Thread: Buying a D3

It all depends on what you want to do with the D3!
For outback touring range it has to be the TDV6!
For towing economicaly it would be either the TDV6 or V8 petrol, both have great torque.
For resale value it has to be the TDV6.

Same engines over the life of the D3.
I have never regretted buying the TDV6, I'm sure most others will agree too.

Try to stretch yourself and get the diesel ... you'll love it. Keep us informed of your search .... and good luck.

I love my V6 Petrol 2009 D3. I get good economy both around town and on highway, not as good as the TDV6 for sure. Would I have gone diesel, if it was offered and affordable when I bought yes but I bought during the run out of existing stock and during govt depreciation bonus in August 2009.

As previously stated what the car will be used for will drive the decision making for you. Don't shy away from the petrol version. I have more fun and better ride etc than mates who are in Land Cruisers, Hiluxes, Patrols and Pajeros. The kids love it too, especially when they get to "drive" on the beach and paddock bashing.

As an aside I find a lot of people get very precious about their cars, they are quite expensive so I understand that, but I learnt to drive in my father's Rangies on Straddie, Fraser and properties in the Maranoa during the mid to late 70s. By the early 80s I was knicking off shooting and paddock bashing without him.

I look at my D3 as a way of giving my kids similar experiences to the ones I had. I let them get behind the wheel, have a play and enjoy their time with me in a safe non-urban environment on private property. Hopefully these activities will build in them a love for the marque and back when I was learning all this stuff there was only petrol motors on offer. We seemed to get everywhere OK, and back again which is very important.

My thoughts are , for what they're worth, if you find a car you like in your price range that is mechanically sound and meets your needs get it, regardless of V6/V8/TDV6 aspects. Once you have the car get out and enjoy it.

Cheers

Dom

Hi Chris,

might be best to drive all three engined versions and find out what best suits your needs and bank balance.

Having driven all three and owning a TDV6, for me anyway its hard to go past the V8 for value and driving experience.

I would agree with Dom though a V6 petrol D3 is better to drive then a 100 series or a Patrol.

cheers,
Terry

What you spend now on the diesel will be proportionate to what you loose when on selling the petrol, except you will have a hard time shifting it and will no doubt fire sale to get rid of her.
Why not purchase an earlier model, say from 05-07. Same vehicle.
Don't do it!

Hi Chris.

I've got my '09 SE petrol for sale at the moment. PM me for details if you like...

Steve

Firstly and note only my opinion is that D3 looks stronger and chunkier than the D4 anyway. The grill and twinkly lights on the new LR's are designed for the UK Chelsea/Cheshire yummy mummy crew. Prime target audience over there. Much prefer cars without Christmas Tree Lights.

I have had TD's and Petrol across many cars. My current a D2 V8.

Fuel is not a massive issue. Our 2.5 Petrol X-Trail only does 100k more than the Disco which in reality is $20 -$30 bucks.

I dont really care how much the resale value is, as i really like the car I drive. I don't think any of us went into buying Land Rovers to save on $$$ or the environment truth be told?.

If you want it buy it. V8's and V6's are so smooth.

One tip on a Novated lease, be careful what the garages add on at service time. They thing the Lease Card/Motorpass Card is a licence to hit you with extra's.

Hi Chris,
Sure, there is the buy price, re-sale price, fuel costs etc to consider.
One thing I do know out of all this, is that everyone I know that has changed from a petrol powered vehicle to a diesel, would never go back............including my own wife. The dealership gave her a petrol model in the same vehcile while hers was getting serviced, and she couldnt wait to get hers back.
Good friends of our just changed from a Falcon XR8 to a Jeep Cherokee TD (sorry for swearing), and are so happy with the diesels low down torque and fuel economy.

Cheers, Craig