Thanks Ivan - I think the V8's are very good value for money and that Jag motor is a gem!
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Thanks Ivan - I think the V8's are very good value for money and that Jag motor is a gem!
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Mine is a 6/2005 build and now has 230K km. When I got it I planned to have the original dampers replaced with Bilsteins. When they dismantled the struts they found that the airbags were cracking around the hole where the damper rod passes through and although they were not leaking yet I had them replaced at the same time. I examined the bags myself and agreed they were likely to fail in a short while.
I recently bought an '05 V8 HSE - I spent quite a long time (~6mths) looking to find the right vehicle (ie. ediff, alpine roof + rear air, 7 seats, logic 7, Nav, not a dark colour, low to average kms, documented service history). After some agressive haggling (private buyer) with a vehicle fitted my criteria, I got one for around the same price as you'd pay for a V6 SE and a lot less than a Diesel.
I could not justify the Diesel (at least $5K more) and after driving the V6 and considering the poor fuel economy I decided, to coin an old holden ad, that theres nothing quite like a V8. The 4.4 is a pretty neat motor and the performance is sometimes quite surprising.
If you take your time about it, seems to me to be a pretty good buyers market for these vehicles. I took my time to find one with all the fruit, reasoning that I may as well wait for a tow in comfort !!
I forgot to add, try and avoid the sunroof as it is known to have problems with the plastic mechanism cracking. Also it adds weight and is another entry for water.
Mine has one but on balance the other additions outweighed the negatives. I don't open it though.
I got my 09 SE 4L V6 in Aug 09. Very happy :D:D:D with the car and 76,000 km on the clock so far. Stock standard car no e-diff and only 18" GG AT2s. Fine fully loaded with three kids and two adults and all the gear in the sand on Moreton and Straddie, been great for paddock bashing and wonderful for state forest tracks.
Towed a dual axle trailer, one of the large hire ones closed in for furniture and stuff, with about 450 - 550 kg load from Sydney to Brisbane. Had no issues, except for the worse fuel economy, in staying with and overtaking traffic. :coplight:
Recently put traxide dual battery system and optima yellow top in as well for fridge. :twobeers: The car is my daily drive so it has two rug rats in and out every morning and afternoon as well as a 22 kg hunting dog. Rear A/C and EAS is vital for this lot.
Never had a problem, touch wood, that has been too serious. My two cents is get a D3 of any type that fits the budget and your "must have" criteria. As long as it is a sound vehicle you can't go wrong, can you?? :whistling:
Cheers
Dom