Thread: Used D3 - opinions?

Gearbox & diff oils. Have they ever been changed?

I thought the 4.0 V6 had timing chains not belts so would not have been changed. Has the S had air suspension added as an option or is it still on coils.

General consensus is if you want to go a petrol then get the V8 - more reliable, more zoom zoom and more fuel efficient overall.

Originally Posted by garrycol

I thought the 4.0 V6 had timing chains not belts so would not have been changed. Has the S had air suspension added as an option or is it still on coils.

General consensus is if you want to go a petrol then get the V8 - more reliable, more zoom zoom and more fuel efficient overall.

Correct Garry, chains not belts on the 4ltr.

Originally Posted by garrycol

I thought the 4.0 V6 had timing chains not belts so would not have been changed. Has the S had air suspension added as an option or is it still on coils.

General consensus is if you want to go a petrol then get the V8 - more reliable, more zoom zoom and more fuel efficient overall.

With the V8, just be careful with the thermostat housing (or the plastic hose next to it, I can't remember) as it's plastic and is known to crack with old age. The V6 has a metal housing and doesn't have the same problem.

From my research the V6 was the most reliable of the 3, if the least desirable. I wanted a V8 but wanted newer Canbus features and the V8 was only available up to 06 (MY07) I believe, with most having the old single speed canbus which meant if a brake globe blew you could have cascading canbus errors which left the car on its bumpstops. That's said, I recommend you double check when the V8s ran to and what Canbus system they used, as I've been wrong before!

Originally Posted by Nucky

Have found a 2006 D3 S V6 4litre petrol. Cosmetically really well kept with 126000 k on the clock.
By now should have had cam belt done so will check that as part of service history.
Was hopeful of a diesel but may consider this one.
What else to check?

How much is it?

Check gearbox has been done. If not, and the gearbox has had an easy life, it should be OK, though the general recommendation is to have the oil changed between 50k - 100k km (they're not sealed for life as advertised by land rover)

Engine and gearbox services are the main things. I'd also check the electronic park brake actuates with no squeaks and isn't too loud, and doesn't sound ratchety. If its got air suspension then make sure it cycles through the modes without any issues. Most other funny noises and clunks can be attributed to suspension bushes (mainly front LCA bushes), sway bar bushes or tie rod ends, and are typical maintenance items.

If you can afford it, get one with air suspension. While I haven't ridden in a coil sprung version, by all accounts the air suspension rides better and is better off road.

Cheers

Dan

I have a V6 petrol, and I love it! I too was worried about all the things I've read about the diesels, plus, I'd owned diesels before and was sick of the smell!!!!
I got mine with 116,000km and a complete service history and have since had all the fluids changed (that way I know they were done!), the steel pan added, and filters replaced.
Yes, the V8 has more grunt, but there wasn't one around that I liked when I got mine.
Country fuel usage around 14L/100km and city around 20L/100km

Like the OP I've been seriously considering upgrading from the D2 V8 to a D3 although my needs/wants are probably a bit different from most potential D3 owners. What I'm after is basically a Toorak Tractor, a comfortable, quiet on road drive with at least as much power as the D2 V8. Average yearly Km's would be around 5000.

I'm not very impressed with the old Ford Transit diesel used in the D3's, IMO it really isn't a very good engine and a bit of a time bomb really. So I'd be after the 4 litre V6 (which I've heard nothing bad about) and at 160 KW/360 Nm should fit the bill nicely though the V8 which was only around in 2005/6 with 220 Kw and 427 Nm would be great and also in HSE trim, but these vehicles attract a premium price and trying to be a bit responsible a 2007/8 or later vehicle can be got for the same price.

Air bag suspension is fantastic when it works but in an older vehicle with worn/aged rubber, compressor and air components can be an expensive and frustrating experience. I know, I had a 1999 P38a.

So realistically I'd be looking for a petrol V6 D3 around 2007 or later in S spec but I'm unsure if the coil only models were still being made then. There seems to be common front suspension issues across all D3's, even those with comparatively low Km's but I can live with that, new trailing arms/bushes etc. The auto/TC I don't know much about apart from the 'trust me' sealed for life claim which strikes me as a particularly bad idea guaranteed to make lots of $$ for LR dealers at the owners expense or am I being over cynical here ? but the D2 auto isn't renowned for its longevity so perhaps the D3 auto is an improvement ?

Constructive comments welcome

Deano

Originally Posted by DeanoH

Like the OP I've been seriously considering upgrading from the D2 V8 to a D3 although my needs/wants are probably a bit different from most potential D3 owners. What I'm after is basically a Toorak Tractor, a comfortable, quiet on road drive with at least as much power as the D2 V8. Average yearly Km's would be around 5000.

I'm not very impressed with the old Ford Transit diesel used in the D3's, IMO it really isn't a very good engine and a bit of a time bomb really. So I'd be after the 4 litre V6 (which I've heard nothing bad about) and at 160 KW/360 Nm should fit the bill nicely though the V8 which was only around in 2005/6 with 220 Kw and 427 Nm would be great and also in HSE trim, but these vehicles attract a premium price and trying to be a bit responsible a 2007/8 or later vehicle can be got for the same price.

Air bag suspension is fantastic when it works but in an older vehicle with worn/aged rubber, compressor and air components can be an expensive and frustrating experience. I know, I had a 1999 P38a.

So realistically I'd be looking for a petrol V6 D3 around 2007 or later in S spec but I'm unsure if the coil only models were still being made then. There seems to be common front suspension issues across all D3's, even those with comparatively low Km's but I can live with that, new trailing arms/bushes etc. The auto/TC I don't know much about apart from the 'trust me' sealed for life claim which strikes me as a particularly bad idea guaranteed to make lots of $$ for LR dealers at the owners expense or am I being over cynical here ? but the D2 auto isn't renowned for its longevity so perhaps the D3 auto is an improvement ?

Constructive comments welcome

Deano

The TDV6 was not fitted to the transit, in your situation the 4ltr V6 would suit.
Not as much power as the TDV6 or a D2V8 but ideal for what you want.