Land Rover Discovery 4 HSE
Discussion
So after a year and a half of being distinctly underwhelmed by my Aston Martin V8 Vantage it was time for a change. I have always liked the shape of the Discovery 4 and now circumstances dictate a practical car again it seemed as good a time as any. I would perhaps have taken the plunge sooner but held out to see what the Discovery 5 was like. I needn't have waited, IMO the 4 looks far superior.
I considered brand new but actually prefer the less bling styling of the pre-facelift version and this would also reduce depreciation. There was a minor facelift in 2012 which introduced an eight speed gearbox and a more powerful engine. I also wanted an HSE for the spec and I think they look great in silver so the hunt was on!
I picked this one up on Christmas Eve after a bit of a search. It's a one owner 2012 HSE with 65,000 miles and full LR service history. In addition to the already loaded HSE spec it also has an inbuilt fridge, heated steering wheel, auxiliary heater, privacy glass and tow bar. First impressions are great. The car is immaculate and has clearly been looked after. The driving experience is obviously completely different to the Aston but very relaxing with a surprising turn of speed (in a straight line!). My only plans are to remove the ugly side steps and try to keep it in great condition as I think it'll be a keeper.
I only have dealer photos so far:
I considered brand new but actually prefer the less bling styling of the pre-facelift version and this would also reduce depreciation. There was a minor facelift in 2012 which introduced an eight speed gearbox and a more powerful engine. I also wanted an HSE for the spec and I think they look great in silver so the hunt was on!
I picked this one up on Christmas Eve after a bit of a search. It's a one owner 2012 HSE with 65,000 miles and full LR service history. In addition to the already loaded HSE spec it also has an inbuilt fridge, heated steering wheel, auxiliary heater, privacy glass and tow bar. First impressions are great. The car is immaculate and has clearly been looked after. The driving experience is obviously completely different to the Aston but very relaxing with a surprising turn of speed (in a straight line!). My only plans are to remove the ugly side steps and try to keep it in great condition as I think it'll be a keeper.
I only have dealer photos so far:
Great car these, I have done many miles in them, very comfortable and great for long distance...and the most practical vehicle out there. Must be a bit of a step change from the AMV8 but hope your enjoying it. The new model has yet to grow on me but I have yet to see it in the flesh so I could change my mind, the run out Disco4 was on my list but but the time I spec'd it (Landmark) I was not far Vogue money, so I went for this instead.
JD
JD
I have a Discovery III purchased 11k miles, 11 months old in 2008. Now with 120k miles on her she is still like getting into a friend. I plan to do 200k before finding the last Discovery 4 made to replace her.
I do a lot of towing, even above the max allowed on occasion (naughty, I know), including a RR Phantom III from the south of France to home. She has been to Denmark and Jersey too.
The fold away tow bar is not suitable for regular big loads. Land Rover do (did) a heavy duty tow bar with a ball and jaw which is a permanent fit (doesn't fold away).
Mine is used as a farm vehicle and is not treated too well. It is still used for a 150 mile trip to the beach with the family and dogs and I would jump in tomorrow and go to south of France again.
Brilliant cars.
I do a lot of towing, even above the max allowed on occasion (naughty, I know), including a RR Phantom III from the south of France to home. She has been to Denmark and Jersey too.
The fold away tow bar is not suitable for regular big loads. Land Rover do (did) a heavy duty tow bar with a ball and jaw which is a permanent fit (doesn't fold away).
Mine is used as a farm vehicle and is not treated too well. It is still used for a 150 mile trip to the beach with the family and dogs and I would jump in tomorrow and go to south of France again.
Brilliant cars.
Thanks for the comments. I didn't realise that the factory tow bar was so dodgy, good to know thanks. I really love this car so far: it seems really well designed and such a nice thing to be driving around in. I have just set the heater to come on before my commute in the morning so looking forward to it being toasty when I get in!
Time to update this thread after eight months. This car is completely different to most of my previous daily drivers but I love it without reservations. As a tool to use on a daily basis I cannot think of anything better. It's comfortable, quiet, extremely practical, very easy and relaxing to drive and (so far) completely reliable. I actually look forward to driving it to work each morning which is really saying something!
Purchases so far include four tyres (Pirelli Scorpian ATRs) and a full service at the local dealer. Fortunately the dealer gave it a clean bill of health.
We have used it lots travelling around the UK and last weekend took it to Northumberland on the Kielder Forest 4x4 Safari. Great fun and highly recommended, pictures below. Next up is a holiday in September to the Greek Islands via the Alps and Italy. Wish me luck!
Purchases so far include four tyres (Pirelli Scorpian ATRs) and a full service at the local dealer. Fortunately the dealer gave it a clean bill of health.
We have used it lots travelling around the UK and last weekend took it to Northumberland on the Kielder Forest 4x4 Safari. Great fun and highly recommended, pictures below. Next up is a holiday in September to the Greek Islands via the Alps and Italy. Wish me luck!
