Thread: Needing some suggestions

Originally Posted by d1disco

Ok, so i am thinking of a D3 or D4.
I know there are more electrics, but i'm going to have the same issues with any "new" car anyway.
I like the idea of a bit more grunt if i'm going to be towing, and it at least appears the D3/D4 has a bit more space in the back than my old D1. Although the things I could fit in there vertically was amazing.
I was concerened about the crank issue with the D3/D4. I suppose less with the fact it could happen, but more the cost of a replacement engine. Although I have heard Nissan are now at $40k for replacement diesel engine for their earlier Patrols... so LR doesn't seem quite as bad.
The other thing I had, was wheel size, I never wanted to go out there and run 35s etc like others do on their biggers wagons, i did like the idea of a bit more tyre wall, and presumably the ability to run lower pressures in the tyres.
I made the assumption that the D3/4 didn't need to run pressures quite as low?

I suppose, if i'm getting one, it's going through the log book of the previous owner/s, seeing what has been done, and make sure i stay on a strict 5-10k service interval.
I know a 2 guys at work have them, and one in particular loves his. He's onto his 2nd, gave the first to the inlaws after he put petrol in the diesel. that was a few years ago, got it going and it still hasn't missed a beat.
While i'm concerned, i'm also thinking that maybe these are a little bit precious, and regular TLC rather than neglect and they will run a treat.

I went from 98 TDI auto D1 to TDV6 D3 and i did lots of research before i took the plunge, i was initially concerned about the electrics and other complex systems but the more i read the better i understood them.
Space in the D3/4 is amazing and they really do swallow a whole lot of gear especially with the middle row seats folded flat.
You still want to lower the pressures if going off-road and at least you can get decent rubber in 18" and if you get a petrol V6 or TDV6 you can run 17" rims and fit a 70 profile tire.

Originally Posted by d1disco

I was having a gander at carsales last night. It was actually quite amazing the price range for the D4. From low teens all the way up to 50-60k.
Some were decked out with camping gear, and less than 100k on the clock.
in the 10-20k mark there were a good mixture of everything.
I think I have a plan, just need to get it past the minister of war and finance.
Which ever model i get, is it going to be worth, for peace of mind, getting someone to pull the motor apart and do a rebuild?
Along with doing the greasing of the input and output shafts from the TC.

Are there any other suggestions of things I should do regardless of what the previous owner says they have done?

Why not buy one with low milage rather than rebuilding a motor that could be good? I just think, the more someone works on a car, often the more issues you have until its all sorted.

If I had to buy a modern car, I'd probably find the most reliable version of the range rover from around 2010 -> 2015..... I'd go for the most reliable, lowest milage version I can find. If that turns out to be a V8 petrol, well I guess my running costs will be high .... but I don't want modern diesel with all the complication of add blue .... or the Citroen/Poogoe/Ford V6 diesel that is a problem waiting to happen.

I would also need to cater for the servicing requirements. A lot of these modern cars appear to need the body lifted for some normal maintenance tasks. So I would also add the cost of installing a 2post hoist into my shed as a part of the cost of the car.

seeya
Shane L.