Thread: Pulling my hair out - purchasing a Disco4

Yes, I posted a similar query about 2 years ago and had some very helpful responses prior to purchasing my D4 - perhaps do a search as it covered some of the issues you seem to be asking about. There’s also a comprehensive sticky that covers a lot of info.

Re the 4 zone aircon, that’s not just the HSEs as it’s also an option on the TDV6 and SE, so you do find them with it. It’ll either be evident from the spec or the photos - look for vents in the C pillar, controls in the roof or an additional button on the dash next to the other HVAC controls.

It’s generally acknowledged that the 3.0 litre / 8 speed combo is the best one - it’s a superb driveline, so that’s post 2012 (I think). Also, post 2012 “TDV6” is a model designation - all SEs and HSEs are SDV6.

I bought a HSE but if I did it again I probably wouldn’t bother - the main difference was the arm rests on the seats, which I find it practice give me a back ache, so I don’t use them now anyway.

I wouldn’t bother with a bullbar (but I acknowledge that’s a contentious topic) and if you are using six seats I don’t know where your fridge is going to go - loose in the back next to one of the kids? We always use three rows - so the kids aren’t bumping elbows - and I do put soft bags in the back with the youngest, but I’d hesitate to put anything heavy or hard back there, and I’ve never worked out or seen a barrier system that I’d be comfortable having a kid sitting next to.

The eDiff would be a nice to have, but again, it was an option and not a lot have it. There’s also an argument that the later D4s don’t need it because of the tweaks made to the traction controls.

I will say though that if you want to drive the family a long way in one day there’s few better ways of doing it than in a D4.

I believe there's a 2016 with most of what you want advertised on here for 53 grand. Not sure if TDV6 or the other. I've got a 2016 TDV6 and had probs. on sand..... then someone said to turn off the DSC as the systems fought each other if you didn't. Worked well after that but those 19" are a problem so will change to 18" rims and tyres once I've worn out the Maxxis 980s which I don't like..... got a thread about them on here.
Couldn't see the point of most of the gadgets on an HSE when I was in the market so went for the bog standard model and find it a great ride and apart from that damn EPB haven't had any problems.
AlanH.

PS. Here's tip.... rock crawl will get you out of a lot of stuff. Saved us at Carawine Gorge in the shale there and van on the back with all the "Built up not bought, lifted and locked" lot looking on hoping I'd get bogged.

I’ve put my D4 through its paces, sure some people have done much tougher stuff but I’ve certainly tested it beyond most and not once has it faulted without having the rear e-diff so unless you are seriously into your off-roading I wouldn’t narrow your focus to only cars with this as there aren’t many.

I personally have a 2.7l 6speed and have never driven the 8 speed so can’t give a comparison but I tow a 3.2T caravan without any dramas whatsoever. So I’m sure the newer version is better but I’d argue it’s definitely not NEEDED.

I have 140k on the clock but assume that is low for its age?!

Originally Posted by Lukeis

I’ve put my D4 through its paces, sure some people have done much tougher stuff but I’ve certainly tested it beyond most and not once has it faulted without having the rear e-diff so unless you are seriously into your off-roading I wouldn’t narrow your focus to only cars with this as there aren’t many.

I personally have a 2.7l 6speed and have never driven the 8 speed so can’t give a comparison but I tow a 3.2T caravan without any dramas whatsoever. So I’m sure the newer version is better but I’d argue it’s definitely not NEEDED.

I have 140k on the clock but assume that is low for its age?!

My 2010 2.7 is 250+K km, and I'm sure there are some with more out there. I've just finished towing a 3.5T block of flats 21K km around the northern half of this country and survived, albeit with a couple of replacement items needed en route

Rear AC was available in other models,mine has it with controls,evaporator coil,in the rear.

It ended up a no cost option,as we had signed up for the vehicle,then they discovered it had it and wanted us to pay extra cost.

No, we said, as its an option we wouldn't want,as the kids had already flown the coop.

Thats fine they said.

FWIW,mine has just clicked over 80 000k's.

IMHO: 3.0l sdv6 in se or hse spec dont matter. Def 8spd if you can find one, but the 6spd is also fine, the ratios have been well sorted, the 8spd gets better economy.

E diffs neither here or there, i wouldn't lose sleep over that if it came down to it.

As long as looked after (read service history available) should be ok.

There is a thread on here about the D4 with a supercharged petrol v6, mated to an 8 spd....that would be my pick...

I owned a 2010 2.7TDV6 no ediff 6 speed at the same time as driving a 2012 pajero for my forestry work with a 2inch lift and cooper stx tyres. The paj was honest but wouldn't hold a candle to the D4 in any single way. Period.
Don't overthink it. Get the price right and you're going to be in love with whatever D4 you end up with.

Thanks for the feedback already.
You're right, that I'm probably overthinking it. I certainly understand the e-diff is not an absolute requirement.
I think the 4 zone aircon to the 3rd rows is a definite for me though, which limits me to a HSE or one of the few base models of SEs' that have chosen that option (very few that I can see). That one for sale for 53k on this site looks very nice but doesn't have the air to the 3rd zone/pillar.

Would anyone be concerned with 185K on the 3.0L motor? If it was a tojo I wouldn't be concerned as they run for 300,400,500K etc but I don't have a feel for the longevity of the Disco 3L.
In 5 years time I would have put another 100K on the clock so a 185K today would be 285K in 5 years time for me.