2nd hand HSE

[M00nd0ggy]

Hi

We are travelling around Australia next year with caravan in tow and have up until now been looking at getting a new Defender but am starting to sway towards a second hand D3 (2005 or 2006 model).

Has anyone got any advice regarding what to look out for in a 2nd hand D3?

I have seen a TD HSE on carsales with low kms. Is a vehicle like this worth pursuing? 2005 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY 3 HSE Private Cars For Sale in VIC - carsales.com.au

Thanks

m00nd0ggy

[shining]

I luv my new Gentleman's Truck. MY07 TDV6 HSE. I have only had it a couple of weeks and not towed with it yet but in normal driving it performs so much better than my old D1 and I feel it will drag my (900kg) camping trailer around with ease. (I had previously had trouble on hills, etc compared to mates 80series and an XC90). Mine has a shade over a 104000 kms and is like new inside and out. I live in a hilly area and it eats them up. Mine is NOT optioned so no sun roof or sat nav etc. I will leave to more sagacious scribes to give actual advice about what to look for in a model. Mine was one owner sold and serviced through the dealer where I purchased so I had good service records and recall history etc.

Happy hunting
Steve.

[M00nd0ggy]

Thanks Steve.

Currently towing our van (2.7t) with a Navara D40 and it struggles on hills as well as being very thirsty.

If I had the bills I would get a new D3 TDV6 but budget won't allow

Wanted a truck for myself hence looking at the defender but the thought of a 2nd hand D3 is appealing.

Michael

[shining]

Hi Michael,
I have no experience with the Defender in its most recent forms. Although I would like one for myself the comfort factor of the D3 and the extra power and torque avaialble was a winner when dealing with a family (it is the family car as well). The defender forum may offer advice on the effectiveness towing that mass with the Td5 or 2.4 Ford motor (is that a Puma?) in the current Defender. I still like my D1 (300tdi) it is a good reliable vehicle with 350,000 kms and will be going to No1 daughter now she is learning to terrorise other motorists.
Steve.

[CSBrisie]

Go the TDV6 and get the Autologic remapping done ($1000) - you will end up with 550nm of torque. Nuf said.