D4 reliability ... should I reconsider plan to buy one?

[MobyDisco]

Hi all.

I'm moving overseas to live for a couple of years, and given how much I love my D3, I thought it was a no-brainer that I'd lease a D4 while I was there.

However, since I read the JD Power reports on the D4's reliability (4 out of 10) and the many threads dotted across the internet, I'm really having second thoughts about whether I want to risk a D4.

Putting aside the fact that we all love Discoverys ... what do you think? I will only have one car overseas. Should it be a D4?

(I want a car with off road capability, comfort while on the road, that seats 7 in comfort. In this regard I think the Discovery has no peer. But if I can't trust the D4's reliability I will need to re-think and compromise to something else.)

[Hoges]

could depend on where you are headed... what about a Prado with the diesel V8?...only while you are O/S of course!! :wasntme:

[Graeme]

Is the D4 any worse than the D3 that you've been happy with?

[MobyDisco]

Is the D4 any worse than the D3 that you've been happy with?
I don't know, you tell me.

My understanding is that the D3 was built while Landrover was owned by BMW, but the D4 is being manufactured under the ownership of India's TATA, and that is why quality standards are slipping.

That's what the gossip says. But I came here to hear the experiences of fellow Landrover enthusiasts.

[GregMilner]

Well, I've had my RRS 3.0 - which is basically a disco 4 in smarter clothes - with absolutely no problems since I bought it new a year ago. And I've given it a pretty good hammering, on road and off. If that's of any help....

[TerryO]

Sounds like your already made up your mind on the D4's reliability.

cheers,
Terry

[Celtoid]

I don't know, you tell me.

My understanding is that the D3 was built while Landrover was owned by BMW, but the D4 is being manufactured under the ownership of India's TATA, and that is why quality standards are slipping.

That's what the gossip says. But I came here to hear the experiences of fellow Landrover enthusiasts.

You're Trolling, right?

[ozscott]

Why are you gents assuming he is just trying to wind people up. What he has asked is a very fair question from where im sitting.

[Graeme]

Why are you gents assuming he is just trying to wind people up. What he has asked is a very fair question from where im sitting.
I've heard nothing to suggest that the D4 is worse than the D3 let alone anything adverse to do with Tata's stewardship of LR and as the OP has a D3 with which he has been happy, I think he is in a good a position to judge.

[MobyDisco]

I came here for advice and points of view from people who like their Landrovers as much as I do, but who might be better informed about how D4s are panning out reliability wise, to balance against the other opinions I've been hearing from less reliable sources.

Thank you to those who've so far shared their experience and opinion.

[Disco4SE]

Had my D4 3.0Lt for 19 months now and travelled 62K.
No problems apart from some early teething items that were fixed by the patch.
Still smiling
Cheers, Craig

[ozscott]

I've heard nothing to suggest that the D4 is worse than the D3 let alone anything adverse to do with Tata's stewardship of LR and as the OP has a D3 with which he has been happy, I think he is in a good a position to judge.

He has obviously heard differently so why not give him the benefit of the doubt especially as an owner. If you don't want the d3/4 board to look a bit precious to any hint of criticism of the 'new' shape the trolling allegations so quickly leveled have to cease.

[AnD3rew]

Can't comment on the D4, but it is my view that it was Ford not BMW that fixed the reliability issues and made the D3 such a reliable vehicle. I had a D1 which had major problems pre BMW, then I had a TD5 which was firmly within the BMW realm which was an absolute disaster, however my 2009 D3 which is well within the Ford era is a gem.

[Graeme]

Ozscott, you are obviously interpretting my comments in an unintended way. I have not owned a D3 so have no personal experiences but do own a D4 which has been far from perfect in lots of ways that should have been better, mostly due to sloppy software but sometimes poor design or production. If the OP has been happy to put up with the reported LR niggles of the D3 then IMO he should not be put off the D4. After all, the D4 is just the latest model D3 without any major redesign having occurred.

[ozscott]

Graeme - my original comments were directed to TerryO and Celtoid. Sorry I should have made that clear in my first post.

Cheers

[PAT303]

I don't know, you tell me.

My understanding is that the D3 was built while Landrover was owned by BMW, but the D4 is being manufactured under the ownership of India's TATA, and that is why quality standards are slipping.

That's what the gossip says. But I came here to hear the experiences of fellow Landrover enthusiasts.

You find these rumours start whenever a change is made,one type is always better than another but the only one I've ever found to be worse is the Thai Hilux's but that doesn't seem to stop companys buying them in huge numbers.I'd buy a D4 without thinking about it as the 200 series is still an oil burning POS. Pat

[DiscoWeb]

MobyDisco,

My perception is that there have been as many posts about D3 reliability as there have about issues with the D4.

Any new or upgraded model will generally have "teething" problems and it would appear that with the D4, just as with the D3 and almost any other car maker or model that you will have faults and sometime there are lemons.

I do not think and have not read anyone suggest that the change of ownership to TATA has had any impact on reliability and as previously note Ford owned LR prior to to TATA, not BMW (they sold to Ford).

The D4 is not terminally faulty and if you look at the sales numbers LR has had a huge turn around in Australia and this is pretty much all on the back of the D4. If they did not go they would not sell.

When I upgrade from my D3 it will be to a D4 as in my opinion there is nothing else that gets close to combining the on road/touring prowess, with the off road ability all in a the surrounding of a "luxury" interior that is so well set out.

Additionally you have not said where O/S you are going so we do not know how much of an inconvenience being left car less will be ?

George

[Celtoid]

Graeme - my original comments were directed to TerryO and Celtoid. Sorry I should have made that clear in my first post.

