Member Since: 21 Dec 2016
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 21
First time D3 buyer - appreciate some words of wisdom!
To buy or not to buy?
After much searching I've found a black D3 with 105000km mileage.
It's in need of some TLC, worn leather seats, not great cosmetic job done on the aftermarket CD player install, paintwork has some scuffs but no major dents and never crashed.
I think the suspension bushings are getting old / worn so will need changing soon too. Or maybe just the whole set.
Big plus is that it has full service history since 2008 from current owner and all the servicing was done by LR itself. Passed MOT in first quarter this year.
Asking is HK$50000, which is about £5000. Can probably get another £500 or so off asking.
Am I crazy or is this a good honest buy?
21st Dec 2016 5:00 pm
Red Merle
Member Since: 30 Aug 2014
Location: Liskeard
Posts: 7441
By UK standards, that's not a lot of money for a D3, but that's a lot of wear and tear for so few "miles" and a lot of issues that are apparent, even before it's yours. Someone with more D3 experience than me will be a long in a minute, but I wouldn't be in a rush to buy it.2011 - 2015: 3 x FL2
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Last edited by Red Merle on 21st Dec 2016 5:27 pm. Edited 1 time in total
21st Dec 2016 5:22 pm
SafariDave
Member Since: 19 Nov 2011
Location: NYC & LA
Posts: 775
4.4 V8's are sturdy reliable engines as long as they have been serviced. What year is it? Can you have LR check it for stored codes. Have the diffs, TC and transmission been serviced?
DaveD3 2005 V8 SE Bonatti Grey "The Rhino" (our NYC D3)
De-tangoed Headlights, D4 2016 Style Black Pack Grille, D4 19" Wheels/ Bridgestone Alenza
D3 2005 V8 SE Bonatti Grey, D4 2016 Style Black Pack Grille (our LA D3)
D2 1999 V8 SD7 Chawton White (our Caribbean Beach truck)
21st Dec 2016 5:23 pm
LittleLamb
Member Since: 21 Dec 2016
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 21
Sorry forgot to post the year. It's a 2005 4.4 V8.
I am having an on site inspection done tomorrow by independent mechanic, but due to some silly logistical reasons can't get it to LR for an official dealership check. Servicing has been done every year by LR, but I'll need to check the records again to check specific items.
21st Dec 2016 5:30 pm
hilly10
Member Since: 29 Sep 2016
Location: Staffordshire
Posts: 325
Only just come back from HK and in the week I was there I only ever saw one Disco, quite rare I would imagine. I would not think the second hand HK market is awash with Discoveries, so your choice is some what limited. Might be wrong though, just my observations while there.17 Golf GT TDI Tornado Red
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21st Dec 2016 5:42 pm
LittleLamb
Member Since: 21 Dec 2016
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 21
Yes hilly10, they're not the most popular. It's difficult to find a D3, let alone one with full service history. There are more D4s floating around but the prices are significantly higher for even the 2009 models (around £40,000?). And the diesel versions are classified as light goods vehicles which means normal people like me can't drive them since I only have a private vehicle licence!
21st Dec 2016 6:01 pm
galwaygreen
Member Since: 30 Oct 2011
Location: plymouth
Posts: 6525
if you are left with a few HK$ to do any repairs and you want it...buy it..
21st Dec 2016 6:07 pm
Leesbay
Member Since: 20 Dec 2011
Location: rainford
Posts: 1581
Price sounds like it reflects condition, haggle as hard as you can and expect to spend a few quid to bring it up to decent standard....................................................................................................
If my wife ever sells my stuff for what she thinks I paid for them, you lot are gonna get some bargains!
21st Dec 2016 7:34 pm
LittleLamb
Member Since: 21 Dec 2016
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 21
Gents,
Results of inspection today:
8x coils spark plugs, Brake discs, wires & pads were replaced July 2014
Front suspension arms, levelling valve, suspension compressor & propellor shaft replaced October 2014
Battery last changed Jan 2015
Radiator hose changed July 2015
Basically all items as flagged by LR were addressed immediately by way of servicing.
The previous owner has driven it about 10,000km per year. No off road. And no dialling back of odometer, which is rampant in HK.
Current drive is smooth, no juddering.
Front & rear wishbone arms / bushings need attention.
And there is an Oil cooler leakage which also requires attention.
Does that sound decent? Provided I'm happy to shell out for change of tires (5mm tread left), and fixing up suspension and leak, is it a go?
Much appreciated!
22nd Dec 2016 7:35 am
Dave T
Member Since: 03 Jul 2009
Location: Glasgow
Posts: 6903
sounds like it has been repaired when needed. Check costs of repairs needed first on mechanical items, any cosmetics depends on how OCD you areJoined the BMWX5 45e group
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22nd Dec 2016 7:44 am
adam
Member Since: 20 Sep 2005
Location: Home and Happy
Posts: 6917
If D3's are as rare as folk say in HK, I'd go for it, subject to costing additional fixes - sounds like the basics have been covered and I've heard the V8's are bullet proof (and a great drive as long as you can afford to feed them - which in the UK is not cheap) - how much is a gallon / litre in HK by the way?
22nd Dec 2016 9:19 am
LittleLamb
Member Since: 21 Dec 2016
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 21
Thanks Gents.
Petrol is about £1.50/litre here.
Lots of city driving. So it's not cheap...
22nd Dec 2016 9:52 am
Gareth Site Moderator
Member Since: 07 Dec 2004
Location: Bramhall
Posts: 26750
You say the suspension arms were replaced 2 years ago, yet you say it needs front and rear wishbone arms and bushings need attention?
Not that it's a big deal, because Discos do eat suspension bushes for fun, but they have not lasted long.
Other than that, go for it! It's a V8. 8)
22nd Dec 2016 10:02 am
LittleLamb
Member Since: 21 Dec 2016
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 21
Re: suspension arms, I think it was raised by LR as something to keep an eye on but not a "must fix".
Having said that I'll probably do it just for peace of mind.
Current "fix list":
- tires
- brake pads, wires & discs
- hose where there are signs of leakage
- battery
- drive belt
- wishbones / bushings
Then there's a bunch of cosmetic stuff which can probably wait...
22nd Dec 2016 12:12 pm
SafariDave
Member Since: 19 Nov 2011
Location: NYC & LA
Posts: 775
The oil cooler leak might just be the metal clip on the hose connecting to the cooler needing tightening. It's no cost. Check leak coming from that bottom hose connecting to the lower oil cooling radiator on the divers side (left side) I discovered mine leaking, a good tightening fixed it.
DaveD3 2005 V8 SE Bonatti Grey "The Rhino" (our NYC D3)
De-tangoed Headlights, D4 2016 Style Black Pack Grille, D4 19" Wheels/ Bridgestone Alenza
D3 2005 V8 SE Bonatti Grey, D4 2016 Style Black Pack Grille (our LA D3)
D2 1999 V8 SD7 Chawton White (our Caribbean Beach truck)
Last edited by SafariDave on 22nd Dec 2016 5:56 pm. Edited 1 time in total
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