Thread: Possible D3 purchase

Originally Posted by garrycol

Why did you replace the air suspension? While there are some issues with the air compressor the rest of the system is remarkably reliable in the D3 with very few failures of airbags.

Garry

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.

Originally Posted by ozscott

Thanks Gordon - I could always add a locker later (aftermarket) I suppose if I wanted one.

Sorry but no you cannot - there is no aftermarket locker. Likewise the OEM is exactly that OEM and in normal circumstances - it has been done but is just not cost effective and is difficult to do.

Garry

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.

Originally Posted by Geedublya

Mine has one but on balance the other additions outweighed the negatives. I don't open it though.

Sounds like my EPB - its there, couldn't get the vehicle without it but don't use it.

Originally Posted by Graeme

Sounds like my EPB - its there, couldn't get the vehicle without it but don't use it.

Me too, but only on level ground!

Originally Posted by Graeme

Sounds like my EPB - its there, couldn't get the vehicle without it but don't use it.

Doesn't the EPB come on automatically if you 'forget' to apply it yourself?

I got my 09 SE 4L V6 in Aug 09. Very happy 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.

Recently put traxide dual battery system and optima yellow top in as well for fridge. 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??

Cheers

Dom