Member Since: 05 Sep 2014
Location: Newquay
Posts: 1014
What can i expect from a high mile 2005 TD V6 HSE
Hi al new here. I'm hoping to get the above D3 in the near future. I'm looking at it on Sunday so was hoping to be armed with a few ideas of what to check on them. I'm no stranger to older Land Rovers but know little about the D3.
The D3 in question has 145000 miles on it. It's had a new compressor, brakes and tyres this year and a large amount previous of history too.
This D3 has been "blinged" with D4 tail lights and a chromed grill. It's also had some kind of tuning chip added, claiming 225 BHP!
What else should I be looking at when I view and how much should I be paying for the car. Or should I avoid it?
When you say tuning chip, do you mean an actual chip or a remap.
If the latter, that's good if it's from a reputable company. If the former, I'd be very wary.
225hp is realistic for a re-mapped D3.
The best thing to do is have a good look around the forum at the known issues etc.
Check if the new compressor (suspension I presume, not air-con) is a Hitachi or AMK - the AMK ones are much better, the Hitachi (original) ones don't last.
EGRs can be blanked on a 2005 so no need to worry about them.
Is it an auto or a manual? Check for judder if an auto - if it hasn't had a flush yet, at that mileage, it's likely - unfortunately, this could be disguised by Dr Tranny (not a joke) so I'd really be looking for it to have been flushed. Check the clutch if manual - it's a heavy vehicle, so they do wear.
The most important thing is that, as much as you might want to, don't buy it unless your sure. Many issues can be dealt with, so just factor these in.
D4 lights and grille could be a sign that it's been looked after, but maybe not.
Good luck. Current: Discovery 3 06MY (55 reg) HSE Auto Zambezi Silver Allisport Fast Road Intercooler, V8 Brakes, Silicone IC Hoses, EGRs Blanked, Remapped, De-Cat pipe, FBHIC
Freelander 2 2007 HSE Manual Tambora Flame
Previous: FL2 56 reg SE Manual Black (written off )
Disco 3 06 reg B7S Manual Rimini Red
Disco 2 TD5 Y reg ES Manual Blue - Chipped
Several Discovery 300 TDis
5th Sep 2014 9:13 am
Nodge68
Member Since: 05 Sep 2014
Location: Newquay
Posts: 1014
Hi thanks for the reply.
The Discovery has been "blinged" as my wife described it. It's got 19" rims with new tyres, chromed rock sliders as well as the chrome grill and D4 tail lights.
I should have said that it is an auto box. I'm getting the sense that the auto is another fussy box, much like that of the old Freelander?
I'm not stranger to auto box fluid changes though.
The chip does say "chip" (£325: Supply and fit Remote control tuning chip taking power to 225Bhp)
The egr valve removal is a good idea and something to look into.
He's asking just under £8000, is that a good price?
Sorry for so many questions.
ATB Nodge68
Last edited by Nodge68 on 5th Sep 2014 2:17 pm. Edited 1 time in total
5th Sep 2014 2:14 pm
motolite
Member Since: 18 Mar 2013
Location: Sydney
Posts: 931
Hi, no experience with D3 however from my time on the forum I've seen lots of posts detailing what to look for (it's a long list). Use the search engine and grab a cuppa
5th Sep 2014 9:10 pm
Cellerdweller
Member Since: 05 Oct 2012
Location: Macclesfield
Posts: 1315
Nodge68
Hi the d3 is a complicated beast and if not looked after will give trouble . Like others have said the bling may be a good sign . Brake pipes around the back end can be an issue ,worth a look to see if they have been done .Drive it and check for warning symbols and unusual noises .check everything works if it's hse with rear air con check it operates as the pipes can leak .Have a search on here there's loads of answers to questions . This is a fantastic forum and the people on it are honest and genuine and will always help you . Having aid all that ,when it's working as it should its a fantastic car
Good luck with your search You're not afraid of the dark are you ?
6th Sep 2014 6:27 am
haroosh
Member Since: 16 Nov 2010
Location: Perth & Kinross
Posts: 624
Just buy it knowing its an old car with lots of bits on it so as such you will need to have an annual maintanance budget to keep the old girl going. There are lots and lots of bits and bobs that will need replaced over time and it sounds like it's already had some of the obvious ones.
Don't buy it if you don't want to have to spend a reasonable amount each year on maintanance. However buy it with that in your mind and you will love it.
Mine is a late 2005 now with 125k on the clock and I am now trying to keep on top of bits every few months so that I don't get that one huge shocker service one a year!!!!
Good luck with the purchase as they are fantastic cars.
6th Sep 2014 6:51 am
Moo D3 Decade
Member Since: 13 Aug 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 14371
Mine is an early 2005 manual that I've had since new. Its been D4 face lifted, remapped, deCated and Allisport IC fitted. It's used everyday and has 161k on the clock. It is the most ridiculously reliable car ever.
