Thinking of Buying D4

[davman]

Hello All - I am a very newbie to the forum, so I thank you in advance for your help.
I am thinking of buying a D4SE. The main reason is for towing a 2.5T van.

I suppose what I would like to know is how is the overall reliability issues going with LR these days? I know everyman and his dog has a different opinion on this, but I am sure you all can give me some good insights. I was one of the first owners of a Freelander2 in Victoria, and I reckon it spent about 10% of it's life in the dealership workshop - hence my apprehension at looking at LR again. However the D4SE certainly ticks a lot of boxes.

Also I would be looking at a pretty basic vehicle, what is everyone out there paying for them at the moment? What would be a cracker deal?
Thanks again guys/gals.

[oldsalt]

G'day Davman,
welcome to the forum, I'm fairly new to the Landrover experience myself but so far I love my D3, and for my two cents worth you should buy the 2.7 as you get the smaller wheels (depending on where you are going to take it of course) plus get the e-diff, anyway "go for it" - and you'll find lots and lots of great info here on the forum.

cheers.

[Dingmark Jim]

I had an early petrol V8 D3 and after it was stolen :BigCry: have ordered a new D4, so you an guess my position. The D3 and D4 have almost nothing in common with the Land Rovers of old - they are a blend of Ford (who owned LR at the time of development) and Jaguar (shared the engines). I took my D3, and will take the D4, as solo vehicle to some remote parts of WA and am comfortable doing so again. The reliable by my reconning is as good as anything on the market, and the vehicle capabilities are tops. That said, the D3's and D4's have to be considered as a sophisticated vehicle. Delaying maintenance is likely to cause a very expensive repercussion. It is also best to take a lot of time studying the manuals to understand the systems and more importantly, figure out what not to do to them or with them. Also remember that forum-ites for any particular vehicle are more likely to write when they have a problem than when all is perfect.

[mowog]

I brought my first Land Rover in Jan 2010.

A Discovery 4 3.0L SE. It was a leap of faith even after all the bad news that seems to be more Myth than fact.

Ours was brought as Tow car for our 21' Coromal Van and as a family car it replaced our SY Territory Ghia AWD.

My feelings to date on the D4... Bloody Awesome... The performance from the 3.0L TDV6 is nothing short of amazing. I would never have expected a 2.5t 4WD to nail you into your seat.

Fuel economy... Let me start by saying if your buying a near $100k car I don't why anyone would be overly concerned about it. But on the bright side the economy for its size is pretty good. Around town I average 10L/100. On a recent highway run it dropped to 8L/100.

I don't think you would regret buying a D4.

But its not all roses.... No issues with the car but it would seem some dealers need to remember they are selling a premium product and their service levels should reflect that.

[big guy]

Stop thinking, just do it, possibly best decision you ever make.
Wish I could.

[ADMIRAL]

It would be grossly unfair to compare your experience with the Freelander to what you can expect from a D4. Even the dealers will admit the earlier Freelanders were problem children.

[Disco4SE]

Hi Davman, If you are towing and the occasional off roading, definately go for the 3.0 Deisel. I had the 2.7 deisel D3 and although it was a good tow vehicle, my D4 3.0 is so much better. There are tyre alternatives out there, its just a matter of looking.
Happy discoing, Craig

[davman]

Thanks for the replies guys, much appreciated - KEEP THEM COMING PLS. A few comments to date. My Freelander2 experience has left a bad taste in my mouth. I realise the earlier Freelanders were really bad, but by all accounts the Freelander2 was meant to be better - mine wasn't. I hope that quality has improved markedly since 3 years ago.
Also I know it's a bit rude to ask, but what are people really paying for their D4's?

[mowog]

Also I know it's a bit rude to ask, but what are people really paying for their D4's?

That is a how long is a piece of string question...

