Member Since: 17 Mar 2020
Location: Wallasey Merseyside
Posts: 15
Is it all about the base?
Hi, long time lurker,
Test drove a few D3's this week in the hope of buying into the marque, obviously I'm late to the game. I'm looking at a base model tomorrow, having tested two HSE's, am I in for a shock or is the base model still capable or should I hang for a better spec equipment?
ThanksKamikazi
2nd Oct 2020 7:24 pm
CongoBoy
Member Since: 05 Mar 2019
Location: Wiltshire
Posts: 529
Howzit Kamikazi,
I'm just one of many who will answer but IMHO the highest spec you can get is normally the best.
But, having said that, any D3 with a documented history is worth it's weight in gold!
This won't stop you paying, as these girls still need plenty TLC!!
Cheers!2008 D3 HSE Stornoway Grey (UK)
2008 D3 HSE Izmir Blue- South African Spec. (Zimbabwe)
2005 FFRR SC V8- Java Black
1995 D1 300 Tdi Blue - (Sourced from the UK, shipped to Namibia, driven by me to RD Congo, then Zambia, now retired in Zimbabwe)
2nd Oct 2020 7:36 pm
Kamikazi
Member Since: 17 Mar 2020
Location: Wallasey Merseyside
Posts: 15
Thanks
I noticed from the pics that there are key functions and features missing.
Springs instead of Air
Terrain response?
Smaller wheels
Fatter sidewalls
5 seats
I liked the 2 owners, 120k miles, manual bit
.Kamikazi
2nd Oct 2020 7:43 pm
CongoBoy
Member Since: 05 Mar 2019
Location: Wiltshire
Posts: 529
Some of early base model 5 seaters were spring instead of air.
On these there is limited Terrain Response, as it dials in suspension height, etc.
They would have been also the 17" inch rims as well.
If this is a MY 04 or 05 (I think the only years that the base 5 seater model was sold?) then the current tyre dimensions would be down to the two previous owners, as I dont believe she's on her original spec tyres.
Then there is lack of sunroof, the standard ICE that was installed at the time, space saver spare wheel, etc, etc,
The current market is looking for the highest spec possible (HSE, SE-with options).
If this is want you want, and is capable of doing want you want to do with it, then go for it.
But to retro fit some options is a labour of love (and an extended money pit!) and not always possible.
Again, service history is always the major in these type of buys.
2008 D3 HSE Stornoway Grey (UK)
2008 D3 HSE Izmir Blue- South African Spec. (Zimbabwe)
2005 FFRR SC V8- Java Black
1995 D1 300 Tdi Blue - (Sourced from the UK, shipped to Namibia, driven by me to RD Congo, then Zambia, now retired in Zimbabwe)
2nd Oct 2020 8:02 pm
gstuart
Member Since: 21 Oct 2016
Location: kent
Posts: 14047
Hiya
Plus 1, what’s already been mentioned , plus ensuring the belts and oil pump cover have been replaced
The higher u go in the models the more ur pay in insurance , also the 5 x seat models are coils, 7 x seaters are on full air ride , Plse note , some 7 x seaters may have been converted to coils
Plus have a look on the forums for sale section , also if I may add , read up as much as u can before hand because if u get a bad one will turn into a serious money pit
Plenty here to always guide u before buying one
Hope that helps
2nd Oct 2020 8:02 pm
gstuart
Member Since: 21 Oct 2016
Location: kent
Posts: 14047
CongoBoy wrote:
Some of early base model 5 seaters were spring instead of air.
On these there is limited Terrain Response, as it dials in suspension height, etc.
They would have been also the 17" inch rims as well.
If this is a MY 04 or 05 (I think the only years that the base 5 seater model was sold?) then the current tyre dimensions would be down to the two previous owners, as I dont believe she's on her original spec tyres.
Then there is lack of sunroof, the standard ICE that was installed at the time, space saver spare wheel, etc, etc,
The current market is looking for the highest spec possible (HSE, SE-with options).
If this is want you want, and is capable of doing want you want to do with it, then go for it.
But to retro fit some options is a labour of love (and an extended money pit!) and not always possible.
Again, service history is always the major in these type of buys.
Hiya
Ur so right ref the mods
Have a base model and some of the First mods I done were changing the manual seats to non memory electric , ( was good fun after buying them where I stripped the memory module out then having to make up all new seat wiring looms ) then D4 steering wheel , inc D4 stalks
Couldn't believe the difference in comfort having the electric lumber support behind ur knees
Must admit would have really liked the 4x4 screen but alas see it’s too complicated to just getting that to work
2nd Oct 2020 8:13 pm
Oswiperus D3 Decade
Member Since: 02 Apr 2010
Location: Chelmsford, Essex
Posts: 1597
I had a base manual on springs for a couple of years along side my SE auto ( which i still own after 11 years) I really liked it and found little or no difference in ride quality.
