L405 v Disco 4

[SDarks]

I am looking for my next winter hack/ do it all car and keep coming back to higher millage L405 Range Rovers specifically the 4.4 Vogue SE model. Then I saw a good looking Discovery 4 HSE luxury and started looking on auto trader, prices for these cars are pretty similar at around 24-28k.

I like the range rover for the luxury feel and the engine but I like the discovery for the practicality and understated classless nature of it.

Has anyone owned both that would care to comment on which they prefer ?

The other car I have considered is a Cayenne as a previous Porsche owner and fan boy but prices have gone bonkers on them and can’t bring myself to pay the extra.

Notes: will be doing a couple of continental trips to alps over the winter and 7 seats are not a necessity. I have been passenger in both cars in the past but never driven ether.

[shiversaint]

The L405 is pretty posh for a winter hack, but admittedly it will likely do everything that you need and far more, and will certainly be more comfortable for long road trips. Fuel economy wise, not much in it. The SDV8 is a strong, reliable power unit with surprising economy.

I have a L405 SDV8, and I've spent lots of time in Disco 4s...I wouldn't consider the latter for a moment unless you're doing pretty rugged off roading 50% of the time or more.

Late Disco 4s are pretty comfortable admittedly, early ones rubbish and have weak engines+transmissions on all fronts.

[ZX10R NIN]

As above L405 with the SDV8.

[Walter Sobchak]

L405 with the V8 diesel, I really like the D4 too but it has the potentially ruinous 3 litre V6 Diesel engine and an L405 is a fresher design and a nicer place to be.

[SDarks]

Thanks for reply’s, sounds like the FF is the way to go. May do a readers car post once i find the one.

Cheers!

[anonymous-user]

Walter Sobchak said:

L405 with the V8 diesel, I really like the D4 too but it has the potentially ruinous 3 litre V6 Diesel engine and an L405 is a fresher design and a nicer place to be.

Albeit less practical and more of an image issue. The D4 was derived from the D3 so more reliable as it was at the end of its 10 year life by 2015. Nothing wrong with the SDV6, misinformed people are confusing it with the earlier 2.7, with the weak cranks.

I would also consider a 2012 L322 RR in your position OP.

[Walter Sobchak]

wormus said:

Albeit less practical and more of an image issue. The D4 was derived from the D3 so more reliable as it was at the end of its 10 year life by 2015. Nothing wrong with the SDV6, misinformed people are confusing it with the earlier 2.7, with the weak cranks.

I would also consider a 2012 L322 RR in your position OP.

The crank issue is also really well known on the 3 litre engine,LR have had issues with them in the L405 and Sport too.
I know not all of them do it and to actually drive I think the SDV6 is great, just personally I’d be put off by the potential of failure.

[Sidekickwilson]

I had a Disco 3 and then one of the last 4’s over 12 years. Both cars were great and both were totally reliable. The only things that went wrong were door actuators and an air bag cover on the D3 (not the airbag). Brilliant family transport. The common theme would be keep away from LR dealers if you can as they’re shocking. I had to use the small claims court for damage done to the Disco 4 during warranty work. I’d also say I was always a little worried about engine failure. I believe the 2.7 and 3.0 are both at risk and the trouble is it appears to be a total lottery and once gone it’s a new engine or one from a written off car. Both would be very expensive. Pop up gearbox cars (from 2012?) are a lot nicer. I don’t have a LR now and do miss them but not their dealers or the nagging worry about my engine going pop (it’s a design fault).