Convince me to buy a 2013-14 D4 ... or not

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Originally Posted by Birdboy

Hi,
Apologies for newbie post asking potentially the same old questions!

I'm hoping to update my ageing 2003 Prado at the end of the year and starting to research Discovery 4s. I've wanted one for a long time as on paper it suits most of my needs in terms of space, economy, on-road handling but also off-road capability.
Having owned a couple of Prados now for over 16 years (both with over 300,000km on the clock and the current one still going strong), I'm concerned about reliability especially for outback travel.

So would love to hear peoples experiences and thoughts (positive or negative).

I'd be looking at a 2013-2014 8 speed D4 with less than 100,000km.

I'm curious about all the threads about diagnostic tools and why so many people have them? Are the necessary because they break down a lot or are there functions that I'm not aware of?

EDIT - forgot to ask if someone can tell me any other differences between 2013 & 2014 besides the cosmetic lights and front bumper?

Look forward to hearing responses and again I apologise if this is asked all the time. I've been doing a lot of reading on this forum which has been excellent already!

Cheers
Dave

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Gday and Welcome to the forum , The reason people opt for a diagnostic tool is that these cars rely on several different ECU;s ( maybe not the best description but you might get the idea ) so being able to access them and read and clear any faults , saves costly trips to the dealers but also enables you to trouble shoot yourself if needed. No use having a top of the line tool kit but not knowing where to start , the code reader will give you an idea on where the fault is.

I am pretty sure all newer model cars would use some form of ECU's so would guess they would be in the tool kit of most modern car owners.

Cheers Ean

Just to boost you’re confidence a little bit.
We bought a ‘13 model with the 8 speed auto. It’s the NICEST car I’ve driven, and there have been many over the years. Recently took it off road for the first time, did Billy Goats Spur in Vic. An awesome track and one I have done a few times in my old D2a. The D4 was simply incredible...... it does things in a slightly weird way at times, but after a while you just learn to sit back and let it do what it does. My mate in his D2a. couldn’t believe what he was seeing in his rear vision mirror [emoji23][emoji23].
As has been said, there are many posts here of the problems, not many of the praises. I guess that’s the way of forums.
We love our D4, that said, we will get a diagnostic tool pretty soon as we travel remote quite a lot with our work (leaving Melbourne tomorrow for the Gulf of Carpentaria for 4 months or so).
We also tow a van at about 2400kg and really, hardly know it’s there. The power from the 3.0 is simply amazing [emoji6]

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Originally Posted by Birdboy

Hi,
Apologies for newbie post asking potentially the same old questions!

I'm hoping to update my ageing 2003 Prado at the end of the year and starting to research Discovery 4s. I've wanted one for a long time as on paper it suits most of my needs in terms of space, economy, on-road handling but also off-road capability.
Having owned a couple of Prados now for over 16 years (both with over 300,000km on the clock and the current one still going strong), I'm concerned about reliability especially for outback travel.

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We bought a 2014 two years ago with about 50,000ks on it, and we also got an extended factory warranty. It cost us about the same as a top of the line Kluger or Kia Carnival, which were two of the other options. We bought it because it hit a lot of our needs - seven adult sized seats, and as a bonus it's very capable off-road. What I notice about it is the highly damped ride quality, the excellent sound-proofing and the wall of torque. We did Melbourne to Dubbo in a day last year and at the end my wife said that it was about the easiest long day we'd done, and we were both feeling pretty fresh at the end. That's because of the good seats, the torque, the isolation provided by the air suspension and the sound-proofing. In terms of reliability they don't have the best reputation, but by the time the 2014 came along the issues that had been around in the D3 had been sorted, so the reputation may not be really fair or indicative.

And I have to say - the last two Toyota hire cars I had, the bumper fell off one of them (without any assistance from me) and the other threw all these warnings, so instead of trying to diagnose it the RACV simply turned up with a tray truck to take it to the nearest dealer ...

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Originally Posted by Homestar

He is asking for some friendly advice - if you don’t want to give any that’s fine, but why be so negative about it?

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Not being negative at all, but if a buyer cannot decide themselves and needs to be talked into buying a product by others then maybe that product is not for them.

I have had the my15 for past 2 years and been no trouble whosoever. I actually make excuses to drive this car I enjoy it so much. By a GOE booklet( if you still can) learn about it and have a crack. Its just a car not a house so take a chance I thought. BTW this was on the back of 4 Prado’s that also didn’t let me down. Yes they are “needy” but what isn’t. And yes if you go remote ie beyond a tank of fuel between fuel stops then you’ll need to plan a bit better as fuel and tyres are both shortcomings from standard but easily overcome. Mechanical help may be another issue.
If you plan to lug anything then there is simply nothing better. Caravan world tow vehicle for about 10 years runnings I believe. Will I ever part with it someday and of course I will but for now I’ve got plenty ahead for it to do.
However there is stiff competion from all corners if you like dual cabs but I’m defiantly in the wagon camp.
That’s my two bobs worth.

In 2012 having had my ZD30 Nissan grenade on me I bought a brand new SDV6 Disco 4.
I have now done almost 200000km and has been around Australia twice. I will say it is the best and most reliable vehicle I have owned, having said that I have had a transfer case problem which is now sorted and the mechatronic block in the auto transmission repaired. I have an IID diagnostic tool which is brilliant.
Last month in NZ we had a brand new Prado and did about 1100 km in it. This car, by comparison to my Disco was more tiring to drive especially through the mountainous areas due lack of power and rather roly poly handling. It made me realise just how good the D4 is.
obviously, like I did, you have your heart set on a D4. Eyes wide open, do your research on the vehicle and get a thorough inspection done on one which has a verifiable service history and you will be very happy.
Enjoy,
Graeme

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Originally Posted by Homestar

He is asking for some friendly advice - if you don’t want to give any that’s fine, but why be so negative about it?

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Thanks for the support Homestar! I'll be more careful trying to come up with an interesting thread title next time by the looks.
Maybe I should change it to "Friendly Advice Needed" as that is exactly what I'm after :)

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Originally Posted by 101RRS

Sorry - but why should we convince you to buy anything - if you are already not convinced yourself dont buy it.

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Tombie’s back, reincarnated.

Edit: replied to wrong post

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Originally Posted by 101RRS

Not being negative at all, but if a buyer cannot decide themselves and needs to be talked into buying a product by others then maybe that product is not for them.

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That’s true. That question posted on an LR forum will only result in positive comments. The same question posted about a Prado on a Toyota site would garner likewise responses for the Prado. Ask about a Prado on an LR forum and get what you’d expect, much like asking about a Disco on the Toyota page. Unbiased opinions you won’t get, so I’d suggest go for a drive and decide.