Member Since: 06 Jun 2019
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 5
D3 or D4
Hi everyone, new to the fourm. After searching for a new vehicle as we are buying a caravan we've decided on a discovery. We will probably have between 8.5k to maybe 10k at a push to spend. I've seen some higher mileage d4s in my price range but also lower mileage d3s. Would you go for a lower mileage looked after D3 or a higher mileage D4? I'm a mechanic by trade but not much experience with land rovers only odd timing belt on D3s, and I've heard the D4 is more involved to maintain?. Any advice would be very appreciated, also anything major I should be looking for? I'm slightly aware of the timing belt failure due to the oil pump design on certain 2.7s, is this just certain years that are affected?
Thanks Rob
10th Jun 2019 10:33 am
Pete K
Member Since: 15 Jan 2016
Location: GL
Posts: 10362
Cranks also like to break on all diesel models.
Some would say Newer D4 are worse for this. and more costly to fix
Personally I wouldn't buy one over or near 160K. But that is me (someone will say they have one with 200K on)
Automatic gearboxes ZF6 and torque convertor are a pain and cost £2500 to recon gearbox (less for just TC) so check that out well!
I would recommend you buy something japaneese. e.g LandCruiser
10th Jun 2019 12:12 pm
ianm27
Member Since: 02 Jun 2016
Location: Hertfordshire
Posts: 2154
Hi Rob,
There are alot of posts on here about buying a D3 or a D4. Do a search and then sit down for a long read
These cars do come up for sale on the forum - check the For Sale section - and these are usually very well looked after cars.
Happy hunting Uncle Ray's spare wheel protector
Limo Tint
Blackvue front & rear dashcam
Cruise control switch pack
Bodsy's remote for FBH
10th Jun 2019 12:39 pm
Rjjp
Member Since: 06 Jun 2019
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 5
Thanks for the replies, I noticed there was a for sale section and figured I'd prefer to buy from a enthusiast to be fair. I know all cars have common issues I work as a breakdown patrol so see my fair share of problems. So in general a D4 with 100-120k as long as its been looked after there not a bad engine overall?
Thanks
10th Jun 2019 1:07 pm
ianm27
Member Since: 02 Jun 2016
Location: Hertfordshire
Posts: 2154
It's a Landrover - the only things guaranteed are that you will love driving it and it will empty your wallet
I purchased mine with 122,000 miles on the clock 3 years ago and have not had any issues (said very quietly so she doesn't hear and throw a fit as MOT due end of this week )
A FSH is a must IMHO and buying from an enthusiast will hopefully tilt the odds in your favour.Uncle Ray's spare wheel protector
Limo Tint
Blackvue front & rear dashcam
Cruise control switch pack
Bodsy's remote for FBH
10th Jun 2019 1:17 pm
Rjjp
Member Since: 06 Jun 2019
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 5
Sounds like any car to be fair, I've had cars that ran forever without anything major and I had a shogun that coat me the earth in repairs. What milage are you at now? I always try buy cars with the most history I can and belts done if possible just saves me a job. Just got to sell the vxr now to free up some funds
10th Jun 2019 1:40 pm
Pete K
Member Since: 15 Jan 2016
Location: GL
Posts: 10362
Astra VXR ?
10th Jun 2019 6:41 pm
kajtzu
Member Since: 11 Aug 2017
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 6568
Get a rare D3 V8, you’ll have a pretty worry free engine. Rest of the stuff you’ll have to accept.
10th Jun 2019 7:42 pm
Rjjp
Member Since: 06 Jun 2019
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 5
No got a corsa e vxr at the minute, brought as a toy soon realised with 3 growing kids not ideal 😂. Still torn between a 3 and 4, sensible head thinking get a low milage 3 because I'm guessing parts will be cheaper when it needs work or even better a 3 with a facelift front end.
11th Jun 2019 10:54 am
Pete K
Member Since: 15 Jan 2016
Location: GL
Posts: 10362
yeah a D3 with 80K on would be ideal
11th Jun 2019 12:50 pm
Dave T
Member Since: 03 Jul 2009
Location: Glasgow
Posts: 6902
Save your money and buy a decent brand!Joined the BMWX5 45e group
1994 Defender 90
2015 RRS Corris Grey/Black roof
2016 D4 Graphite Santorini Black
2012 D4 XS Orkney Grey
2005 D3 S Maya Gold
Convoy for Heroes 2011
11th Jun 2019 12:54 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 72779
Now where’s the fun in that?
11th Jun 2019 12:58 pm
Moo D3 Decade
Member Since: 13 Aug 2010
Location: Wiltshire
Posts: 13882
Why buy? I'd just lease a car that suits your needs better. There are some cracking deals out there. New Defender L663 110 SE (known as Noddy!)
Sold Volvo XC90 R-Design (known as Basil)
Sold - D4 HSE (Known as Gerty)
No longer the Old Buses original owner
231,000 miles and counting
05 S manual owned from March 2005
D4 Face lifted
Still original injectors and turbo
V8 Front brakes
BAS Remap, Allisport Intercooler and deCat
EGRs blanked
T-Max split charge
Hanibal Expeedition rack
Prospeed ladder
Duratrac tyres
IID BT
BAS FBH control
11th Jun 2019 1:02 pm
Rjjp
Member Since: 06 Jun 2019
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 5
I've looked into leasing before just not for me to be honest I can't justify paying out each month for something that's not actually mine. Servicing and repair work only costs me parts as I do all work myself. The wife is set on a D3 or D4, we've looked at range rover sports, Q7s, X5s, pathfinders, kia sorento, jeeps but she's determined on a disco 🤷♂️.
11th Jun 2019 1:26 pm
Moo D3 Decade
Member Since: 13 Aug 2010
Location: Wiltshire
Posts: 13882
The value of the D3 will be pretty negligible in 3 years and the costs could be significant during that time.
No longer the Old Buses original owner
231,000 miles and counting
05 S manual owned from March 2005
D4 Face lifted
Still original injectors and turbo
V8 Front brakes
BAS Remap, Allisport Intercooler and deCat
EGRs blanked
T-Max split charge
Hanibal Expeedition rack
Prospeed ladder
Duratrac tyres
IID BT
BAS FBH control
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