Member Since: 10 Jan 2019
Location: Kent
Posts: 114
Money pit or not ?
Hi all,
I have a reasonably good D3, but it’s getting a bit tired and will need a fair amount of work in the future.
Do you see these cars as a future classic or as an investment?
I’m going to need a recon gearbox (the shudders are back but banished for now with some Dr Tranny)
I’m thinking the rear diff my be going
There’s then just the usual maintenance every year.
So do I do the work and keep it running, I love the car as it fits perfectly in my family and at the moment spares are plentiful and at a reasonable cost.I do think the D3 looks better than a D4 with a more utilitarian look
Or
Do I move to a late D4 or even a D5 (I drive them at work) but knowing I may have the same problems at any time
Thoughts ?2005 D3 SE Auto, zermatt silver
Gearbox flush by terrain vehicles
V8 brake upgrade
Will always ask silly questions
2nd Sep 2021 2:42 pm
G3Z
Member Since: 16 Dec 2018
Location: South Wales
Posts: 537
These vehicles are and will always be money pits, new or used.
If it suits your needs, keep it IMO.
I’ve been having similar thoughts to you, but I can’t see what I’d replace it with. What mileage is yours on?Defender 110 2.4 TDCi Utility Station Wagon.
2007 Disco 3 GS TDV6 Manual
200,000+ mile club 😎
2nd Sep 2021 3:18 pm
Bleeding knuckles
Member Since: 10 Jan 2019
Location: Kent
Posts: 114
Mines a 55 plate with 155,0002005 D3 SE Auto, zermatt silver
Gearbox flush by terrain vehicles
V8 brake upgrade
Will always ask silly questions
2nd Sep 2021 3:33 pm
G3Z
Member Since: 16 Dec 2018
Location: South Wales
Posts: 537
I do think the pre < 06 lower tax band models and an auto will command stronger money in the future.Defender 110 2.4 TDCi Utility Station Wagon.
2007 Disco 3 GS TDV6 Manual
200,000+ mile club 😎
2nd Sep 2021 3:44 pm
PROFSR G
Member Since: 06 Mar 2017
Location: Lost
Posts: 4655
I have spent 4.5k on a D3 in the last 12 months alone, and that was just on parts! Despite rigorous attention to maintenance I know she will always want more.
I don't think you can realistically get away with spending less than 1k for each year of ownership on maintenance, based on an annual mileage of 10k (miles). And, if you do you might well be storing up problems further down the road.
I too would have replaced it but with what? A Mercedes G Wagon always appealed to me but used prices are stratospheric for a good one, and these too come with their own issues. Expensive, very expensive issues.
Even if I did replace it I am basically starting all over again, and everything I put into the D3 is now to the benefit of it's next owner.
So, if you. (a) need it, (b) like it, (c) can afford it, or any combination of same then (d) keep it!
Besides, at the end of the day it's only money, and you'd probably otherwise waste it on holiday's, house/DIY upgrades, investments, pressies for swimbo, classis car, etc, etc. yµ (idµ - eAµ) ψ=mψ
2nd Sep 2021 4:45 pm
douglastic
Member Since: 31 May 2017
Location: SoCal
Posts: 33
I will share my experience and vote not a money pit.
I bought my 2007 HSE in Jan 2016. Ownership over 5.5yr now.
I do all my own maintenance/repairs (except things I do not have tools for, like AC, etc).
All routine maintenance, parts, repairs, tires, 18" wheels, etc. comes to:
$5933 total
$1260/yr
$105/mo
$2200 of that was just last week though . . . haha
It has 165,000 miles. Maybe I got a "good one" (knock on wood).
Still a relative bargain IMO.Doug
2007 LR3 HSE - Chawton/Alpaca - SoCal
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