How about between $80K-$140k

[ADMIRAL]

The tax has gone down slightlyfrom Jan 1 2010. If the dealer is keen, you should be able to pick up a base 2.7, 5 seater for around $75.000 on the road now. I think the 3.0 litre is another 7 or 8 grand.

Go for the ediff whatever you get. I have the xenon lights, but if you intend fitting a bullbar with spots, you have more choice. ( and better lights )

[pjvdl]

I am not expecting delivery until late April, but I bought a D4 HSE 3.0 with a few options (sunroof, tinting, rear ediff, floor mats, etc.) just before Christmas and, after a bit of shopping around, managed to negotiate a little more than 5% off the full retail. I don't know how this compares to the discounts others are getting, but given the apparent distortion of the market at the time due to the gov't tax incentives, I was happy with this.

As part of the negotiation process I looked at using an online car broker (just google them or pm me if you want more details), as there is only one dealer in little old Adelaide. The online car broker essentially put my order out to tender across the country and provided a list of responses back to me. Although the broker was very prompt and efficient, I ended up buying locally for unrelated reasons.

[DISCO 4]

Hi Davman,
Don't worry how much you paid, the car is worth every cent and some. My Disco 4 was delivered last night, drove 487 Km today and it is fantastic. You will love it. ENJOY

[davman]

Thanks again for all your input - the car does sound great.
Got a quote from a dealer for a D4SE with Navigation for about $96K on road. This sounds like a pretty standard quotation - what's everyone elses thoughts.
Cheers

[mowog]

Paid around that for mine.

20" Wheels
Rear Air
Nav & Rear Camera

[Disco4SE]

Hi Davman,
Paid $91,500K for my D4SE 3.0Lt with rear air, e-diff, adaptive headlights, metallic paint, matts, bonnet & headlight protectors

[sniegy]

As i have said in a few earlier posts, just take one for a drive & enjoy it.
Get as much info as possible from who ever you decide to purchase from.

You wont regret it.;):p

Cheers

[Dorko]

I just bought a D4SE 3L. Havent driven it yet as I am waiting on my old lease to pull there finger out and sign off the termination agreement.

I drove a D4 2.7L and loved it! so I can only image what 600nm of torque is going to feel like :D

I end up with a demo with 6700kms, premium sat nav, reverse camera, rubber mats, side steps for $92k. Little over budget but i think once i drive it, my smile will be back :p

Happy shopping!

Dorko

[sniegy]

Congrats Mate, Well done:p

[Disco4SE]

Hey Dorko, congrats mate. You will soon forget about the price once you start driving it. Mine has around 11,500Klm's on it now and is loostening up more and more. The torque is awesome. Have fun.

[Dorko]

Coming from a FL2, should be sweet! Picking it up tomorrow! cant wait!

Dorko

[davman]

Have been checking the D4SE out in greater detail lately. Went for a drive in one the other day at a dealer. Nice.
One thing I cannot find out anywhere is whether you can fill the Diesel up from a HI FLOW diesel pump. Can anyone help.
Cheers

[Disco4SE]

Not sure davman, haven't tried as yet

[Dorko]

Why would Hi Flow matter?

Dorko

[roamer]

The larger nozzle doesn't fit in but ya can still fill it gotta hold it in line and be carefull'
Cheers Ken

[Graeme]

I hold the nozzle hard against the filler and make sure it doesn't point upwards so as to avoid spraying fuel into the breather outlet. SOP each fill-up.

[ADMIRAL]

The larger nozzle doesn't fit in but ya can still fill it gotta hold it in line and be carefull'
Cheers Ken

A warning though....the smaller nozzle used on some pumps for premium unleaded, will still fit.......and NO that silly device LR provide in the filler neck, will not stop the incorrect nozzle being used. Double check.....then double check again.

[Graeme]

A warning though....
Comments like these make me feel safe using my local servo, where the diesel pump is to one side for trucks, tractors, headers etc and the other 2 pumps are on the driveway. No possibility of making a mistake there.