My New Baby's Arrived

[Watpub]

Well I'm now the proud father (owner?) of a healthy Caucasian (aka Alaska White) TDV6 HSE D4! :D:D:D:D (This is the perma grin currently and incurably etched on my face).

Picked her up about 2 hours ago cross town in heavy traffic - took 10 years off my life driving back!:eek: Plans for tonight: read the manuals because I haven't got a clue what half the stuff does!

And to correct the ledger... through periods of frustration and despair I have been known to let loose verbally at the dealer in other posts. But, today they've been fantastic - no haggling over the final price adjustments, spent ages going through the controls (even got my phone working for me), supplied carpet mats throughout, and filled the tank. :BigThumb:Now I've bought a few Toyotas in my day and I've never had a full tank provided at delivery - with the last Cruiser I got bugger all and had to refuel two blocks from the dealer.

So, it's off into the wide blue next week. I'll post some pictures the following week.

And to all those awaiting delivery - the 6 months ain't too bad, but waiting on delivery day is murder!

And I think I'm in love - that elegant English accent on the Nav system... what a doll!:p

Ron

[Disco4SE]

Well done mate. Have fun

[GeorgeK]

Hi Ron,

Many many congratulations. I was supposed to collect mine today too but through my wife not being available today and me being away for work next week I am not going to collect it until NEXT FRIDAY :mad:. The wait is killing me. I know it is there at the dealer waiting for me. Oh well I have waited this long another week won't kill me...will it? :tease:

Congrats again. I'm envious as hell.

Cheers

George

[Watpub]

Hi Ron,

...Oh well I have waited this long another week won't kill me...will it? :tease:



Yes it will George!:p

I tossed and turned last night in nervous anticipiation, and I'll probably do the same again tonight in sheer excitement! And the wait today was excruciating - the dealer was going to ring me as soon as the car was ready and I sat at my desk virtually all morning just drummnig the desktop with my fingers waiting for the call. I'd forgotten just how good that new car smell is - it's addictive, and expensive!

Regards, Ron

[oldsalt]

That's great news - I'll have to keep an eye out for you as I live quite close by.....have fun :) and don't forget to wave back !!!!!

[Neil P]

with the last Cruiser I got bugger all and had to refuel two blocks from the dealer.



My LC100 tank was empty too , but I got 16% off list . Bet you didn't
get 15 Grand off the D4 . Wouldn't you rather get a good price than
a 100 bucks of derv ? ;)

Enjoy the D4 and the twin-turbos.....:cool:

[Watpub]

My LC100 tank was empty too , but I got 16% off list . Bet you didn't
get 15 Grand off the D4 . Wouldn't you rather get a good price than
a 100 bucks of derv ? ;)

Enjoy the D4 and the twin-turbos.....:cool:

Hi Neil,

With my Toyota's I got neither a discount off list nor a full tank - maybe I'm just too much of a softy when it comes to haggling. :( Although I did get a few bucks off the D4.;)

Anyhow, I checked the Cruiser's out before buying the D4 and I reckon dollar for dollar there's more value in the D4 (I was comparing the Sahara with the HSE). Personally I reckon I got a better car plus a full tank of fuel so I'm a happy chappy. Of course this will be as subjective as Holdens versus Fords.

Regards, Ron

[Neil P]

When I first saw a LC200 Sahara , I couldn't stop laughing.
They had down speced it ! No height control , variable steering
and couldn't even manage a damn bixenon light. On top of that
the guy said the new price was $114k OTR . That was $31k more
than mine ! They're doing them for $99K now , but that's still
$20k too much IMO

[Celtoid]

Well I'm now the proud father (owner?) of a healthy Caucasian (aka Alaska White) TDV6 HSE D4! :D:D:D:D (This is the perma grin currently and incurably etched on my face).

Picked her up about 2 hours ago cross town in heavy traffic - took 10 years off my life driving back!:eek: Plans for tonight: read the manuals because I haven't got a clue what half the stuff does!

And to correct the ledger... through periods of frustration and despair I have been known to let loose verbally at the dealer in other posts. But, today they've been fantastic - no haggling over the final price adjustments, spent ages going through the controls (even got my phone working for me), supplied carpet mats throughout, and filled the tank. :BigThumb:Now I've bought a few Toyotas in my day and I've never had a full tank provided at delivery - with the last Cruiser I got bugger all and had to refuel two blocks from the dealer.

So, it's off into the wide blue next week. I'll post some pictures the following week.

And to all those awaiting delivery - the 6 months ain't too bad, but waiting on delivery day is murder!

And I think I'm in love - that elegant English accent on the Nav system... what a doll!:p

Ron


Congrats Ron.

I got great service from my dealer...fuel, initial brief and then a follow up a few weeks later, once I'd got a feel for it.

All that aside, just savour and remember how good the D4 felt when you first climbed in it. I still vividly remember how great it looked "**** this looks nice"....and how brilliant it felt when I hit the road. That was months ago and it has only faded a little. Enjoy :)

[sniegy]

Congrats Mate,
The Permagrin WILL last, mine still hasn't left yet:p

p.s. I did get your email, but have been extreeeemly busy at work.