Storer said:
I have a Discovery III purchased 11k miles, 11 months old in 2008. Now with 120k miles on her she is still like getting into a friend. I plan to do 200k before finding the last Discovery 4 made to replace her.
I do a lot of towing, even above the max allowed on occasion (naughty, I know), including a RR Phantom III from the south of France to home. She has been to Denmark and Jersey too.
The fold away tow bar is not suitable for regular big loads. Land Rover do (did) a heavy duty tow bar with a ball and jaw which is a permanent fit (doesn't fold away).
Mine is used as a farm vehicle and is not treated too well. It is still used for a 150 mile trip to the beach with the family and dogs and I would jump in tomorrow and go to south of France again.
Brilliant cars.
I bought a 2009 hse v8 6 months ago at 85000kms and have put 10k on it since. Agree with everything you said including already planning its lr4 replacement. I do a lot of towing, even above the max allowed on occasion (naughty, I know), including a RR Phantom III from the south of France to home. She has been to Denmark and Jersey too.
The fold away tow bar is not suitable for regular big loads. Land Rover do (did) a heavy duty tow bar with a ball and jaw which is a permanent fit (doesn't fold away).
Mine is used as a farm vehicle and is not treated too well. It is still used for a 150 mile trip to the beach with the family and dogs and I would jump in tomorrow and go to south of France again.
Brilliant cars.
I do think the removable towbar issues are more to do with uk weather. Same with the electrics. Mine has a cracked dash from the summer heat but all the usual trauma spots look factory fresh.
As for the OP you clearly have excellent taste with Zambezi silver!
Only just seen this thread, OP it looks like you had the same thoughts as me but a month apart.
Sadly my circumstances changed and I bought a Golf R Wagon (long story). I still hanker after a post facelift / 8 speed Disco 4 and would have one over many, many more PH cars as well as the Disco 5
Sadly my circumstances changed and I bought a Golf R Wagon (long story). I still hanker after a post facelift / 8 speed Disco 4 and would have one over many, many more PH cars as well as the Disco 5
My Zambezi Silver III (is there a trend here) currently has all rear seats folded down and is full of my tools/building gear with 2 cwt of steel bar in the front passenger footwell. It is my mobile workshop/kit waggon!!
Only doing 23 mpg due to short trips and lots of off-roading on site.
Washed about 3 times a year, if it needs it or not!
It might have to be the first vehicle to receive some TLC in my new workshop (planning permission received today
). I have already started moving dirt for the foundations.
Only doing 23 mpg due to short trips and lots of off-roading on site.
Washed about 3 times a year, if it needs it or not!
It might have to be the first vehicle to receive some TLC in my new workshop (planning permission received today
). I have already started moving dirt for the foundations.Storer said:
I have a Discovery III purchased 11k miles, 11 months old in 2008. Now with 120k miles on her she is still like getting into a friend. I plan to do 200k before finding the last Discovery 4 made to replace her.
I do a lot of towing, even above the max allowed on occasion (naughty, I know), including a RR Phantom III from the south of France to home. She has been to Denmark and Jersey too.
The fold away tow bar is not suitable for regular big loads. Land Rover do (did) a heavy duty tow bar with a ball and jaw which is a permanent fit (doesn't fold away).
Mine is used as a farm vehicle and is not treated too well. It is still used for a 150 mile trip to the beach with the family and dogs and I would jump in tomorrow and go to south of France again.
Brilliant cars.
How much did the Phantom III weigh out of interest? I have done a quick google search and it suggested 3500kg with body on. The towing limit of a discovery is 3500kg so you've got that without the weight of a trailer.I do a lot of towing, even above the max allowed on occasion (naughty, I know), including a RR Phantom III from the south of France to home. She has been to Denmark and Jersey too.
The fold away tow bar is not suitable for regular big loads. Land Rover do (did) a heavy duty tow bar with a ball and jaw which is a permanent fit (doesn't fold away).
Mine is used as a farm vehicle and is not treated too well. It is still used for a 150 mile trip to the beach with the family and dogs and I would jump in tomorrow and go to south of France again.
Brilliant cars.
Cheers all. Yes, I agree that silver looks great on these, especially with privacy glass in my opinion. Disco 4 only came with the TDV6 or SDV6 in the UK. A petrol V8 was available in some markets, unfortunately not the UK. The TDV8 was never available. To be honest the SDV6 is not lacking: it goes great with the 8 speed auto. I agree that the driving style is completely different to a normal car: just sit back, relax and make progress. It's actually a great mile-eater and covers ground really well.
Yes, the Greek Islands... The idea is to head down to Chamonix, the Amalfi Coast, ferry from Brindisi to Greece, Athens, some islands and head back via Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary but we'll see what happens!
Yes, the Greek Islands... The idea is to head down to Chamonix, the Amalfi Coast, ferry from Brindisi to Greece, Athens, some islands and head back via Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary but we'll see what happens!
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