Member Since: 19 Dec 2010
Location: Milton keynes
Posts: 222
2011 or 2012 6speed or 8
Hi I am seriously thinking of spending the kids inheritance by upgrading my lovely 2006 HSE to a discovery 4. I was thinking about a 2011 average mileage HSE but I notice they changed the spec for 2012, 8 speed gearbox and a bit more powerful engine. Would it be a mistake not to pay a bit extra for the 2012 model or is the opinion out there that there is not much to chose between them.
As this may well be the last car I buy I would like to get it right. What does the next step down from the HSE not have as they seem to be a lot cheaper, or do you think once an HSE owner always an HSE owner.
Regards
Ian
24th Jul 2014 10:49 am
Russell
Member Since: 23 Aug 2007
Location: Kent
Posts: 10564
8 speed if you can affoird it, it is alot smoother and refinned compared with 6 speed which on its own is a lovely carMY17 D5 1st Edition Namib Orange
MY15 D4 HSE Kaikoura Stone
MY12 D4 HSE Nara Bronze Sold and gone
MY11 D4 HSE Stornaway Grey Sold and gone
D3 S spec Silver Sold and gone
Tow bar, full length roof bars, side steps, tow bar storage unit, surround camers.
D4 camera club
24th Jul 2014 10:51 am
Hairy Dan
Member Since: 19 Jan 2011
Location: Co. Durham
Posts: 12319
As Russell says the 6 speed is a great car but the 8 speed is just so much better, I went from a 6 speed to an 8 speed and loved it Cheers Ian
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Club N.E.R.D.S
Kielder 4x4 Safari
Discoless
24th Jul 2014 12:02 pm
Cavalier
Member Since: 19 Dec 2010
Location: Milton keynes
Posts: 222
Thanks for the comments, did you notice any difference with the 255ps engine as opposed to the 245ps on the 6 gear car?
24th Jul 2014 2:22 pm
Parallax33
Member Since: 03 Jun 2014
Location: Christchurch
Posts: 1125
Member Since: 17 Nov 2007
Location: East Staffs
Posts: 47
+1 8 speed a significant change from the 6 both in smoothness and in get up and go!
24th Jul 2014 2:40 pm
Hairy Dan
Member Since: 19 Jan 2011
Location: Co. Durham
Posts: 12319
The pickup does seem a little bit better but the overall smoothness of the engine & gearbox are what makes the difference Cheers Ian
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Club N.E.R.D.S
Kielder 4x4 Safari
Discoless
24th Jul 2014 3:31 pm
Fitzy73
Member Since: 09 Feb 2014
Location: Truro
Posts: 2407
I have never driven an 8 speed, but I am very pleased with my 6, perhaps it could be a bit smoother at times, but nonetheless I still find it very impressive.
24th Jul 2014 4:21 pm
Russell
Member Since: 23 Aug 2007
Location: Kent
Posts: 10564
The six speed is lovely and goes well until you drive the 8 speed, I think that is much smoother and goes better as well. Drive both and make your own mind up but I would take an educated punt which one yo will go forMY17 D5 1st Edition Namib Orange
MY15 D4 HSE Kaikoura Stone
MY12 D4 HSE Nara Bronze Sold and gone
MY11 D4 HSE Stornaway Grey Sold and gone
D3 S spec Silver Sold and gone
Tow bar, full length roof bars, side steps, tow bar storage unit, surround camers.
D4 camera club
24th Jul 2014 4:31 pm
galwaygreen
Member Since: 30 Oct 2011
Location: plymouth
Posts: 6525
get a test drive at the dealers....different car altogether...knob and piddle shift on the eight sppeed
24th Jul 2014 9:31 pm
Landie71
Member Since: 23 Oct 2012
Location: Worksop, Nottinghamshire
Posts: 1019
Or a much cheaper alternative is to hire a Vauxhall Corsa from Enterprise for four days at less than £20 per day. When you get back in your D3 it will feel like heaven
Did this a couple of weeks ago while I had a new torque converter fitted & auto box refurbed, loving the D3 again!!
25th Jul 2014 5:01 am
Dave T
Member Since: 03 Jul 2009
Location: Glasgow
Posts: 6910
another 1 for the 8 speed, just love the flappy paddles Joined the BMWX5 45e group
1994 Defender 90
2015 RRS Corris Grey/Black roof
2016 D4 Graphite Santorini Black
2012 D4 XS Orkney Grey
2005 D3 S Maya Gold
Convoy for Heroes 2011
25th Jul 2014 5:49 am
Robbie
Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
Location: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Posts: 17932
Don't notice the extra power but the 8-speed box is worth it.Land Rover - Turning Drivers into Mechanics Since 1948
Member Since: 13 Aug 2009
Location: Not London Anymore (or the US for that matter)
Posts: 1929
If you can't afford an 8 speed, then wait a bit longer and save a bit more. There seems very little point in upgrading to a D4 without the single best feature of the D4. The 8 speed box is amazingly well put together.
Good luck with your purchase.PAGODA
25th Jul 2014 6:41 am
DG Site Moderator
Member Since: 12 Dec 2005
Location: The Gaff
Posts: 50978
I have an 18 speed 21 year LR veteran > D2 GS 2003 > D3 S 2006 > D3 HSE 2009 > D4 HSE 2013 > D4 HSE 2015 > D5 HSE 2018 > DS HSE R-Dynamic P300e 2021
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I was thinking about a 2011 average mileage HSE but I notice they changed the spec for 2012, 8 speed gearbox and a bit more powerful engine. Would it be a mistake not to pay a bit extra for the 2012 model or is the opinion out there that there is not much to chose between them.
