Oh what a feeling..... our D4

[wardy1]

What a bloody magnificent car the D4 is!
Just arrived in Bordertown SA, just over 500km and I’m fresh as a daisy👍
The QUIET is just WONDERFUL😀😀

[oldsalt]

Enjoy......

cheers

[loanrangie]

Where are the pics.

[Disco-tastic]

Glad you're enjoying it wardy. When I read the title I thought it was sarcastic! Glad I was very wrong [emoji14]

[Arapiles]

What a bloody magnificent car the D4 is!
Just arrived in Bordertown SA, just over 500km and I’m fresh as a daisy👍
The QUIET is just WONDERFUL😀😀

We did Melbourne to Dubbo in one day, my wife and I sharing the driving, and my wife commented later on how easy the trip was and how she wasn't really tired - so the D4 is meeting our expectations, since we bought it for doing long trips with the kids. Kids were happy too.

[wardy1]

It’s just a great car. I’m atonal convert. WELL DONE TATA is all I can say [emoji106]

[wardy1]

Where are the pics.

How do I take a pic of ‘silence’ lol

[scarry]

The QUIET is just WONDERFUL😀😀

Until you throw on a set of A/T’s or Muddies.[biggrin]

[Geedublya]

They are crap, the D2 is much better if you listen to some people here.

[Graeme]

I drove many 12 hour trips in our D4.

[Zeros]

What a bloody magnificent car the D4 is!
Just arrived in Bordertown SA, just over 500km and I’m fresh as a daisy👍
The QUIET is just WONDERFUL😀😀

Great to hear wardy. Hope you have a great trip

[Turtle60]

Yep 18 months down and still got the feeling!!!!

[mikeford]

Love so much about my D4 and would keep it if I was still working full time earning a decent wage. Retiring very soon and changing vehicles before my D4 is worth even less than I expected as a trade in. Ongoing servicing and things like timing belt change, auto trans service are beyond my financial future. Moving to something way less good but financially more sustainable. Goodbye D4, you will be missed!

[Russrobe]

Until you throw on a set of A/T’s or Muddies.[biggrin]

Not if you run B/Stone 697's. No noise here=D

[mikeford]

Kankook Dynapro all terrains are quiet too

[jayray377]

Love so much about my D4 and would keep it if I was still working full time earning a decent wage. Retiring very soon and changing vehicles before my D4 is worth even less than I expected as a trade in. Ongoing servicing and things like timing belt change, auto trans service are beyond my financial future. Moving to something way less good but financially more sustainable. Goodbye D4, you will be missed!

I would be interested, when you are ready.

It’s about time to retire the D2.

Keep me posted

[Russrobe]

Unfortunately I don't think there is any 4x4 that is significantly cheaper to service, maintain and register, and run. An older petrol might be cheaper to buy, but mechanics still see a 4x4 and charge the same amount. Then there's the fuel, chewing threw on average 50 percent more petrol than a diesel would.

RAC recently put out a list of cheapest to own vehicles, taking into account everything. The average 4x4 was about 4 times the price per week of a car.

The only cheap way I can see to travel Aus is to buy a 2wd wagon and stick to the black top.

There's also that tipping point, where although transmission rebuilds and engine swaps are expensive, it's also a lot more expensive to go buy another new 4x4 and lose 15k on depreciation within two years. Then there's the second hand option, but you never know what you're getting, at least you know your freshly rebuilt trans is good for another 200k KMs.

[Zeros]

Love so much about my D4 and would keep it if I was still working full time earning a decent wage. Retiring very soon and changing vehicles before my D4 is worth even less than I expected as a trade in. Ongoing servicing and things like timing belt change, auto trans service are beyond my financial future. Moving to something way less good but financially more sustainable. Goodbye D4, you will be missed!

Which vehicle are you going to change to?

[mikeford]

Pick up a brand new Ford Everest Trend today, included in the deal, 5 years dealer services, 5 years warranty, 5 years roadside assistance, 7 years GPS map updates. Standard things, Ford' version of terrain response, 18 inch wheels, a timing chain, a handbrake lever, dealers all over the country. I know it will never be anywhere near as good as my 2012 D4 has been but there comes a time when decisions have to be made. My discovery next year will need timing belts replaced, auto trans serviced and full fluids replaced, that adds up to a big slice of money. Goodbye D4 , I hope your new owner enjoys you as much as I have!

[Zeros]

But it only cost you $20K to change over to the Ford?

My concern about 5 years of dealer servicing gratis, is how much they actually service the vehicle? IME Dealers do the bare minimum if that, even when you pay them!

5 year warranty is great, but I wouldn’t want 5 years of ‘free dealer servicing’. I guess you could do your own servicing as well.

