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Am I making a mistake buying a '54 plate TDV6 HSE?
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Mr Otford
 


Member Since: 17 Mar 2014
Location: Kent
Posts: 7

United Kingdom 
Am I making a mistake buying a '54 plate TDV6 HSE?

Evening All

I'm debating becoming a member of the band of D3 owners after owning a string of Classic Range Rovers (much missed) and would welcome a 'reality check' from the collective wisdom of this forum.

I have my eye on a 54 TDV6 HSE with 47K miles. It's first owner was sales manager at Harwoods. The current (third) owner - for the last four years - has had it serviced privately (NOT an LR specialist) apart from the last service which was done in December 2013 by Harwoods. This was the 100k miles/7 years service included the timing and fuel pump belts. So, they have been done, but later (time-wise) than required. At this service Harwoods observed that it will/may need front suspension bushes attending to at the next service. Prior to his ownership it was serviced by main stealers.

Having taken it for a long drive everything that I was able to check appears to work although the climate control fan(s) seemed to run all the time at a consistently higher speed than I would expect (using the climate control in a 58 plate V70 Volvo and 2001 SAAB 9-5 as references).

He wants 12K for it. It is blemish free apart from a small 'supermarket trolley' mark on one rear corner and a dent in the n/s running board.

As I said at the outset I am missing my RR dreadfully. I originally set out to buy a TD5 D2 but have found that they are full of rust and stupidly cramped. I didn't consider the D3 because I believe that ownership consists of leaving the vehicle with an, allegedly, expert dealer while a child plugs a laptop into the vehicle and scratches their head over the latest unfathomable electrical fault. However, I happened on the car in question quite by chance when chatting to the owner about his new kitchen. During this conversation he observed that he had to sell the D3 to fund the kitchen because his new house has become a money pit. I aired my view about how unreliable the D3 is and he said, no it's been the most reliable car I have had and if it wasn't for the kitchen I would not be selling it.

He is of the 'won't go up that lane because it might scratch the paint' grade of owner.

Previous, discounted, RR replacements have included: D2 TD5, Nissan Patrol, Mitsu Shogun, Toyota Landcruiser, all of which have had some, significant show-stopping reason that prevented purchase. I'm NOT going to treat any RR replacement with kid gloves but it will only see weekend use with, occasional, trailer pulling.

I'm no stranger to unreliable vehicles - you can't be if you've ever owned a Classic RR - but mechanical unreliability seems more bearable than inexplicable electrical gremlins, which is why I didn't buy a P38 RR.

I'd really love to have a reality check from your combined wisdom before I make the mistake of either buying the car or not buying it!

Many thanks

Richard
  
Post #125449017th Mar 2014 7:16 pm
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geoff.
 


Member Since: 24 Jan 2010
Location: West kent
Posts: 8531

England 

i think its a bit on the pricey side at 12k but then saying that the milage is quite low i would make an offer and see how you get on but does sound a good one ,

as for the bushes not such a big job now and no need to go to a dealer Thumbs Up
  
Post #125449617th Mar 2014 7:26 pm
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Mr Otford
 


Member Since: 17 Mar 2014
Location: Kent
Posts: 7

United Kingdom 

Thanks Geoff

At our first conversation he said that he wanted 12K and I said my budget was 10K and he said we could meet halfway. Sounded reasonable to me. After my testdrive he sent me away to think about the car rather than make a y/n decision on the spot. When I dropped him a 'I'll give you 11K for it he replied that he had been looking on Autotrader and had found these:

This one is three months younger than mine, with similar mileage, but it’s only the basic ‘S’ model and almost £15,000 :

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/adv...?logcode=p

This ones about six months younger with a little less mileage, same spec and again almost £15,000 :


http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/adv...?logcode=p

This one is 15 months younger than mine with a little more mileage but it’s £16,495 ! :

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/adv...?logcode=p


and wants 12K for his. He says that he has someone who will give him 12K - in May when his mother's probate is settled!!!