Will contact next week with a date & will fit all that needs to be done.

Cheers.

[Fish78]

Way to go mate..enjoy the D4

[ozscott]

Mate - well done, but none of this is more than a fairytale without PHOTOS!!!:D

Post them up mate - especially that nice new dash on the D4 (I reckon thats a big reason for the D4 over a late D3 I reckon the D3 was nice enough but lacked...and the D4 looks range rover nice).

Cheers

[Brick]

You lucky bugger. I have to wait until 9 Aug for mine to be delivered.:D:D

[tempestv8]

When I first saw a LC200 Sahara , I couldn't stop laughing.
They had down speced it ! No height control , variable steering
and couldn't even manage a damn bixenon light. On top of that
the guy said the new price was $114k OTR . That was $31k more
than mine ! They're doing them for $99K now , but that's still
$20k too much IMO

The top of the line Sahara doesn't have heated external mirrors either. This is bordering criminal in the colder states like VIC and Tassie.

:thumbsdown:

No rear fog lamps for Aussie spec either.

[Watpub]

Thanks for all of the great messages folks. As promised here are some pictures of the new arrival (there are some more in my album area)...

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/http://watpub-albums-my+new+baby...-picture1300-nathalia-june-2010.htmlhttp://www.aulro.com/afvb/members/watpub-albums-my+new+baby...-picture1296-nathalia-june-2010.jpg

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/members/watpub-albums-my+new+baby...-picture1298-nathalia-june-2010.jpg

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/members/watpub-albums-my+new+baby...-picture1299-nathalia-june-2010.jpg

The photos were taken two days apart on the same road. The first day was cold and foggy - thank God for the cold climate pack!

:D:D:D:D:D:D Regards, Ron


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[Disco4SE]

Looks good Watpub. The white is really growing on me, now that I have already got the silver:(

[Disco4SE]

Had a look at the rest of the pics. You will have to get some mud flaps by the looks of it

[Watpub]

Had a look at the rest of the pics. You will have to get some mud flaps by the looks of it

Hi Craig,

I think you're right. I travel this road frequently - I suppose after 10 years of drought I've got a little complacent and hadn't even contemplated there might be wet patches and mud!

By the way I've now also uploaded a photo of "The Beast" to the album - the Paj I was driving for a few months prior to the arrival of the D4. Like the Cruiser this is another quantum leap in chalk and cheese - if you can have quantum chalk and cheese leaps. :angel:

Regards, Ron

[Watpub]

Looks good Watpub. The white is really growing on me, now that I have already got the silver:(

Well, there's bound to be a D5 someday...;)

[oldsalt]

Hey Watpub - lovely vehicle....I wonder if I parked my white D3 very quietly next to yours and swapped over number plates then drove away would you notice......oh well it's just a thought.:D
Seriously though it looks great....have fun.

[Disco4SE]

Well, there's bound to be a D5 someday...;)
My problem was that I had 5 white vehicles all in a row and didn't like any other colour. Oh well, I am happy with the silver. Looks clean and doesnt show marks etc

[Watpub]

Hey Watpub - lovely vehicle....I wonder if I parked my white D3 very quietly next to yours and swapped over number plates then drove away would you notice......oh well it's just a thought.:D
Seriously though it looks great....have fun.

I wonder if you can still get those steering locks like they had in the old days - sounds like I might need one! :p

[Watpub]

My problem was that I had 5 white vehicles all in a row and didn't like any other colour. Oh well, I am happy with the silver. Looks clean and doesnt show marks etc

I originally ordered Ipanema Sand for that very reason - too many previous white cars! But I changed my order because the boss-lady and I couldn't agree on any other colour except white.

Don't despair though. I saw a few silver ones as mine was on the way over and I was starting to have second (or is it third?) thoughts. I don't mind the silver at all.

[Neil P]

HSE without rear tinted as standard ............ ?

[Watpub]

HSE without rear tinted as standard ............ ?

Hmm, NeilP, am I missing something? Is there supposed to be tinting as standard on the HSE???

Regards, Ron

[Neil P]

Maybe not :eek:
I just looked at the LRA and then LRUSA site . Don't go there ; it's
not good for the mood ...:mad: The factory must wonder why they're
sticking HSE decals on the empty shells they ship out here Watpub.

[Watpub]

Hi NeilP,

I can't complain about the way my HSE is spec'd out here. I must admit though that the Yanks seem to have the whole arrangement a'about and they sure luv those petrol-gussling (oops, gas-gussling) V8's!! Hey, and why not give everyone a HSE!:p

I reckon their "privacy glass" probably refers to bullet-proofing given how gun mad everyone is over there. ;)

In case you'all other folks are wondering what NeilP and I are done talking about, check it out here V8 | Land Rover USA (http://www.landrover.com/us/en/lr/lr4/explore/v8/)

Regards, Ron

[ryrrek]

Although the US vs Australian price differential certainly exists, it's not as great as it appears. Looking at the invoice for my D4 HSE, a total of $28,471.67 is collected for GST, Luxury Car Tax, Registration and Stamp Duty..... I have an opinion on that, but it wouldn't be polite to express it.

