Thread: D4 AS COMMON AS LC200 SOON

Used to be that neither were as pricey, but check spec levels of a 2.7 SE vs a Pajero and especially Prado.[/QUOTE]

The Mr Prado dentist that I met on the barge specifically stated that it was going to cost him $105K for the 2010 Prado that he wanted.....

$105K for a Prado!!!!

I posted on a thread here somewhere about impressions of running a Prado, Pajero and D4 over the same off-road obstacles. To recap, the Prado was marginally better than the Paj, but the Paj really surprised as to how close it came to equalling the Prado - the Prado needed it's centre/rear diff locks to keep (just) ahead. Neither could keep up with the D4.

Cheers,

Gordon

The thing about Paj/Prado comparisons is which models are compared, although the generalisations I made are true across the range. For example in early '04 the Prado had a 4-speed petrol auto, by the end of '04 it had a 5-speeder and significantly improved traction control. Yet they were both still Prado 120s 2004 models. In fact, many 120s don't even have traction control as it took Toyota quite a while to follow Mitsuibishi's lead and make it standard across the range. The newer Toyota D4D diesel is signficantly better than the old 3.0 engine. Later Pajeros have a factory rear locker option, but actually most of the time the excellent traction control is a better way to keep going as unlike Discoverys engaging the rear locker disables traction control on the front axle. The Mitsubishi electronics and to a lesser extent engine have followed the same path. I remember one course where two identical-looking Prados of the same year had different 4WD engagement methods, one a conventional lever, the other had a transfer case lever but also a centre diff lock button. One had traction control, the other, lower-spec, only a LSD.

However, neither manufacturer have called their vehicles "Prado II" or "Pajero Mk IV" so it may be difficult to see what the differences are, which over the years of the same bodyshell are just as signficiant as the Discovery 3 to 4. All they've done is chang the model designated, eg Prado 120 to 150 and even within the 120 range there are major differences, at least the Pajero gets a new two-letter designation every change such as NP, NT, NS.

Originally Posted by Celtoid

Used to be that neither were as pricey, but check spec levels of a 2.7 SE vs a Pajero and especially Prado.

The Mr Prado dentist that I met on the barge specifically stated that it was going to cost him $105K for the 2010 Prado that he wanted.....

$105K for a Prado!!!!

Crikeys, it must have been gold plated. I have to admit (sheepishly ) that I briefly flirted with the idea of getting a Prado before I bought the D4. I was quoted $92,000 drive away for the top spec'd Kakadu.

I did however do some analysis of the numbers and unfortunately the LandRovers didn't stack up too well in the depreciation stakes. Using CarSales.com as a guide I took the new price of a D4 ($86,590) and a Prado ($81,090) and compared this with the average selling price of equivalent vehicles a year old. The Discos came in at $71,500 and the Prados at $74,700. This means the Discos depreciated 17.4% in one year but the Prados only 7.9%. After 6 years the depreciation rates were 60.1% for the Disco and 40.7% for the Prado. I was surprised because I'd expect a vehicle with a bit more prestige would hold up better than a common as muck car.

Admittedly these were only rough and ready figures extracted as averages from CarSales.com. And there are probably all sorts of variables that I haven't factored in - there might even be the odd error here or there in my logic and/or calculations. But overall the LandRover marque does still have a poor reputation out there in the wider community.

I suspect too that many Prado buyers are cashing in on the LandCruiser's indestructible reputation - "I really don't want anything as big and bulky as a LandCruiser LC200, so I'll buy the smaller sibling instead".

Nevertheless, despite these figures, I'm really, really, really glad I settled on a D4. After all, if all you're ever worried about in life is money you lead a pretty sad existence... and if you don't spend it, the tax man will take it away.

Hmm, maybe all these figures are telling me is that you'd be better off financially buying a near new Disco??? The other thing they are telling me is to convince all Disco owners to hold out for the max price when they sell their cars!

