EdF
Member Since: 01 Apr 2009
Location: 15m west Inverness
Posts: 328
  
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| To Buy or Not to Buy, That is the Suspension Question.. |
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I've just decided against buying a 2005 '55 plate D3 'S' auto, 1 owner, FLRSH for £13.5k. It's for sale in a main dealer, not a LR dealer, where it was traded in. It had a suspension fault, the compressor didn't cut out when it should, but the dealer says it's now fixed.. That's not the reason for not buying it, however.
I've had a D3 before and loved it, but only kept it a few months as SWMBO wanted an auto. At the back of my mind when I had it and what resurfaced this week were all the many posts on this forum about suspension faults. We tow a horse trailer and are planning on buying a second home abroad, so plenty of long distance towing in store. I really don't want to be stranded on the M6 (for instance) with a heavy trailer. I'm sure many of you have never had a suspension fault, others seem plagued by them. Do I just look for a coiler? Am I worrying unnecessarily?? I can still buy the D3, but.. Any opinions not swayed by love of the motor (when running okay)?  Thanks for any replies.. The auto notify doesn't always work for me.. Make the most of this life, you may not have a Landy or skis in the next one.
2xS3, 1xD1, 3xD2, 2xD3, 2x110, 2x90TDi, 4x90V8, 4x90TD5.
Now: Jetta 2.0 TDi DSG, D3 auto gold.
That's the wife's toyboy.
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 8th Oct 2010 7:24 pm |
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JF Lux
Member Since: 08 Sep 2007
Location: A little country in Europe
Posts: 3522
  
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| Re: To Buy or Not to Buy, That is the Suspension Question.. |
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EdF wrote:Am I worrying unnecessarily??
yes...
But if you are not happy with the D3 you've looked at, then look for another. But no reason for simply searching out a coiler.
Compressors and height sensors can fail (just like anything else) - I've had both happen to me. But if you find a D3 that has had a problem and it has been properly repaired then there shouldn't be an issue. Height sensors have been upgraded (better waterproofing following a TSB).
I would have thought air suspension is preferable when towing anyway. The next American ex-pat that calls it a "truck" is going to find out what 2.7 tons feels like on their foot...
Club "yes, I too have had the EGR's replaced..."
Club "yes, I too have had the compressor replaced..."
Club "yes, I too once had the car at the dealer for a couple of weeks nearly 4 weeks over 4 weeks...5 weeks"
Club "yes, I too have had EPB failure..."
Club "yes, I too get mysterious bings and bongs..."
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| 8th Oct 2010 7:29 pm |
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Moo
D3 Decade
Member Since: 13 Aug 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 14344
 
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Don't fret. I have an 05 S manual owned from new with 90k on the clock that tows a boat, works on site, takes us on long holidays around Europe and has survived the school run. Best car I've ever bought and I've owned some nice ones. Only just replaced the compressor 2k ago.
Life's about living, take the risk.
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| 8th Oct 2010 8:37 pm |
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