What you are basically asking is, "Do you have a reliable crystal ball that can tell me the future with any D3?"
The answer is "no".
Yeah, okay, let me ask a slightly different question - how much more reliable is a base model TDV6 S with coil springs and no toys compared to a HSE with air suspension and all the bells and whistles? And just to define terms, by "reliable" I mean both "unlikely to break down an leave me stranded" and "likely to pass future MoTs without failure due to warning lights"
Just buy one if you want one and let us know how it goes.
Based on my current opinion of the likely outcome, I'm not strongly persuaded...
How much is the insurance for you?
I havn't tried a quote in a long time, I'll have to get quite a few because insurance is very wierd sometimes, it might be the case that an S is half the price of an SE, but the only way to know is to try.
I seem to remember it goes on Dad's insurance but i may be wrong
Supprisingly, its always been more expensive that way. Infact, I saved about 10% by taking my dad off my policy, despite him having a completely clean record etc.
Compared to what alternative pickups? L200 in your price range is junk, isuzu of that age you’d likely hate.
Any L200 you get for Hilux money is going to be either in significantly better condition or a much newer car, or both. L200s also have much shorter wheelbases, and are lighter. Without looking it up, Id reckon that the 2.5L L200 is quicker than the 2.5L Hilux. As for Isuzus, Id probably be looking at the one that was badged here as the "Rodeo" - and Id only bother with the 3.0L. The Ford Ranger is also good value at that age, reasonably strong engine, although I' lead to believe that the rest of the truck is crap. Really the main rivals to the D3 are the 3.2L Shogun and the Land Cruiser Prado, neither of which are particularly appealing in comparison, but a Land Cruiser that moves under its own power is better than a scrapyards of Discos that don't.
I assume you have a ukdm legacy or similar? My scoob costs what you’ve said in running costs for a brake disc.
Yes, but the 3.0R Spec.b - its very nearly as quick as an STI, and its quicker than a standard WRX. Its also 7 times cheaper to insure than an STI, and although the brakes aren't Brembos, the discs are still 316mm (Nearly as big as STI Brembos, quite a bit bigger than WRX 4-pots).
If you want a reliable workhorse for under 10, go hilux. If you want luxury, then expect to pay a premium to upkeep it.
Im not looking to spend 10k, Im looking to spend 2-5k, it seems that the best bet is to buy the cheapest one I can find, and budget for several big repair bills. I also don't need a workhorse, I just want a car I can drive normally everyday, and then take greenlaning on the weekends.
I do all my own spannering
How easy is it to work on? Do you have your own 2 post lift and a garage full of obscure tools, or do you do it on your driveway with hand tools?
Would I recommend anyone to buy one? no!
What would you suggest as an alternative?
Handling on a d3 is roley poley at best, but if you are not afraid they can really hustle.
Yes, given the size of the thing, the handling is quite good. Compared to an older solid axle Landy, it drives like a car.
Maybe he has it in his name
I insure all my cars in my name and always have done, with mods declared. Im 22 with a 260hp Subaru, thatll crack the 0-60 sprint in less than 6 seconds, and I wouldn't be supprised if I'm paying less than most people on this forum (excluding the classics obviously). Im paying £500 a year fully comp.
A £7 generic reader likely only reads basic engine codes... And petrol ones at that
I bought it years ago when I bought my first Subaru, it told me I had a fault with the AVCS solenoid (AVCS being like VANOS on a BMW or VTEC on a Honda) but of course it being a Subaru and not a BMW, it was really really difficult to fix. I had to open the bonnet, unplug the old solenoid, undo a single 10mm bolt, put the new solenoid in, put the bolt back in, plug it in, and shut the bonnet.
All of the above, couldn't afford one if couldn't do maintenance myself, but still a strain on my wallet, as for money pit you should be fine I have them all here
Again, the same question to you, do you have a big workshop with a hoist, or are you doing everything on your driveway with hand tools?
Thanks all!