues when way out bush.
My main concerns are head and auto box failure, these two things alone to renew with labour and you are in the 10K vicinity, this after spending around 5K in last 6 months, and God knows how many K over the last 4 years.
All for a vehicle I would be lucky to flog for 5K.
Currently have 308K on the clock.

D3 not the complete answer either. I have problems with a luxury 4WD that comes with a "non-serviceable" auto box, much like a Simpson washing machine!

Maybe a nice D2a with relatively low km and great service history....(then start all over again from scratch!)

-Wasa

D2 or D3, You'll spend thousands either way.


Logic says spend it on the newer vehicle.


I've had both and currently back on a D2 which I enjoy more..personal thing. But its a question facing all of us here on the forum as the D2 is now getting old and for remote driving, its a worry.


Cheers, Jerry

have owned 3 D2's and 2x D2a's which is my current vehicle. have spent a small fortune on spares, upgrades etc.

never owned a D3 but interested in them. i can only imagine how much smoother the ride is in a D3. the diff for me is the D3/D4 are becoming sophisticated and are less able to be modified. compared to defenders which are easily modified, i think the D2 is somewhat harder to buy bits to modify and less for D3.

the other cost to factor is most of the extras on our current D2 will prob not transfer to D3 so you will have to start all over again with extras.

i still believe the D1 to be the cheapest option, followed by D2 and lastly the D3. you will spend $$$ on either option. your money your choice at the end of the day. i just feel some things as they age in D3 will be very expensive compared to just expensive for the D2. for me now, i will stick with the D2a. not much diff (really) between the D2 or D2a apart from obvious cosmetic headlights and some mechanical but its still a D2.

furthermore the costs of $20k for a D3 with typically 200,000kms just dont add up for me. maybe in a few years time these factors will change and D3's will become a more attractive option. good luck either way.

Here's an idea of what is out there, don't discount the petrol V6 or V8.

New & Used Land Rover Discovery 3 cars Western Australia - Find Land Rover Discovery 3 cars for sale Western Australia - p2 - carsales.com.au

These are the picks of the bunch though, but not in WA.

2005 Land Rover Discovery 3 S Sports Automatic

2006 Land Rover Discovery 3 HSE Sports Automatic

Wasa

I'm on my second D2 from new. The first was a manual and I changed over to an auto after two years and 90,000km. The current is a late 2003 with some 220K on the clock. I've poured quite a bit into it in the last few years but I still love it. I just fitted a snorkel last week (I think its a knock off of a Safari, and cost $90 on ebay. It looks the goods).

I've been on trips with others in D3s. They are a quantum leap ahead in comfort and driveability. The TDV6 flies over dunes where I tend to chug. One of them had the original wheels with low profile tyres - what were LR thinking? The other was properly set up with 17" Coopers and variable ride height suspension. Both cars were supremely comfortable and quiet. The D2a felt positively agricultural in comparison.

The D3 of course doesn't have the basic ladder chassis and solid axles of the D2, which is why it rides better, and why I am sticking with the D2a.

I've had and still have other cars along the way: 1999 Lexus LX470 (new to present), 1990 Porsche 928S4 (2006 to 2008), 2001 Porsche 911 C4 Cab (08 to present), 2010 BMW X5 (new to present). Guess which is still my favourite? Yep, the current D2a!

Bob

Originally Posted by Roberto

Wasa

I'm on my second D2 from new. The first was a manual and I changed over to an auto after two years and 90,000km. The current is a late 2003 with some 220K on the clock. I've poured quite a bit into it in the last few years but I still love it. I just fitted a snorkel last week (I think its a knock off of a Safari, and cost $90 on ebay. It looks the goods).

I've been on trips with others in D3s. They are a quantum leap ahead in comfort and driveability. The TDV6 flies over dunes where I tend to chug. One of them had the original wheels with low profile tyres - what were LR thinking? The other was properly set up with 17" Coopers and variable ride height suspension. Both cars were supremely comfortable and quiet. The D2a felt positively agricultural in comparison.

The D3 of course doesn't have the basic ladder chassis and solid axles of the D2, which is why it rides better, and why I am sticking with the D2a.

I've had and still have other cars along the way: 1999 Lexus LX470 (new to present), 1990 Porsche 928S4 (2006 to 2008), 2001 Porsche 911 C4 Cab (08 to present), 2010 BMW X5 (new to present). Guess which is still my favourite? Yep, the current D2a!

Bob

Oh yes it does, and some, the D3/D4/RRS T5 platform is a ladder chassis in cased in a monocoque chassis and saftey cell, giving it extra strength over the standard ladder chassis of the D2, best of both worlds

Baz.