D3 or D2a?

[fightara]

Wow... It has been a very long time since I've posted on Outers!!

I'm hoping I can call on opinions to help me decide on my next car. I've been away from 4bys for about 4 years now but the bug has bitten again.

I've set my heart on something that will be moderately to very capable off-road, which has left me choosing between a GU, 100 series, Prado or Disco. Keep in mind I've been driving a Bimmer for the past couple of years and don't really want to take a big step backwards in comfort

The Disco is a bit of a tricky one, because the D3 doesn't quite "feel" like a really solid 4x4. But the reviews suggest it is, especially with terrain response, but it's quite low with not much scope for mods, which leads me to the D2a...

Bit of a wildcard, because it is a bit older than I was thinking, but there was an HSE in one of the yards and I was very impressed.

So, am I going to be happier with the more capable, moddable and luxurious D2a and $15k extra in the bank, or the much more advanced design of a 2006 D3? My plan is to be daily driving this but with regular weekend trips to a fairly tough grade.

[Slunnie]

I think you've nailed it.

The D3 is a big steup up from the D2 in terms of comfort and performance out of the box. In terms of making it go harder offroad, I think about the only mods that I know of are to fit 32" tyres (max due to outrigger - so guard cutting is irrelevant) and those tyres need to fit 18" rims. Be assured that the D3 is solid.

The D2 has a lot more scope if you want to start playing around a bit with suspension, tyres, driveline etc etc etc, but none of the onroad qualities are as good as the D3. IF you want to drive fairly tough grade tracks than this is the vehicle that will be less likely to be damaged and has all of the upgrade parts available for.

I would also suggest ACE as it has the vehicle corner as flat as a tack on the road and it releases the tension in the sway bars when offroad.

Also, if you get the 7seater, it also comes with rear air suspension. This is fine up to a 2" lift. After that then it really is one off work, but has been done.

[stuee]

I can say for certain the GU will be a major step back. My 11 year old discovery rides better than my dads standard 2005 GU patrol. Thats on std height replacement king springs and original dampers. Rough and truck like those things.

The only other car I've driven is a 100 series and I would say thats on par with the earlier discos. Not driven a Prado before or new D3 before.

The 100 series and the D3 are "large" 4x4's while the Prado and earlier discos were considered "mid" size.

All food for thought. If I had the money I'd be going for a D3 with the diesel and terrain response.

[garrycol]

[quote="fightara"]But the reviews suggest it is, especially with terrain response, but it's quite low with not much scope for mods, which leads me to the D2a...
[/quote]

You have obviously only spied a D3 with its suspension on the down or highway setting - there is plenty of clearance when the suspension is on its offroad setting.

With the D3 rear diff lock and its other systems there are not too many mods you need with a D3 - wheel size and tyres are the obvious - depending on model - smaller wheels to give greater options in offroad tyres.

Garry

[fightara]

Thanks guys, and you're right Gary, I've only seen the D3s on the road. I think I will try to keep my eyes open for a trip where there's a D3 and a D2 then maybe try to jump in a passenger seat. While I like to think I'd be doing some tougher trails, realistically I probably will not be driving a $30-40k+ car the way I did my old Rangie, and maybe the D3 will manage that.

My heart is saying Rover on this one, but I will be heavily shopping around the Jap trucks too, just to make sure I've considered all options.

I'm back o/s for another 2 months now so will keep my eyes glued to the classifieds to get an idea of where the reasonable asking prices sit. While I would love a diesel, I've done the sums and the premium for second-hand ones doesn't stack up for me (relatively few kms I do each year)