Thread: Decided..I think.. on the D3 for me

I've found doing lots of internet research on cars can make things more confusing but at least it means you haven't rushed out and committed to the wrong option. Please let me know if my logic is fatally flawed!!


1 - I want a D3. It is the best vehicle I've seen that carries 5 conventially in comfort that can also carry 7 in comfort. Usable boot space and versatility (town + 4x4 are 2nd to none). That is the easy bit..a no brainer I think we can all agree on this easily.

2 - Cost - I can afford a new TDV6 SE BUT... having just been off work for 4 months after taking a redundancy package (a handy payout) and starting a new permanent job next week, there is no guarantee at the moment of continued employment and the market for my brand of IT skills is extremely tough at the moment . I do not want to be taking a risk of buying new and then having to sell within 12 months if things get tight and dropping 10 - 15k in the process. This leads to a USED car.

3 - This will be my first 4x4 and whilst I have dreams of getting into 4x4'ing, I would be starting very tame and realistically 98% the vehicle will be used around town ferrying kids all over the place and family trips (not necessarily 4wd or camping though). This tells me that buying a car with bull bars, e-diff, snorkel, UHF etc. is not necessary...so keep it simple (no extra 4wd fruit needed on a more than capable stock car).

4 - Diesel or Petrol...many threads on this. economy, resale, reliability, service costs..the list goes on and on and is the subject of many threads. Heaps of good arguments for both and no need to debate this for this thread. I have decided on the Petrol...Why...the initial outlay will be around 8-10k cheaper for an equivalent mileage and age car. If for no other reason, I will sleep better with a smaller outlay. I also don't intend on towing anything more than my 7x5 trailer and that won't be very often.

5 - Year. For me the magic number is 2007. For a few reasons.
- KM's on the car will be around 30 to 40k.
- We do around 20-25k per year (average K's).
- Over 3 years this will mean we will have a 100k 5yo car which at best guess would have a residual value of 35% of new (63k new - approx resale 22k)
- A 5yo petrol engine with 100k on the clock is still sellable although diesel would be easier. Being able to sell it at a lower price because it was purchased lower could be a good thing.

6 - Private or dealer...Seems to be about a 5k premium by going through a dealer. For a 2007 model, still under warranty, with full service history and a one owner I think the risk of buying privately is worth it. People spending 60k+ on a new car usually look after them!


So...Looking for a 2007 V6SE, about 30-40k on the clock, private sale with the only option I really want/need is rear air con. What are my chances of picking one of these up for around $45k on the road (including stamp duty)?

Good move on not buying new....let someone else wear the depreciation. I got my D3 HSE when all was hunky dory....then went back to working for myself....it became a luxury I wasn't allowed to afford anymore. In 2 yrs took a loss of around $45k.....if someone else is paying....who cares...if its coming out of your back pocket.....care. Now there is a gamut of nice D3's at the right price........just biding my time .

I have driven all variants...I had the V8.....great for grunt....ok on fuel. Depends on km's travelled. When I go around again...it will be the diesel. Good delivery of power.....better range....and a pleasure to drive.

Regards

Stevo