Land Rover Discovery 4 HSE

Land Rover Discovery 4 HSE

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Discussion

anomaly

Original Poster:

459 posts

172 months

Friday 11th October 2019
quotequote all
Thanks all. I stumbled on the rally by chance and thought it such an awesome opportunity that I couldn't resist.

I'm thinking of getting Nene Overland to give it the once over nearer the time as they seem quite experienced in this type of thing. Steel wheels are almost impossible to get for the D4 due to the size of the brakes as is anything less than 19" wheels so I'll stick with the stock wheels. I'm currently running Goodyear Duratracs which I really like so I'll stick with these too.

I've bought an iid tool which I'm learning how to use! So far I'm experimenting with suspension height: currently running a 3cm lift and have installed 30mm hub-centric spacers. This gives improved clearance and more stability too. May return it to stock before the trip though.

vdn

8,905 posts

202 months

Friday 11th October 2019
quotequote all
anomaly said:
Thanks all. I stumbled on the rally by chance and thought it such an awesome opportunity that I couldn't resist.

I'm thinking of getting Nene Overland to give it the once over nearer the time as they seem quite experienced in this type of thing. Steel wheels are almost impossible to get for the D4 due to the size of the brakes as is anything less than 19" wheels so I'll stick with the stock wheels. I'm currently running Goodyear Duratracs which I really like so I'll stick with these too.

I've bought an iid tool which I'm learning how to use! So far I'm experimenting with suspension height: currently running a 3cm lift and have installed 30mm hub-centric spacers. This gives improved clearance and more stability too. May return it to stock before the trip though.
Nice one! Keep this thread updated with pics!

anomaly

Original Poster:

459 posts

172 months

Thursday 5th December 2019
quotequote all
It hasn't been a good week for the Disco. It went into the dealer today as it has gone into "restricted performance" mode. Apparently one of the inlet manifolds is cracked - a known issue with these engines it seems. They are approaching Land Rover for a good will gesture but don't hold out much hope given the age of the car.

To top it off they asked if I knew that my spare wheel was missing! I didn't. Some thieving scrote has nicked it. Again, apparently another known issue as they're very easy to remove from under the car by cutting the cable that it's suspended from. It was a brand new Pirelli too...

miniman

24,826 posts

261 months

Thursday 5th December 2019
quotequote all
I’ve just collected your Disco’s twin brother thumbup


anomaly

Original Poster:

459 posts

172 months

Friday 6th December 2019
quotequote all
miniman said:
I’ve just collected your Disco’s twin brother thumbup
Looks good. Enjoying it so far?

miniman

24,826 posts

261 months

Friday 6th December 2019
quotequote all
anomaly said:
miniman said:
I’ve just collected your Disco’s twin brother thumbup
Looks good. Enjoying it so far?
Absolutely! Doing a few bits and bobs like mats, boot protector, wipers, new Start / Stop button, key shell, just because I’m a bit OCD about new (to me) cars.

anomaly

Original Poster:

459 posts

172 months

Friday 6th December 2019
quotequote all
miniman said:
Absolutely! Doing a few bits and bobs like mats, boot protector, wipers, new Start / Stop button, key shell, just because I’m a bit OCD about new (to me) cars.
Ha! I did all of these too. Replacements make it feel much more like a new car.

vdn

8,905 posts

202 months

Friday 6th December 2019
quotequote all
anomaly said:
It hasn't been a good week for the Disco. It went into the dealer today as it has gone into "restricted performance" mode. Apparently one of the inlet manifolds is cracked - a known issue with these engines it seems. They are approaching Land Rover for a good will gesture but don't hold out much hope given the age of the car.

To top it off they asked if I knew that my spare wheel was missing! I didn't. Some thieving scrote has nicked it. Again, apparently another known issue as they're very easy to remove from under the car by cutting the cable that it's suspended from. It was a brand new Pirelli too...
Yes; the spares get nicked - you need this:
https://www.4x4overlander.com/product/anti-theft-d...

Half the Disoc’s on the road have one of these on!

