Thread: deciding to buy a Disco 4

Originally Posted by bigd

Do you guys have any opinion on the 2.7L or am I going to kick myself for not forking out the extra cash? Cheers

I have had the D4 3.0SE for 2 years now and it is awesome. The amount of help and knowledge on this forum as well as the UK one (DISCO4.COM - Index) is phenomenal. The number of tricks and tips and illustrated instructions on how to DIY a lot of things is great as well.

With the 2.7 vs 3.0 thing, you won't miss it if you don't have it, but I hear that there are quite a few remaps and chips out there that reliably boost the power/torque and have been doing so for quite a few years without problems. It is still cheaper than buying the 3.0.

Thanks guys. I figured as much. I too had a smile on my face when I drove it. I have been working for a Japanese and European marque for the last 13 years, so I have driven plenty of different makes and models of PVs, SUV's and LCVs. Let me tell you something for nothing which you probably already know...this Disco 4 is a cracker and the competitors know it. Have a look at the sales stats and see why these Jap brand die hards are a bit nervy and feel they have to justify every little nook and cranny about their pride and joy...hehe, cant wait to take delivery of my Disco end of July. All the best

I have taken delivery of my new 3.0 D4 on Monday and have clocked up a few kilometers so far on some of the back roads near Coffs and I am stuck with a permagrin as it is so enjoyable to drive, especially in the twisty bits.
I was reminded by the DSC that it is a heavy vehicle when I threw it a bit quick into one corner as there was also a dip there as well.
The comfort, get up and go, and the sheer ease of driving has made me very happy. The sheer ambiance in the cabin surpasses the other offerings.
I have moved up from a Patrol I have had for the past 11 years which was a very capable vehicle; I am yet to try the Disco's capability as it came with an e-diff as well.
On another note the range of 19" tyres is expanding as yesterday I was told Cooper have now the LTZ 19" which is between an LT and AT. It certainly has an agressive tread and I intend to try them later.
Graeme

That is most probably the Cooper LTZ which has only been available in 18's 20's, 22's & 24's
It has now been released in 255/55 R19 in the states.
Cooper Tires - Tyres

Originally Posted by Plane Fixer

I have moved up from a Patrol I have had for the past 11 years which was a very capable vehicle; I am yet to try the Disco's capability as it came with an e-diff as well.

Graeme, just remember that it is different from a Patrol and slow down in ruts. I am for ever scraping the front cross member on the ground and banging it hard into the ground when I forget and drive it like my raised Patrol. You just need to go much slower where ground clearance in the middle might be a problem and it is fine.

The e diff and traction control means that it can keep going easily with wheels in the air on stuff that you need momentum to get through in a Patrol so you don't need speed. Go slower and the car will thank you!

Bob

Graeme
You'll love it. I've had my HSE for 18 months and I love it. Never had a 4wd before and there was no choice. I looked at the 2.7 so I coud get 18" wheels, but made the mistake of driving a 3.0 first!
We've kitted her out with the lot. Electronic diff lock, ARB bar and Warn winch, IPF lights, Kaymar rear twin tyre bar, Long Ranger aux tank, BW cargo drawers and barriers / shelves. Front Runner roof rack, 82L water tank, two aux batteries with Piranha isolator. Also have the Llams system.
We just did 9200km through Lake Eyre, Up to Kata Tjuta, Alice, Ambalindum, across the Plenty/Donohue, down to Birdsville, into the still flooded Eyre Ck (the reason we couldn't cross the French Line). Completing the Oodnadatta, Birdsville and Stzelecki tracks on the one trip.
Heaven to drive and it was fun doing the hard track up the back of Big Red without a runup, unlike the two poor guys in the diesel Partsaremissins who tried all afternoon and gave up.
Very keen to findout more on tyres. I have Goodyear MTRs on a second set of rims. Great tyre but noisy and they are wearing fast. Not good at $525 each!
She got herself in the January edition of Overlander.
Enjoy!
Doug

Doug, I recently took the plunge and ordered some 18" rims through Gordon at GOE.
I am going to order some Cooper AT3's.
The tyre choice in 18" is far greater than 19".

Cheers, Craig

Hi Craig,
I thought about that, but when I bought my tyres, Gordon was still sorting the 18's out. I bought 6 x second hand RRS rims for only $1000 (slightly lower load rating, but in the bush I've had no issue).
The MTRs are wearing very quickly. My D4 is a bit heavier now and is definitely overweight on a long trip. Having said that - I have had no tyre damage at all, and I have given them a pretty tough time.
What are the 18s and the AT3's worth? and what's the view on caliper clearance with the 18s? Even with the 19s you can get a lot of mud and rock jammed up there.
Cheers