New Discovery 4
Discussion
Hi all, just really after general views from the masses on what you all generally think of this decision.
I currently have an E92 BMW M3 comp pack, which I have to say I absolutely love to bits. However, I don't take it on track and now in my 40th year, I don't (mostly) drive like a tit on the road. This means that as much as I love the looks, handling and go of the M3, plus the howling induction noise as it winds round to nearly 8.5k rpm, it's just feeling a little pointless to own on UK roads now.
I've loved the Disco 4 for some time now (would prefer a FFRR but out of my budget) and so am very nearly ready to swap the M3 for a Disco. I'm well aware of the issues on the Disco, the dated tech and the fact there's a new model due out next year, but after having had one on hire in Scotland this year, I liked the comfort, practicality the Disco offered.
We'll be keeping the TVR so still have a fun car in the family.
Guess I'm really just after opinions on whether I should make the change or not!
Cheers
I currently have an E92 BMW M3 comp pack, which I have to say I absolutely love to bits. However, I don't take it on track and now in my 40th year, I don't (mostly) drive like a tit on the road. This means that as much as I love the looks, handling and go of the M3, plus the howling induction noise as it winds round to nearly 8.5k rpm, it's just feeling a little pointless to own on UK roads now.
I've loved the Disco 4 for some time now (would prefer a FFRR but out of my budget) and so am very nearly ready to swap the M3 for a Disco. I'm well aware of the issues on the Disco, the dated tech and the fact there's a new model due out next year, but after having had one on hire in Scotland this year, I liked the comfort, practicality the Disco offered.
We'll be keeping the TVR so still have a fun car in the family.
Guess I'm really just after opinions on whether I should make the change or not!
Cheers
Having owned a Disco 4 for 6 months now I'd say do it - yes, the in-car tech is a bit outdated when compared to the latest systems from BMW / Audi etc (the sat nav route logic is particularly hopeless), but it's a brilliant all-rounder that makes every journey* a genuine pleasure. There's something about the weight that makes it so planted and dependable that the new model will have to go some if it's not to lose the Tonka-toy appeal of the D4.
- except those occasions when you want to get up early in the morning and go for a drive just for the hell of it... so keep a couple of grand in the kitty for a weekend toy!
Are you looking at new or used??
If you're looking at used, as a half way house... Have you had a look at previous RRS? It's the same chassis as the D4 (just 6" shorter) but has better on-road manners. It also comes with a couple more engine options, depending on the year.
However, if you're looking at new... Yep, go for it. The Disco 4 is a very hard car to beat for its comfort, practicality, versatility, blah, blah...
M
If you're looking at used, as a half way house... Have you had a look at previous RRS? It's the same chassis as the D4 (just 6" shorter) but has better on-road manners. It also comes with a couple more engine options, depending on the year.
However, if you're looking at new... Yep, go for it. The Disco 4 is a very hard car to beat for its comfort, practicality, versatility, blah, blah...
M
I have a D4 HSE Lux on long term loan at the mo. I love the SDV6 engine hooked up with the silky auto. It has huge presence and still looks pretty cool. The interior is fine, practical and comfy, the ride is great, but....
It is HUGE and aside the boot with the extra row of seats, the cabin is quite small compared with our previous car, the new DiscoSport. Most of the space is above you!
It is ancient, I owned a 2008MY years ago and still she soldiers on.
It is thirsty, but my main discontent is that it is such a heavy car, it is hard work to drive on anything other than a motorway. It takes huge stopping power and effort (brakes are excellent, but getting that mass up to speed and back again is tiresome)
So the honeymoon is over and I wouldn't buy one, purely on dynamics and everyday liveability. Kinda leaves me stuck......
I am concerned for the future of the 'LR' product. The new stuff is focused too much on cost and the old school stuff apears better built. Agree with earlier post the 'old' RRS is a better car. Have you considered the new RRS as a new D4 is nealry £60k loaded.
It is HUGE and aside the boot with the extra row of seats, the cabin is quite small compared with our previous car, the new DiscoSport. Most of the space is above you!
It is ancient, I owned a 2008MY years ago and still she soldiers on.
It is thirsty, but my main discontent is that it is such a heavy car, it is hard work to drive on anything other than a motorway. It takes huge stopping power and effort (brakes are excellent, but getting that mass up to speed and back again is tiresome)
So the honeymoon is over and I wouldn't buy one, purely on dynamics and everyday liveability. Kinda leaves me stuck......
I am concerned for the future of the 'LR' product. The new stuff is focused too much on cost and the old school stuff apears better built. Agree with earlier post the 'old' RRS is a better car. Have you considered the new RRS as a new D4 is nealry £60k loaded.
Triple7 said:
It is HUGE and aside the boot with the extra row of seats, the cabin is quite small compared with our previous car, the new DiscoSport. Most of the space is above you!
