New Member here; northern Virginia ~

[545moose]

Hey everyone, new here and trying to decide on a rig! Previously owned a built Lexus GX460 and sold it in the Fall. Order a diesel Jeep 4dr Rubicon but having second thoughts with the issues I keep seeing so soon into ownership. So I've landed here contemplating a lightly used LR4 (lower miles/2-3owner) or Discovery (5) diesel in the same ballpark, maybe CPO, 40-50k budget.

Having said that, I've got some questions the experts here can hopefully clarify for me going in. I plan to mildly off-road and overland if you will, and will have a hardshell RTT, so I need crossbars up top at a minimum. I also plan to add bumpers, skids, sliders and a winch, and assume the LR4 aftermarket is ahead of the Discovery diesel; but curious what owners are actually seeing mpg wise on the diesels since range is important going remote places and even though my GX had an LRA tank, 11mpg gets to be annoying after a while!

Is it possible to run 17" wheels on either, or are 18's the minimum I can plan for? I know air suspension is great when working, but over time becomes problematic. I know there's a delete/conversion with the LR4, not sure on the Disco 5. All help is appreciated and I'll be combing over both specific sub-sections for the specifics, Happy New Year and cheers to a killer 2022

 

[joey]

I personally would avoid a diesel unless you can regularly drive above 60 mph for over an hour at a time, most don't do this and will soon be replacing or already have had to replace the regen system at a lovely $8k. This goes for all modern diesels not just Rovers.

 

[JB123]

I also live in Northern VA. I have both a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel and a newly purchased 2017 LR Discovery 5 HSE diesel. I had a 2005 LR3 HSE with the 4.4. If you get the LR, an absolute must have is the GAP IIDT tool, it will literally save you thousands in clearing faults, and you can also use it to adjust the ride height for larger tires. MPG on both diesels is the same 21-22 all around and 25-26 Hwy. The LR3 was 13/17. I had a regen warning on the Jeep, but it cleared after 15-20 minutes on the highway. I like the Discovery 5, but 18” wheels WILL NOT FIT using the brake calibers that come on the vehicle without modifying the brake calibers, even with 2” spacers. Pretty mad about this as I have a great set of Proud Rino Wheels and offroad tires from my LR3 that I planned to use on the Discovery 5. Others have stated they have ground down the caliber wings to fit 18” wheels, and based on my actually fitting on the wheels, this looks possible, and is a solution I might try. I’m also trying to find new smaller width aftermarket calibers that might solve the issue. If I can’t solve the issue, the LR will be gone!

 

[D_Walt]

Hey OP, I just purchased a LR4 and also live in NOVA.
I have Yakima crossbars that seem to be pretty sturdy and not too expensive. I personally think the LR4 is the way to go, if you’re wanting to build. Way more support from the community and more aftermarket options as well. MPG wise, it’s not great - although I can get 18 on the highway after two cans of BG44k.

It is true what you read, at 10 years old or so they require a good bit of maintenance especially if previous owner deferred.

I’ve had mine for 6 weeks, and while most preventative and some cosmetic work, I’ve spent $2,500 on parts. I just discovered a coolant leak in the valley and out of the water pump so add another $750 in parts to that number above to overhaul the crossover pipes and water pump.

If you can wrench, I think the Lr4 is a no brainer. Save the money on purchase price and spend on mods and fuel.