D3 Quick rundown for the uneducated?

**NavyDiver** · 27th September 2019, 11:09 AM

Hi Tor with 2 D3s TDV6 both over 300,000km on the clocks over the last decade I think the issues falls down to your need. Driving distances enough of the time TDV6 diesel, Short stuff do not get the diesel! My 2005 died from hail and a rotten insurance company not engine or other issues. As far as I know is still driving around now as the gent who bought it felt it was the nicest car he had ever driven

My 2009 is a baby.

Never having a V8 myself not sure of issues apart from reports. Note we always seem to share bad stories not the good outcomes of course. My replacement budget was closer to 20k. Yours gives you a lot more options I assume.

The comment on maintenance is right on the money. The maintenance record should be your first item to review before considering purchasing a D3. Interestingly the canabus issue could be your best mate. For some reason some people have not found out why numerous inconsistent errors and faults occur and sell cheaply. A few years ago I listened to a guy who brought traded in D3 happily for peanuts due to problem which the prior owner did not find out how to fix.

Markus1 · 27th September 2019, 09:10 PM

The V6 petrol is a very reliable ford motor. Its torque is not great down low making it no good for towing but it will rev decently so you can keep up with traffic ok. You will get 20+lph in city traffic and 12s on the open hwy thanks to the advanced transmission. Overall reliability compared to other cars Ive owned is poor.

**goofyr** · 29th September 2019, 04:52 AM

I had a 30k budget at a stretch but that would leave me with no money for mods or major maintenance. I found a 2006 V8 HSE, and negotiated it down to under 19K 2 years ago. Stuff I had to do:
- LCAs
- Injector 1 had to be replaced
- radiator replaced due to corrosion at hose connection
- rear propshaft
- front driver’s door locking actuator

Mods:
- long range fuel tank
- rear wheel carrier
- auto trans pan

I now have a highway range of about 900-1000K. It’s an awesome touring vehicle. I’ve only done mild off-roading as it still has highway terrains.

**coolum** · 3rd October 2019, 09:35 AM

I am extremely happy with the V8 ... looked at costs of maintenance for the Diesel at the time and after owning other diesel turbos, felt the extra costs for timing belt, Turbo and intercoolers, high compression donks and fuel pumps etc / over the cost of fuel / frequency of fill-ups at the bowser were not balanced, or should I say seemed to be in favour of the V8.

The V8 over time seems (throughout the forum posts) to be very reliable and with over 320000km and still towing (6M sharkcat on occasion) strong it seems to be the right choice for me.

Friends (who have much newer cars) often comment of how well, smooth and quiet the car runs and can't believe its a 2005 year.

LR did a great job with this model and with llams and other offroad accessories I believe it will be looked at as a classic and utilitarian vehicle with unique balance of comfort and robustness throughout the future.

I certainly do not regret in any way choosing the V8.

**twr7cx** · 6th October 2019, 06:54 PM

Originally Posted by justinc

I tell people who ask why I didn't buy one... the whole truth and nothing but the truth...

Facts are they are a very safe, economical and comfortable family car and tourer, HOWEVER they are ALL maintenance hungry and if it isn't done, then be very afraid...

Are your L322 Range Rovers less maintenance hungry?

**justinc** · 14th October 2019, 08:24 PM

Originally Posted by twr7cx

Are your L322 Range Rovers less maintenance hungry?

Most certainly. 😊

**Stuart02** · 15th October 2019, 11:23 AM

I notice looking at the Carsales specs that the V6 petrol has a payload of 825 kg whereas the V8 is only 526kg?! That's staggering if it's true?

**cripesamighty** · 15th October 2019, 03:31 PM

The V8’s pretty much came fully optioned and were mostly 7 seaters. You might find the V6 is a 5 seater with a lot less fruit.

**PerthDisco** · 15th October 2019, 05:50 PM

Originally Posted by Stuart02

I notice looking at the Carsales specs that the V6 petrol has a payload of 825 kg whereas the V8 is only 526kg?! That's staggering if it's true?

Same for top spec 200 series. All that fruit - centre console fridge - rear AC - lectric everything- comes out of your payload pocket.

**PhilipA** · 15th October 2019, 08:32 PM

Just be aware that the V6 has a diabolically complicated chain system for the camshafts with AFAIR 2 chains at the back of the engine and three at the front so engine out to replace.
A special tool jig is needed to correctly time all the cams. I wonder if there are many places in Australia with the equipment seeing the Ford Explorer was the last Ford to use the motor .

So If buying one look for a low mileage one that has been serviced more often than the official book.

On the plus side the engines are really cheap in the USA seeing the explorer was the most popular SUV there for many years.

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