Thread: Anything I should know?

Your description of the Pathy is why i didn't buy one.
E-diff if you are getting new but you may have to wait or be lucky with a second hand one.
Adaptive headlights are great in the bush, you can see what is around the corner sooner.
Very dust proof (unlike the LC200) on dirt roads the handling is superb (what corrugations).

we had lots of factory fitted extras added to ours so was a special build in the UK which added about 4 months to delivery time

Hey jonesfam,

I'm on a similar train of thought to you (Pathy, etc), but i live in Brissie. Having driven several D3's during the last couple of months, i can attest to the huge step up from the Pathy(particularly having to get back in the Pathy after driving the D3), not only in the way they drive, but fit'n'finish, room, build quality and sheer comfort & ability. The Pathy is out of lease in a few months and i'm leaning towards a TDV6SE with the exact extras you are thinking of (rear A/C, E diff). Mine will also have an ARB bullbar, rear bar/tyre carrier and Mitchell Bros tow hitch.

From everything i read, they have similar Brake wear issues, any trailers with LED's is a problem, but nothing of any real concern. (unlike clutches in the Pathy!!).

I know my wife is being driven barny at my constant chatter re the D3, and as she has a slight vertical challenge, i sold her on the ability of the vehicle to "kneel" down when getting in (she loved that feature!!)

If you want to see any D3's in action offroad, take a look at utube and type in "discovery d3". I was astounded how capable they are out of the box.

cheers
Geoff

asterix et al
I have booked a test drive for the 21st of April, start my leave next Friday.
My missus has had enough of me going on about Discoveries as well, I just say it's a bloke thing. But she is over the Pathie probably more than I am, she really doesn't like it. Her main gripes being comfort & size.

What is the story with LCD trailer lights? My trailer has these.
What is the difference in tow hitches? Aren't they all pretty much the same?
I don't know what B/B to get yet, I like ECB as a brand (had a few), I don't like TJM & have yet to look T ARB. I will get that after market due to Mr Rudd's Tax.
The rear A/C would seem a good idea where we live given 4 X kids & the Ediff will depend on the deal.
Of course, the missus has to really like, I'm already sold & haven't even driven one yet.
Jonesfam

asterix - mate I like the L3 but I dont think that capable out of the box has the same connotation as capable out of the box with say the D2 because out of the box is pretty much how you have to have the D3 like it or not...ie apart from a bit better rubber you cant do much to them to enhance them off road. I only make this comment in case the uninitiated think that wow they are so capable out of the box can you imagine what they are liked modded. What you see, is what you get and what you get is a very impressive 4wd, but dont be thinking extra height lifts (save for marginally higher tyres say) and the like.

Cheers

OZ,

Yes i fully understand how there is virtually no suspension mods to enhance offroad ability and no aftermarket diff locks and that tyre choice is limited. For what i want (island hopping, some 4wd parks and the Cape) the D3 will be fit for purpose. Having owned a lot of different vehicles (some heavily modified and some not) they all had one thing in common. Whenever suspension kits, diff locks, power enhancement and the vast array of kit gets added, it does little to enhance the enjoyment, safety and performance where my vehicles spend most of their life these days(unfortunately),,, on-road.

A good friend has purchased a 200 series VX diesel and has spent another $20k on extras. It is more capable than stock and there is a lot of companies that make almost anything you could want to put on them. But i dont want something that i HAVE to spend $20k on, to perform the way the D3 will (with a rear E diff). I have seen 1st hand how capable a well driven D3 is, both in person and on camera. Sure they wont go major rock hopping without bending panels and breaking bits and i am aware that i cant fit 35" muddies, but im also not 25 anymore. I have a family that i want to show all the places i have been in our beautiful country and do it in the haven of a comfortable, capable and most importantly SAFE vehicle.

I have been to the Cape twice, first in a MY82 Subaru wagon with a 2" lift kit and 14" Desert Duellers (that was a true adventure!!) and the second time in a V6 NL Pajero SWB. I'm really loking forward to taking the D3 there, as i know it will be supremely more comfortable and capable.

Sorry for the rant, but i am becoming more atuned towards the D3 and cant wait until my current lease expires (imaging how my wife is sick of my raving about the D3 )

Hope i didnt offend or bore anyone, just my 2cents worth.

cheers
Geoff

Not offended me!

D3 is fantastic. Doesn't need the mods. I have a system which does give extra height but with one switch just moves settings up a notch so you can go at greater than 40kph in off road height.

Caver,

I'm interested in the system you are employing. I have seen threads and pics of the shortened arms, but not much on what you are using. How do they work?

cheers
Geoff