New D4 - options options options

[niobe]

I about to start shopping around, have done some test driving, just wading through the options minefield so I can be clear on what I want.
At this stage it's looking like a HSE+ediff, but hopefully a few specific questions that members can help with.

1) Extended Warranty. Have read through the other threads. One thing I'm not clear on, can you still retain a non-dealer mechanic with the LR extended warranty?

2) Roadside Assistance. I hear this is part of the deal but not sure where it is detailed. Does it obviate the need for RACQ/RACV/NRMA membership?

3) Roof rails. Strangely these are only a factory option on the HSE but can be fitted on any model by the dealer. I won't need these initially but am wondering if it's worth getting done by factory at the beginning rather than fitting later. Or does it depend on the rack whether I even need these?

4) Seat Covers. LR website only mentions front seats but other threads mention rear as well. The LR ones are apparently good quality, do they cover 1st and 2nd row?

5) Rev. Camera vs Parking sensors. Have not seen the sensors demonstrated since I got pushed towards a HSE, but I assume there is some kind of visual indication. Any thoughts on one vs. the other? Pretty keen on the safety aspect of a full camera system given young kids.

6) Audio. I'm a bit of an audiophile anyway but don't expect to much from a car. Having said that is the HK 11spkr a major step up from the base one available in the SE? The fact this must be bundled with a reversing camera is pretty much the only reason I am looking at a HSE rather than SE. By the time you option up the SE you're only a few K away from the next one up.

7) Accessories. Apparently you pay LCT, GST and stamp duty on the accessories as well. Is it better to negotiate these as a separate purchase, or buy from another supplier? Or do ppl just wear it.

8) Body Side Mouldings. Main reason I am interested in these is to stop paint damage from parked cars opening their doors - urban hazard. Will they serve this purpose?

thanks!

[eddomak]

1) Extended Warranty. Have read through the other threads. One thing I'm not clear on, can you still retain a non-dealer mechanic with the LR extended warranty?

Read the T&C's of each warranty, but the general logic is that if it would have been covered by the factory warranty then it would be covered by the extended warranty. Since the factory warranty applies even if a non-dealer services the vehicle (thankyou ACCC!) then the extended warranty would also apply. (BTW, Meaghan Roulstan says she will guarantee the lowest price for Allianz.)

2) Roadside Assistance. I hear this is part of the deal but not sure where it is detailed. Does it obviate the need for RACQ/RACV/NRMA membership?

For me it did - I didn't use NRMA for any of the other benefits.

3) Roof rails. Strangely these are only a factory option on the HSE but can be fitted on any model by the dealer. I won't need these initially but am wondering if it's worth getting done by factory at the beginning rather than fitting later. Or does it depend on the rack whether I even need these?

See your note on paying now vs paying later?

7) Accessories. Apparently you pay LCT, GST and stamp duty on the accessories as well. Is it better to negotiate these as a separate purchase, or buy from another supplier? Or do ppl just wear it.

Check this with your dealer, but sometimes when things are fitted as part of the initial purchase they are covered by the 3 year warranty rather than a 6 month/1 year warranty.

8) Body Side Mouldings. Main reason I am interested in these is to stop paint damage from parked cars opening their doors - urban hazard. Will they serve this purpose?

I don't know about the D4 from personal experience, but when I had a Subaru Outback, the paint on the side mouldings kept coming off when other parked cars opened their doors and would be really noticeable (black rubber under white paint). Since going to the D4 with no mouldings I have had no chips/dents etc?

[outbacktourer]

I have a '10 HSE with eDiff as the only factory ooption/accessory.

1. I think yes but you may need to deal with the underwriter (Allianz) yourself.

2. Yes.

3. I'd buy when you need, see 7/8.

4. No idea sorry, leather is good qulaity though and tough, why bother.

5. Camera is very handy, particularly if you tow.

6. Never had anything else but the Audio is good with the HK but as good as I'd hoped to be honest.

7/8. The pricing of the accessories are a joke and then the tax gets added. I bought floor mats, side mouldings and mud flaps direct from the UK (famousfour) and it was less than half price landed. Then fitted myself, simple handyman exercise.

