Member Since: 13 Apr 2007
Location: South Midlands
Posts: 177
Controversial
I don't want to be, but I can sense this might be....
Let me be clear, I LOVE D3's, I've had many over the years. The most recent I've owned for the last four years or so and despite inter-galactic mileage, it's been fab (and still is!).
BUT, last week, I went to look at a D4 (I've had one previously). Stornoway grey, black leather, MY10, HSE, 140K miles. And bought it....
It is without doubt a different league to the D3. So much more refined in every regard. Ok, of course it's a bit newer which makes a difference, but it's still streets ahead in so many ways. I'd like to keep both, but sadly the D3 has to go due to space and cash
So that's it, no contest, the D4 wins hands down.
I'm pleased I've been able to finally answer, once and for all the threads entitled D3 v D4, now there's a definitive answer.
19th May 2021 8:44 am
Farmer Chalk
Member Since: 07 Mar 2013
Location: Independent Republic of Kentishshire.
Posts: 4156
Agreed....except for one thing....
Actually two things...
Design first.... the first D3 is a timeless classic...later iterations lose some of that design status..
Two... practicality...you’ll soon be missing the practicality of the interior....from the cup holders to the stowage bins...
But if I was doing a long continental trip as the driver the D4 wins...
19th May 2021 9:14 am
ballast
Member Since: 13 Apr 2007
Location: South Midlands
Posts: 177
Ah - storage you say....
In the D4, I haven't got the centre fridge (with was infrequently used in the D3 anyway), but have got a cavernous space instead where I can put all sorts of crap (never to be seen again obviously...)
Cup holders... OK, fair point.
Interior is SO much nicer than the tractor-esque D3 though.
19th May 2021 9:59 am
LT
Member Since: 31 Dec 2005
Location: South West
Posts: 23337
^ I agree with Farmer Chalk. Aside from those two points, the later EU6 engined D4’s are the pick of the bunch though.2006 D3 HSE (Original & still the best)-GONE
2010 D4 HSE (A bit bling)-GONE
2014 D4 HSE (Almost too bling)-GONE
2015 D4 HSE (A heated what?)-GONE
2016 D4 Landmark (Written Off)-GONE
2016 D4 Landmark (Surely the last!) PD1881 rims-GONE
2017 FFRR SDV8 Autobiography
19th May 2021 10:00 am
SN
Member Since: 03 Jan 2006
Location: Romiley
Posts: 13710
I agree with the D3 design classic statement - mid life kickers (which the D4 undoubtedly was) don't generally tend to improve on the original exterior - though to be fair LR finally came up with something to match the original D3 front end with the last of the D4 grills. And I still look at the D3/D4 bodyshape wistfully and with a smile even when I'm out in the New Defender - it is so clean
I never owned a D4 but did take a couple of rides in them, but interior wise it didn't feel like a great leap.
Engine... I'm sure the 3 litre SDV6 was a big improvement on the 2.7TDV6 in the D3, but as time has shown it has equally nasty weaknesses...Steve N | 21MY Defender | 08MY Discovery 3 (history) | 06MY Discovery 3 (ancient history)
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