Im currently looking for a RRS 3.6 TDV8 HST and I just wondered if it made a huge difference whether it was a HST from the factory or converted to a HST with a kit? I understand that it would be more beneficial for resale if it was a factory HST but does it have a huge impact on price? After all the kits are not cheap by any means - ive been quoted £3,400 by a local company to turn a standard RRS 3.6 TDV8 into a HST. Any thoughts or advice?

it will make a difference on the insurance

a friend bought a Freelander 2 HSE with its HST body kit and the insurance difference was huge when compared between the two

Really? Thats incredible! Bloody insurance companies. So do I assume that a factory HST will be more expensive to insure than a non factory because it will be on the V5? Or is it the other way around and a non factory is more expensive because its all aftermarket??

I would guess the latter.

Yes seems more feasible.

Mine was an HSE and i fitted the full HST kit.
My outlook was.....
If I purchase an HSE from a garage with an HST kit how would i know if there were any modifications given al the different models eg SE HSE HST Autiobiography Kahn Overfinch etc

Ive often thought what reduction in price i would get if I bought an Autobiography and fitted 18" wheels and SE bumpers..

A buyer will pay more for a well fitted HST kit.

Can i ask how much you paid to have your HST kit fully fitted and painted etc?

I honestly cant remember as it was 2 years ago now.
I didnt buy the Kit as a whole...I collected bits over time and got it painted and fitted.
Sorry not much help but i had all the kit bought before i bought the car

A local company has quoted me £3,400 to fully fit and paint. But i looked on eBay the other day and there a few companies quoting much less. One reply said he would fit and paint for £2,850 all in. Just not sure how reputable they would be?

it was the HSE with the HST kit adding on that the insurance company didn't like, making a car more desirable to steal etc etc

personally i would find a local company with recommendations and provide them the kit to prime, paint and fit that way your car looks good and worth the money, than a cheap bodged eBay job

Does the HST not have different rear diff as well ?

Have to say I've no idea of the differences between a HST and non HST - I thought it was purely a body kit? Does a factory HST have it written on the V5?

The HST has the locking rear diff I believe. I doubt it makes any difference in day-to-day driving though. 2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed

Looking at a HST brochure the main differences between a HST and a HSE are the HST has a Sunroof, Active locking Rear Diff, H/K Logic 7 sound system, Privacy Glass and 20" Stormer Wheels plus Body Kit of course as standard where as on the HSE they cost options.
There were various no cost options on the HST i.e. Sports Leather Seats which were also cost options on the HSE.

Cheers
Col

Thanks matey.