Perhaps I can you and my SWMBO to have a chat at the next meet? :D

+1. I only want TWO D2s. +++

I managed that gig for a bit too... Kept my D2 and she drove it about when I got the first D3.. Then I got a dog and the D2 went for an XC90 :(

If you mean they should have a chat then agreed - although you know it won't work out how you think.......

Carefull what you sign yourself up for... I went to one of those partys once, you know where all the keys get thrown in a bowl in the middle of the coffee table. I ended up with a garage door!

:rofl:

99.9% of the time, the D3 wins hands down. Advance key, radar cruise, the MMI, air suspension, massively more robust gearboxes, stiffer boddies handle better, fully carpetted boots, better audio, better tech, auto headlights, more comfy seats, brakes that actually work well, a really useable MFSW, more functional interiors, better economy, newer looks - All makes it a great daily driver and I drive my D3 7 days a week and feel really happy about it.

But - 0.01 of the time, I'll climb into my PF D2 and it does somehow excite me in a completely different, more connected and raw way. I dont incidently find the Facelift D2 as exciting. The PF D2 has a throttle cable and boy does that change everything. I wouldnt however by choice use it for anything more than a blast around the countryside. The D3 is far, far, far better as an everyday car by todays standards.

The PF D3's are absolute bargains now. They are so much value for money, its unreal. The few remaining nice D2 examples are holding their value through classic, collectable status, but not through every day driveability.....

A mint, low mileage, high spec D2 is a rare beast, very collectable, and should be parked up and enjoyed rarely at special occasions. Think of the D3 as the disposable, rugged, multipurpose modern equivalent that is still in good supply and and thus you can afford to be choosy, finding the exact spec and colour you want...... +++

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official view of the forum! :rolleyes:

I drive my FL D2 S8 every day on a 70 mile round commute. Best car I've ever had by a mile and I wouldn't dream of parking it up for use only on special occasions. And IMHO, you could translate "newer looks" of the D3 to 'generic styling'.

I know the D3s are affordable, well built bargains (apart from a few horror stories about the electrics), but I suspect it's not only me that wouldn't swap their D2 for one.

But different opinions make the forum an interesting to be. :)

After test driving two cars - a 2004 D3 4,2 QS, and a 2003 of the same spec. I'm in love with this car! It blew my mind.

The 2004 car actually belongs to one of my best buddies, and he was gracious enough to let me use the car for two days! I've still got it, though we'll be swapping cars at work later in the day.

My D2's - especially the pre-facelift ones felt raw and ready, with a crisp throttle response and gruffness my '01 facelift S8 never had, and consequently felt quicker. The D3 4,2 QS is in a different league, and really puts the D2 in the shade. A much better cruiser, and yes, I can confirm it IS quicker than the facelift D2 S8. It's a bigger car, so seems more insulated, and the speed sensation is less evident.

Gas mileage, going by the DIS is better, and boy, the 6-speed tip is a joy to use! The shifts are very smooth, and from what Amar has said, has held up well to the monster torque in his C6 RS6. I'm no auto fan, but the ZF6HP26 may well change my perception of the tiptronic shift.

Interior is way ahead of the D2's - it's all too easy for a big luxury cruiser with lots of gadgets to have the interior looking cluttered. Not so with the D3 - every control is well laid out, and within easy reach. The menu system employed cuts down on extra controls anyway.

My choice is firmly the D3. Sure, the D2 is a great car, but next to the D3, it feels (and looks) old, yet not old enough (or indeed the sort of car) to gain classic status in the true sense.

Is a sunroof standard fitment on all UK D3's?