2010 D4 or later?

[ccandjc]

Hi all, this is my first post on the forum, which I have been obsessively reading for a few months now.

Recently I convinced a friend who had just bought a rural property with difficult access and who therefore needed a new (second hand) 4wd that a Pajero was a reliable choice for weekend escapes and daily duties. For a $30k budget he did well. However, I now have a similar decision to make myself and I think I have talked myself and my wife into a second hand D4.

The question is, which year and model and what options should I be waiting for? My budget is $50k max, so that leaves me looking squarely at 2009-2011 D4s with between 70k and 130k on the clock. MY2010 cars dominate the cars available.

My current thinking is a 2010 2.7 with a few options such as the upgraded sound system (wife's requirement), sat nav, seven seats and rear air and electronic e-diff. I'd love the extra power of the 3.0lTD in an SE, but I think I want the 18" rims, as we are regular campers and plan going further than our trusty Mazda6 has been able to take us (which is a long way).

I'd be interested in thoughts. I've read that quality took a big leap forward in 2012, but haven't seen hard facts (such as the level of warranty claims) to support it. I'd also be keen for thoughts on the must have factory options. In due course I'll add a dual battery, proper bull bar, roof rack and rear wheel carrier.

Thanks all.

Jonno

[giskard]

All the best with your purchase, whichever way you go. D4's are an exceptional car. If you go a 3.0, there are 18" wheels available aftermarket. Obviously an extra expense, but worth keeping in the back of your mind.

[ccandjc]

Thanks giskard. It is a good point. If a great SE materialised I think I'd accept 19" rims and tyres even if I couldn't afford a set of GOE wheels. I drive a diesel Mazda6 now with 140kw and 400nm of torque, similar outputs to the 2.7 D4 ... except that the Mazda6 is much lighter. We've become very fond of effortless overtaking and great acceleration and awesome economy.

[scarry]

I would try and drive both,the 2.7 and the 3.0.

I have found the 2.7 fantastic,but then again i came from a TD5,and don't tow.

And i am no Peter Brock...

The other advantage is the 17's,there are heaps of tyre threads for you to read on here,so i won't go into tyres.

What ever you choose,you won't be disappointed

Don't look at anything that does not have a good service record.

Good luck

[rambada]

We had a similar dilemma recently and kept it simple, went for the latest model we could afford, mainly due to resale.

That gave us a 2011 D4 SE with the 3L. We did drive a RR sport with the 2.7 & was damn impressed. But as we tow trailers/van, had a preference for the 3.0L. As luck would have it we found one & I must say, this is the best car I have ever owned & driven - I truly understand the permagrin. We've owned ours for 12 months now and couldn't be happier. And we've owned/driven a multitude of quality vehicles.
Its funny what you say about the extra's - ours didn't include the upgraded entertainment unit & I miss the reversing camera of all things. But thats all. As far as wheels is concerned, we can always get 18s later, but more 19s are coming available and realistically, they will suit our purposes.

But it seriously takes my breath away even still - this is a complete package as far as motor vehicles is concerned & whichever you opt for, you will not be disappointed.

[scomac]

ccandjc, the 19's will and can get you a "long way" you just need to be a bit more careful with them. I have a 2010 D4 SE 3.0 with 19's and have tackled some rocky terrain with no problems, also have been on some very soft beaches here in WA where I have let them down to 15psi. I would love a set of GOE 18's but the finance dept won't allow it at the moment. But until then the 19's get me by ok.

Cheers
Scott.

[ccandjc]

That's good to know Scott. I've read a lot about the pros of 18s vs 19s, but the reality is we aren't planning on doing four wheel driving for the sake of it - it is to get us places that we currently can't go for holidays and weekend trips. We have an adventure planned to the eastern side of the Simpson later in the year (my dad ran safaris out there 30 years ago), but we will be taking it easy.

Jonno

[WhiteD3]

I sold my 2011 D4 2.7 on October for $44k so you should have no dramas with your budget.

[ccandjc]

Any opinions on the must have features / options?

[LandyAndy]

Google Barbagallos Perth.
I went past both their yards last tuesday.There is a neat early D4 with a snorkle in Ipenea Sands at Osborne Park,and a white one at Cannington with a bullbar,both look as new.Sorry no prices for you.
Andrew