Buying V8 Discovery 3

[Declan]

Hi
New to the forum I am thinking of buying D3 2005HSE V8 i would like a bit of feed back as to what the people who have one think off them plus is there any problems that they know off any i have heard they are better on fuel than the V6

[WhiteD3]

Welcome Declan.

Yep, I've heard the V8 is more economical than the V6 but can't swear to it. Stevo, your thoughts?

[stevo68]

Thanks for the PM Mark, hey Declan, I recently sold a D3 HSE V8, very sad day, was a brilliant vehicle. I used it off and on road (obviously) and it performed very well. Fuel economy for a V8 is pretty good, I averaged around 13.5-14.5 L / 100kms, combo of highway driving and the "burbs", it has great grunt if you like that and a nice burble, though that could be improved with some exhaust work . I think if fuel isn't an issue I would take the V8 over the V6, as generally it is more economical and the power transition is smoother having driven both. Off road would be neither here nor there. Other than that, minimum sized tyres are 18's, so I had General Grabbers on mine which were leaps and bounds over the HP's and there are more tyres coming out in an 18. I also had a Kaymar Rear bar and wheel carrier as is a pain to get tyre out from underneath when off road. Other than, loved it, any questions feel free to fire away,

Regards

Stevo

[Declan]

Stevo thanks for the information just a couple of questions, 1 Whats is it like to get spare parts for the D3 do you have to wait long
2 Service intervals 12000km or 6 months seems very short is there a reason and do landrover rip you off on services cost
3 had you any niggle problems ( like TD5 have )
4 Why did you sell your D3 ( if its not to bold to ask )

Thanks Declan

[stevo68]

Stevo thanks for the information just a couple of questions, 1 Whats is it like to get spare parts for the D3 do you have to wait long
2 Service intervals 12000km or 6 months seems very short is there a reason and do landrover rip you off on services cost
3 had you any niggle problems ( like TD5 have )
4 Why did you sell your D3 ( if its not to bold to ask )

Thanks Declan

Hey Declan, in terms of spare parts, most I ever waited was 24hrs even then they gave me a loan car...so no biggie. Not sure on the reason for the intervals, but when I sold it at 100,000kms the next service wasnt due till 120,000. I found my dealer on the coast pretty reasonable, plus no one else could service it anyway. In terms of niggles, no issues with engine or anything interior.

When I first had it, it had 2 suspension faults which was a glitch fixed by a software download after that no probs. There was one electric brake issue from a build up of mud, got that sorted. Other than that was pretty trouble free.

Reason for selling it was I got it when I was a director of a large business and I left there and started up my own business. With the increase in petrol and amount of k's I was doing, when I paid $250 in one week for fuel plus another bub on the way ( we have 5 between us), $2k + p.m was a luxury I didnt want to afford any longer. Plus a burden on a start up business so I wore the depreciation and bought a 03 TD5. Will now wait in the wings and in a year or 2 will snaffle up a nice soccer mums D3 ,

Regards

Stevo

[stevo68]

Here's some pics as well, stroll down memory lane for me :

Last Time we went off road:



Rear Bar


I did love that car my word



Good Load Space even for tuckered out beer protectors


PLaying



Not a shopping trolley



Hmmm, now I feel bummed out, miss that bloody car, luckily I sold it to a relly so she may come back to me in years to come

Regards

Stevo

[CaverD3]

If it has been serviced by a dealer it should have had it's updates done. make sure it has had the enhancement program done.
If it is still under warranty get down to the dealers and get them to also check: rear tail struts are tight, ball joints, lower control arm bushes, ARB bushes as these are known issues on early builds.
You can get V8s for a good price and it makes for gret value.

[RonMcGr]

I was reading a 4X4 magazine in a surgery today.
It mentioned Discovery V8 with a 37% depreciation value.
The good news is the D3 V8, has the worst depreciation on the market
You should be able to get one really cheap!

Like most of us, don't expect to sell it and make a profit.

[Declan]

Thanks Stevo for all the info,the D3 looks brilliant it must have broke you heart to sell your baby at least you got good fun out of it the amount of people who have 4WD and never take them off road do not known what they are missing.
one last question does it run on 91 or 95 or 98 petrol if you run the D3 on 91 petrol do you notice the loss in power.

Thanks Declan

[Declan]

Lads if any of you tried to sell you D3 V8 to a dealer what did they offer you i am not sure what i should pay for a D3 V8 say 2005/2006 between 50000km to 90000km i would be greatful if you have any info.

Thanks Declan