Thread: D3 or Jap 4x4

Do I follow my heart and own a D3 and the expected running costs or go with the Jap option.

It all depends on what you are looking for.
I have a 2004 D2 and the misses has a 2006 twin cab Hilux, both of which have about 240K's on the clock.
My D2 is a far more comfortable and refined truck to drive and it runs rings around the Hilux off and on road But my maintenance and repair bills for the D2 is much higher than the Hilux.
My D2 also has more creature comforts than the Hilux But the little 4 cyl Toyota diesel is far more economical at the fuel bowser than my V8.

So if you want something that is an absolute pleasure to drive and is something that puts that smug gin or your Mug while driving But it will cost you more at the fuel bowser and the workshop Go for the D3.
If you want something that is pretty "Ordinary" to drive and is the same as all the others on the road that don't have a "Soul" then Go for the Jap option.

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

Definitely a D3. Patrols are crude dinosaurs.
BTW not everything wants to poison or bite you. Roos want to kick you and koalas want to piddle on you.

And if a Koala piddles on you, you may get Chamidia.

The petrol is the pick of the 2 particular vehicles you were looking at. I would immediately change to a serviceable pan on the auto if it hasn't already been done and change the auto trans fluid.

The Nissan Patrols that did not have the grenade motor was a very reliable and honest truck with (less be realists) lower maintenance costs (an average Patrol v average Disco) than any D3 or D4 over say a 10 year 200k stretch...but the D3 is much nicer to drive.

Cheers

Originally Posted by bsperka

And if a Koala piddles on you, you may get Chamidia.

Ants also want to bite you.
It's not all bad though. Sugar gliders just want to curl up in your jacket pocket. Bats have big cute eyes, are smarter than dogs and just want to eat your fruit. Snakes control rodents. Spiders want to run across your windscreen.

Had a grenade Patrol 3.0. One day driving back home from Sydney it went bang.145000km. Put a reco motor in it and sold it, then bought a new D4. Will have to say it was the best decision I made.
After 160000km is a pleasure to drive and does not get the shakes at cruising speed. The maintenance costs are certainly higher than the Nissan, but I have a capable and comfortable 4x4 I can jump in and do long distances in superb comfort and have the power to safely get past road trains. The fuel economy is better than the Nissan as well and I do not drive for economy.

Hi,

Interesting question you have asked.

I had a D3 and enjoyed driving it. Off road the car is extremely comfortable.

I had a D2 too. Whilst out with friends. A couple of games us were car hopping as they did not have an off road vehicle. My D2 came out as best car to ride in and not feel the bumps etc.

I now have a RRS TDV8. Awesome car, eats long distances and a pleasure to drive off road. However it does have a space issue compared to the D3. It is smaller inside.

I see your budget is $25,0000 bit thought you might be tempered by a 2012 D4 HSE 3.0. Currently for sale on Pickles T $30,000 as fixed price item.
2012 Land Rover Discovery 4 - Pickles Auctions Australia
I have looked at it a few times...but dstill not really want to sell my RRS and Defender and have the one car. Would advise getting someone with D4 knowledge look at if interested.


Carsales show a D4 at $24995. In budget!
We've taken a wrong turn

There is a huge variety of D3's as n carsales within your budget. I would be trying to get one with as much after market accessories as possible. Bullbar...saves a few thousand dollars.and then abc possibly long range tank..depend on touring or not. Things which capos a lot to add but may not be much more expensive on a used car!

Chilly

Ive had a 2.7 tdv6 2006 rrs since march. I had a few issues with the suspension but after changing the front and rear control valves the problem went away. I changed the oil pan for a steel one and I regularly get around 10 litres/100 k's in it. Whilst the least horsepowered of the variants, it is quick enough for me and cruises effortlessly. At 100 k's an hour you will get almost 1000 k's range. Yes I do worry about the cam belt.. it was changed prior to me buying car (at around 125 k kilometers) and now it has 160 k on it so i might do an oil pump change in it at 200 k mark. I like the rrs a lot but after seeing Dons d4, it had a lot more room in it with a split tailgate and storage bins in back.. essentially same vehicle mechanically.
If you can do a bit of your own work and buy parts from the uk sellers (rimmer, island 4x4 to name 2), ownership costs can be reduced. They are an eminently capable highway car and state of the art off road. This forum is also extremely helpful.
Whilst hey have the potential to be quirky they do seem to be capable of high mileage. The diesel gets better fuel economy but has more achilles heels by way of egr's cam belt high pressure fuel pump et al so consider engine choice carefully. If its a city car go petrol, if you do a lot of Highway k's the diesel wont clog up as quick.
Good luck

Originally Posted by theh33d

Now the hard part is convincing the wife that this the 4x4 for us.

.

Would recommend getting her to take a D3 for a test drive. One drive should convince her it's the right 4x4! If not is clear that you have made a mistake and I am sure that someone on this forum can assist with the appropriate divorce paper work