My 11K is only 2 hours away from him by bank transfer


Cheers

Richard
  
Post #125450717th Mar 2014 7:33 pm
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MrHolloway
 


Member Since: 06 Jun 2013
Location: Margate
Posts: 134

United Kingdom 2006 Discovery 3 TDV6 HSE Auto Indus SilverDiscovery 3

Paid 15k for my MY 06 but was up for 17k. Knocked tthem down as it needed the cambelt and spent a couple grand at least so it owes me 17k. 72k on e clock. 12k for a 54 HSE with that mileage I reckon is a good deal but make sure you have some money aside for making it right for you.
 Discovery 3 HSE MY2006 - On the very edge of Kent known as Sunny Margate Smile  
Post #125451817th Mar 2014 7:54 pm
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lespes
 


Member Since: 17 Sep 2009
Location: Sitting Down
Posts: 2231

Guernsey 2016 Discovery 4 3.0 SDV6 Landmark LE Auto Santorini BlackDiscovery 4

I could put one up for sale on Autotrader for 20k, doesn't mean it will sell though.

Sure many have been advertised for a while if researched. How many get the asking price anyway, most overprice expecting to get knocked down.

Its not getting younger, this time of year 4x4 residuals start to fall, probably more so this year as no snow or severe weather.

A bird in the hand is worth 2 in bush, certainly if it mine to sell would take your offer.

Plenty more out there, do not rush, tell him after careful consideration and looking at the market you believe your offer to be fair and considered so if he is not interested you will look elsewhere.
 D4 Landmark MY16 Santorini Black THE LAST
D4 HSE MY12 Marmais Teal: Gone. Missed a lot!
Freelander 2 SD HSE MY11 Silver:Thankfully gone.
D4 HSE MY11 Silver: Gone missed !
Range Rover Sport MY06 HSE Buck Blue: Gone missed!
Discovery D2 TD5 Facelift MY Red Gone Missed!
Discovery D2 TD5 Cobalt Blue: Gone Missed!
Discovery D1 Auto Oxford Blue Not missed at all!
Discovery D1 Avalon Blue First LR! missed!

Now demoted to a VW 
 
Post #125452417th Mar 2014 8:03 pm
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gensetsteve
 


Member Since: 01 Jan 2014
Location: hampshire
Posts: 340

United Kingdom 2011 Discovery 4 3.0 TDV6 Commercial Auto Belize GreenDiscovery 4

Mr Otford wrote:
Thanks Geoff

At our first conversation he said that he wanted 12K and I said my budget was 10K and he said we could meet halfway. Sounded reasonable to me. After my testdrive he sent me away to think about the car rather than make a y/n decision on the spot. When I dropped him a 'I'll give you 11K for it he replied that he had been looking on Autotrader and had found these:

This one is three months younger than mine, with similar mileage, but it’s only the basic ‘S’ model and almost £15,000 :

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/adv...?logcode=p

This ones about six months younger with a little less mileage, same spec and again almost £15,000 :


http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/adv...?logcode=p

This one is 15 months younger than mine with a little more mileage but it’s £16,495 ! :

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/adv...?logcode=p


and wants 12K for his. He says that he has someone who will give him 12K - in May when his mother's probate is settled!!!

My 11K is only 2 hours away from him by bank transfer


Cheers

Richard




You can advertise your vehicle for what you like does not mean you will get it. If you look at prices on ebay then check completed listings you will find about 1 in 50 sell and then its for a 3rd less.

Go round with a grand in cash wave it under his nose and tell him theres another nine where that came from bird in hand worth two in bush especially during a recession.
 D4  
Post #125452617th Mar 2014 8:04 pm
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DurtyDisco
 


Member Since: 10 Dec 2012
Location: Northamptonshire
Posts: 501

United Kingdom 2008 Discovery 3 TDV6 HSE Auto Tangiers OrangeDiscovery 3

How soon does he want his kitchen finished?........

£11k now or £12k in 3 months.........
 G4OC Secretary
N44RT Callsign NH89 
 
Post #125452717th Mar 2014 8:07 pm
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Mr Otford
 


Member Since: 17 Mar 2014
Location: Kent
Posts: 7

United Kingdom 

Hi DurtyDisco

Yes, I had thought that about his kitchen but, unfortunately, selling the D3 is restoring funds already spent on the kitchen not 'to be spent'.

