Considering a LR4 to replace my 99 D1

[Brian425]

I am considering buying a new Rover. I am currently driving a 99 D1 that I have had since 2001. I am looking at the usual replacements, a LR4, a Land Cruiser or ???

Is there anything I need to know about the LR4? Anyything good or bad? I like the way the truck looks and will probably go to test drive it in a few weeks.

Thanks,
Brian

 

[Quentin]

Awesome machine, but too many electronics for me.
Google Kingsly Holgate, he's driving one on his latest 4x4 mission into Africa through some very tough terrain.

 

[Bender]

Depends on how you plan to use it.

I had one as a loaner a few months ago - loved it. I like most of the little changes made over the LR3, though a few things I wish they'd left alone.

As with any other newer LR, if you plan to spend an appreciable amount of time off-road or in any location where the tow truck bill would be significantly higher than usual then I would consider the price of a BBS system into the purchase price of the vehicle and/or your standard vehicle mods and tools for trail use.

 

[Tugela]

What you really need is R2D2 on board to fix stuff for you on the fly.

Not sure if this is a consideration for you, but there's not a lot of aftermarket equipment you can put on the LR4 at the moment. Land Rover has its collection of "genuine kit" that includes roof racks, winch bumpers, etc. but until the enthusiast crowd starts snapping up LR3s and 4s there probably won't be much demand for that sort of thing.

x2 on the expense of replacement parts. You might want to spend a little time finding out what new brakes, tires, and other items cost to replace when they wear out.

 

[Colin hughes]

I was out on the Land Rover Experience offroad course in Montebello, Quebec this past June in an LR4. The stuff we were able to go through, etc on plain stock tires was absolutely amazing. We went through the moguls section and you could not even feel any of the wheels dropping into the holes. I know I'd get one if I had the cash.

 

[Wander]

Everyone I've talked to about them is amazed at how good the terrain system is but is also holding their breath over it breaking. I guess we don't have much faith in LR's electrical abilities.

 

[MarkP]

Considering that you currently have a relatively simple 99D1, ask yourself if you would keep the vehicle after the warranty runs out ......

If not, pony up another $40K? (after depreciation)

 

[AU_88]

From what I've heard and seen (my family has an LR3) the current vehicles are not as bad as say the DII, our LR3 hasn't had any problems and is a comfortable vehicle. With that said I will probably be selling my DII this summer and either getting an 07/08 RR or new LR4. I think some have had issues with the camera system (mirrors, back, for monitoring blind spots).

 

[DCDisco]

I would only lease a new car. Once my 3 -4 years are up they can have it back. Plus I get to drive it like its a rental the whole time I own it. I usually try to break something on every lease I have had. Sort of put it to the test if you will. Multiple full rpm clutch drops, check. Power braking, check. Break-in period, only till I get out of the dealer's parking lot, check. Speed bumps, what speed bumps?

 

[d1driver]

Search all over the internet for bad things like I did. You won't find much. You will find lots of people liking them though. Way more liking than complaining. Which is unusual.

 

[Brian425]

Thanks for the feedback. I work on everything I own, if a man made it, I can usually fix it. Even the D1 has a few electronics that can leave you dead on the road. I know that the LR4 has many times the number of electrionics; but, technology has come a long way in 12 years.

The truck will rarely see any hard core off roading. Mainly it will be going to construction sites, some fire roads a few times a year and the occasional heavy snow we get in NYC. Basically I need it to haul stuff and people and pull an open trailer. After that, it needs to take the family out to dinner and vacation.

So far, in the running are the LR4, MB GL450, Toyota Land Cruiser, Chevy Tahoe. I'll let you know what I decide. I can only hope that I get 10 relatively trouble free years that the Disco gave me.

And no, the Disco will not be for sale. I will keep it for a year until my nephew can drive. I have a soft spot for the Disco, I want to keep it in the family.

 

[Paul K]

Brian:

Depends on what your budget is. I was in the same boat recently- looking to upgrade my '04 SE7. Contenders were Range Rover MkIII, MB GLK350, and MB G-wagen. Narrowed it down to the RR & G-wagen, then flip-flopped between the two. Finally decided that spending $40k on a 6-year old G-wagen or a 3 year old RR was just not worth it, and decided to keep the '04.

I guess long story short, go drive them all. You'll soon decide what you want.

Hope it works out!

Cheers,

Paul.

 

[crown14]

Get the tahoe

 

[Ho]

LR4 is the best minivan ever made. Go for it. You won't be sorry.

 

[RVRSRVC]

Did you get a chance to look at the LR3 threads here for input from other enthusiasts? I've got 80k on mine and several customers are over 100k with only 1 failure (my car, EAS connector at LF height sensor) that required a tow.

 

[Ho]

same here. Wife's LR3 has been great so far... over 80K miles.

 

[KyleT]

LR4 only compares to an LR3 in the way it kinda looks. nearly all of the rest has been redesigned. 375hp too.

 

[Ho]

I don't know the details of what's been redone, but for me the best parts of LR4 are the color matching flares and bumpers.

 

[KyleT]

I don't know the details of what's been redone, but for me the best parts of LR4 are the color matching flares and bumpers.

suspension geometry has been reworked, engine, trans, interior are completely different, it really feels like a land rover, not a ford.

 

[agthird]

so no one told him to get a used toyota landcruiser 100?...