Decisions..2005 D3S or 2005 D3SE

**bruiser69** · 22nd January 2010, 02:52 PM

Hi D3ers,

I am currently looking at upgrading my 2000 D2 TD5 to a D3.
I have narrowed choice to two vehicles, both 2005 TDV6 & both private.
One is S spec with no options & coil suspension. It has 95K on clock and asking $41.5K. Extended warranty expires at 110K
Second is SE spec withTerrain response air suspension, leather & nudge bar. It has 82K on clock & asking $45.5K. Extended warranty expires 12/10 or 110K.
These prices are well below dealer, but still above Glasses Guide (2005 SE TDV6 $31860-338940 private, $41700-$50040 dealer & 2005 S TDV6 $$27180-33220 private & $35900-$43080 dealer).
I am a bit concerned from what I have read about the electronic/air suspension that this may be costly to maintain. It would certainly be nice though for towing & the SE spec would probably hold value better (leather seats would be nice also).
I would appreciate any advice on which way to go.

Cheers..B

**WhiteD3** · 22nd January 2010, 03:30 PM

Go the SE. There are too many advantages over coils to choose otherwise.

TR itself
Access height
Off road height
The ride is fantastic
Self levelling for towing
(Edit) 7 seats, climate, Bi xenon headlights, etc.

There were some issues with compressors and software in the early D3's but fixes were provided (I understand) by LR under warranty. Should be in the log book if done.

**DiscoSaffa** · 22nd January 2010, 03:32 PM

As long as they are both within budget, the SE is the way to go.

7 seats and air suspension are desirable come resale, also coils limit off road capability due to limited clearance.

I would investigate the option of extending warranty to put your mind at rest RE ongoing costs........

**AnD3rew** · 22nd January 2010, 03:36 PM

If you have any intention at all of going off road then you need the SE, just not enough clearance on the standard coiler

**slug_burner** · 22nd January 2010, 04:57 PM

For that price difference go the SE for sure. The problems are a beat up by those that don't have air bag suspension.

**DiscoWeb** · 22nd January 2010, 05:05 PM

Bruiser69,

I agree all other posts, go the SE, it will be $4 k well spent.

Whilst $4k a 10% premium, the SE with air suspension, terrain response, 7 seats etc almost puts the SE in a different league to an S with coils and 5 seats IMHO and no disrespect meant to coil S owners out there.

Enjoy either way, most will say you will not be disappointed with either.

George.

**big guy** · 22nd January 2010, 06:06 PM

I bet your mind was already made up.

Se anyday, if you already spending that sort of money, what is another few K and you get what you really want.
Leather Hmm, air susp Hmm and better re-sale.
Life is short and I bet you will not be saying when you not able to drive anymore in many years time that you wish you saved the few dollars and went coil.

I been in both and what a difference.
The Hse is even better but really, its a bit too much.

Go for it, enjoy.

**chuck** · 22nd January 2010, 06:29 PM

The headlights in the SE are fantastic so are the auto rain sensing wipers.
There is quite a bit of extra fruit in the SE.

Get the vin no & take it landrover to check the services & updates have been done.

Whilst I have heard of compressor & software failures for the air suspension I have not yet heard of any air bag failures.

I would go the SE.

Regards

Chuck

**CaverD3** · 22nd January 2010, 08:13 PM

The only air bag failure i have heard of was one in Morroco. Flew over dune and laned heavily on the front.

It was not the airbag that blew but the connection for the air inlet.

**Neil P** · 22nd January 2010, 08:20 PM

Are we being asked about air-bags ( for accidents ) or susp. air-bags
that hold the vehicle off the stops ..........

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