Thread: Thinking of buying a D4

Provided the transmission has been serviced at least once, and all regular servicing has been done elsewhere, that sounds like a bargain. Just note that the timing belt should be serviced at around 170k km, and that service is usually around $2.5k

Ediff is desirable but not necessary. There are a few threads on here discussing its advantage.

Beat of luck
Dan

Go for it, you will not regret.

Wardy I've taken our 2016 SE over some pretty gnarly ground without an e-diff (and while towing a 2 ton camper), would have liked the e-diff but to be honest, never got into a situation where it was required. The cars are hugely capable without it.
The car you're looking at sounds like a good 'un, although 160,000km in 5 years indicates it's been well used.
As others have said, service records are the key, including gearbox flush which should have been done by 80,000km or so.

Originally Posted by wardy1

I’m currently looking at an SE with the 8 speed trans, and it has the E-locker fitted. It has a full service history and is immaculate but without accessories (bull bar etc). It has 160k on the clock. I think I can get this for a sub-$40k price. It is a 2013 model.

As always, I look forward to your responses.

Is it a red one with black rims in VIC?

Originally Posted by wardy1

Hi guys, thinking it might be getting near time to upgrade from the old faithful D2.
As many know, we are travelling long distance these days in our new found career as caravan park managers. I’ve always liked the d4 and really, there doesn’t appear to be anything else out there that comes close in comfort, towing capacity and economy, not to mention off roadability.
Currently doing my research re price etc.
A question for current owners: how important is the E-diff option? I’ve always had lockers in my D2’s mainly to allow me to clamber over rocks etc without the need for momentum.
We will be exploring quite a lot over the next few years which could involve tracks like the Canning etc.
I’m currently looking at an SE with the 8 speed trans, and it has the E-locker fitted. It has a full service history and is immaculate but without accessories (bull bar etc). It has 160k on the clock. I think I can get this for a sub-$40k price. It is a 2013 model.

As always, I look forward to your responses.

Sounds like a pretty good deal - sub 40K for a D4 SE 8Spd - must be a HSE then to have an E-diff ? I'd go for the E-diff if it came with it.

My D4 doesn't have one ('only' an SE) and I have never really missed having one, these cars are just so capable off and on road, but if given the option, I would get one.

I'm sure you are aware these E-diffs require a different oil than the front diff gear oil and also different than the central transfer case, but I'm sure that Aftermarker alternatives are available.

160,000 kms - if it was me I would put money aside for the following (note this is based on my personal experience with my MY11 SDV6SE bought at 88,000kms on the clock a few moons ago now), and if not specifically recorded in the service record:

- front lower wishbones ~ A$1800
- F+R sway bar bushes ~ A$150
- brakes (pads and rotors) all round ~ A$ 600-1000 aftermarket
- coolant including engine outlet ~ A$250-300 including long life coolant
- transmission flush , steel pan and sep filter ~ A$1200-1500
- transmission valve body service kit including new solenoids and valve body rebuild ~ A$1250
- timing belts (unless already done) ~ A$1500-1600 - body off job - if this is not done properly - game over - new engine

Originally Posted by Eric SDV6SE

Sounds like a pretty good deal - sub 40K for a D4 SE 8Spd - must be a HSE then to have an E-diff ? I'd go for the E-diff if it came with it.

My D4 doesn't have one ('only' an SE) and I have never really missed having one, these cars are just so capable off and on road, but if given the option, I would get one.

E-diff was a factory fit option available on all TDV6/SDV6 diesels from at least 2012. Petrol V8 had it as standard equipment.

I personally would never buy one with more than 80,000km so that I can ensure that the transmission oil is fully changed. 160,000 km is starting to come up for a lot of expensive repairs at around 200,000km, even if the transmission doesn't fail, which is common at about 160,000km if not serviced. You would be horrified if I told you the total cost of repairs on mine that started at around 200,000km after no significant problems up till that mileage. The list above is a small proportion of what mine has had done.

There are usually low mileage cars around so I wouldn't go for a high mileage car for $40,000, which seems very high to me. It would be cheaper in the long run to pay more for a less than 80,000 km car, especially given the remote trips that you will doing, which is similar to the sort of use my car has done in its 280,000 km life after I bought it second hand in 2012 at around 50,000 km.

The ediff is completely unnecessary and only a nice to have to reduce the reliance on traction control in difficult conditions. I have two cars without ediff (one my son's D3 V8) and one with ediff and they are all fine in very difficult conditions.

As a example of how capable these cars are, we were recently at Lorella Springs with some friends in a very nice Y62 Patrol, while out on the tracks we found a nice washed away creek bed where the track used to go, most were going around we thought bugger it lets go through. We both did the first run easy with big grins , we then returned on our way back and did it the other way to get some photo shots.
I went first with the wife taking a few snaps and my mate watching and waiting for the D4 to get stuck, went through without much fuss, then my mate went in the Patrol with no fuss and made it look easy.
With a slight grin he pointed out he did it without spinning a wheel, I agreed and asked, low range and locker in ? yes was the reply and you spun the wheel a little, yes was my reply because I did it in normal road mode with no traction aids to see if I could, his grin turned to surprise very quickly.
These cars are stupid capable and a rear locker is not needed unless you are pulling 3 tone up the most insane tracks IMO