Getting a D3

[fourteen8]

Planning to get a D3 for the boss as the price has come down.

I was just wondering anyone can advice me what to look for, whether they all hace diff lock, etc. Thanks

[Disco4SE]

Planning to get a D3 for the boss as the price has come down.

I was just wondering anyone can advice me what to look for, whether they all hace diff lock, etc. Thanks

Hi dearot, it greatly depends on your budget. The diesel engine is the go if your budget allows. The diff lock is an added extra on the D3 (at least I think it is). I am sure that once you post your budget you will have more replies.
Cheers, Craig

[DiscoSaffa]

It is also well worth having a search around the forum there are a number of posts on just this subject, with a wealth of information.

As D4SE points out the diesel is the most popular, but the V6 Petrol is likely to be considerably cheaper, and in my opinion anyway, not a bad motor. It does use a bit more fuel, but run the numbers and see what will cost you more in the long run. Generally in the 2nd hand market they represent good value.

The diff lock (rear e-diff) is an option but can only be specified when buying the vehicle new. It is a piece of kit that is desirable if you are wanting to do some serious off road work. It all depends on what the boss wants to do with the vehicle, but for most of us, it is not a neccessary bit of kit, rather a nice to have.

Happy searching, it is after all half the fun, and good luck!

DS

[DJC]

I have just been through this exercise.

I asked the same question as you on various (non LR specific) forums and most of the replies were horror stories or 'friend of a friend' type stuff. However, speaking to independent LR garages they all said that the vast majority that they see are trouble free.

If you want a second hand diesel then suggest you go and make friends with the various dealers or keep an eagle eye out on websites for private sales. Most of the dealers (in WA anyway) sell the diesels they get in without them even hitting the shop floor. The one we picked up was a rare exception, largely because it was high mileage.

I am no mechanic so cant offer too much advice on that front. However, make sure you check things like the Tow Pack which had gone AWOL on ours. Dont take out the dealer warranty unless you are happy you have understood what is covered - basically nothing, as its mostly at the warranty company's discretion what gets fixed. negotiate a lower price if they include one.

Dog and Lemon do an on line review of the Discovery 3 if you want more info (or they usually sell the book in newsagents if you want a free read) -its reasonably detailed in terms of what can go wrong even if I do disagree with their overall conclusion!!

Cheers
Darren

[DiscoWeb]

dearot,

As noted depends very much on budget ?

As the D3 is "relatively" new there have been some concerns expressed about purchasing an older model. They are quite a complex vehicle and expensive to fix if out of warranty so there could be some concern about how well they continue to age. There is a thread on the forum about purchasing extended warranties etc which might be worth a read.

My experience, 2008 D3 SE TDV6 has been pretty good, love the car. The diesel engine is excellent and only minor issues all easily fixed under warranty.

I have the e-diff and as DiscoSaffa noted it is very worthwhile if you intend doing anything serious off road, but the vehicle is very capable regardless.

The main difference between the D3 and other large 4wd is that they give a superior "on road" experience and feel quite luxurious and yet combine this with being excellent off road. I do not compare the D3 to say an X5 or Q7 etc which have no real off road capability

The D3 S came with coil springs and no terrain response, all other variant come with the air suspension and terrain response and the were a series of minor upgrades overtime. Most come with 7 seats as standard, I think. Take the time to check out the various models and period upgrades to know what the different is.

There is also a very good "FAQ" at the front of this Channel for detail on them, there is plenty of great info in there.

Enjoy the search and good luck.

George

[Nomad9]

Dearot,
As mentioned in one reply I found when i was looking that any D3 wrth its salt was snapped up before I got close. I got mine via the carsales.com web site from Canberra, luckily I was dealing with an excellent guy, straight as a die. For me really worth while I brought the vehicle over and took the vehicle over the pits, no problem here, for me well worth the adventure, made a bit of a holiday out of the trip on the way back to Perth, a great introduction into what a truly remarkable vehicle the D3 is.
Good luck with your search, personally I went with a 2005 D3 TDV6 SE with 75k on the clock, beautiful!!!!

[Declan]

Hi
lads I'm looking at a few D3 V8 2005 on the car-sales at the moment and hope to but one in the next month or 2.
Is there any problems associated with the 4.4 engine and what should i look out for as problems on it.
Any feed back on the V8 would be appreciated.

Thanks Declan

[kingo]

Hi, I'd say the only problem with the 4.4 would be the fuel consumption, also they are becoming quite cheap for that very reason. Stick with a diesel, the resale will always be better. I've recently purchased a 2005 TDV6 and love it and it was about half its new price, get it well checked, as most have had some problems, so long as they have been fixed all should be ok. Good luck

[gov]

Hi dearot,
My view is what you want to do with the LRD that would then help with the model you choose. I first bought a Discovery 1 1994 TDI for towing my 2+t caravan on normal roads no dirt which was OK it got me from A to B very slowly. Only cost me $5000, then $7000 for new head, timing belt, front axle, new radiator and lots of little things, still runs and tows and now owned by my daughter.
I purchased a LRD3 2005 S TDV6 99,000k approx 6months ago again only for towing, installed Hayman Reece Hitch (coil not air springs) and Prodigy P3 brake controller. This gets me from A to B a lot faster, comfortable and I don’t know I have the caravan on the back. Stick the cruise control on and only slow down when there is the other brands of 4x4 pulling above their weight. If money was no object I would buy LRD4 possibly with a few more options but for the present I am very happy with my LRD3.

[Disco4SE]

Hi again dearot,
Sounds like most others are in favour of the diesel, as am I. It would be good for you to drive both petrol and diesel on the same roads and within a few days of each other if possible.
The petrol will be quicker from the lights but you will need to keep the revs up to keep momentum, especially on hills or whilst towing.
The diesel is alot easier to drive, not needing the revs under the same driving. You will find that the 0-100Kph times are alot closer with a trailer or caravan on the back.
Most people when buying a vehicle dont think about re-sale. I bought my wife a new BMW diesel in 2006. She wanted the petrol and I insisted on the diesel. We are looking at changing it over soon and have found that my decision was the right one as the diesel is worth alot more money. Apparently no-one wants the petrol.
Another interesting point.......my wife definately wants a diesel for her next car. She has driven the same car in a petrol and hates it.
Motto: Happy wife......Happy life.
Cheers, Craig