When will you upgrade to a D3?

I wouldn't say that I expected certain replies to my original post but in retrospect the reply posts are "fitting":angel:

I just wanted to highlight some key parameters of what I proposed, which I've underlined below.

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Originally Posted by WhiteD3

Just thought I'd ask the question of you D1 & 2 drivers. I've read many a post with disparaging comments re the technology in the D3 in regards to reliability and the ability of the layman to fix it. ie drive train, computer, air suspension, etc.

But I was thinking that it is (probably) inevitable that as the D3's get older and used ones get more affordable, and your D1 & 2's get older, most of you will take the plunge at sometime.

So, do you agree with the above and more importantly if you do, how will LR owners cope with keeping the technology running?

Just some random thoughts.

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You see, many of the posts in this thread talk about cost, but I expect that D3's, especially the hi volume seller V6 petrol like mine, will be available for 30k+ in 2009.

So I suspect some hard decisions will be made re 10+ yo Discos and their maintenance costs vs a 4 yo, just out of warranty, Toorak tractor that's never seen grass let alone any rough stuff. Safe and comfy for the family but will go off road for you.

Engine? It's a volume seller Ford V6 sold all over the world in various cars. Big deal. Especially when an affordable LPG option comes to the market.
Gear box? Ditto.
Air suspension? Is this really a big deal technically?
Computer? Scares everyone. Maybe rightly so but we live in a different world these days re tech savy and I think someone will spot the opportunity for non-LR support/service just like they did with after market chipping.
Sensors? Now there's an area that could be a pain:(.

Anyway, a few more red wine-fuelled ramblings........

Second hand D3s will be available in the not too distant future for an affordable price - like my P38A was. I bought it when it was 7 years old and had depreciated by nearly $90,000.

If I was staying in the workforce, I'd consider a D3. To me they make more sense than a Defender - more comfort, working air con, working heating, low noise, etc. Probably more usable space inside.

The down side is complexity of any modern 4WD. Factor a RovaCom into the purchase price. Would I take one across the Simpson or to the Cape? No. Neither would I take my P38A for the same reasons. Complexity and cost when something fails. To do the Simpson or Cape, the EAS would have to go. I've driven 500km on the bumpstops on highway and it isn't comfortable.

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Originally Posted by WhiteD3

Sensors? Now there's an area that could be a pain:(.

Anyway, a few more red wine-fuelled ramblings........

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Thats the area where failure has mostly occured. As long as they are not too much to buy you carry spares.

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Originally Posted by CaverD3

Thats the area where failure has mostly occured. As long as they are not too much to buy you carry spares.

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LR are not alone. I recall one Japanese manufacturer recalling over 1 million engines (not all badged under that manufacturer's name) owing to a possible sensor fault.

LR wouldn't - they'd wait until it failed thus causing catastrophic damage.

why would I need to upgrade to one when I can, at least 3 times a year, drive someone elses??:cool:

The customers I have with them love them, and I haven't had any issues with them apart from brake pad and disc rotor lifespan etc. The lack of serviceability is concerning,(Filled for life autoboxes etc) but then again most modern vehicles are heading that way now:mad: Saab had filled for life 5spd gearboxes in the mid 90's.

Easy to service, great to drive, (Love the TdV6 and the autobox launches like a manual...) and very fuel efficient.

I will agree however that lack of tech/ mechanical support in this country is killing market share of Landrovers:(

JC

I have had my D3 for a year and a half now . It has seen it fair share of overlanding and off roading . To date no issues and it is the best LR I have ever owned . (It is my 6th) . I love its dual personality , as it an absloute pleasure to drive on road and is very good offroad .

Just in passing , I can't help noticing the negative and dubious replies all seem to come from people who don't have one :twisted: :p

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Originally Posted by justinc

<snip>
Saab had filled for life 5spd gearboxes in the mid 90's.
<snip>

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Then only a couple of years later drain plugs were retro-installed whenever a gbox was removed and the later models once again had drain plugs.

But I'll upgrade as soon as finances allow. I'm no longer fazed by my D2's electonics (actually enhanced some of them and currently thinking about installing a switch to activate the brakes in case the m/c fails, not unlike the D3) and already have the relevant parts of the D3 workshop manual & wiring diagrams.

Some of us don't have to wait for the scraps from the table of leasee's I could go buy one cash , new, I just don't like them. Big brick looking things with too much pommy electrickery.....(Lucas, triumph) But very good off road, providing the puter puts up with the bumps ,doesn't have a hissy fit and drop your suspension and you won't get lost..you just follow the trail of plastic bits on the way out that have either fallen or been ripped off.:D

we dont do "mine is bigger than yours" here dawg,,,:mad:

This thread is becoming fun..where is the popcorn:)

Seriously though people have different ideas about what a good truck is...this shouldnt be a LR v LR thing in the end. Its really about people's needs and desires and what works best for them. I think that 3 things probably polarise the D3 (one that can work well offroad - ie not the S base model but the one up with air suspension and terrain response) - its looks (some people clearly think that they look like a bread van - I used to but I have warmed to them, particularly in certain colours and trim); its cost; and the sheer volume of electronics compared to previous iterations of a Land Rover - with the natural skepticism for long term reliability that goes with having such an array of things that chime.

Cheers