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View Full Version : My13 TD4 SE Review after 10 weeks



Turtle800
26th June 2013, 10:25 PM
Hi folks,

Thought I'd share my initial impression of the TD4 SE after 10 weeks ownership.

Lovely car, would buy one again if I was back researching cars. Though not anywhere near as fuel efficient as I was expecting. My 2010 outback diesel was running at low 7s/100kms around Melb, FL2 cannot get under 10 on the same combined cycle/routes, which includes some freeway driving.

The torque is nice, still don't think i needed the SD4 for towing etc. i like the auto transmission after only ever driving manual cars. The tow pack electrics dont work with trailer LEDs, that is, the reversing sensor is not deactivated nor does the car tow light appear... took numerous calls to landrover to work this out. Can be fixed by changing trailer lights or buying a $330 adaptor from landrover.

Amazing offroad. Drove around bunyip state forest. Was only limited by clearance.

Just enough room for a baby seat + toddler seat + a skinny adult in the back seat. Boot is adequate for small family with dog, pram etc...even coming from a longer Subbie outback boot...

Entertainment system is a little clunky. Ie changing from am to fm is a 2-3 button process...and connecting a phone call via iPhone to bluetooth can be hit and miss sometimes, especially if cable is connected when dialling. Quite a few redundant controls too...ie no voice control, button on steering wheel only mutes audio. Navigation button on display, but car doesn't have sat nav...

Cruise control isn't as smooth as my old Subbie. The resume speeds button slams the accelerator to the floor and propels the car.

Driving to Fraser Island next month so hoping I won't need to use snatch rope as appears perhaps I can only use the tow bar for rescue? Will take spade and rescue tracks.

Would like to hear more highlights and low-lights from other owners.

Cheers

mikehzz
26th June 2013, 10:38 PM
My 08 TD4 sits in the 8's around town and on the highway. Rarely gets to double digits and only rarely gets to the high 7's. I've been snatched or snatched others from both the front and rear recovery "tow" points no drama. Remember, don't put a snatch strap over a tow ball, too dangerous. Taking mine for a run on Stockton dunes on saturday. Cheers.

Turtle800
27th June 2013, 06:49 AM
Thanks Mike. 'Tow points', yes that was the word that escaped me at 11pm last night! I notice in other threads some concerns about using the front and rear points and that the manual says you shouldn't. I suppose if snatching from these points you just need to be 'gentle'?

Fuel efficiency in the 8s sounds great. Will monitor this on the big drive...surely cars don't 'run in' these days?

One more thing, is there an oil people recommend for top ops between servicing?

Ferret
27th June 2013, 02:00 PM
The tow pack electrics dont work with trailer LEDs, that is, the reversing sensor is not deactivated nor does the car tow light appear... took numerous calls to landrover to work this out. Can be fixed by changing trailer lights or buying a $330 adaptor from landrover.

Look in the D3/D4 forum. You will get some ideas about this problem. A ~$15 resistor may be all you need.

ByronB
28th June 2013, 08:08 AM
Hi TD4 SE 2013,

Owned since FEB 2013, really love the car, have done 13k so far, it seems to be getting better all the time as engine frees up. I feel the only let down is the Nav option the freelander as you know is not a cheap car, and I feel when you compare it against like models from other brands, NAV should be included in the price not an option.
Still have my water in fuel sensor warning light coming on occasionally at start up, however that has been the only niggle, and have confirmed that nearly all of them are exhibiting that trait. Have not had a service yet, thinking around 20k so far really happy and love the comfort on long drives.

Cheers

olbod
28th June 2013, 03:28 PM
Hi folks,

Thought I'd share my initial impression of the TD4 SE after 10 weeks ownership.
i like the auto transmission after only ever driving manual cars.

Cheers


G'day.
Is that right, yours is an auto ?
The LR website only mentions a manual gearbox !!!
Is the auto an option ?

Cheers.

ByronB
28th June 2013, 07:13 PM
I feel all TD4 SE AND ABOVE ARE ALL AUTOS, the only manual is the TD4.

CHEERS

mikehzz
28th June 2013, 07:14 PM
I think the manual gearbox didn't hit Australia until 2010-11? When I bought mine in 08 it was auto only.