These cars are better used than not. I'm convinced the early cars are better built than later versions. The price seems OK and the bling can be swapped out easily.
There is lots of info on here and people that will help you to run it properly.
6th Sep 2014 9:17 am
Nodge68
Member Since: 05 Sep 2014
Location: Newquay
Posts: 1014
Lost for Words wrote:
The most important thing is that, as much as you might want to, don't buy it unless your sure. Many issues can be dealt with, so just factor these in.
D4 lights and grille could be a sign that it's been looked after, but maybe not.
Good luck.
Well I looked at it. It was in a mess. Well condition is a very subjective thing I know but it wasn't good. The seats are in a mess, all plastic bits were grimy or broken and it stunk of dogs and stale tobacco. It drove nicely with oodles of power. But I just can't justify the money on something I'm going to have to strip out, deep clean and repair all the broken bits.
The hunt continues.
Thanks for all the advice.
ATB Nodge68
7th Sep 2014 7:13 pm
Cellerdweller
Member Since: 05 Oct 2012
Location: Macclesfield
Posts: 1315
If it's any consolation I looked at seven before I found the right one for me .Its amazing how one persons interpretation of immaculate can be so off the mark . It's just a case of keep looking there are some good cars out there :thumbsup. You could do worse than buy a fellow members car, it will certainly of been looked after and may have a few nice modifications already done You're not afraid of the dark are you ?
7th Sep 2014 7:36 pm
A.J.M
Member Since: 31 Oct 2009
Location: Carluke
Posts: 2847
There are plenty out there.
Don't settle for one that isn't up to your own standards.
I bought the first one i saw... Which turned out to be a superb car and still is. It has had a few quid spent on bringing it mechanically up to my own standards mechanically though.
I did ask the seller about 4015723409572034 questions about it, so they were probably glad to get rid of it to me to shut me up...
Take your time, make up your exact spec you want and don't settle for less. It's still an expensive car so get the right one for you. In loving memory of FA54WSK.
Rest well old friend, your work is done.
7th Sep 2014 7:45 pm
joshpmc
Member Since: 12 Sep 2014
Location: Cheshire
Posts: 169
I have been looking at this Disco on Ebay and was considering putting an offer in but having read this I'm now having second thoughts!!
The trouble is theres not many around for my budget!!
Disco's are not the cheapest of cars to maintain but are still great cars to own.
Don't buy anything without seeing it. Choose carefully and be thorough and you'll be OK.
Have a good look around the forum and you'll find lots of info on what to look out for.Current: Discovery 3 06MY (55 reg) HSE Auto Zambezi Silver Allisport Fast Road Intercooler, V8 Brakes, Silicone IC Hoses, EGRs Blanked, Remapped, De-Cat pipe, FBHIC
Freelander 2 2007 HSE Manual Tambora Flame
Previous: FL2 56 reg SE Manual Black (written off )
Disco 3 06 reg B7S Manual Rimini Red
Disco 2 TD5 Y reg ES Manual Blue - Chipped
Several Discovery 300 TDis
12th Sep 2014 12:54 pm
Cellerdweller
Member Since: 05 Oct 2012
Location: Macclesfield
Posts: 1315
Welcome Josh
Don't rush in and make sure you view it before purchasing .takeing someone with
experience with you might be a good idea .Good luck You're not afraid of the dark are you ?
12th Sep 2014 1:43 pm
Nodge68
Member Since: 05 Sep 2014
Location: Newquay
Posts: 1014
Just a little update on my search for a D3.
I had a weekend from hell. I bought a V8 HSE with LPG from a dealer. I drove 50 miles before a gearbox warning flashed on screen saying "Gearbox Fault Limited Gears Available". So I got off the motorway to investigate.
I wasn't best pleased and the wife wasn't 100% happy with the car anyway.
So I called the dealer, telling him what has happened and I'll be returning the car for a refund.
By chance another D3 owner I'd spoken to earlier in the week texted me, asking if I was still interested in his car. Luckily I was passing his town as I was returning the faulty V8. I agreed to see this other car and a deal was done. So after much messing around, I finally got a Discovery 3.
The model I finally got wasn't what I wanted, it's a basic version , however it's been looked after by LR and always from the selling dealer. It's a manual TDV6 with 166K miles but it drives well and has obviously been looked after.
Funny how life works isn't it.
Here she is at home.
Click image to enlarge
16th Sep 2014 9:32 am
maplecottage
Member Since: 01 Feb 2011
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 3171
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
Allisport Fast Road Intercooler, V8 Brakes, Silicone IC Hoses, EGRs Blanked, Remapped, De-Cat pipe, FBHIC
)
. It's just a case of keep looking there are some good cars out there :thumbsup. You could do worse than buy a fellow members car, it will certainly of been looked after and may have a few nice modifications already done 
