Thread: If its made it this far is it likely to break?

It drives me mad. As soon as any clean opening is exposed I close it off. Whether it’s an intercooler intake pipe, fuel injector, anything. Sigh.

Sorry MJR, I forgot to mention that I bought it in Sept 2017 and got it for $6K - so the right price for me. This is my first Land Rover with Terrain Response and I figured for that price it would be a good car to learn how these systems work and how they differ from traditional 4WDs, whilst in my own vehicle.

Plus if I damaged my baby while learning to use TR off-road, I wasn’t going to cry as much as if I wreck anything newer or shinier in Land Rovers lineup I might buy in the future. If the inevitable bingle happens, I will still shed a manly tear though as I enjoy driving it as much as my D1. I consider both my D1 and D3 to be venerable old gals that need a bit of TLC and so drive them, and enjoy them accordingly.

Originally Posted by cripesamighty

Sorry MJR, I forgot to mention that I bought it in Sept 2017 and got it for $6K - so the right price for me. This is my first Land Rover with Terrain Response and I figured for that price it would be a good car to learn how these systems work and how they differ from traditional 4WDs, whilst in my own vehicle.

Plus if I damaged my baby while learning to use TR off-road, I wasn’t going to cry as much as if I wreck anything newer or shinier in Land Rovers lineup I might buy in the future. If the inevitable bingle happens, I will still shed a manly tear though as I enjoy driving it as much as my D1. I consider both my D1 and D3 to be venerable old gals that need a bit of TLC and so drive them, and enjoy them accordingly.

Thanks for the extra info I appreciate it. I have a similar idea in mind, learning the terrain response and stepping up a little without the concern that I am going to kill a more expensive version. Wife is keen on a current Disco as both our cars are due for a refresh this year but I would like her to hold out untill I can get a look at the new defender but thats a different topic.

I go for a final lok at the D3 today and will let you know what I do and of course if I pull the trigger I will start a thread and probably hit you all up with a milion questions.

Have the engine and gearbox been regularly serviced? They seem robust if looked after.
I would assume it will probably need plenty of bushes, belts and other consumables replaced at that kms.
Is it rusty in hidden places?
Does everything work?
Can you get an inspection by a mechanic for a list of the likely things to need doing?
At least then you would have a list of likely costs.
Don't assume services of $1000 are unusual - they're not.
Our Defender, which is a simple thing compared with a Disco, cost $2000 for the last service, despite being well maintained, and the only unusual major thing was a new vacuum pump, so costs can mount up.
You would be trading off a lower purchase price against likely service costs.

If this has been used as a "Farm Hack" then there is a Very good chance that it has been severly "Flogged" and neglected in general, Personally I wouldnt "Walk" away from this deal i would RUN.

Originally Posted by trout1105

If this has been used as a "Farm Hack" then there is a Very good chance that it has been severly "Flogged" and neglected in general, Personally I wouldnt "Walk" away from this deal i would RUN.

Certainly the sensible option by far. At the risk of seeming a little cheeky, based on a majority of posts in these forums and on other FB groups no one in their right mind should ever by a land rover unless its brand new and covered by warranty and service plan.

Everything you have said however makes sense and I guess there is that part of me that hopes its a solid little find of a car and I am the 1 in 100 that snags a bargain. Wishful thinking I am sure.

Originally Posted by MJR

Certainly the sensible option by far. At the risk of seeming a little cheeky, based on a majority of posts in these forums and on other FB groups no one in their right mind should ever by a land rover unless its brand new and covered by warranty and service plan.

Everything you have said however makes sense and I guess there is that part of me that hopes its a solid little find of a car and I am the 1 in 100 that snags a bargain. Wishful thinking I am sure.

Haha. You don’t buy a Land Rover because it’s a sensible thing to do that’s for sure! You buy it because you want all your friends to be endlessly ribbing you for it, because you love pouring money into a bottomless pit, OH AND because no other car can match it for comfort and capability.

Gents, Thank you for the feedback.

I have decided to roll the dice on this car and will be picking it up, or towing it home tomorrow lol. I will post up some quick snaps here for those wanting to see the farm car as is and will then start a thread showing progress on cleaning up the car and getting it working as desired.

Fingers crossed it all works out but either way I am sure I will have some fun tinkering with it be fore it explodes in my face.