What do you get after a D3?

I'm sure you've considered Ford and Mazda but the Ranger and BT50 feature more prodominantely for off road capability than any other offering. The Ranger/BT50 won 4WD Action Best Ute off road two years running.

The Ranger is on run out currently with the 2nd from top model, XLT Crew Cab 4x4 Diesel Manual with towbar, gps, side steps, sports bar etc for $36999. The new model coming out after June I believe will be an $8000 jump for the same spec level.

If I was putting a fair whack of kms on a car, it wouldn't be a Discovery. We all have our fors and against and I love my Disco every time I drive it but I hate it on its service days. I could save money having a non-LR knowledgeable person service it but then run the risk of the usual LR idiosyncrasies not being picked up on or adhered too. I drive an '05 Ford Escape V6, 170K kms on the clock, close to 40K per yr, driving in heavy traffic, driven hard...never had a cost over normal minor servicing.

FWIW,
Peter

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Originally Posted by Mully

If the ball joint issue can be resolved with a bigger replacement option (need to do some more homework on this)

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My understanding is that the lower wishbones are normally replaced with the later version complete with the redesigned ball-joints. However the D4 ones might be a better option to get the lowered roll-centre if that's all that is changed.

Thanks guys... off to check out the Ranger website and then try and find a wishbone price!

Cheers!

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Originally Posted by bbyer

I see that for lots of money, you can get RHD Chev Silverados and maybe perhaps the Tahoe as well. You do not want an Escalade, but the 4x4 Tahoe with the G80 rear end and rear axle air ride is certainly a comfortable trouble free ride.

It will not do "no road" like you are used to, (or rivers), but maybe creek crossings, but even then, I would be careful. The vehicles are reliable however, probably nothing better in the world.

Other than tires and brakes, they do not need much fixing either for the first quarter million km which is good as I doubt that there is even less fixit experience in Australia than for Land Rover.

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Tahoe, nope we had dozens of these in russia, broken shock mounts 30 000 rubles each, radiators. diffs falling out. doors sagging. door handles broken. a long list. just a dog

Mully,there is a good write up in LRO a few months back about the handbrake and how to fix it,pretty simple job.I would replace the ball joints with the newer ones and service the tranny etc as per a normal vehicle and go from there.My L322 will cost me some money shortly,it's ticked over 160,000k and needs all it's fluids done and maybe ball joints also but I'm more than willing to pay it as it's the perfect vehicle for me.Like my defender it saves me money everyday simply through cheaper running costs in all area's,from cheaper service costs,better economy to longer tyre life and I simply cannot get interested in jap dual cab utes.It's worth noting that they have just as many annoying issue's as LR's,sometimes more but thats the price we pay for modern,and lets face it good performing vehicles. Pat

Mully, very early in this thread you said you were considering swapping from a D3 to a Defender. My first thought was that you were nuts - much as I love my Defenders, compared to a D3/D4 they are just so noisy and agricultural feeling.

Except... I have just been to Sydney and back - a boring 6 freeway hours each way - in my TD5 130 Defender single cab. This trip reminded me just how comfortable those plain non-adjustable seats are, and just how satisfying they are to drive.

I expected to be knackered, but no, despite the noise there is something very relaxing about driving the Defender. It may just be the secure feeling that one gets because you can really feel the car and feel what is going on. Also I just simply expect the Defender to always get there and back without any hassles whatsoever, wherever "there" may be.

So after that little refresher drive in the Defender (it is normally just a farm ute) I start to understand why you would consider swapping a D3 for a Defender!

Having said that I pick up my new D4 on Monday - I hope I eat my words!!!

Cheers,

Paul

Pat thanks for the info... I will hunt for the article! Your summary is on the money too I reckon.... Alas I have a business partner and we shake our heads when considering what this vehicle is going to be costing over the coming years. The pending auto cost is really the decider because everything else I am prepared to sort out myself (once I get a new shed).

Paul I love that story.... Brilliant and kind of a good summary I reckon. I also reckon you are going to LOVE the D4....awesome. Thanks for the share.

Yesterday I drove a new XLT Ranger and it was quite good and a little better than expected... Had the simplicity I was hoping to enjoy from a Defender but Deefers just cannot be found as a trade option in Adelaide. One last dealer to try tomorrow though and fingers crossed as it is the second preference behind miraculously keeping the D3.

Trade in value on the D3 as it is looks good so we will see what pans out this week... At least we still have the 300TDi Disco!

Thanks again for the input... It really helps.

Best cheers.

my 95 300tdi disco will be with me forever, plenty enough comfort, easy to fix yourself anywhere (hammer and wire), cheap to run, goes everywhere i have pointed in stock standard, not electronics to get you stuck in the bush

Ade that is so true. I've even pulled the gearbox out in the driveway at home and everything on it is 'doable'... end of an era really?

Cheers.

Mully just a word of warning on the Ranger/BT50, they have a weak gearbox/transfer, so if your going to be towing anything heavy, I'd stay clear.

Baz.