Storer

5,024 posts

214 months

Friday 6th December 2019
quotequote all
My Discovery 3 is now 12.5 years old and has covered 150k hard miles. Towing 3.5t (or more) on and off road. A lot of stop/start short journeys. Some fast motorway (relatively little). Rear 6/7 seats never used. 3,4&5 seats seldom used and down most of the time to make a work van.

So not a Chelsea Tractor!

It has needed a bit of TLC this autumn before MOT.

New prop shaft (mid rubber bearing shot)
Both rear upper wishbones (bushes shot)
Spare wheel winch
Complete set of new rear brake pipes.
New k/s rear ABS sensor cable.
It had new air suspension compressor and front air springs in the spring.

All but the brake pipes fitted by myself. A spend of about £2k on parts + £500 on the brake pipe fitting +VAT.

Might seem a lot, but I am happy.

I have had it 11.5 years (it was 11months old when I purchased it). Depreciation has been about £18k in those 11.5 years.

I have serviced it myself since 25k miles. It is the best all round car I have ever owned.
I love driving it. Relatively quiet, comfortable, smooth ride, great off-road, accomplished tow car, planted, reassuring.

It is washed about 3 times a year outside, once inside. It has never been waxed, so you could say it is a bit neglected. I paid to respray scratches caused by a snowy slide into a barbed wire fence (my stupid fault).

I want it to last another 50k miles, at which time I will buy an electric 4x4 replacement.

I have other vehicles but my Discovery 3 is an old friend!

miniman

24,826 posts

261 months

Sunday 8th December 2019
quotequote all
First long (ish - 110 miles) run today. Averaged 30mpg on the computer which was better than expected. Very relaxed cruising at 75 doing 1500rpm. Bum warmers on, happy days.

anomaly

Original Poster:

459 posts

172 months

Wednesday 11th December 2019
quotequote all
Inlet manifold replaced now and Land Rover contributed £500 to the cost so I'm happy enough with that. It's nice to have it back after the Evoque loan car.

anomaly

Original Poster:

459 posts

172 months

Wednesday 11th December 2019
quotequote all
In other news, I've just bought a Front Runner roof rack like this for our African adventure:

miniman

24,826 posts

261 months

Wednesday 11th December 2019
quotequote all
miniman said:
First long (ish - 110 miles) run today. Averaged 30mpg on the computer which was better than expected. Very relaxed cruising at 75 doing 1500rpm. Bum warmers on, happy days.
Sadly engine failed on Monday. Awaiting diagnosis but suspect crank again which points to a shoddy repair. Aiming to hand back for refund.

anomaly

Original Poster:

459 posts

172 months

Wednesday 11th December 2019
quotequote all
miniman said:
Sadly engine failed on Monday. Awaiting diagnosis but suspect crank again which points to a shoddy repair. Aiming to hand back for refund.
No way, so sorry. Has the crank gone on it before?

vdn

8,905 posts

202 months

Wednesday 11th December 2019
quotequote all
They are hit or miss. If you get a good’un; they will just go on and on. But get a lemon and it can be a never ending pit of money.

miniman

24,826 posts

261 months

Wednesday 11th December 2019
quotequote all
anomaly said:
No way, so sorry. Has the crank gone on it before?
Yep, dealer had it done after it failed on previous customer.

anomaly

Original Poster:

459 posts

172 months

Thursday 12th December 2019
quotequote all
miniman said:
Yep, dealer had it done after it failed on previous customer.
My understanding is that a failed crank means it needs a new engine, no?

miniman

24,826 posts

261 months

Thursday 12th December 2019
quotequote all
anomaly said:
miniman said:
Yep, dealer had it done after it failed on previous customer.
My understanding is that a failed crank means it needs a new engine, no?
Haven't got the invoice in front of me but it was a bottom end rebuild.

anomaly

Original Poster:

459 posts

172 months

Wednesday 12th February 2020
quotequote all
Well there's no going back now. The car is booked in a container from Felixtowe to Cape Town on 30th May!

alfabeat

1,102 posts

111 months

Saturday 22nd February 2020
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Excellent. Any updates on the modifications done in prep for the trip?

My D4 is an early one (59 plate). Tows every other day, school run, work trips, family camping holidays, trips to the continent etc

We love it. Such a superb all round vehicle.