greetings - and grateful for this forum, really.
Just discovered I'd just read 80% of the LR3 forum the last two days, and most of the classifieds.
Concluded that I'm not the D1 offroad person I thought I was - but rather a LR3 dude all along.
My 96 D1 (lifted, snorkeled, some clearcoat issues) is probably as good as it'll get - but I think i want to end the relationship.
I'm in no rush - the lust has faded, but there' still love. May have to share the same bed for awhile...
I want to float on that air suspension. Thrilled with the notion of a manual sports mode on an automatic, ...and an armrest rocks.
Long meditative drives to nowhere, some trails, solo camping, no rockcrawling...

Based just on what I've read, I should be looking at a white 2008 HSE with work done on front suspension/compressor/EPB/water leaks, regular fluids etc.
and a GAP tool. I should expect to have $3-5K saved for post-sale work. I can do really minor maintenance, but know LR indies here in NJ.
Here's what I've looked at:

NY - private seller, 2009 SE and black, 120k, immaculate, $7500 !! - https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...2306385203612/
Asked about service records. He's like, I got none, I pay cash and toss receipts.....hmmm
TX - auto lot, 2008 HSE $9k 75,646 miles !?? - https://www.autolist.com/land+rover-...AG25488A478527
NC - private seller, 2006 HSE $9k 155,000 miles one owner, modded - https://wilmington.craigslist.org/ct...985992315.html
waiting on email reply - but my gut tells me this would be the safer bet, right? service history over low mileage?

Anyone know any LR-savvy dealers anywhere so I could maybe trade in my D1 for the pittance it'll get?
How best to find an LR person in NC or TX to do PPIs?
Would be most grateful for any current advice, pricing, tips etc. Apologies for rambling on, but I's gots the fever. again.

 

I'd say you're on the right track. I took a similar path. I had a super clean '98 D1 with lift, bumper, winch, etc. It was great when I got to use it properly but I tired of driving it around the rest of the time. My LR3 is set up milder all around and suits my needs perfectly as a mountain bike hauler, camping vehicle, and fire road adventurer.

For NC, you might contact Joel Mercer. @roverstuff on Instagram or search Buckhorn Imports, LLC.

 

I have read the sticky, but this thing just came up. Most posts seem to beat least two years old,
so with 2019 in mind, I could use some help.

2008 HSE - all packages cept rear diff. 109,000 miles. dealer serviced, two owners. $7300.
interior looks pristine. will see more esp service history next week.

1 - I've read here it's better to have a dealer do the inspection. Why?
How long does it take, and how do I get the owner to agree to leave his car there? hmmm..
2 - Can I assume (probably shouldn't) that the dealer would have caught the major issues (control arms, diff, compressor) by now?
3 - Any advice for tell-tale signs for my first look-see?
thank you.
PS: silly question - any chance my current 96 D1 Safari rack and snorkel would be transferrable, with modification?

 

Sounds like a good candidate.

1 - If you can find one, an independent LR specialist would probably be as good or better. They may be more knowledgeable and suggest the practical way to fix things instead of just throwing expensive OEM parts at it. Most shops should be familiar with a PPI. If the current owner won't agree to this then you don't want that truck anyway.
2 - I wouldn't assume anything!
3 - Sounds like you are starting to identify them through reading on here. A good indy mechanic will know what to look for also. Overall condition of the truck and attention to little things are always a good indicator as to whether it's been cared for or not.

No, the D1 rack won't fit.

 

Thank you. Good to know.
Could also be one of those too good to be true situations...
I'd rather not deal with dealer raised eyebrows if I can.
Google led me to https://motovise.com/ - NY/NJ/PA area...amazing detailed reports with pics for $140.