Thread: The D2 Lowdown

Most of it has been covered in previous threads so a good search will bring them up.

I have had my D2 now for over 3 years, no major issues, never let me down, normal service items - plus the ABS shuttle valve.

Doesn't leak over and above any other vehicle, comfortable

I have used mine mainly on tarmac - but occasionally on semi difficult tracks/water crossings/towing

Mines a D2 V8, - I dont like the smell of diesel

I checked all this out years ago--- look at 2003 on, the upgraded front end with a modern light fittings etc.-- supposed to be over 200 mods! --- none Landrover owners sometimes mistake them for a RR! -- towing, go for the diesel Td5, though petrol is cheaper at the pump, towing will knock that saving right out and diesel is better for resale. Had mine over 2 yrs, no probs, love it!!! I purposely brought privately from another Landrove nut so was immaculate and professionally serviced.

Mate the D2 is a nice ride. I have a D1 and an 02 D2. My best mate has an 03 D2. Frankly his D2 has suffered more problems than mine but both have been very good trucks overall..but I dont know where the 200 changes went (I know what most of them are having read about it in LRO Mag when it came out but mostly it was small stuff and a marketing ploy).

Cheers

I've had 2 D2 V8s, both 1999, so early ones. The first was not so good, but I think it had been abused and had a patchy service record.

My present D2 is proving to be remarkably trouble free (for a LR, that is). I have had a cracked exhaust manifold that cost $300 to replace it and the three amigos come up now and then, but that's it in terms of unscheduled items. Oh, I also had the radiator 'acid bathed' to clean it and top radiator hoses replaced as they were starting to baloon under pressure - the early warning that overheating may occur.

Otherwise a very endearing truck, very comfortable etc.

Look for a car with a good service history if you want to have half a chance of trouble free motoring though.

The Td5 vs V8 debate you will see in other threads. Both have their problems, well documented.


I think it comes down to personal preference but then if you are doing 30,000km a year, fuel costs for the V8 will be high unless you put it on LPG. LPG is worth looking into, with an alloy gas tank and liquid gas injection it should be a good thing. If remote travel is on the agenda, a Td5 will be a much more simple proposition as it offers better range, economy and fuel availability.

hi, i have had 3,all auto td5's,bought new.the 99 one was a dud,02 one not to bad.The 04 one i still have was the best by far,so good i have hung onto it.It has done more hard 4wd than the other two put together,and has been fine.

as said there were a lot of small differences in the upgraded model 03&04,such as dash changes,etc.main changes were much better headlights,cdl now installed & torque increase for the auto models.

the diesel is slower& noisier,but cheaper to run,particularly if towing.The petrols are quicker,quieter,but you pay for it at the pump.

when buying,check the usual things,service records etc etc.Also you should have it checked by a lr specialist,not a dealer,before purchase.

good luck

There is a range between mid 2000 and mid 2002 which do not have the the ability to lock the center diff without replacing / upgrading the transfer box. Erich.

Originally Posted by ghoti

Following a write off of my 2007 TDV6 I'm on the lookout for a replacement.

With a change in employment on the horizon I'm not yet ready to commit to
another D3 just yet, so was considering a D2 but am concerned about the
tales of unreliability (don't shoot me!!)

So, what's the real story with D2's? Is there a better year than others? Is
the Diesel better than the Petrol V8? What do you look out for?

The primary use will be transporting the wife & 3 teenagers around during
the week and towing a 2 tonne boat on weekends. Generally do 30-40,000Km
per annum.

Certainly would appreciate advice from those in the know.

Mate they are a tough unit, trust me i know, i'm pretty hard on my D2 and to it's credit it's never actually stopped due to me being hard on it, most of the issues i've had have been due to me breaking things.

Go for the later TD5 03/04 D2a if your towing, the V8 doesn't have the torque for towing and the fuel will kill you, also it's supprising how quick the TD5 is and there ain't much difference in off the mark excelleration between them.

But you can pick up a cheap 05 D3 TDV6 if you look hard enough, i've seen them as low as $40,000 for the coil sprung base model.

Baz.

Baz.