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Post by michael on May 13, 2019 11:27:51 GMT
Having had the Discovery since September I've now managed to add ten thousand miles to it. This is some achievement considering I work from home with a commute no more than walking downstairs. About three thousand of those miles have been driving to and from Cheshire. The hell that is the M62/M6/M56 cannot be understated. It is utter misery.
The car is very much living up to expectations. I made a conscious decision to never look at fuel consumption before I took delivery so I can't accurately say what it returns. You can collect Clubcard points with Esso and Nectar with BP - I have loads of each.
I really like the car, it never feels too large, for me the size is not an issue. A primary driver for the purchase was the boot and it was money well spent - it's plenty big enough for the dogs and easy enough for them to get in and out of using the dog ramp. I love the driving position, the interior. The handling isn't what it's all about but on the motorway it's superbly comfortable and on more sweeping A roads it's fun in a brutal kind of way. More challenging roads, and at pretty much any speed, it's weight is felt. I cant' say if it 'hauls' until I get a tow hook. The ride is also a bit clumsy on the 20" wheels. The trade off is that I like the way they looks so I can live with that. On the looks, I'm a big fan. I like the black, I like the tinted windows and have used the side steps more than I thought I would. It's not to everyone's taste but then it's not everyone's car.
The technology is a bit on the dated side, the navigation is hopeless and the auto main beam isn't the best - I've had a few angry flashes after it's failed to detect oncoming traffic but all in all it's got a lot of equipment I make use of frequently. I'm enjoying having a sunroof again in particular.
I've yet to make my mind up on the newer model but generally I'm not a fan. Sometimes they look ok but but they're a clumsy looking thing. I think the 3/4 is a far better executed piece of product design, I see a few 5's around and I don't feel the need to change for one at all. I think that's true of many Discovery 4 owners as they seem to be holding onto them. Like many I hope the Defender is more of a return to form for Land Rover.
Here it is still looking magnificent after a clean at the weekend:
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Post by Martin on May 13, 2019 11:33:54 GMT
So, you prefer it to the Volvo?  Sounds ideal for you and pleased you've found something you really like after the disappointing Swedish period. Agree with you on the 5, it hasn't got better with time. |
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Post by michael on May 13, 2019 11:42:50 GMT
The Swedish period is very much behind me. I didn't enjoy that car anything like I'm enjoying this one.
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Post by racingteatray on May 13, 2019 12:21:28 GMT
Sounds good, and proof that you can enjoy yourself in a Discovery without even murdering anyone, no matter what Mr Clarkson might think!
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Post by PG on May 13, 2019 14:20:50 GMT
Really great that it's "the one" for you. Everyone I know who has had a Disco 3/4 says much the same thing - they are perfect for doing what they were bought for and are asked to do. Be that a family vehicle, dog wagon, tow truck, motorway cruiser etc. I think if you do try hauling with it, you'll be very impressed. The RR Classic diesel I had years ago was by far the best tow vehicle we've ever had. With the self levelling suspension and diesel torque, it was all to easy to forget you had a trailer on the back.
The Disco 5 is growing on me. Maybe the shock of the new is wearing off but as I see more of them about, I am starting to like them. I agree they are terribly spec and colour sensitive though. Something that afflicts way too many designs today across all marques.
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Post by Tim on May 13, 2019 14:42:58 GMT
That's much nicer than the new one, no matter how many of those I see my view isn't changing.
I drove a couple of Disco 3s and actually quite liked them for what they were. I think the journalists aren't keen because they're not sporty but then in my experience neither are X5s and the Disco did the relaxed cruising thing much more successfully.
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Post by Boxer6 on May 13, 2019 14:59:19 GMT
Glad you're enjoying it - Herself loved hers, didn't like the big(ger) bills over the 3. Re towing - I presume you'll be getting the plug-in hook? She was extremely dubious about that when she got the 3 at first, but it's just as load-luggingly effective as the fixed towbar and obviously the car looks 100% better when it isn't fitted and there's no ugly metal frame visible underneath. Only thing to watch out for is, the wee plastic cover over the tow-hook 'hole' isn't the best fit. (Actually, you may have lost it already!  ) |
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Post by michael on May 13, 2019 15:05:17 GMT
The haul comment was more of a tongue in cheek thing aimed at a recent Autocar remark on hauling in the context, I think, of moving along quickly. I will be getting the plug in tow bar. The pins on them have a habit of wearing out and dropping off but I think that mainly affects those who tow daily - that won't be me.
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Post by racingteatray on May 13, 2019 15:22:52 GMT
The haul comment was more of a tongue in cheek thing aimed at a recent Autocar remark on hauling in the context, I think, of moving along quickly. I will be getting the plug in tow bar. The pins on them have a habit of wearing out and dropping off but I think that mainly affects those who tow daily - that won't be me. Are you thinking of a small horse-box for the bears dogs? |
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Post by michael on May 13, 2019 15:34:45 GMT
No, they can only safely travel in the car. We're still looking at getting a boat but we may also need a horse box soon for a horse.
