Thread: D2a or D3

Hi Mark, THIS Disco have air suspension

Hi Mark,

I went through this same questioning process only about three months ago. I drove several secondhand 05 model D3's, including three V8s, one SE, two HSE's, a six cylinder petrol SE and I had driven a diesel S model several years ago without air suspension which really underwhelmed me then. The petrol six cylinder was horrible, noisy, slow and rode roughly in comparision to the V8's which really are nice to drive.

Then I compared them to several D2a's. First was a 04 S V8 and a 03 HSE V8. I also drove a 02 ES V8 D2. I'm not sure if the ES just wasn't a good one or not but the D2a HSE drives much nicer even though they both the same spec vehicle with ACE, SLS fitted.

The D3 V8's were really nice and I very nearly brought the 05 HSE V8 but decided that 38k was way to much in comparision to a D2a HSE V8 which I ended up buying at just over half the cost of the D3. The D3 are superior vehicles but I don't consider that they are twice the car or worth twice the money.

So I decided to go down the D2a path and for less dollars spent then the price of a 38k D3 V8 HSE, which was pretty cheap compared to other D3 HSE's around at the time. I purchased a low k D2a HSE V8, plus a very heavilly modified and well built 04 D1 V8 and an excellent secondhand Camper Trailer and I have a quite few dollars left over to get set up for camping etc.

Am I happy with my decision to date? Yes I am, I have a daily driver in the D2a, I have a weekend special that will go most places and I'm not that worried about if it gets a few dents etc and I have an excellent Australian built go nearly anywhere 4x4 camper trailer for 4WD holidays.

I accept that a D3 might be more reliable and cheaper to run but now I have three toys for less then the price of one D3.

To me anyway this seems like a much better way of going then just buying a 4 year old D3 even if it wasa V8 HSE. Still what works for me might not for you or anyone else for that matter.

Cheers,
Terry

I think you'll find that the D2 doesn't even compare to the D3 in all areas.

The only advantage I can think of with the D2 is if you want to highly modify it - ie big lift, big tyres, lockers and HD driveline. The D3 is stunningly capable on and off road.

As Slunnie said there is no comparison between the 2 of them.
The BIG difference is that you can get a nanocom and a rave manual for the D2 and cover over 50% of possible problems-faults easily and cheap,you can upgrade it easily,and for serious mechanical repairs,any experienced mechanic can help you.
For the D3.. i don't know - dealership help only?
PS
Don't get me wrong,i like D3 a lot..

Originally Posted by fatman

The BIG difference is that you can get a nanocom and a rave manual for the D2 and cover over 50% of possible problems-faults easily and cheap

Not nearly as cheap as Nanocom, but there's a diagnostic tool available from BBS for the D3 and the workshop manual and wiring diagrams are available from LR's GTR website, albeit for a small fee. The D3 needn't be a mystery.

Me personally, I would go the D3 S model, after driving the one we have at work there's just no comparison, I tow a very heavy camper with my D2 and the D3 wouldn't even know it was behind it, when I tested the D3 at work, IT HAD ALL THE GEAR ON BEHIND IT

The D3s we have here at work tow 3ton, a car trailer (850kg) with a street sweeper (1.4ton) on it and 4 blokes (500kg)and all their gear (200kg), tows the lot without a drama, I was pretty impressed let me tell ya.

Baz.

and yet,,
still no D3 in the driveway----

must be time soon Baz,,

Agree with most above.
I drive a D1 and my mates D3 SE Diesel is so far superior, I am not sure how to even compare.

Bit like Salt and Pepper really.

D3 is still too good for what I need currently but by God I would love one.