Richard
  
Post #125458817th Mar 2014 10:25 pm
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Mr Otford
 


Member Since: 17 Mar 2014
Location: Kent
Posts: 7

United Kingdom 

MrHolloway wrote:
Paid 15k for my MY 06 but was up for 17k. Knocked tthem down as it needed the cambelt and spent a couple grand at least so it owes me 17k. 72k on e clock. 12k for a 54 HSE with that mileage I reckon is a good deal but make sure you have some money aside for making it right for you.


The 'put money aside for making it right' is what is making me nervous. Do you think that I am worrying unnecessarily?

Rgds

Richard
  
Post #125458917th Mar 2014 10:27 pm
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Alan B
 


Member Since: 12 Feb 2013
Location: Fife
Posts: 6528

Scotland 2007 Discovery 3 TDV6 XS Manual Stornoway GreyDiscovery 3

Have a look in the for sale section,
Gazellio prestige cars ( site sponsor) has a nice looking one for £10500
Bit higher mileage at 96k but looks really clean

If not there are always some pooping up in that section

Good luck

Thumbs Up
 D3 57 xs Stornaway grey
D2 02 commercial silver gone but a great servant and won't be forgotten

Iid Bluetooth 
 
Post #125459217th Mar 2014 10:42 pm
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Moo
D3 Decade 


Member Since: 13 Aug 2010
Location: Wiltshire
Posts: 13802

Ukraine 2005 Discovery 3 TDV6 S Manual Zambezi SilverDiscovery 3

I'd be worried about the low mileage.

These cars are better driven. Low mileage = more wear and tear.
  
Post #125459317th Mar 2014 10:45 pm
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A.J.M
 


Member Since: 31 Oct 2009
Location: Carluke
Posts: 2813

Scotland 2005 Discovery 3 TDV6 HSE Auto Zambezi SilverDiscovery 3

I bought my 54 plate for £12k, back in Aug 12. It had 3 owners, almost full Main dealer history but was sitting at 98k.

I've given the brakes and suspension a refresh and it drives like new again.
Don't be afraid of a 54 plate, they usually have the higher spec than later HSE's as LR changed the spec's and made more things options etc.

Mine has been used for light off road use and i find it ideal. Thumbs Up

Could you not up to 11,250/11,500 if need be?
  
Post #125459417th Mar 2014 10:49 pm
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Mr Otford
 


Member Since: 17 Mar 2014
Location: Kent
Posts: 7

United Kingdom 

Alan B wrote:
Have a look in the for sale section,
Gazellio prestige cars ( site sponsor) has a nice looking one for £10500
Bit higher mileage at 96k but looks really clean

If not there are always some pooping up in that section

Good luck

Thumbs Up


Yes, looks very good. Thank you. Warranty is attractive too. Private sales scare me!
  
Post #125459517th Mar 2014 10:49 pm
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Mr Otford
 


Member Since: 17 Mar 2014
Location: Kent
Posts: 7

United Kingdom 

Moo wrote:
I'd be worried about the low mileage.

These cars are better driven. Low mileage = more wear and tear.


Indeed. Lots of 'stop start' use. However, anything I buy will have a very limited use so could seem equally dodgy to the next owner.
  
Post #125459717th Mar 2014 10:51 pm
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Mr Otford
 


Member Since: 17 Mar 2014
Location: Kent
Posts: 7

United Kingdom 

A.J.M wrote:
I bought my 54 plate for £12k, back in Aug 12. It had 3 owners, almost full Main dealer history but was sitting at 98k.

I've given the brakes and suspension a refresh and it drives like new again.
Don't be afraid of a 54 plate, they usually have the higher spec than later HSE's as LR changed the spec's and made more things options etc.

Mine has been used for light off road use and i find it ideal. Thumbs Up

Could you not up to 11,250/11,500 if need be?


Thanks. Same sort of use as I will make of it.

Even 12K is affordable but I am niggled by his change of price after he had said he'd take 11K and only mentioned it in an email after we'd parted.

Incidentally, can you tell me how the fans on your climate control behave? His seemed to run faster than I would expect for the whole 2.5 hours that we were out.

R
  
Post #125459917th Mar 2014 10:54 pm
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