Cheers

Mate, it's nothing to do with been precious....that point, as many others, has been done to death is all....including the uslessness of gossip and surveys like JD powers. I'm certain you've been involved in a lot of those conversations.

I'm just a little suspicious when a D3 owner hasn't read anything on the numerous threads that are posted on this site to do with both the pluses and negatives of the D4 (and there is plenty of both) and the impact of JLR's ownership by TATA.

Maybe that's just me....

[hydeslane]

Had my D4 for six months. Purchased as demo and just clicked over 30K. Don't know about D3 but I stepped out of a nissan pathfinder 07. Also a great car but let me say the build quality of the D4 makes the pathfinder look and feel like a 1980's hyundai. Its also driving heaven so why wouldn't you buy one.

[MobyDisco]

Thanks everyone for your input.

I've had zero problems with my D3 (other than the one caused by the dealer's apprentice mechanic who apparently didn't know how to fasten a tie rod). I'm glad to hear most of you are having the same experience with your D4s.

For the record, I read the first three pages of this forum before I posted my question. I also did a search on the subject of 'd4 reliability'. Those efforts yielded little, which was why I posted a new thread.

Someone asked me where I am going to buy my D4. The answer is: Dubai. So if my D4 breaks down, it will either be on a 12-lane 140kph highway, or in a harsh and unforgiving desert.

For everyone's info, a 5 litre HSE LE costs about A$ 55,000 over there. It's a pity it will be a LHD, or I'd consider bringing it back to Aus with me when I return in two years time.

[jonesy63]

Here is one data point:
Land rover (http://www.recalls.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/952880)

I can't see any D4 recalls there!:angel:

[Celtoid]

Thanks everyone for your input.

I've had zero problems with my D3 (other than the one caused by the dealer's apprentice mechanic who apparently didn't know how to fasten a tie rod). I'm glad to hear most of you are having the same experience with your D4s.

For the record, I read the first three pages of this forum before I posted my question. I also did a search on the subject of 'd4 reliability'. Those efforts yielded little, which was why I posted a new thread.

Someone asked me where I am going to buy my D4. The answer is: Dubai. So if my D4 breaks down, it will either be on a 12-lane 140kph highway, or in a harsh and unforgiving desert.

For everyone's info, a 5 litre HSE LE costs about A$ 55,000 over there. It's a pity it will be a LHD, or I'd consider bringing it back to Aus with me when I return in two years time.

Mate,

I apologise for jumping the gun on this one.

This Forum has had it's fair share of threads that degenerate into personal attacks and offer very little if any advice to genuine members. People Trolling is obviously one way for that to happen. As I said, I'm sorry for my suspision.

A few points:

Not sure if the D4 has been around long enough to be able to draw any true comparisons with the issues that they have been having Vs the D3. They have been applauded for their performance, refinement and build quality but that doesn't neccesitate reliability.

Other than the usual new car niggles...broken light fitting etc, the main issues I've read about are

Same suspension issues that the D3 had...sometimes slow to rise and overheating occuring. Usually fixed by removing some dessicant from the dryer...or if it's gone on too long, new compressor & dryer assembly.
Some quirky shut-downs due to software or loose connections
3.0L having been fitted with a batch of faulty turbos.
Crap OEM tyres.
There are plenty of people on this forum being forthright about the issues they are having with their D4s but most peeps are reporting that they are extremely happy. There are some complaints about design features...19" wheels, speed limited suspension height, etc....but that isn't reliabilty.

As for JD Powers...there is plenty to read on this Forum about the value of the results. If it was tabulated to clearly show what types or 'failures' there has been, then you would have an invaluable tool....but it's not! Real owner's testimonials on Forums like this, are worth their weight in gold.

BMW...well you got the answer on that one.

TATA....they lost value and credibility when they bought JLR from Ford at a firesale. Mr TATA had the faith to stick with it and it has paid serious dividends....mainly on the back of some of the new Jags and the D4. Improved build quality and reliability were supposedly key. Look around, there is plenty to read on this topic too.

Hope this helps,

Kev.

[MobyDisco]

No problems. Thanks for that helpful detailed info.

As it stands I think my plan to buy or lease a D4 is back on track :-)

[mowog]

I don't believe that the JD Power results reflect real world experience.

The problem is someone who enjoys theirs cars is more likely to comment. Where cardigan wearing Toyota owners tend to be a bit dull and uninterested in cars in general. So they will be less likely to be critical.

I cant say my D4 has been trouble free but is better than my old Territory or any of the 3 Toyota's I made the mistake of buying.

[FifiLámour]

I'll vouch for him. It's a genuine question...that's my husband!

It was just a question more appropriately asked by a boy as I don't understand the technical stuff. Just know I love our D3, LOL.

Seemed like a good opportunity to trial a D4 while we're in the middle east, but as we only have one car and it's approximately 40 - 50 degrees there over the coming months, we don't want to risk breaking down on the side of the highway amidst the sand dunes with 2 little kids and a girl not in a burqa, LOL.

Thanks for your answers everyone, much appreciated.

[Neil P]

You'll not suffer too much in a 5.0V8HSE
Don't forget to come back after Bob Castro and his
Commiebastardpuppetregime are history .

[oztim]

FYI, I have had a LR 4 TDV6 for a year and no issue with it whatsoever.

[ryrrek]

13 months here, and only warranty item has been a failed LED assembly in the driver's door mirror (puddle lamp).

[discomaniac]

Had one of the early D3s. Had many, many, many problems over 5 years. Had the D4 HSE for almost a year now and not a single problem or warranty issue.
Much better build quality in the D4.

discomaniac