D3 Petrol upgrade to Diesel?

[davemc]

Hello All,

I normally read not post here
So we have a 2006 D3 SE V6 Petrol. Just started towing with it getting 18-20's the small tank means we get around 400k. So $ and we have to make sure we fill on longer trips or we hit a Petrol station on fumes.

I am due to upgrade my car soon and was originally looking at something for myself around $25k 2010 plus maybe another Mini As we have 4 kids wonder if I look around for a D3 Diesel instead? Have two family cars and keep the D3 Petrol. For around that $'s looks 05/06 with 170k or so? Our petrol only just clicked over 100k.
I know timing belt due 7 years. Some do not mention if its done.
Also understand if original air susp comp its due to move to a AMK.. As done the petrol. We had the auto done on our D3 as well.

So basically two questions?
1) What are you guys getting towing? We have a 2T Off road pop top getting 18-20's
2) Do you think buying a 10 year old D3 second hand could end up being a money pit.. a S/H D4 be around $20k more.

[Ean Austral]

Hello All,

I normally read not post here
So we have a 2006 D3 SE V6 Petrol. Just started towing with it getting 18-20's the small tank means we get around 400k. So $ and we have to make sure we fill on longer trips or we hit a Petrol station on fumes.

I am due to upgrade my car soon and was originally looking at something for myself around $25k 2010 plus maybe another Mini As we have 4 kids wonder if I look around for a D3 Diesel instead? Have two family cars and keep the D3 Petrol. For around that $'s looks 05/06 with 170k or so? Our petrol only just clicked over 100k.
I know timing belt due 7 years. Some do not mention if its done.
Also understand if original air susp comp its due to move to a AMK.. As done the petrol. We had the auto done on our D3 as well.

So basically two questions?
1) What are you guys getting towing? We have a 2T Off road pop top getting 18-20's
2) Do you think buying a 10 year old D3 second hand could end up being a money pit.. a S/H D4 be around $20k more.

Add a long range tank to the existing car an option ? can buy a lot of petrol with $$$ left over.


Cheers Ean

[davemc]

Add a long range tank to the existing car an option ? can buy a lot of petrol with $$$ left over.
Cheers Ean

Thanks Ean for option 3 my friend with a Prado laughed at the 80 litre tank. Although I would think be around $4k to do wheel and tank.. Wife does not want the wheel on the back we have a twin pram to get out. The Caravan wheels not the same as the Disco

[Ean Austral]

Thanks Ean for option 3 my friend with a Prado laughed at the 80 litre tank. Although I would think be around $4k to do wheel and tank.. Wife does not want the wheel on the back we have a twin pram to get out. The Caravan wheels not the same as the Disco

$4000 for what would make a good tourer with you knowing the car and having addressed some issues you mentioned.. wonder what that's worth... Can be an expensive lesson buying a 2nd hand car, and then having 2 x D3's


Can always do as we do...remove the arm of the wheel carrier when around town for everyday driving. may be a bit of time on the side of the road if you get a flat, but with mobile phones and keeping the rubber good shouldn't be to much of an issue.


The diesel has the same size tank, sure range is further but still an issue if towing.


Just my 2c of course.


Cheers Ean

[NTB]

Hello Davemc,

I have a poptop camper/caravan which is about 2t when loaded. I have a D4 SDV6 3.0L Diesel so the engine is different to the 2.7L Diesel. We did a trip to Central Australia last June/July and found that when you wanted to travel at the speed limits it can use a bit of diesel.

Attached is a extract of my Car Log giving details of my fuel usage for your reference. The important columns for you are the "Actual L/100km" and the comments of the type of driving for that fill of diesel. This may or may not help you.

I hope this may help you because depending on the type of driving, your range can also be limited with a diesel. I have heard that the D3 2.7L can be much better than the 3.0L for diesel consumption. I am not complaining about my usage and the torque is great for cruising and over taking.

NTB

[Ean Austral]

Hello Davemc,

I have a poptop camper/caravan which is about 2t when loaded. I have a D4 SDV6 3.0L Diesel so the engine is different to the 2.7L Diesel. We did a trip to Central Australia last June/July and found that when you wanted to travel at the speed limits it can use a bit of diesel.

Attached is a extract of my Car Log giving details of my fuel usage for your reference. The important columns for you are the "Actual L/100km" and the comments of the type of driving for that fill of diesel. This may or may not help you.

I hope this may help you because depending on the type of driving, your range can also be limited with a diesel. I have heard that the D3 2.7L can be much better than the 3.0L for diesel consumption. I am not complaining about my usage and the torque is great for cruising and over taking.

NTB

Wow the fuel usage from Ayres rock - coober pedy was high, were you pushing windy conditions or just doing a lot of road train overtaking.




Cheers Ean

[davemc]

Hello Davemc,
Attached is a extract of my Car Log giving details of my fuel usage for your reference. The important columns for you are the "Actual L/100km" and the comments of the type of driving for that fill of diesel. This may or may not help you.

NTB

thanks a lot for that NTB.. Yes searching around a few forums I am on I found 13-18's for a Diesel.. at 13's I save 5-7 at 17-18's not much
The other pain towing with Petrol is most servo's the petrol pumps are in front of the shop. Have to back out of them which is fun.
We already thought to trade the Petrol D3 for a Diesel although be $10k change over for a roughly same condition car. At even 7lt diff that is almost 90k to catch up $ wise.. Unless my sums are out. Add the extra servicing for a diesel.
Maybe I just start carrying a jerry can

Seeing my 04 Mini due to move on, ending up with two D3's will not be the worst thing to happen. At the moment we swap cars as the Mini I have only seats 4. I have looked at some 5 seat Mini's although could go for something else newer with 5 or 7 if non tow car.
Just thought if I am upgrading may take the plunge and make mine the tow car, instead of mums taxi. At the moment she avg's 19's around town me 8's so averages out..

Just worried 170k plus getting on a bit, asked the mechanics I go to. They said if its been serviced you be ok although there are things on them getting ready to go at that age. I know how much it costs to have things fixed
They said go for a newer D4 if you want to move up. Just way to much $'s

[Ean Austral]

There's a thread in this section titled D3 petrol Vs Deisel ongoing running cost or similar to that , it could be worth reading some of the reply's in that thread.
It may give you some things to think about from different posters points of view.


Cheers Ean

[davemc]

There's a thread in this section titled D3 petrol Vs Deisel ongoing running cost or similar to that , it could be worth reading some of the reply's in that thread.
It may give you some things to think about from different posters points of view.
Cheers Ean

Thanks yes I have read that one..... If we wanted to update the D3 Petrol I probably would not bother.
Seeing I am now looking for a new car to stop swapping cars all the time is why I am wondering.. If I am spending around $25k on something new and I have looked at a Freelander 2 as well. Maybe I should get the tow car and leave the petrol D3 with the wife

[Meken]

Freelander 2 diesel is not a bad option - 10-11 around town 7-8 highway no van. We get no worse than 13 towing 1.6t van. Not as roomy but pretty darn close to as capable (except where clearance required) but if I had a pic of where I drove today I'd say you'd be impressed - about as close to a 3m high cliff as I think anyone would Attempt - all done with aplomb