The lack of privacy glass availability on Australian models is puzzling, and I could not extract a sensible answer as to why from LRA. My local Tint A Car franchise refuses (justifiably) to tint my D4 because of the DVD player and associated electronics in the rear panels.

[Watpub]

I've decided I must seek counselling and help :(...

Following comments about the mud on my new D4 on this forum :mad: (see pictures below) I decided to take the car to the local Shine car wash to get her done over. I usually wash my own cars but given the wet weekend predicted and the fact that the mud was caked on I decided to put her in the hands of the pros.

The car wash is one of those where you have a cappucino or latte while they wash your vehicle. As I sat there sipping my cappucino looking out through the window while 3 to 4 guys of foreign descent poured over my new car I realised just how much in love I really am ... Am I a sicko or not?:wacko:

Anyone got the number of a good therapist?

By the way. While waiting to take delivery of the D4 I had a chat with a new salesman at the dealer who as it turns out used to have his own Car Detailing business in Dublin. He recommended using a range of car care products from a mob in the UK called AutoGlym. It's available in Oz from AutoBahn. I bought some of the car cleaner, polish and wax the other day and it looks really good - it's recommended by Aston Martin no less!

Regards, Ron

[Neil P]

..... a mob in the UK called AutoGlym.

You've not been spending years on D3UK like some of us ......;)

I like these products Ron.:cool:

[peterall]

[QUOTE Anyone got the number of a good therapist? QUOTE]

Best therapy is to join the Range Rover/Discovery Club of Vic and have regular therapy sessions with other Disco owners :D
Range Rover Club - Victoria (http://www.rangeroverclub.org.au/)
When travelling to SA, contact the Range Rover/Discovery Club of SA.
Range Rover Club of SA (http://rangeroverclubofsa.tripod.com/)

These sessions are much cheaper and much more fun.:cool:

[Watpub]

You've not been spending years on D3UK like some of us ......;)

I like these products Ron.:cool:

Sorry NeilP,

You're dead right - there's lots of grannies (I mean this in the nicest possible way) here and I shouldn't be teaching them how to suck the proverbial - I sometimes forget there are others out there who have had Discos longer than me! :D

Regards, Ron

[Watpub]

[QUOTE Anyone got the number of a good therapist? QUOTE]

Best therapy is to join the Range Rover/Discovery Club of Vic and have regular therapy sessions with other Disco owners :D
Range Rover Club - Victoria (http://www.rangeroverclub.org.au/)
When travelling to SA, contact the Range Rover/Discovery Club of SA.
Range Rover Club of SA (http://rangeroverclubofsa.tripod.com/)

These sessions are much cheaper and much more fun.:cool:

Sounds like an excellent plan... but LR Owner's Club of Vic or RR Club of Vic?? (I'd feel like a pretender rocking up in a Disco to the RR Club). ;)

[oldsalt]

I've yet to decide which club I'll join, but the LROCV's meetings are in Doncaster....so a bit closer for me to attend (and you Watpub).....I went to one (LROCV) as a guest and they seem a very friendly bunch.
Does anybody here have any opinions/suggestions/comments ???

[LeaRoy]

Although the US vs Australian price differential certainly exists, it's not as great as it appears. Looking at the invoice for my D4 HSE, a total of $28,471.67 is collected for GST, Luxury Car Tax, Registration and Stamp Duty..... I have an opinion on that, but it wouldn't be polite to express it.

The lack of privacy glass availability on Australian models is puzzling, and I could not extract a sensible answer as to why from LRA. My local Tint A Car franchise refuses (justifiably) to tint my D4 because of the DVD player and associated electronics in the rear panels.

I assume this must be something unique to the HSE as my land rover dealer had my, albeit the lowly TDV6 2.7 model, tinted for me.

[Watpub]

I assume this must be something unique to the HSE as my land rover dealer had my, albeit the lowly TDV6 2.7 model, tinted for me.

This might be a Queensland thing - I can see the sense up there to get good tinting and providing it as a value-add. Us lowly Mexicans do better with the cold climate pack! :D

Regards, Ron

[sniegy]

I've yet to decide which club I'll join, but the LROCV's meetings are in Doncaster....so a bit closer for me to attend (and you Watpub).....I went to one (LROCV) as a guest and they seem a very friendly bunch.
Does anybody here have any opinions/suggestions/comments ???
Oldsalt,
You will be suprised to know that many of us here are already memebers of the LROCV & have been for many years.
Some are having a break (me for example) as i didnt have a 4wd for nearly 18mths & now have one, will have to speak to Andrew & re-join.;)

The club is the oldest Land Rover one in Australia, A diverse group of people with varied interests but one main one LANDROVER...:D

Cheers.