Best wishes, I hope the Ford goes well. 👍

[ScottyD]

I'm not being picky, just passing on some information as I was tempted by a Ford Everest for a bit... Reading around, they are not technically classified as a 4WD, therefore limiting some of the options for larger tyres/lifts which they need compared to a D4. More importantly how does this effect insurance and claiming on insurance when 4WDing, could they be considered as not for purpose?

Not the best link, but a start, it was a while ago I did my research:
Petition * Ford Australia: 4WD of the Year Everest not a Off-road Vehicle!! * Change.org (https://www.change.org/p/ford-australia-4wd-of-the-year-everest-not-a-off-road-vehicle)

[rangieman]

I'm not being picky, just passing on some information as I was tempted by a Ford Everest for a bit... Reading around, they are not technically classified as a 4WD, therefore limiting some of the options for larger tyres/lifts which they need compared to a D4. More importantly how does this effect insurance and claiming on insurance when 4WDing, could they be considered as not for purpose?

Not the best link, but a start, it was a while ago I did my research:
Petition * Ford Australia: 4WD of the Year Everest not a Off-road Vehicle!! * Change.org (https://www.change.org/p/ford-australia-4wd-of-the-year-everest-not-a-off-road-vehicle)
And will they win against one of the car giants ? I reckon not [bighmmm]
Mikeford has laid his hard earned out and has taken delivery im guessing it is too little too late now[wink11]

[mikeford]

Ford Everest 4wd classified for registration as a 4wd in 2015 (do your research). I have been a died in the wool, full on Landrover man for 25 years. I have owned a 1949 S1, 1974 SIII, 1976 Range Rover, 1995 V8 Discovery, 1998 300 TDI Discovery and finally my 2012 D4. I still love and respect them, but unless I win the Lotto I cannot afford one anymore. It is easy to slag other brands of vehicles but all vehicles including Rolls-Royce and Landover and most others have problems of some sort. Being one eyed is very limiting to your outlook on life. Enjoy your lives, I will try to enjoy mine.

[DI5CO]

I found this article interesting re 4x4 ratings.
https://mr4x4.com.au/ma-mc-classification-4wds-need-know/

[wardy1]

Interesting article by PC. And I tend to agree with him that there will be some very interesting battles over claims in the not too distant future.
Just another example of the big manufacturers taking the easy (read “cheap”) way out I reckon

[letherm]

Pick up a brand new Ford Everest Trend today, included in the deal, 5 years dealer services, 5 years warranty, 5 years roadside assistance, 7 years GPS map updates. Standard things, Ford' version of terrain response, 18 inch wheels, a timing chain, a handbrake lever, dealers all over the country. I know it will never be anywhere near as good as my 2012 D4 has been but there comes a time when decisions have to be made. My discovery next year will need timing belts replaced, auto trans serviced and full fluids replaced, that adds up to a big slice of money. Goodbye D4 , I hope your new owner enjoys you as much as I have!

Hope you enjoy your new vehicle mikeford. Sometimes, as they say, "a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do". I'd love to own a Maserati but can't afford that. Heaven only knows what they cost to service. I hope to hang onto my D4 for many years to come but can see a time when I might be in the same boat as you. Had a Pajero for about 11 years before the D4 and loved it. Certainly wasn't as good as the D4 but did everything I wanted it to do.

Definitely, horses for courses mate.

Martin

[Arapiles]

I'm not being picky, just passing on some information as I was tempted by a Ford Everest for a bit... Reading around, they are not technically classified as a 4WD, therefore limiting some of the options for larger tyres/lifts which they need compared to a D4. More importantly how does this effect insurance and claiming on insurance when 4WDing, could they be considered as not for purpose?

Not the best link, but a start, it was a while ago I did my research:
Petition * Ford Australia: 4WD of the Year Everest not a Off-road Vehicle!! * Change.org (https://www.change.org/p/ford-australia-4wd-of-the-year-everest-not-a-off-road-vehicle)

That was the old situation - now resolved.

Ford Everest 4WD reclassified as MC for 2017 - Car Advice | CarsGuide (https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/ford-everest-4wd-reclassified-as-mc-for-2017-52239)

Storm in a teacup really.

[Zeros]

I would have kept the D4. It’s only 6 years old

. ...But then if you really want a new car, there’s currently no new Land Rover model I’d buy either. Rock and a hard place.

Land Rover have priced themselves out of the market. ...I’ve said it before, unless the new Defender is amazing Land Rover will lose all credibility and the majority of their traditional supporter base if not already.

[mikeford]

There are 2 Landrover dealers in South Australia, 1 in Millicent and 1 in Adelaide and only 4 independent repairers. Only the Millicent dealerships seems to know what they are doing, and only 2 of the 4 independent repairers are trustworthy. Not an ideal situation for a premium vehicle to be looked after. Landrover need to wake up if they want to keep selling vehicles outside the capital cities in this country!

