Thread: About to purchase my first D3

Originally Posted by WhiteD3

Yes but my point was I didn't think the S ever came out in petrol.

"S" available in V6 & TDV6 (Optional EAS & TR)
"SE" available in V6, V8 & TDV6 (Std EAS & TR & to include 7 seats)
"HSE" available in V8 & TDV6.

Pretty reliable vehicle tho', don't see too many issues with them.
Can be a little thirsty in city traffic, but long drives figures come down.

Cheers

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I have a D3 S 4L petrol, same year, similar Kms.
Great car - best I have ever driven and often admired by mates.
I'm not heavily into 4WD on sand etc but the car always goes where I want to go, ever when others say it won't!
Mine has coils and I got Pedders to lift the suspension 45mm - works fine!
No need to worry about timing belt - only needed on diesel.
You don't buy a D3 for fuel economy but on longer trips average 12.2L / 100km
Enjoy it!

Thank-you everyone for your advise and feedback it is very much appreciated.

In regards to the Lift I have found a company online selling the Dobinsons springs and I'm leaning towards using these with the standard shocks until the budget allows for the an upgrade of the shocks at a later date.

From everything i've read it should be fine - i will also make sure to get a 4 wheel alignment done - does anyone know of any places in VIC which are reputable for this job?

Grumpa the highway K's you are achieving is roughly what i was expecting however around town im being seeing anything from 16-25 ltrs/100 k what are you getting?

Originally Posted by Simpdogg

From everything i've read it should be fine - i will also make sure to get a 4 wheel alignment done - does anyone know of any places in VIC which are reputable for this job?

Speak to Michael or Sam at Tyrepower Camberwell. Michael is a member on this forum.
They do an awsome job.

Cheers, Craig

Originally Posted by Simpdogg

In regards to the Lift I have found a company online selling the Dobinsons springs and I'm leaning towards using these with the standard shocks until the budget allows for the an upgrade of the shocks at a later date.

Something to note.
The Dobinsons springs are not just longer than the standard D3 springs, they are of a heavier rate. The ride quality compared to the standard coil suspension is harsher and the heavier prings have need of a greater level of rebound damping.
If you don't also upgrade or replace the struts (shocks) when you fit the springs you might end up with a bit of a pogo like ride.

A standard coil sprung D3 rides surprising well, a lifted/stiffer D3 suffers a bit in that regard. Still good for a 4WD but lacking compared to the air sprung versions.

If I was buying a D3 today for a daily drive, I would hang out to find one on air suspension. Mine is not a daily drive and so I'm not bothered by either the increased step up into the car of the harsher ride.

Eyes open.

Hi Simpdogg,
I had a D3 S, mine was a diesel though, I bought my 2 inch lift from "Suspension Stuff" delivered to the door in WA was very reasonable. I did get some one else to change the springs over, one near let go when I had it compressed, that was enough, off to a guy with some H/D spring compressors, chea at half the price, I chipped mine, it was easy to do, saying that a lot of people on the forums have steered me away from this now, saying that as mentioned mine ws a diesel.
I did a bit of towing with mine it was great both with a camper trailer and a caravan. Go with the 17's it'll be a better ride and if you do venture out 17's are easier to find than 22's.
Hope you enjoy the ride, you won't regret the choice. It is fun being in the leading pack rather than owning one of the following brands.

Thought i'd give you all an update......

We were due to pick up the car on Wednesday morning.

Unfortunately on Tuesday night my wife was involved in a 4 car pile up caused by a typical P plate commodore driver treating public roads like a personal race track....

So the car we were trading in for the D3 is now sitting in the mechanics with 13k worth of damage..... best out come is a write off then i can up my budget to and SE or TDV6.

Kids and missus are OK so that's the main thing.

Thanks again to everyone that offered advise

much appreciated

Cheers

Simpdogg

Good to see everyone is ok.

Cheers