It towed well at 3500kg, I didn't really miss the toys when I drove it. Ok when you hit traffic you wish you were in an auto but on the whole I really enjoyed the manual.
I regret selling it a bit, at least I sold it to a mate so I know it's in good hands!Stu
2016 D4 Landmark current
2022 Defender D300 SE Gone
D4 2014 XS Commercial - Gone
D4 2016 hse lux montalcino red - Gone
D3 2005 se java black - current
D3 2005 base manual - gone
D2 1999 TD5 E white - current
2nd Oct 2020 8:25 pm
CongoBoy
Member Since: 05 Mar 2019
Location: Wiltshire
Posts: 529
Mr. G,
As always, you are a font of knowledge!
I think the joy with D3 is what we can do with them mod and refit wise;
But just looking at my short term on the forum at members who say that they wish that had known when they were buying and sourced a higher spec D3!
But this is an advice forum, so ultimately, its up to the buyer!
All I know is that I couldn't maintain mine without this forum and also that we've all discussed other issues and have the benefit of group wisdom and support!!2008 D3 HSE Stornoway Grey (UK)
2008 D3 HSE Izmir Blue- South African Spec. (Zimbabwe)
2005 FFRR SC V8- Java Black
1995 D1 300 Tdi Blue - (Sourced from the UK, shipped to Namibia, driven by me to RD Congo, then Zambia, now retired in Zimbabwe)
2nd Oct 2020 8:31 pm
gstuart
Member Since: 21 Oct 2016
Location: kent
Posts: 14047
Hiya
Shucks ur make me blush
Indeed ur spot on there with regards of advice from the forum as god knows I would have been seriously stuck without it , along with saving a small fortune
Think one good thing not having a higher model is the sunroof issues , also cheaper insurance
Still got a few more mods I wish to complete , boot sliding floor, 3 inch tubular rock sliders , can picture car doors pinging off them whilst in car parks
As mentioned would have really liked to have had the 4x4 screen
Thks again and this finds ur keeping safe and well
2nd Oct 2020 10:38 pm
Globetrotter448
Member Since: 21 Mar 2017
Location: Londonderry NSW
Posts: 1809
Come on Gs, what would you be doing if you did not have the LR
3rd Oct 2020 3:45 am
gstuart
Member Since: 21 Oct 2016
Location: kent
Posts: 14047
, indeed and keeps me occupied
As always out of curiosity I’ve been trying to gain insight of what actually makes the 4x4 info screen work
Know it would at least need the hi line 6cd radio , along with the MOST system looms, but would assume isn’t available separately anyway or very expensive
Find it very interesting , yeh i know need to get out more
Ps, hope this finds u well
3rd Oct 2020 4:34 am
Globetrotter448
Member Since: 21 Mar 2017
Location: Londonderry NSW
Posts: 1809
Could possibly get all parts from wrecked HSE
3rd Oct 2020 6:14 am
gstuart
Member Since: 21 Oct 2016
Location: kent
Posts: 14047
Many thks and a good point
3rd Oct 2020 10:09 am
Kamikazi
Member Since: 17 Mar 2020
Location: Wallasey Merseyside
Posts: 15
WOW! Loads of advice,
Thank you! Lots to think about.
Ive sold my previous wheels and due to relocating need (want😃) something more capable with more ground clearance, don't want to look like a gangsta in mid Wales so the D3 is an ideal choice.
I test drove a HSE on a fair size of Industrial wasteland earlier in the week. I really enjoyed it. I have some mechanical knowledge but having read up on here before viewing had an inkling of what to look for. Ill be honest I was sh*ting myself like looking over a secondhand vehicle 3 times.
Everything worked and no lights on the dash - tailgate wouldn't open, read up on that here, only one key, had a big self tapper holding the blade on, no service history, a steady drip of engine oil from above front wishbone, floor was wringing wet, guessing sunroof..... I walked away
The knowledge and people on this forum adds top the value of the marque, really appreciate all the advice, thank you. Looking at the base model tomorrow, had 2 owners, 06 though the wheels look similar to those fitted to the d2.
Lockdown in Merseyside so shopping local.
Stay safe everyoneKamikazi
3rd Oct 2020 10:41 am
Moo D3 Decade
Member Since: 13 Aug 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 14286
You're better buying a 'known' car off the forum like this one:
I bought my D4 unseen from a member. I flew to Edinburgh, saw it for the first time at the McDonalds outside the airport, paid the money and drove home to Bath. I had trust in the forum member and the car because they were 'known'. There are too many shoddy D3s out there and you'll have no come back.
Don't worry about distance, take a punt. Its a lot less risky than Autorader etc.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
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
what would you be doing if you did not have the LR
, indeed and keeps me occupied 