Really?! I've had a Discovery Sport (and Evoque) on loan and the overriding feeling from it was that it's far too small inside. It felt like I was sat in something like a Focus or other average sized hatchback and wasn't even close to being as large as a proper Disco inside, not by a long stretch. Sat in the rear seat of a Disco Sport my shoulders and arms are halfway across the middle seat, they're certainly not like that in a D3/D4. I genuinely can't think of a car that is quite as cavernous inside as a Discovery (apart from the huge Toyota Lancruiser thing).I'd agree with you on the driving dynamics though...
Thanks for your replies, it's been really helpful.
I managed to get a good deal on a new Disco 4 Landmark edition which I hope to pick up next weekend. I'm looking forward to it though it's very different to anything I've had before. I will miss the BMW a bit but it's time for something different.
We've still got the TVR for a weekend toy.
I managed to get a good deal on a new Disco 4 Landmark edition which I hope to pick up next weekend. I'm looking forward to it though it's very different to anything I've had before. I will miss the BMW a bit but it's time for something different.
We've still got the TVR for a weekend toy.
I thought I'd grown to old for enjoying 'relatively' quick and fun to drive cars.
I moved to a Disco 4 last Jan as I thought it would be the sort of car which was fun in different ways. It was, I kept it for 12 months but knew I'd fell out of love with it around 6 months in.
It was a decent enough cruiser, good road position etc, but dynamically I always struggled with it.
Just moved back to a car type vehicle and haven't regretted it, but have enjoyed having the proper turn of speed again for both A roads and manoeuvres on to motorways etc.
I moved to a Disco 4 last Jan as I thought it would be the sort of car which was fun in different ways. It was, I kept it for 12 months but knew I'd fell out of love with it around 6 months in.
It was a decent enough cruiser, good road position etc, but dynamically I always struggled with it.
Just moved back to a car type vehicle and haven't regretted it, but have enjoyed having the proper turn of speed again for both A roads and manoeuvres on to motorways etc.
The SDV6 with the 8spd auto is capable of a decent turn of speed once off the line. I never feel like I'd want more power in it because the handling and the brakes just wouldn't keep up. It;s a fantastic vehicle and I love mine. Never feels huge because its a box so easy to place when parking. Actually a couple of inches shorter than my E61 5 series touring was. Does 30 to 32 on a 85mph run. Seats never get uncomfortable. Been all over Europe in ours and 30 miles in It's everything I hoped it would be. Also tows the boat like it's not there and the up/down suspension is magic if you do tow.
I have a Disco 4 and I absolutely love it, and I can't agree with the negative comments about its dynamics. Ok, it is NOT a sports car ( I have a mid engined Porsche for that) but driven well and sensitively it can progress along a B road at an good clip.
It is a very heavy car with a high centre of gravity which requires smoothness and anticipation; it teaches you all about weight transfer and actually makes you a better driver for it. Most modern cars are so forgiving that you can just throw them around and they'll cope with it but the Disco repays concentration, plan your line - the superb visibility helps here, there are some roads where you can go fast safely in the Disco than you can in a low sports car simply because you can see better- and be smooth and it is satisfying to get it right. It's like having Jackie Stewart's ball in a dish on the bonnet all the time.
Try to drive a Disco as if it were a hot hatch and it will be horrible, it's not a car for hooligans.
Enjoy the Disco for what it is and it is a very satisfying vehicle indeed, and off course don't fail to take it off the Tarmac from time to time when it will be truly excellent.
It is a very heavy car with a high centre of gravity which requires smoothness and anticipation; it teaches you all about weight transfer and actually makes you a better driver for it. Most modern cars are so forgiving that you can just throw them around and they'll cope with it but the Disco repays concentration, plan your line - the superb visibility helps here, there are some roads where you can go fast safely in the Disco than you can in a low sports car simply because you can see better- and be smooth and it is satisfying to get it right. It's like having Jackie Stewart's ball in a dish on the bonnet all the time.
Try to drive a Disco as if it were a hot hatch and it will be horrible, it's not a car for hooligans.
Enjoy the Disco for what it is and it is a very satisfying vehicle indeed, and off course don't fail to take it off the Tarmac from time to time when it will be truly excellent.
I used one of these a couple of years ago as a hire car and although I haven't really owned any particularly sporty cars I like to put my foot down on open roads and enjoy hustling down country lanes.
I drove it from Berwick to Duns and had a great time throwing it around. you have to accept it isn't a sports car and requires settling into corners and resisting too sudden an input but the air suspension keeps it level.
I drove it from Berwick to Duns and had a great time throwing it around. you have to accept it isn't a sports car and requires settling into corners and resisting too sudden an input but the air suspension keeps it level.
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