[Arapiles]

I'd love to own a Maserati but can't afford that. Heaven only knows what they cost to service.


Not a Maserati, but one of the places I test drove a D4 at had a Bentley Continental for about the same money as the D4. They'd just had it serviced by an official Bentley dealer: $10,000 for the service ...

[letherm]

Not a Maserati, but one of the places I test drove a D4 at had a Bentley Continental for about the same money as the D4. They'd just had it serviced by an official Bentley dealer: $10,000 for the service ...

Ouch !!!

[ATH]

"They'd just had it serviced by an official Bentley dealer: $10,000 for the service ..." Oh dear! Younger bro bought a Bentley not long ago after pricing up an absolute top of the range new Rangie with petrol V8. Reckoned there wasn't a lot of difference. Although he loved the Rangie ride he hated the black smoke out the arse end of his RR Autobio when he booted it. :)
However, with the size of his cheque book I doubt he'll be worried about a few quid to service his new steed.
AlanH.

[AndyG]

Back on topic
I regularly do a 1000 km run in the Defender
The silence is incredible
i cant hear a thing when i get out ;-) :-?

[mikeford]

I was interested to see how many parts from a 2013 Defender could be directly fitted to my 1974 Slll, there are so many!

[andyh]

Having spent over ten years trundling around the UK in a Defender 110 with up to 11 of us in it, acquiring a D2 V8 Auto in Australia was a bit of a revelation; the Disco feels like a "proper" Landrover but you can hear yourself think and still move after a day at the wheel so, as I get older and more in need of TLC, you've got me wondering how much of an improvement a D4 would be over the D2 .. perhaps time to start scanning the classifieds ..

[jonesy63]

Having spent over ten years trundling around the UK in a Defender 110 with up to 11 of us in it, acquiring a D2 V8 Auto in Australia was a bit of a revelation; the Disco feels like a "proper" Landrover but you can hear yourself think and still move after a day at the wheel so, as I get older and more in need of TLC, you've got me wondering how much of an improvement a D4 would be over the D2 .. perhaps time to start scanning the classifieds ..

Go for a test drive - and you'll be sold! ;)

[Zeros]

Drive a Puma Defender too, you might be sold on one of those instead if you want a quiet ‘real Land Rover’ [bigwhistle] You never know!

1000km in my 1998 300 Tdi Defender definately celebrates the golden silence once you step out of the vehicle.

1000km in my 2014 Puma Defender on the other hand is a joy! It’s a quiet Defender! The seating position is excellent for long hauls and the 6 speed box makes cruising at speed limit / 2200rpm easy.

Disco 4? Never driven one. ...Yes I’m sure they’re quieter, more plush, etc. but you can’t hose em out and they have about 6 million computers and air springs etc. Sounds like a Range Rover to me [bigwhistle]

[goofyr]

Having spent over ten years trundling around the UK in a Defender 110 with up to 11 of us in it, acquiring a D2 V8 Auto in Australia was a bit of a revelation; the Disco feels like a "proper" Landrover but you can hear yourself think and still move after a day at the wheel so, as I get older and more in need of TLC, you've got me wondering how much of an improvement a D4 would be over the D2 .. perhaps time to start scanning the classifieds ..I don't have a D4 but my D3 is substantially more comfortable than my D2.

[Phideaux]

I spent 13 years bouncing and working and firefighting from Toyota utes and other configurations (FJ40s or equivalent) and at the end of that time - swore I'd never drive or own a 4WD again! (Only got to drive a Land Rover once - a 130 due for exit; noted how it seemed simpler, slower, more comfy and capable).
Time passes - but not the adventurous spirit.
After finding ourselves in a 2004 Holden Astra, 2-FWD, no limited slip or mods, and once again somehow having navigated a lengthy 4WD trail one too many times - bit the bullet and got a Freelander 2.
Which - no low range, but diesel torque on a 6sp auto - seems to go pretty much anywhere I remember the petrol Toyotas going 30-40 years ago, bar the last bit of extreme and fighting fires.
And we call the cruise control the cop-control.
Talked to a D4 owner when we bought it, older guy, we had the same reaction:
It's almost too easy! - (particularly to exceed speed limits, as well as off-road).
And we'd both had the thing of 500km and feeling like we could go for a drive to look around.

7 years and almost no trouble; both the keys 'still work' but seem to be a weak point.

No wonder I'm seeing so many more late-model Land Rovers around Canberra nowadays.

