Thinking of Buying D4

[davman]

Hello All - I am a very newbie to the forum, so I thank you in advance for your help.
I am thinking of buying a D4SE. The main reason is for towing a 2.5T van.

I suppose what I would like to know is how is the overall reliability issues going with LR these days? I know everyman and his dog has a different opinion on this, but I am sure you all can give me some good insights. I was one of the first owners of a Freelander2 in Victoria, and I reckon it spent about 10% of it's life in the dealership workshop - hence my apprehension at looking at LR again. However the D4SE certainly ticks a lot of boxes.

Also I would be looking at a pretty basic vehicle, what is everyone out there paying for them at the moment? What would be a cracker deal?
Thanks again guys/gals.

[oldsalt]

G'day Davman,
welcome to the forum, I'm fairly new to the Landrover experience myself but so far I love my D3, and for my two cents worth you should buy the 2.7 as you get the smaller wheels (depending on where you are going to take it of course) plus get the e-diff, anyway "go for it" - and you'll find lots and lots of great info here on the forum.

cheers.

[Dingmark Jim]

I had an early petrol V8 D3 and after it was stolen have ordered a new D4, so you an guess my position. The D3 and D4 have almost nothing in common with the Land Rovers of old - they are a blend of Ford (who owned LR at the time of development) and Jaguar (shared the engines). I took my D3, and will take the D4, as solo vehicle to some remote parts of WA and am comfortable doing so again. The reliable by my reconning is as good as anything on the market, and the vehicle capabilities are tops. That said, the D3's and D4's have to be considered as a sophisticated vehicle. Delaying maintenance is likely to cause a very expensive repercussion. It is also best to take a lot of time studying the manuals to understand the systems and more importantly, figure out what not to do to them or with them. Also remember that forum-ites for any particular vehicle are more likely to write when they have a problem than when all is perfect.

[mowog]

I brought my first Land Rover in Jan 2010.

A Discovery 4 3.0L SE. It was a leap of faith even after all the bad news that seems to be more Myth than fact.

Ours was brought as Tow car for our 21' Coromal Van and as a family car it replaced our SY Territory Ghia AWD.

My feelings to date on the D4... Bloody Awesome... The performance from the 3.0L TDV6 is nothing short of amazing. I would never have expected a 2.5t 4WD to nail you into your seat.

Fuel economy... Let me start by saying if your buying a near $100k car I don't why anyone would be overly concerned about it. But on the bright side the economy for its size is pretty good. Around town I average 10L/100. On a recent highway run it dropped to 8L/100.

I don't think you would regret buying a D4.

But its not all roses.... No issues with the car but it would seem some dealers need to remember they are selling a premium product and their service levels should reflect that.

[big guy]

Stop thinking, just do it, possibly best decision you ever make.
Wish I could.

[ADMIRAL]

It would be grossly unfair to compare your experience with the Freelander to what you can expect from a D4. Even the dealers will admit the earlier Freelanders were problem children.

[Disco4SE]

Hi Davman, If you are towing and the occasional off roading, definately go for the 3.0 Deisel. I had the 2.7 deisel D3 and although it was a good tow vehicle, my D4 3.0 is so much better. There are tyre alternatives out there, its just a matter of looking.
Happy discoing, Craig

[davman]

Thanks for the replies guys, much appreciated - KEEP THEM COMING PLS. A few comments to date. My Freelander2 experience has left a bad taste in my mouth. I realise the earlier Freelanders were really bad, but by all accounts the Freelander2 was meant to be better - mine wasn't. I hope that quality has improved markedly since 3 years ago.
Also I know it's a bit rude to ask, but what are people really paying for their D4's?

[mowog]

Also I know it's a bit rude to ask, but what are people really paying for their D4's?

That is a how long is a piece of string question...

How about between $80K-$140k

[ADMIRAL]

The tax has gone down slightlyfrom Jan 1 2010. If the dealer is keen, you should be able to pick up a base 2.7, 5 seater for around $75.000 on the road now. I think the 3.0 litre is another 7 or 8 grand.

Go for the ediff whatever you get. I have the xenon lights, but if you intend fitting a bullbar with spots, you have more choice. ( and better lights )