Looking to buy my first L494 and I have shortlisted a few.

For the roughly the same price, I can buy a 2019 SDV6 HSE Dynamic with around 35k miles or a 2020 D300 MHEV HSE/HSE Silver again with around 35k miles.

Initially I was attracted to the D300 due to reading all the horror stories on here with regards to crankshaft failures on the V6s. However, I would also like the low range transfer box for off-roading.

I have no experience of either car so looking for some advice. If for approximately the same price, mileage, colour, interior trim etc, would you choose a SDV6 HSE dynamic or a one year younger D300 MHEV HSE Silver?

The D300 powertrain is very nice and refined, and a much more modern design so I would vote that, but i would be looking for one with low range, which probably isn't a helpful suggestion in your current situation! The lack of low range really affects the cars versatility on my opinion. Even if the off road is no more than crossing a rough field or reversing a trailer, popping into low range makes a huge difference to control.

Unfortunately I think a good D300 Dynamic will be out of my budget. I plan to use the car for recovering the odd deer carcass that I shoot so I think the low range would be useful for that in winter.

The SDV6 is a great engine too. Had one for years, strong and torquey and never had any issues.

I'd find a D300 with low range option added. There must be some out there.

Having said that, the SDV6 isn't a bad unit and, whilst the crank issue hides in the shadows it's not the common issue that some seem to fear. 2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed

4535jacks wrote:

Unfortunately I think a good D300 Dynamic will be out of my budget.

Driven many iterations of the V6 diesel across Discos Full fats

Now in a D300 - a pretty big leap in terms of refinement and step off

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Last edited by 4535jacks on Thu Apr 25 2024 4:53pm. Edited 1 time in total

RRSTDV8 wrote:

4535jacks wrote:

Unfortunately I think a good D300 Dynamic will be out of my budget.

what's your budget?

Hi,

I’m on my fifth RRS.

Look at my signature block for the variants.

I’ve had the SDV6 with no issues whatsoever.

I’ve had aD300 AB for six months now and love it to bits.

It’s very quick of the mark and smooth and refined.

As it’s a 24MY I’ve got the “no controls” interior, which takes a bit of getting used to and I specified low box too as we may need it to get out of the village in winter or if I’m off road.

If the SDV6 is a “dynamic”, it’ll be a good car.

Go with whatever you can get with your budget - you won’t be disappointed.

Scrumps Somerset - Where the apples do grow and the cider do flow!
2021 Defender 90 D250 HSE in Tasman with white roof.
24MY D300 AB - Verasine Blue - 😀
19MY SDV6 AB - Byron Blue - Gone
17MY D5 SDV6 HSE - Firenze Red - Gone
16MY SDV6 AB -Aruba Silver - Gone
13.5MY SDV6 "HSE Black" - Baltic Blue - Gone
10MY TDV8 HSE Galway Green - Gone
14MY D4 HSE in Scotia Grey - Gone
05 TD5 D90 CSW in Cairns Blue

My 21 (may) bought just 3 weeks ago was 40k
28000 miles one owner from main dealer
Tow bar pan roof heated steering wheel
NOT a dynamic -
For one of those you will need 4 k more

4535jacks wrote:

RRSTDV8 wrote:

4535jacks wrote:

Unfortunately I think a good D300 Dynamic will be out of my budget.

what's your budget?

My budget is £40k as I paying cash and trying to avoid finance. I could probably push it a tiny bit higher. Unfortunately, I am being a bit too picky as an ivory interior and pan roof are a must and ideally I am trying to get a grey or blue car.

I am checking autotrader a few times a day in the hope that something comes up.