Thread: D3 or D4. ??????

If you want to research reliability of ANY vehicle, the Internet is the last place you want to look.

Given the choice between a D3 or D4, I'd go D4. The 3.0 has 37% more power than the 2.7 and it has things like a chain driven cam shaft instead of belt, etc.. And as for 70,000kms on a D4... That is barely run in!!!

As for off-road... My own personal 'weapon of choice' is a Disco Auto.

M

Hmmm to be honest, go to any specific manufacturer forum, and they will all tell you their vehicle is best :-)

However heres what I have learnt in the two years of owning a disco....
You would have to prise me out of it kicking and screaming, I could honestly say I wouldn't move to a toyota, nissan, or mitsubishi having owned a LR.
I started with a second hand d3, and was so impressed I bought a new d4 without even driving one. Have to say the d4 is even better, and I am stoked.

Reliability, this is such a misnomer, probably fueled by toyota drivers. There are plenty of people on here who have taken their disco all over Oz, simpson dessert, cape york etc. I had no issues with my d3.
Servicing, well its a prestige car, but then again my mate pays on average more for his mitsubishi triton than I did for the d3. Same year, same kms. Yearly cost about $1000, maybe less.

On road the LR can not be touched, by a proper 4wd.
Offroad, well some refer to it as a soccer mums car. All I can say is I would happily pitch my soccer mums car with most modified prados or mitsubishi.
I did a 4wd course in the d3, stock standard, inc old standard tyres. I had no experience, and all I can say is we made it over every obstacle, first time and none of the modified nissans, toyotas or mitsubishi did. The instructor whom had been teaching 4wd for 20yrs, said the disco was the most competent 4wd he had come across, and was selling his modified hilux to buy a d3.
Also did a sand driving course, and same result, d3 made the others look average. I kitesurf and so am always driving onto beaches - it's the main reason for me having a 4wd. However, I will advise that the car does lower from offroad height above 50kph (or was it 40?), but this can be rectified.
My friends also had the same perception of the Disco, until we went 4wding in the blue mountains. I was the one to come out with a smile on my face and no damage. Their perception has since changed.

Go a d4 3lt, it will put a smile on your face, permanently:-)

Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk 2

So I am asking current owners, are you happy?
Yes. Had a D3 for 4 years and a D4 for the last 2.

Offroad - mainly sand (Fraser island and similar) how does it perform.
I doubt you'd find a more impressive 4WD offroad. FYI we did Fraser last week for the 4th time in a D3/D4.

Servicing - is it really that expensive?
Just had the "B" service done on the D4 2.7 for $600. In comparison the wife's Golf 90 TSi cost $500 the week before.

Reliability - is it?
In 6 years of ownership I have never been stuck or stopped. Having said that I had some small issues with the D3; all fixed under warranty.

Now the big question...
D3 or D4 and if D4 then which engine?
The TDV6 2.7 is tried and tested. Get the 3.0 if you are towing frequently. The D3 4.0 petrol is too thirsty.

We have found a D4 3L with 70,000kms is that a lot?
How old is it? 25k a year is low kms.

Originally Posted by Domlis

So we are new to LR, previously owning a prado and enjoying it we are now looking to replace it. A family member suggested disco and the search has started.

Firstly I have been reading and researching as much as possible, when I talk to friends they all say don't buy a LR but when I ask why no one actually knows. So I am asking current owners, are you happy?

My concerns are as follows,

Offroad - mainly sand (Fraser island and similar) how does it perform. All we seem to see is prado and patrols.

Servicing - is it really that expensive?
Reliability - is it?

Now the big question...
D3 or D4 and if D4 then which engine?
We have found a D4 3L with 70,000kms is that a lot?

Any advice or opinions are greatly appreciated.

Domlis,

1st congrats on having the brains to ask the questions, whilst this is obviously a LR bias forum you will most likely get reasoned feedback.

So with that in mind my comments:

SAND: Provided you turn the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control Off) and understand how the electronic trickery works, the D3 & D4 are very capable on sand. Probably not it strong point as it is a heavy vehicle but I have driven on Stockton beach numerous times and never had a problem. Reason you do not see them as often are most are probably purchased for the school run only and do not get used off road as much.

SERVICING:
Yes it is expensive compared to a Toyota, however there are plenty of good independent LR specialist who do the servicing much cheaper (and probably better in most cases) than the dealer network. Replacement parts are expensive but the internet and these forums enable you to get around this if you want by purchasing part O/S for a lot less than here.

RELIABILITY :
This is obviously the main argument against an LR purchase. Like all makes the Discovery has its lemons and know problems, however the biggest reliability issue is that as the vehicles rely so heavily on computers they can shut down as a result of some minor fault and without the right diagnostic equipment it is impossible to fix yourself. Again something that is becoming more and more common in modern 4wds. The other issue relating to reliability I think is that the dealer network is not as extensive as Toyota/Nissan etc which causes problems if you are in remote or far flung locations.

Personally I have had very little trouble with my 2.7 lt TDV6 D3 and happily recommend them to everyone I talk to, I love it. Searching this forum will give you an indication of the more common problems and there are a few horror stories but no more or less than what you would find on a Toyota or Nissan forums I suspect.

D3 OR D4:
Basically pretty similar in most ways, the D4 interior got an update and some love the minor changes some do not but effectively the same. The engine choice on the other hand is a different story. As noted mine is a 2.7TDV6, personally I have never wanted for more grunt or pulling power, it is a great engine and very well matched to the ZF 6 speed auto.