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Post by Boxer6 on May 13, 2019 18:54:36 GMT
No, they can only safely travel in the car. We're still looking at getting a boat but we may also need a horse box soon for a horse. The reason Herself got one; towing an Ifor Williams 511 horse trailer! A Disco was the only vehicle she deemed suitable, even though there were/are a number of alternative. I must admit though, in the 4 you barely knew the trailer, with two nags aboard, was even there! |
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Post by Alex on May 15, 2019 11:58:58 GMT
Glad you’re enjoying it Michael, no need to change to the 5 if you don’t need to but if you can stomach the looks (which only those following you need suffer) then the step up in technology will, I suspect, be a rather significant one, but otherwise it sounds like it’s perfect for your needs.
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Post by Roadsterstu on May 16, 2019 18:57:25 GMT
If I needed a full size 4x4 then that shape Disco would be my choice. They still look very good indeed. Glad you are enjoying it after the Volvo experience.
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Post by racingteatray on May 18, 2019 13:06:15 GMT
It definitely matured into a handsome and stately design, especially compared to LR’s rather gauche recent efforts.
Only concern I have is that I know two other couples (both country-dwelling) with similar last of the line Disco 4s and whilst they both love them, they do admit that they’ve both suffered multiple problems with them. On several occasions when we’ve visited either of them, they’ve had a courtesy car in the drive because their Discovery was in for repairs again. That rather puts me off.
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Post by michael on May 18, 2019 17:13:04 GMT
I am unlikely to own it out of warranty as there are trust issues to overcome in this regard. It’s highly likeable, far more so than the current models, but I know when it does go wrong it’ll be expensive.
It had to go in to have the gear selector replaced as the light in the module had failed. The part alone cost £400.
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Post by PG on May 18, 2019 18:03:13 GMT
I am unlikely to own it out of warranty as there are trust issues to overcome in this regard. It’s highly likeable, far more so than the current models, but I know when it does go wrong it’ll be expensive. It had to go in to have the gear selector replaced as the light in the module had failed. The part alone cost £400. It is definitely a car to buy an extended LR warranty on. With that, ownership post warranty (if you keep it that long) should be a lot less painful financially. |
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Post by Martin on May 18, 2019 21:33:37 GMT
That’s the thing that puts me off JLR products, it’s not the cost as I’d always be covered by a warranty, it’s the hassle any issues would cause. I don’t have the patience or the time. In the last 9.5 years of BMW ownership, I’ve covered nearly 270k miles and the only major issue is a Turbo letting go on the 520d at over 110k miles, apart from that not so much as an annoying rattle.
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Post by LandieMark on May 18, 2019 22:15:11 GMT
Glad you're enjoying it. I think they are a superb vehicle. The styling is great too.
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Post by Tim on May 20, 2019 12:14:43 GMT
That’s the thing that puts me off JLR products, it’s not the cost as I’d always be covered by a warranty, it’s the hassle any issues would cause. I don’t have the patience or the time. In the last 9.5 years of BMW ownership, I’ve covered nearly 270k miles and the only major issue is a Turbo letting go on the 520d at over 110k miles, apart from that not so much as an annoying rattle. You need to get into an X5 then that, apparently, will show the other side of BMW ownership. |
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Post by Martin on May 20, 2019 12:26:57 GMT
That’s the thing that puts me off JLR products, it’s not the cost as I’d always be covered by a warranty, it’s the hassle any issues would cause. I don’t have the patience or the time. In the last 9.5 years of BMW ownership, I’ve covered nearly 270k miles and the only major issue is a Turbo letting go on the 520d at over 110k miles, apart from that not so much as an annoying rattle. You need to get into an X5 then that, apparently, will show the other side of BMW ownership. No thanks! |
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Post by Bob Sacamano v2.0 on May 20, 2019 12:42:59 GMT
I like the "Tonka Toy" looks of the 3 & 4 Discoveries but if I have a minor criticism it is that the rear lights on the Discovery 4 look a bit aftermarket "Halfords". I think I preferred those on the Discovery 3.
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Post by michael on Mar 25, 2021 17:15:03 GMT
I thought I'd give a bit of an update on this as I haven't and elsewhere Martin was starting to moan that people don't update on their ownership experiences.
