Member Since: 13 Sep 2016
Location: Warlingham, Surrey
Posts: 139
Looking to buy a D4
Hello!
As the title says, looking to buy a D4 (upgrading from a D2). I had the chance to buy an ex-demo HSE with all the toys ata good price last year but the guy sold it out from underneath me!!
Not fussed about too many toys (heated steering wheels etc) but a few (rear view camera, heated front screen) would be nice!
I've seen a 2012 plate GS in my local Main Stealer that has a few extras....19" wheels, rear view camera, sunroofs, extended roof rails. No Sat Nav but then I've heard the LR system isn't great (?) so again, not fussed. Only 38K on the clock. Looks good on the website but not seen it in the flesh yet.
I was wondering, what's the main difference between the gearboxes with the stick and the rotary thing? is one 6 speed and the other 8? Is there a noticeable difference when driving? I know the GS the base level (my D2 is a GS but they are worlds apart!) but I see no need to pay for things I won't use.
12th May 2017 1:32 pm
LaserTam
Member Since: 31 Aug 2015
Location: Essex
Posts: 828
Welcome.
Yes stick is 6 speed, dial is 8. Personally, I have only driven the 8 speed, which came in 2012 (or late 2011 registered cars like mine). I read up on the differences when I was buying, although some differing views, I think generally most will recommend going for 8 speed if budgets allow. Much smoother delivery apparently.
Keep an eye on here for cars for sale, you won't pay the dealer premium and put the difference towards buying a warranty - if that's your driver for buying from a dealer. That's exactly what I did, no regrets.
LR sat nav in my MY12 isn't the best but I get by when I need it.MY2012 D4 HSE Nara Bronze with some extra stuff
12th May 2017 1:44 pm
disco5
Member Since: 23 Dec 2012
Location: birmingham
Posts: 1088
Got 11 plate commercial in fuji white sub 70 k miles sdv6 loads extras ?? any good
12th May 2017 3:36 pm
Red Merle
Member Since: 30 Aug 2014
Location: Liskeard
Posts: 7438
Forget about standard fit satnav. I have a very late D4 and I still don't use the standard satnav, a decent Garmin is a lot better!
12th May 2017 4:07 pm
Gazellio
Member Since: 09 Jan 2011
Location: Chilterns
Posts: 4130
This is a beauty and requires zero spend for at least a year...
Member Since: 15 Nov 2008
Location: orpington
Posts: 188
That looks like a very nice car.
13th May 2017 2:42 pm
Gazellio
Member Since: 09 Jan 2011
Location: Chilterns
Posts: 4130
Thanks
13th May 2017 3:28 pm
Pedros
Member Since: 25 Jun 2011
Location: Cumbria
Posts: 454
I've got a 6 speed stick job, but have driven the 8 speed knobs. The 8 speed is definitely better and indeed those engines have around 10HP more. But fear not if you get a 6 speed, they are excellent, just not as excellent as the later ones. From memory, I think you only got a rear view camera with the HSE, although it was an optional extra on the other trim level models.
As for the satnav, it does a job, but upgrades are either not available after a certain date or expensive dealer jobs depending on what year you get. So, yes, better than chocolate fireguards, but if you rely on satnav a lot, Tomtom or Garmin are your friend.
In general, look for a full service history and an extended warranty is no bad thing.
13th May 2017 3:32 pm
Gazellio
Member Since: 09 Jan 2011
Location: Chilterns
Posts: 4130
RE SAT NAV I find the LR system fine for most journeys but lacking when traffic management and re routing is concerned. I sometimes us a combo of D4 Sat Nav and my dash mounted smartphone (s7) with google maps which is amazing for traffic/delay management and re-routing the traffic info is pretty much live and colour coded.
For the easy dash mount of smartphone I use the brilliant magnetic air vent method with magnetised charge cable which can be semi permanently tucked in/routed to area:
Member Since: 13 Sep 2016
Location: Warlingham, Surrey
Posts: 139
So.....went to look at the D4 GS (you are correct Pedros, rear view camera on HSE, no GS). Looked good and drove nicely.
Quick question......it has no tow bar at present. Are the electrics in place already (on my D2 the wiring for the heated seats and screen are there, just not connected to anything)?
Is it possible to fit a rear view camera and use the existing screen?
Thanks for your help.
15th May 2017 11:53 pm
Red Merle
Member Since: 30 Aug 2014
Location: Liskeard
Posts: 7438
The towing electrics are not a standard fit.
I don't know about the standard screen and aftermarket reversing camera.
16th May 2017 5:12 am
Shaun R.
Member Since: 13 Sep 2016
Location: Warlingham, Surrey
Posts: 139
Sorry, still asking questions......
Is there any noticeable difference on the road between the 6-speed and the 8-speed gearboxes?
Looking at a slightly older D4 HSE, similar price to the GS I looked at a couple of weeks ago but obviously better spec....
29th May 2017 7:49 pm
Dusty
Member Since: 23 Sep 2013
Location: London
Posts: 1022
Having owned both a 6 speed and currently an 8 speed I sometimes think the perceived improvement in the 8 speed is over hyped.
Yes the 8 speed is more perky but in many ways I found the 6 speed a more relaxing drive. I sometimes find the torque a bit too lively at low speeds in the 8 speed, resulting in a jerky ride, especially in traffic. A peach in mid range and beyond mind you.
If a 6 speed you've got your eye on ticks all the boxes, I wouldn't let 2 less ratios worry you.
Just my opinion and I know others will disagree.Discovery 4 HSE
SDV6
2015
29th May 2017 8:05 pm
Shaun R.
Member Since: 13 Sep 2016
Location: Warlingham, Surrey
Posts: 139
Thank you....the opinion of someone who has lived with both is very useful.
I guess moving up from a 3-speed D2 is going to be a revelation either way.......
29th May 2017 11:29 pm
Robert SausageTrousers
Member Since: 09 Aug 2015
Location: Cornwall
Posts: 466
I'd agree with Dusty, I've also had a 2010 6 speed and now a 2014 8 speed, and yes the 8 speed is a better box but I'd echo his comments that the improvement is overhyped, the 6 speed is still a lovely gearbox and I certainly wouldn't let it put me off buying the right car!
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