Those who drive the 3.0lt rave about it, more power, effortless in all circumstances and an awesome tow rig. The key argument against the 3.0 is it runs on 19 in rims which limits tyre options and causes endless argument about suitability for outback and serious off road travel (also not helpful on sand). There is plenty of feedback and discussion in this forum about it and ultimately is a personal choice. Most who own a 3.0lt say they would not go back to a 2.7.

Personally I would get the youngest 2.7 D4 or D3 I could afford as there have been less issues with the 2.7 and it is a well sorted package and was about $10k cheaper.

The 4.0lt petrol option is well regard by most who own them and is cheaper again.

70,000 km is not a lot for the vehicle but you do need to make sure it has been well maintained and has not had a history of problems as if there electronic gremlins they can be a nightmare. flushing transmission fluid between 80,000 and 100,000 km is recommended as this extends the life of the transmission which is a very expensive fix if it fails, other than that ball joints, software patches etc are the know issue. The 3.0 also has had problems with turbos so I would check for work on that.

OTHER POINTS:
The key difference you will find is how the D3/D4 drives and feels Vs the Prado. I quite like the Prado but it is really chalk and cheese, the Disco is just so much nicer to be in, to drive long distances and or short distances and is over all a much better vehicle. Not as much articulation off road but the traction control on the D3/D4 will get you pretty much anywhere a Prado will go, even one with a 2in lift etc.

Try and find one that has the "E-Diff" as there is currently no aftermarket options and the E-diff is very very good.

Additionally the range of aftermarket options is nowhere near as extensive for the Dsico as the Prado but they are available.


Hope this helps, I am sure there will be plenty of other along to give some feedback and many have moved from the Prado/LC camp to LR and have been surprised to find that their fears have not been real.

Good luck in your deliberations.

George

"Personally I would get the youngest 2.7 D4 or D3 I could afford"

I took this approach with the D4. After researching D3 models, options, interiors and having a drive etc etc I decided on getting into a D4 just because of the little upgrades and tweaks over the D3 even in the base model as someone already mentioned. Plus I preferred the current shape but thats just a personal thing.

Mine was bought with 125kms which is high but 80% highway commuting and no towing and great servicing. Wife drives it daily and only does about 9000kms a year so it wont allot of kms added to the high kms anyway.

I got the 2.7 just because of price and availability at the time in a second had vehicle but go 3.0 if you can. We tow a boat occasionally and not long distances so 2.7 suffices in that area.

Previous owner replaced it with a new GXL Prado the day they dropped it off and arrived in both. The wife says to me "the Prado doesn't drive as nice as the Disco does" . No local servicing was one reason they replaced it with a Toyota.

We dont do any offroad so cant comment on that.

I occasionally have heart palpitations over what "could" go wrong but you cant let that rule your decision. Every time i jump into it on the weekends I just have a big smile on my face and cant imagine having another 4x4.

There is a reason why the D3/D4 have won best allterain vehicle every year its been made.
You will love either one you decide on.

connock

Don't have any D4 experience, but having owned 2 previous Disco's a couple of Vitara's and a Pajero I can say my D3 which is now 3.5 years old has been the most capable, best driving, most comfortable and reliable vehicle I have owned, and this includes 2wd road cars including BMW's.

my two previous Discos were great from a capability point of view but awful from reliability, but they seem to have nailed this with the D3 on.

Sand is not its greatest point, but as others have said if you turn off the DSC and use the right programs, it is perfectly competent.

I haven't driven the 3.0 D4, but I have always been more than happy with the power and pull of my 2.7 diesel, it is truly impressive.

Originally Posted by Domlis

So we are new to LR, previously owning a prado and enjoying it we are now looking to replace it. A family member suggested disco and the search has started.

Firstly I have been reading and researching as much as possible, when I talk to friends they all say don't buy a LR but when I ask why no one actually knows. So I am asking current owners, are you happy?

My concerns are as follows,

Offroad - mainly sand (Fraser island and similar) how does it perform. All we seem to see is prado and patrols.

Servicing - is it really that expensive?
Reliability - is it?

Now the big question...
D3 or D4 and if D4 then which engine?
We have found a D4 3L with 70,000kms is that a lot?

Any advice or opinions are greatly appreciated.

Hi Domlis

I went thru what you are going thru 7mths ago and came to these conclusions when I purchased a D4 HSE 3lt 75000kms

The D4 had an upgrade to the Terrain Response, which include what they called Sand Launch, I do alot of sand/beach camping, and it just powers along even with camper trailer, dial it in right and lower tyres. (maybe suggest adjustable sensor rods to keep height at speed).

Offroad, well it hasn't won nearly every award for the last 7 yrs for nothing (I do have E-dif which is factory fit only)

Services are at 20000km and have cost around $450, I had Toyota fixed price service before at $300 but every 10000kms
Mine is just short of 100000km now will be getting Allianz extended warranty(has to be taken out before dealer warranty expires) major repairs can be expensive from what I read. (but arn't they all)

Reliablity, my has been faultless (flat fob battery),
did read of turbo smokers, but the % here and OS seems very small

D3 or D4 well when all is said and done D4 is an upgrade/refined D3

2.7 or 3lt. I drove both back to back at a dealers, really no comparision, there is more to it than just grunt the 3lt was smoother and quieter(different gear box), no turbo lag, and the bigger brakes are noticably better, 19' rim were a concern for me but have no issues with them now, tyre selection is growing ,and you can get 18'( from this site sponsor)

70000km is not alot, check it has been service and just look at it you can tell if they been looked after or not

Like you I was worried, I have never regretted getting mine, it puts a smile on my dial every time I get in it.

Sorry for the long post (first post and all)but I know what a biggy it is to change brands when others have negative comments.
Get it you will not be disappionted


Den