The car continues slot into my life perfectly well. I renewed the warranty in September and since then it has been serviced in January when I was told it'll need the suspension bushings replaced at the front. I'm going to get it booked in to have them all done in a few weeks. As I'm doing mainly short journeys at the moment the fuel consumption is pretty shocking. I don't look at the actual figures but I'm getting around 350 miles from a tank which isn't great. It's needed new wipers and one of the bulbs on the rear plate is a bit temperamental. I also have a concern one of the parking sensors is starting to play up as it occasionally sets off with nothing there. It hasn't done it in a while so might have just been some moisture in the system. Other than that it has been pretty much faultless (touch wood) to run.
Although it does a lot well I am starting to become increasingly irritated by some shortcomings. The brakes are terrible, they always have been. It's not that it won't stop, it's just it takes too long to do it and the pedal feel is unforgivably spongy. I probably drive it harder than I should given what it is, but it's fault not shared with many other cars of its ilk.
The weight in corners is tiring at times. There's a new roundabout on the outskirts of town that is one of those you tend to take faster than others. Physics can very much be felt at play and I have an increasing sympathy for the Captain of the Ever Given when I'm turning.
The touchscreen interface is prehistoric. Not only slow but the features and functions are out of date. I can live with it.
Otherwise all the positives remain. I think it still looks fantastic. It's a successfully resolved piece of product design and although it's dated it still looks like more thought has gone into it than most. Sister-in-law has a new one and it looks a mess in comparison.
It's so damned practical. Most things that I need to carry can be got inside and if they can't they can be attached to the roof. During the recent adverse weather it just got on with it and it never feels like the conditions are too much for it. The size of the car feels right, it is usefully narrow all things considered and it has great visibility so it's very easy to place on the road or off it.
On motorways it remains unfailingly comfortable and a relaxing place to be.
I really, really love the car but and there's not much else I'd want instead. That said if I renew the warranty in September it will be the last time as it is approaching a time to change. The Defender 130, when it is released, could be the perfect car. Until then a Discovery 5 is likely. The other option is to do a Garry and get a shed for practical duties and something more fun to drive as a daily. I do keep looking at Alpina B3 Tourings on Autotrader and wondering if I ought to go for it but then F-Types have been on the radar a while, too.
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Post by Martin on Mar 25, 2021 17:52:46 GMT
It wasn’t a moan but thanks anyway!
Sounds close to ideal and pleased to hear it’s not been troublesome. I don’t know how it compares, but I drove a RR without the anti-roll system and it was way too wallowy. Mine starts to roll, then it’s held and if I want to reduce that initial roll (which I do regularly), then putting it into dynamic mode solves it.
From what I’ve read, the facelift Discovery 5 has been firmed up so it doesn’t roll as much, but that’s at the expense of ride comfort which I don’t think is the right way to go.
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Post by michael on Mar 25, 2021 19:47:25 GMT
I think the facelift is a big improvement looks wise but it's still not the prettiest car. I'd buy a used one anyway to get some of the depreciation out that way.
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Post by chipbutty on Mar 25, 2021 20:12:31 GMT
Defender 110 too small ?
Given the relative plushness of a Disco 5 in the cargo compartment, I would have a Range Rover over a D5. The SDV6 Vogue strikes a nice balance without the buttery elements of the Autobiography
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Post by michael on Mar 25, 2021 21:03:04 GMT
A Defender 110 is too small in the depth of the boot but for height it’s very good. The problem with Range Rovers is that the height in the boot isn’t great and they are so far off the ground. My mother currently has a Sport which I do like but the same issues exist. We probably need to think about smaller dogs.
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Post by racingteatray on Mar 26, 2021 0:53:07 GMT
I assume most dogs are smaller...where did the Newfie love originate from, out of curiosity?
Surely the new Defender was made for you? I do quite like them myself - I've no need for one but I can see the appeal.
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Post by michael on Mar 26, 2021 6:36:21 GMT
Louisa had Newfs when I met her. I’ve always loved big dogs, though. An uncle of mine had Wolf Hounds when I was younger but Newfs really get under your skin. They’re great characters.
A Defender probably is made for me. The issue is the boot is that bit too short even though the Defender is a much larger car than mine. The boot certainly not as large as that on my Discovery but hopefully the 130 will fix that assuming Land Rover build it with a version where the extra overhang does solely go to larger boot space.
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Post by garry on Mar 26, 2021 7:47:19 GMT
I guess it all depends on how much ‘dog motoring’ you do. Do simply need a car to take them to local walking spots or do the dogs go on all sorts of road trips with you? Mine fit into the former, so a banger for them and a nice car for me works. But I can see the appeal of a defender as something up to both jobs,
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Post by chipbutty on Mar 26, 2021 11:25:16 GMT
If you are comparing to Disco 5 - the difference in internal height is less than 1 cm. In relation to the size of the gap between the boot floor and the ground, the Range Rover has a lower standard ride height and drops further in access mode than the D5 does (50 mm vs 40 mm). Access mode can be set up as default when switching off the engine, or you can push a button in the boot to drop the rear.
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