Anyone had Disco 4 and XC90?

[MacV50]

Hi folks

Currently driving a V50 but desperately need more space due to 3 kids and a dog (acquired an extra kid and dog a couple of years ago )

So, we've had a look around and although we don't need 7 seats, the Disco 4 does fit the bill. Really don't like the X5 or 1st gen XC90; Touareg is too small inside and will never EVER drive an MPV

So, we're pretty much set on a Disco 4 but LR reliability is a worry and the new XC90 is rather nice. Just wondered if anyone has had both and could offer a real-world comparison

Thanks in advance

[Philip Fisher]

Havent got direct experience but what car? did a group test of disco 4 vs xc90 vs x5 just recently

[Skep]

Currently (until Monday) have a 2012 D4, my XC90 should have been here but towbar issues have slowed it down. Now collecting 1st March. I've had 2 D4's and a D3, the 3 was very unreliable, the 2010 D4 was much better and the latest has been faultless. I was just disappointed the new D5 wasn't coming sooner although I'm not sure about it from what I've seen/heard about it.
I've had a couple of test drives of the Volvo, it is more 'car' like although your still high up, so comfortable and it handles so well. The disco platform is 11 years old and in ways is showing that. It is very solid and capable. As for real life in the Volvo I'll tell you in just over 4 weeks if you hold off that long but specs/colours available on new disco's are becoming limited. Attached the pic of the demo next to my current disco, and my new one with the wrong reg on it!! Not sure that's helped you much though

[isleaiw]

Originally Posted by MacV50

Hi folks

Currently driving a V50 but desperately need more space due to 3 kids and a dog (acquired an extra kid and dog a couple of years ago )

So, we've had a look around and although we don't need 7 seats, the Disco 4 does fit the bill. Really don't like the X5 or 1st gen XC90; Touareg is too small inside and will never EVER drive an MPV

So, we're pretty much set on a Disco 4 but LR reliability is a worry and the new XC90 is rather nice. Just wondered if anyone has had both and could offer a real-world comparison

Thanks in advance

Cant help with your query as I have had neither but I am in a similar boat, need something to fit two dogs in a pen in the boot as well as family when we go out together. It will be a weekend and special occasion car as I have a station car for the weekday stuff....

I like the thought of the XC90 - long term Volvo fan - but struggle with prices and the 4 cylinder only engines (it was the 5 cylinder that got me into them!). Conversely the Disco is an old design - but still a good one for family stuff if not spirited driving - and I do like the thought of buying British (my station car is a Mini)....

I have also thought of Q7 but cant get past the looks of the new version. I would (and have!) driven MPVs but try getting an interesting one these days, both of mine had 3 litre engines (one diesel, one petrol).

In the meantime I will hire something as and when needed, maybe XC90 discounts will be more palatable shortly....and I will get a petrol just because I can!

[MacV50]

Originally Posted by isleaiw

I have also thought of Q7 but cant get past the looks of the new version. I would (and have!) driven MPVs but try getting an interesting one these days, both of mine had 3 litre engines (one diesel, one petrol).

Q7 is hideous in all forms. It's the same base as the Touareg and Cayenne so can't see it being any bigger inside than the VW. The Touareg was shockingly small given the exterior dimensions. Really only slightly bigger than the V50 and the massive transmission tunnel makes for tight space for the centre passenger.

[RoyMacDonald]

Originally Posted by MacV50

Hi folks

Currently driving a V50 but desperately need more space due to 3 kids and a dog (acquired an extra kid and dog a couple of years ago )

So, we've had a look around and although we don't need 7 seats, the Disco 4 does fit the bill. Really don't like the X5 or 1st gen XC90; Touareg is too small inside and will never EVER drive an MPV

So, we're pretty much set on a Disco 4 but LR reliability is a worry and the new XC90 is rather nice. Just wondered if anyone has had both and could offer a real-world comparison

Thanks in advance

Servicing is about 3 times the cost for the Disco in our area. Mpg is about 25 for the Disco and 40 for the XC90 assuming both have the diesel engine. The XC90 is quieter. The Disco is better for extreme off road but the XC90 is surprisingly capable off road but does not have so much wheel articulation as the Disco. The XC90 is in a class of it's own as far as the interior goes. Makes the Disco look like it came out of the ark. Occasionaly the Disco needs it's body removed to service some parts and everything on the XC90 can be serviced normally. The Disco is more reliable than it used to be but be prepared for some big bills out of warranty.

Seven seats are great if you have 3 kids because they will start to argue at some point and it can really diffuse the tension if one can go in a different row. Leaves room for a friend as well. But the both have 7 seats anyway. The XC90 is much bigger inside than the Disco though. Even the old XC90 was bigger inside than the Disco and the new XC90 is a lot bigger than the old one inside.

Hope that helps. Personally I like the Disco but prefer the XC90 for an everyday car.

[Skep]

That all sounds about right to me having just parked up my disco at the garage. New R Design due on 1st March. I think LR have lost their way somewhat, they seem to be about 3 years behind the competition, the D4 is too out of date now, if the new one had been out it may have been a consideration but the the price is likely to be a lot more than the current model which is more than an XC90

[MacV50]

Originally Posted by RoyMacDonald

The XC90 is much bigger inside than the Disco though. Even the old XC90 was bigger inside than the Disco and the new XC90 is a lot bigger than the old one inside.

Hope that helps. Personally I like the Disco but prefer the XC90 for an everyday car.

thanks

I'm surprised at the interior space comment as the Disco is cavernous inside but I haven't looked at an XC90 properly yet. What's the centre rear seat space like on an XC90? I like the almost flat floor of the disco and the fact that it's a full adult sized seat.

Agree with the comment re off road ability and TBH it's not something we need.

[RoyMacDonald]

Originally Posted by MacV50

thanks

I'm surprised at the interior space comment as the Disco is cavernous inside but I haven't looked at an XC90 properly yet. What's the centre rear seat space like on an XC90? I like the almost flat floor of the disco and the fact that it's a full adult sized seat.

Agree with the comment re off road ability and TBH it's not something we need.

Some photos but it doesn't tell the whole story as the middle row can be moved back and forward to adjust the space. They also fold completely flat to carry loads. I don't have a photo with the centre seats folded down but even with one row folded it's still a very big boot. The two photos of the black upholstery car I took in the showroom. The others were the loan car I had for three days.

[MacV50]

Thanks for these. The tunnel doesn't look too high but it's definitely more intrusive than the Disco's. I'll have to see the XC90 in the flesh as the centre seat looks smaller

I appreciate that the Disco is more agricultural but space is a consideration. I still need to test some more as the one I've driven so far had a horrible delay between pressing the accelator and getting a response. I hope this isn't a feature of the breed.

Handling wise, the V50 is pretty poor so the Disco wasn't too bad for such a big heavy vehicle.

X5 has some appeal but appears small inside. I've not seen a 7 seat version to compare but I assume the back row seats are not suitable for adults. Q7/Cayenne/Touareg are out of the running due to cramped interiors