Member Since: 22 Nov 2014
Location: Hereford
Posts: 13
Am I nuts?
Hi all,
My first foray into the world of land rover could be the purchase of a 2006 D3 Metropolis edition with 150000 on the clock. It appears to have come over from Northern Ireland and has full service history, mostly with a land rover dealer. No evidence of major work done, just a note saying belts done at 100,000. I am in love with the model and spec.They want £10,500. I understand I may have to shell out for some bits, but would like to avoid blowing my bank. How likely is this? Any tips? Does the price seem ok? Am I crazy?
Thanks in advance for your help. Love this site!
James
23rd Nov 2014 6:53 pm
dubbs
Member Since: 18 Apr 2012
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 3626
Find out from the LR dealer - give them a call and see what you can get from them in terms of the bits done during the services - if it has full service history then it should give you details for replacement of lower arms, ARB bushes, belts, etc.,etc., (others will give a more comprehensive list). Full service history usually mean reams of paperwork detailing exactly what has been replaced and when - without that a book of stamps is worthless so contacting the LR dealer and getting copies of invoices etc., is the route to take if the detail is missing.
If you don't have the belts on that list, then you'll need to get that done first for peace of mind.
I'd not buy such an old vehicle from a distance without having very good provenanceMY15 DIY Black Pack (Better than factory and half the price!)
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23rd Nov 2014 7:00 pm
DiscoJake
Member Since: 23 Aug 2013
Location: Hereford
Posts: 1429
Is this for sale locally James?
23rd Nov 2014 7:49 pm
jamestb
Member Since: 22 Nov 2014
Location: Hereford
Posts: 13
Dubbs, many thanks. Very sound advice - the service history offered is simply a bunch of stamps... I'll try contacting the dealer.
Jake, it's at moor park prestige, Ombersley... just north of worcs - mixed reviews!
I love the car, but a bit dubious.I think my love may land me in trouble!!
23rd Nov 2014 8:02 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 72986
I've got an 06 MY humble S model that has a file of receipts & general paperwork about 1 1/2" thick. Without similar it's difficult to tell what's actually been done. I've got no stamps in the service book as I lost it years and years ago.
Re being mad? It's not compulsory but it certainly helps.
Last edited by DSL on 23rd Nov 2014 8:41 pm. Edited 1 time in total
23rd Nov 2014 8:06 pm
DiscoJake
Member Since: 23 Aug 2013
Location: Hereford
Posts: 1429
If it had been local I would have offered to have a look with you (not that I'm an expert!) but too much on at moment to travel sorry
Bought mine with only a service book as history but you will find that unless you buy a 1 owner car privately then very often the reams of paperwork doesn't get passed on from auction houses etc.
What sort of warranty are the garage offering?
23rd Nov 2014 8:37 pm
Nodge68
Member Since: 05 Sep 2014
Location: Newquay
Posts: 1014
I've had my D3 since September. When I got it, the seller told me that all the work carried out was done by an LR main dealer. He worked there so got the work done at a better price. I've got a book of stamps but nothing else.
At the time of purchase, all looked well with the Discovery. However on closer investigation over the following weekends, I've found lots of little things that are amiss. I've had to strip, clean, lubricate and finally adjust the EPB. I've found incorrectly routed pipes and wires. A half fitted EGR bypass kit. One new ARB bush at the front and loose ARB drop links at the back!!.
There are some parts that are obviously new, like the rear lower arms and front discs/ pads.
Just be careful to check everything and give it a good test drive. Use anything you find as a bargaining tool for a better price.
The Discovery is a complex vehicle and costly to fix when things go wrong.
I can only afford mine because I can DIY most tasks that would require attention.
Good luck.Freelander SE 2005 Auto.
D3 TDV6. Gone.
23rd Nov 2014 9:55 pm
jamestb
Member Since: 22 Nov 2014
Location: Hereford
Posts: 13
Jake, thanks for the thought, I would definitely really benefit from this kind of help - might ask for someone from the local indy specialist to come along for a fee. I have no idea what I'm looking at...!
They're offering 3 month warranty.
Thanks for the head's up, nodge, have put it all on the list to check.
You guys are great, thanks for your time !
23rd Nov 2014 11:06 pm
armalites
Member Since: 17 Aug 2013
Location: Herefordshire
Posts: 1918
Hi James, the full service history is obviously nice to have but it is absolutely no guarantee that all will be well sadly.
There are fews things on a D3 that won't stop it working, won't always fail an MOT but could affect the way it drives. If it's the first one you've had you may not know there is an issue.
They can be quite heavy on suspension components but these things aren't massively expensive if you are handy with the spanners.
Things like tyres are very easy to overlook as they are wear and tear but if it needs a set of boots you are going to kiss goodbye to £500+ if you put quality tyres on.
If you can see it start from cold on a frosty morning you will be able to see if the FBH is working and that the engine starts/runs fine from cold.
Good luck, they are a great vehicle to own as long as you accept they cost a bit to run.IID PRO
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23rd Nov 2014 11:21 pm
derryfrombury
Member Since: 01 Sep 2014
Location: Bury St Edmunds
Posts: 212
James
like everyone has said before me, do as much research/digging as possible. do you have/know the reg number. You'll be surprised how much some of the regular subscribers on here know and can tell you about a vehicle from just the reg number, they have saved others a lot of heartache later on by sharing their knowledge. If you don't end up buying this one, by the sound of it you've set your heart on one, all I can say is when you do, you wont be disappointed, they're one of the best driving vehicles you'll ever have the pleasure of owning.
Good luck and welcome to the forum.
DerryJoined Aug 2014. Disco 3 SE 54plate, Buckingham Blue, Cream leather.
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23rd Nov 2014 11:32 pm
jamestb
Member Since: 22 Nov 2014
Location: Hereford
Posts: 13
Cheers guys
I have prepared myself for much higher running costs but probably won't hit home until I see it leaving my account. Yes, I think my heart is set on one, and, probably foolishly, on this one!
Reg is SKZ 4526
Only recently registered here as it's come from nothern Ireland I think. Done basic checks and has come back clear...
maybe try contacting them for any service history they may have on fileTLO has left the building.......
I no longer work for a Landrover Dealer
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if you would like to order anything just give me a shout
24th Nov 2014 10:43 am
jamestb
Member Since: 22 Nov 2014
Location: Hereford
Posts: 13
THANK YOU!
That is superb Large One - how did you get the Irish reg? Been searching around this morning myself! Could you let me know what it is, so I can contact the dealers?
What an amazing resource the contributors create through this website. Thanks again everyone
24th Nov 2014 11:28 am
geoffsnook
Member Since: 13 Jun 2014
Location: south wales
Posts: 3169
Buy with your heart cause your brain won't let you go on you know you want to
24th Nov 2014 11:31 am
Russell
Member Since: 24 Aug 2007
Location: Kent
Posts: 10564
jamestb wrote:
THANK YOU!
That is superb Large One - how did you get the Irish reg? Been searching around this morning myself! Could you let me know what it is, so I can contact the dealers?
What an amazing resource the contributors create through this website. Thanks again everyone
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