[Discodicky]

Hi Folks, this is my first post, having joined a few days ago. Think I am well qualified to comment on people selling LR/RR due to potential costs and getting "scared". Had a 2009 TDV8 RRS for 2 yrs and took it from 62k to 119k klms over 2.5 yrs and loved it. No real probs, I did all the oil changes but had the steel auto pan fitted etc etc. Did an air bag whilst on mainland holiday (I am from Tassy) and started to get freaked out re further potential costs to the point I traded it last December on a new Isuzu Mux with the 6 speed auto. "Thought" I liked it but after several weeks i found its numerous deficiencies. Not fair to the Mux to compare with the RRS but inevitably one does, as after all, you notice such things whenever you drive it and can't help comparing. Two main problems; the auto couldn't decide which gear it wanted to be in. Never got into 6 until doing at least 90 kph on the flat with no load, and as soon as you accelerated whatever gear you were in it always changed down in order to keep it around 1900 rpm at least. Second problem was that my 2.9T c/van tended to take control.....the Mux was far too light. Although the Mux is rated to 3.0T it is very different towing a 3.0T c/van to a 3.0T box trailer . (Think about the dynamics involved with both!) Had air bags in rear coils but still not hugely stable when towing, and a long story short, the Mux has gone and 3 weeks ago I became the extremely proud owner of a 2013 TDV6 Disco 4. Had to go to NSW to find one but got one with 102k and seems pretty good. So, I have forsaken 5 yrs/130,00klms warranty of Mux to "take the risk" with a 5 yr old Disco 4 and am back in Heaven! Interestingly, the fuel economy is 1.6lphk BETTER in the Disco probably 'cos it'll go into 8th at 80kph with no load and uses its torque and engine/trans much better matched than the Mux with the Hilux/Prado (yes!) transmission. Have had the auto flushed/serviced using the new Penrite oil which is working well and definitely less than 1/3rd of the price of genuine ZF oil. It will be interesting to see if they drop their price now they no longer have a monopoly.....I love this Disco as I did the RRS. Has cost me a LOT of munney to finally find paradise once again! PS> Bought a new Stage One V8 LR in '83 after several Series 2 & 3's, then a new V8 One Ten in '85 so must confess maybe I am just a 'little' L/R biased!!!

[wardy1]

Great that this thread is finally back on track LOL.
I’ve never owned a deefer nor a D1. My only experience in fact has been D2’s and I’ve loved all three of them but...... I can only say it’s a quantum leap to a D4

[Russrobe]

That feeling when you first drive a D3/D4... Like you've just sat in business class on a new Boeing 777.

[DiscoMick]

How much does it cost to do a timing belt and fluids on a D4? Would it be over $1000? Is that really enough to warrant trading a D4 on something inferior?

[loanrangie]

How much does it cost to do a timing belt and fluids on a D4? Would it be over $1000? Is that really enough to warrant trading a D4 on something inferior?In parts no but paying some one to do it probably that and a bit more.

[mikeford]

Well more than $1000. Make sure you are ready when they tell you the cost, I was unpleasantly surprised! Not everyone has access to a car hoist or is technically or physically capable of doing the work themselves.

[Zeros]

That feeling when you first drive a D3/D4... Like you've just sat in business class on a new Boeing 777.

Business class usually costs 8-10 times the price of economy. I can’t afford it. Even if I could I would rather spend the money on something else.

[PeterJ]

Same same, I find the D4 very comfortable long distance and have come to the conclusion (for me) that it is about the legs down seating position as opposed to the legs out seating position in cars. Of course the legs down position is a function of a lot of 4WD's out there but the added benefits of the low noise and general ergonomics hits the spot. Not all 4WD's offer the same combination of seating/leg room/headroom so you have to find a vehicle that suits. I have found the D697's are not as quiet as H/T tyres but it's all about compromise when you start broadening the scope of what you want your vehicle to do.
All the best to you mikeford, hope your Everest works out for you.

Peter

[wardy1]

Timing belt is a ‘body off’ job..... about 3k. That said, it’s a once every 180k job

[kelvo]

Timing belt is a ‘body off’ job..... about 3k. That said, it’s a once every 180k job
Following the workshop manual it’s a body off job, but both the front and rear belts can be done with the body on.

DazzaTD5 and, I think, justinc both do it with the body on.

[DiscoJeffster]

Having just done the right hand intake manifold, it must be awful trying to change the rear belt. I love to DIY but I don’t think I’d try it.

[loanrangie]

Having just done the right hand intake manifold, it must be awful trying to change the rear belt. I love to DIY but I don’t think I’d try it.From what I've read D4 is harder than a D3 for the rear belt and does require body off.

[Eric SDV6SE]

Timing belt is a ‘body off’ job..... about 3k. That said, it’s a once every 180k job
Both belts done by LR at ~180,000km, $1800 total, including all parts, labour, GST. It was done without removing the body from the chassis.
146532
Got a quote from a reputable indie around $2400.

[wardy1]

That’s good to know mate, thanks

[DiscoMick]

I'm impressed with the number of low kilometre D4s for sale for reasonable prices on carsales.com. Some still under warranty.