Who will be trading their D3 for the D4?

[Ashes]

The Mrs and I are booked in for a test drive of a TDV6 SE tomorrow. I think she will think it looks a bit big but she did surprise me when she drove the Turbo Diesal Prado and thought it was OK and only sounded a little like a truck. What I think she will most like is the fold flat seats and what I think from memory is a pretty decent amount of space (width) in the 2nd row and acceptable 3rd row seating. We havent been that impressed with the Mazda CX-9 and Prado for room and comfort for the middle passenger in the 2nd row (we have 3 kids).

The reason for the question is..How many D3 TDV6's will turn up in the used market as tradeins on the new D4 and how do you think this will affect pricing/resale.

I can't afford a new one so ideally looking for a lowish K's 06-07 TDV6 SE and wondering whether I am better off waiting for the D4 to come out...I suspect I am, do you agree/views?

[300+]

Maybe I'm missing something, but I'm not that excited about the D4, certainly not enough to trade my current D3 in.

I think it comes down to your choice. If you will keep the car for ages then get the D4 so you will be happier for longer and not wishing you bought the newer one after a year when you have forgotten about the money you saved.

If you will be trading in a couple of years, but a used one so that someone else took the depreciation hit.

Cheers, Steve

[Ashes]

I'll clarity a bit

If I wait for the D4 to come out, will I be more likely to pick up a traded D3 cheaper than they are currenty going for..

[rmp]

As a tourer, a D3 is likely to be a better bet. It is not clear what D3 accessories won't fit the D4, and the D3 at end of life has had a multitude of bugs worked out of it. Not so the D4. Those wanting a Discovery for touring should seriously consider an '09 D3 on runout. The D4 headline is the engine, but the D3 isn't underpowered, it's just not a rocketship.

[ozscott]

I reckon this last post is on the coin...The 2.7 single turbo must now have had the bugs ironed out as with the suspension etc. Any major changes that will appear in the D4 are yet to stand the test of time in this vehicle, with the main one of course being the differently configured TD motor. Things like larger brakes for eg (if there be any) are not a worry but any major changes like new motor or change of components for air suspension etc are where there are untested areas in terms of long term ownership. I like the colour coding at one level, but at another I like the grey mouldings...for me I would be tempted to a very much discounted run out D3. I tow a 2 tonn boat and would be tempted to a twin turbo, but I also hold my vehicles for about 6-10 years so I want reliability outside of warranty and the 2.7 would tow the boat fine - its just that you would know its on the back more so than with the 3.0tt.

One thing I dont like is the fact that LR are calling it a D4 - and justifying that because of the availability of the TT 3.0. I only hope they dont play with the shape for at least 10 years into the future. One thing that keeps rovers looking the tits is that they dont change their shape often like the japs tend to do.

Cheers

PS. Having said all of that and I like the later D3s, the dealer set up in Brisvegas is so bad I am seriously considering looking closely at the ground up new 2010 Pajero when it comes out because I live next to an excellent dealer in those being Blueribbon that used to be a Rover dealer

[rmp]

I'll clarity a bit

If I wait for the D4 to come out, will I be more likely to pick up a traded D3 cheaper than they are currenty going for..

Possibly. New car launches have one of two effects on the outgoing model; they improve or decrease the value. If the new model is seen as a step backwards then everyone wants to buy the last of the old model. Or if it's a big step forwards the old model loses value. Same can happen if there are very significant differences between old and new. Or if the new isn't seen as value for money any more etc etc.

An example is the Freelander; the FL2 was such a big improvement there's no way you'd want a FL1 for anything close to the same money. However, with the D3 itself it went up a price bracket, and the D2 wasn't a bad car and in fact quite different, so many took the chance to buy a D2 on runout.

In the case of the D3/D4 (which should really be D3a, D4 is a bit of a stretch and I don't think LR have done themselves a favour with that version jump) I don't think it'll have a particularly negative effect on the D3. If secondhand D3 prices drop demand will increase as it opens up a new set of buyers, and as I said above there's a case to be made for an late-model new D3 over a brand-new, new D4 which will sway many offroaders.

You could wait till the D4 comes out and then get a D3 on runout, but many others will be doing that, and I know LR don't have lots of stock lying around so that could be a bad move.

The price will also play a factor. I don't know, but I can't see the D4 costing much if any more than a D3 and if that's the case it will depress D3 prices -- how much who knows, and it could be cancelled out by other factors.

Any D3s traded for D4s are likely to be older models. May or may not be what you want. Cannot see anyone trading in much late than an '06 model. The D3 has changed and improved quite a bit since its release, Terrain Response improvements and so on, plus fit. D4 still an improvement, but less an improvement between a D3 2009 than from a D3 2005.

As you can see there is a lot of uncertaintiy, and anyone who is certain about the way this pans out is, IMHO, dreaming.

The best way for you I think is if you want a D3 start working on a deal across various channels now -- new, used, demo -- and as soon as you strike the financial balance you want take it and then start enjoy the car, before or after the D4's arrival.

[4bd1discovery]

im much more excited about the 503hp range rover vogue that comes out next year!!!

[Peter_OZ]

we have a MY08 TDV6 D# and still have the bulk of the lease to run on that vehicle.

While th D4 looks appealing in terms of new motor, new transmission and the bigger brakes( which it soooo needs) I can't say I'd be tempted to jump in early.

Will see how the bugs are going once our lease runs out and make a D on it then.

My thoughts are given the state of the economy and crudd's crackdown on the luxury car bracket makes me think that people are more likely to hold onto a late model D3 then take the plunge into a D4.

2nd hand D3 prices could then remain high perhaps. Possibly see some older D3 s jump into the market though.

cheers
Peter

[scarry]

Have heard the D4 will have a fairly hefty price increase on the D3,from a generally reliable source in the LR industry.
This could also be said to try and increase the number of sales in the current market,so who really knows!
I wouldn't buy the first of any model,which is the reason i bought one of the last of the D2's around.I had one of the first ones as well,and it was a drama,as many of the early ones were.
LR dont have a real good history of the first of any model being any good.
The exception could be the D4 as it would be very similar to the D3,and the D3 seems to have been pretty reliable,and gradually improved over time.

My D2 should have been changed over in 07 or 08,but i have hung onto it as there is nothing wrong with it,and has low k's.
It is very tempting to grab a S D3 TDV6 at the moment as it has the TR systm,and also with Kruds small business stimulus thingy,there is a fair saving.



Anyway,good luck with your decision....


Just re read your post,i went off the track a bit....cant work out how to delete a post....?

Also,SWIMBO hates the look of them,but i am sure once she drives one she will want one
I have the work van,she spends most of her time in the D2,i am allowed to drive it occasionally if i am good

[VladTepes]

im much more excited about the 503hp range rover vogue that comes out next year!!!

Want to save some money & have MORE fun ?

Buy a D3 as a tourer and a sports car for the road