Thread: D2 to D2a or D3?

The choice in IMHO...

In a few weeks time I would have had my D2 for 3 years. My original plan was to keep it for this length of time until D3/4 prices come down..

Like most of us, I have spent a good few K getting my D2 reliable and the past 18 months I'm pleased to say that the car has run flawless and is a pleasure to drive.

My Local LR guy and my father who's a retired Mechanic, said that given my car has only 93k on it and its in such good order, I would be handing over a great running car to the next person to enjoy. I do have the K's and condition in my favour I guess.

Therefore buying a 05 -08 D3 with higher K's now means I would most likely start over again being hit with big bills again getting an older car up to scratch. I've decided to stay put with the D2.

My LR guy said I would be merely swapping one set of issues for another, all of which = $$$$$$

Looking at some of the higher K's D3's out there from 05 to 08, they do scream money pit if I'm honest... I could be wrong but Ive not heard much great news.

I would only buy another LR if it was newer with a solid Warranty.

Dearly as I love the LR brand and products, i can't bring myself to go down the "start all over money sucking route again"...

Have to agree with Rob here, it would be pointless going from a car with 90,000ks to a car with 150,000ks, albeit a newer vehicle, I think you need to sit back and think about setting your sights on a vehicle with a lot less Ks on it, at least half the Ks of your current vehicle and at least 2yrs younger as a minimum, yes you will pay more at the outset, but in the long run, you will be better off.

With a D3, the first thing you'll need to do, is service the auto, because a lot of D3s out there haven't had it done, because at the time of there release dealers were of the opinion that the auto box was a sealed for life gearbox, it is now known that Australia is classed as a harsh conditions country and it is now recommended that 60,000 to 80,000ks is the service interval for the D3/D4/RRS auto gearbox, especially if towing is involved.

So factor this into the price if it has not been serviced, it is easy to check, if it has been done properly, the box will have the upgraded metal pan with drain plug, this makes the box easier to service in the future, with better access to the filter.

Timing belts, the TDV6 has two and they need to be changed at 160,000ks, make sure you look to see if they have been done and if the Ks are close to 160,000ks, factor that in or ask for them to be done as part of the deal.

So look at the vehicles service records closely, get all the reciepts too.

Wasa, go to the D3/D4/RRS section, get as much info as you can, then make your decision.

Baz.

...adding to Redback's advice. If it is a pre-09 MY then also factor in upgrading the oil pump at the same time as doing the timing belt/tensioner. Like the D2, the D3's have their unique problems but they tend to cost more to fix.

My choice is Tdv6 D3, picking one up tomorrow.

I suspect I will be "in for it" and have to spend thousands over the next few years, but that is the case at the moment with my ageing D2.

Will report back after a few days....or send a postcard from Graylands secure ward!

-Wasa

Originally Posted by Wasa57

My choice is Tdv6 D3, picking one up tomorrow.

I suspect I will be "in for it" and have to spend thousands over the next few years, but that is the case at the moment with my ageing D2.

Will report back after a few days....or send a postcard from Graylands secure ward!

-Wasa

Why not start looking at D4s. The D3 dramas have been largely addressed.

Originally Posted by Wasa57

My choice is Tdv6 D3, picking one up tomorrow.

I suspect I will be "in for it" and have to spend thousands over the next few years, but that is the case at the moment with my ageing D2.

Will report back after a few days....or send a postcard from Graylands secure ward!

-Wasa

Congrats, see you in the D3/D4/RRS section soon then, with photos of course

Baz.

Drove the newby home overnight, a 2005 HSE TDV6 in "Cairns Blue." (Ahh, can't you just smell the sea breeze, or are you bogged with a rising tide?")

My initial thoughts:-

* Can't believe its a Landy - too quiet, too smooth, powerful, refined-even!

* Do people actually go bush-bashing in these mobile works of art?

* 1900 rpm @ 110kph using 9.4 L/100km, whaatt!

* Everything works, are you kidding?

* No leaks, and yes, it has oil in it.

* This thing floats over the road much smoother and quieter than the plane I travelled in to pick it up.

* "Enjoy this honeymoon period, Wasa ol' boy, you will pay for it down the track (literally, through-the-nose.)

* Why does my beloved D2, the same one I thought was smooth and refined only a few scant days ago, now feel like a tractor?

* I don't want to use it for its intended use, why, it will get all grubby and dusty, and *something might happen. *(I don't swear in public, use your imagination.)

Yes, its early days yet. I will be keeping the newby under cover until I have gone over it with a fine-toothed (LandRover-brand) comb, and had a full RAC check by my RAC friends, who also happen to be Landrover specialists: after what I have forked out on the D2, I expect the red-carpet will be rolled out for me!)

The start of another journey, and it's not all about travelling.

-Wasa

Well done. Sounds like the start of a new "long distance" relationship.