What to look out for in a "pre-loved" D3?

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G'Day, guys,

I am hoping to convince SWMBO to let me get a used D3. If I win the lottery it will be D4!

What should I look out for in checking over TDV6 SE Discovery 3's?

My main use will be towing a Trakmaster Sturt (1400kg's tare, about to order...) and some 4WD trips (Gibb River Road and side trips, OTL to the Cape, etc.). I did the Simpson earlier this year (June/July) and saw a group who I suspect may be involved in this august group on the Rig Road.

Cheers
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[jonesfam]

Yey, NT.
About time you upgraded that dirty Terracan.
Can't tell you about pre abused D3's as mine is new so I can abuse it from the start.
There are quite a few on Carsales.com that seem to be around the $50k or less, at least there was.
Lot's of info on this site to read & research so have fun.
Try to tell the missus that you really have to have a D4 because the D3 has far to many buttons for you to be able to operate it.
Go for as late a model as possible as most of the bugs have been fixed & get an SE or better so you have the TR, Air suspension & 3rd row seats, better ground clearance as well.
You still might fine a run out D3 around?
Anyway, go for it!
Jonesfam

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G'Day Jonesfam

I thought I might find you lurking here!

I may be able to get SWMBO to loosen the purse strings for $50,000 but not $70,000-$80,000 needed for the last of the "new" ones.

SE was my aim - for the Terrain Response and air suspension. The HSE's are at least $10,000 more it seems.

Wasn't there a "revision" at some point where the electrical bugs were basically sorted out? What build date should I be looking for?

I put the Terracan in for the 90,000km service after the Simpson trip and the service guys detailed it as a favour to me! How dare they! It cost a fortune in time, money and pain (I did the Simpson with an untreated broken arm... but that is another story!) to get all that Simpson dust and assorted muds on the car - and they detailit! I feel like a soccer mum driving around in a shiny, clean 4WD!

Cheers
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[scarry]

The later S D3's had TR & air suspension.

The later run of any model is always the best

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Scary

Thanks for that. Good advice!

Cheers
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[jonesfam]

NT
I think the "S" only started to come with TR & air suspension from the 2009YM onwards.
I'm still learning about these things but it would seem from what I have read that from the 06-07YM on most of the minor problems were fixed. It also seems that a lot of fixes are just software upgrades which get done at service.
There is/was a brake booster recall so you would need to check that was done.
The D3 does have a couple of odd design features that you need to look at after market gear to make good. The tow hitch is an interesting design to say the least & try to get 1 with the better stereo.
They are a great car though with heaps of room & you honestly do forget you are towing. First auto I've owned & now I will never go back it's that good.
The only complaint I have is the tow hitch & the slight turbo lag when you first floor it to over take, much better to get ready early & use the "Command Shift" gears for overtaking.
Although I loved our Terracan (first new car) the D3 is a totally different animal both on & off road. About 3 classes above.
have a look on Ebay as well, there a a few (from dealers) on there under Discovery3.
Jonesfam