I have 55K on board now with several outback trips and this is by far the best 4by I've owned, and I've had all the other major brands. Just does everything superbly. I think you will enjoy the added bells and whilstles of the HSE and will get rewarded come trade in time IMHO. Just make sure you get the eDiff, it's a bargain at $1K

[Disco4SE]

Hi niobe,
I have the Disco 4 SE (hence my AULRO name).
At the time of purchase, my extra bits were as follows: -

• e-diff - As it cannot be fitted later...plus, good value for money and better resale.
• Rear Air - Would not go without. A bonus for the rear passengers, let alone the 6th & 7th passengers.
• Auto high beam - For an extra $400.00, its worth it.

I fiited an after market reversing camera which I would not do without.
Also added other stuff, like bullbar, second battery etc etc.

I assume that apart from the e-diff, the other bits that I ordered at time of purchase would be included with the HSE.

Still in sunny Koh Samui.

Cheers, Craig

[Plane Fixer]

I have a 12 SE and have the xenon lights, e-diff, reversing camera with hi-line sound.
All I have put on has been an ARB bar, Lightforce 240 HID and Cooper Zeon LTZ 255/55/19.
I have just come back from a trip to Chambers Pillar and go to Uluru tomorrow. I then come back to Alice via Kings Canyon.
The trip today to the pillar simply confirmed why I bought a D4; comfortable and capable. The e-diff and centre diff locking and unlocking in the sand and the hill decent was seamless and easy. I was simply blown away by the ease of use. The Coopers were excellent and have shown no chipping.
I will update again as we are off to Darwin continuing the trip on the Ghan and coming back to Coffs via the Kimberly and Pilbara in about 8 weeks.
Cheers, Graeme (another one)

[bh78]

Have a 2012 HSE with E-diff, 17 speaker HK plus a couple of other things.

5. Yes visual indication on satnav screen. Both the sensors and camera serve a purpose. Both work well together.

6. I went the 17 speaker setup. It's better than the Subaru McIntosh system and Lexus Levinson system I've had previously. Not sure how it compares to the 11 speaker setup.

[niobe]

Thanks for the info all.

4. No idea sorry, leather is good qulaity though and tough, why bother.

One word: Kids! My toddler can destroy a room in 60 seconds. Leather should be no obstacle.

6. Never had anything else but the Audio is good with the HK but as good as I'd hoped to be honest.

Well that's interesting because I wandered down to the dealer, and it turns out the base (not HK) audio is actually pretty good. Actually it left more of an impression than 11 spkr HK system, though I heard them on different days. Hmm, double-blind test required I think! But since the parking sensors are actually sound only, this pushes me towards the full reversing camera which needs the audio upgrade.

Thanks again for the feedback. I will give the auto high-beam some consideration too.

[TerryO]

Not sure if you can still get the Logic 7 stereo upgrade or if is now maybe called something else, but it is worth every dollar. The sound it makes is excellent and makes driving a great vehicle an even bigger pleasure.

if you live in the country where road lighting is not good then the Adaptive head lights also make a huge difference safety wise. In the city they do nothing.

The cool box is great as well if you are into long trips.

The item I would always get now is a reversing camera, however we tow a decent sized van.

as others have said an e-diff is a must even if it's just for improved resale value later on.

Cheers,
Terry

[Mungus]

Not sure if you can still get the Logic 7 stereo upgrade or if is now maybe called something else, but it is worth every dollar. The sound it makes is excellent and makes driving a great vehicle an even bigger pleasure.

if you live in the country where road lighting is not good then the Adaptive head lights also make a huge difference safety wise. In the city they do nothing.

The cool box is great as well if you are into long trips.

The item I would always get now is a reversing camera, however we tow a decent sized van.

as others have said an e-diff is a must even if it's just for improved resale value later on.

Cheers,
Terry

Logic 7 Surround, 17 speaker, 825w, 'Premium Ice' is still on LR website as an optional upgrade to the 11 speaker, 380w 'High Ice' standard on HSE and used to be listed as an option on Fleetpartners Vehicle lease site, but now they only list a 14 speaker option. Not sure if this reference has any substance? Anyone know if the Logic 7 is still available? OP? Really ****s me the rear entertainent option is $4100. SWMBO insists this is a must for the youngen. Haven't let her know how much it is yet! Don't think i will!

[Stuart02]

The auto high beam rocks, it just works so well.
I just drove a new Pajero with a "premium" sound pack, and it sounded like a tin can on string compared to the standard sound in our D4.
Our toddler's no match for the leather...
The reverse sensors certainly do the job and make judging distance easy. They can't be turned off, tho, which sucks in long grass, and with bike racks etc