Regards, Ron

While the D4 may be becoming common in the urban area's It would seem out west and in the far north they are far from common.

On my recent road trip from the sunshine coast to Undara and back I didn't see another D4. There were plenty of Prado's, LC's & Patrols. I saw a about 5 earlier Discoveries and 1 D3.

I did have a number of people come and want to chat about the D4. Most of them said they wanted a D4.

One old fella who loved the Discovery 4 was a bit put out because of the current pricing.

Originally Posted by Watpub

Crikeys, it must have been gold plated. I have to admit (sheepishly ) that I briefly flirted with the idea of getting a Prado before I bought the D4. I was quoted $92,000 drive away for the top spec'd Kakadu.

I did however do some analysis of the numbers and unfortunately the LandRovers didn't stack up too well in the depreciation stakes. Using CarSales.com as a guide I took the new price of a D4 ($86,590) and a Prado ($81,090) and compared this with the average selling price of equivalent vehicles a year old. The Discos came in at $71,500 and the Prados at $74,700. This means the Discos depreciated 17.4% in one year but the Prados only 7.9%. After 6 years the depreciation rates were 60.1% for the Disco and 40.7% for the Prado. I was surprised because I'd expect a vehicle with a bit more prestige would hold up better than a common as muck car.

Admittedly these were only rough and ready figures extracted as averages from CarSales.com. And there are probably all sorts of variables that I haven't factored in - there might even be the odd error here or there in my logic and/or calculations. But overall the LandRover marque does still have a poor reputation out there in the wider community.

I suspect too that many Prado buyers are cashing in on the LandCruiser's indestructible reputation - "I really don't want anything as big and bulky as a LandCruiser LC200, so I'll buy the smaller sibling instead".

Nevertheless, despite these figures, I'm really, really, really glad I settled on a D4. After all, if all you're ever worried about in life is money you lead a pretty sad existence... and if you don't spend it, the tax man will take it away.

Hmm, maybe all these figures are telling me is that you'd be better off financially buying a near new Disco??? The other thing they are telling me is to convince all Disco owners to hold out for the max price when they sell their cars!

Regards, Ron

Dunno Ron,

I wouldn't know one end of a Prado from another regarding year or spec level. That's what the guy said though....I assumed he knew what he was talking about as he already owned one and was definately in favour of the D4. Was the one you looked at a 2010? The last time I looked at a Prado price was for a Grande(?) 2009....starting from around 80K I think, before on road costs....so I wasn't too surprised to hear that they were costing that much drive away for 2010 models, specially as I'd heard they have had a technology 'refresh' and are offering some very LR sounding systems.

On resale value.....

I was originally looking at a late model D3 and had also employed a broker to help me. It was obvious that I was going to have to pay a lot of money for a 2008 or 2009 model D3 (TDs), some with big K's. So I just coughed up the extra for a demo D4.

I think you are right regarding money not being the end all or be all.....it's getting what you want and what makes you happy. I don't regret my descision for a second and don't care how much it depreciates. In real terms, in 4 or 5 years time, I doubt that there will be much in it, specially if D4s remain reliable and more people get a feel for just how great they are to drive. Either way I will have enjoyed years of superiour motoring!

Cheers

Kev.

Hi Kev,

Yeah it was a 2010 model I was looking at - but I think Toyota were doing it tough with a lot of bad Pius (oops, pun) press. I might have got the salesman at "that time of month" when he needed to make sales.

And hear, hear, I couldn't agree more with your sentiments. I've just been reading LandRover International Magazine and there's a small article in there claiming that Discos have just been voted the most versatile car in the UK, and also came in 6th for overall value and comfort. So maybe the tide is turning.

Regards, Ron

Originally Posted by Graeme

I dunno, I see one every day yet rarely see a 200.

Personally I can recognise a D4, but wouldn't know (or care) what was the difference between the LC200, 100, 80 or whatever they are called