Newbie switching from a Disco4

[Sturge]

Hi all

Got two very active teenagers who are into mountain bikes (as am I) and am fed up with humping bike racks on and off the back of my Discovery. We also travel to the Alps a few times a year to do a bit of (cheap) skiing and ride our bikes. They are finding the back of the Disco getting a bit tight, and I fancy the look of the T6 Kombi's so about to take the plunge.

I'm a bit nervous, but spent the weekend driving a standard T32 Highline 204DSG (not 4 motion) and we all enjoyed it. Found it a bit noisy, and a bit bouncy, but after a 100 miles or so didnt notice it so much. Hope that sound proofing, and lowering will help.

Busy looking for a high spec new or ex demo T6 Kombi T32 204 DSG 4 motion, with all the bells and whistles on it, (adaptive cruise, sunroof, high beam assist etc) then planning on taking it to somewhere like VanWorx to get it soundproofed, rooflined, leathered, lowered etc.

Just wondering if anyone else has made a similar switch and how they found it. I do about 24,000 miles a year, and will be running this as a company van (I run an IT business) as I seem to use my discovery as a delivery van a lot of the time.

Welcome any thoughts?

Cheers

Paul

 

[Fish]

Welcome mate, I have no experience of Discoveries but I have of your chosen van!
Alittle lower will certainly help and I think sound-deadening should be an optional extra for Highlines.

Look forward to your images

 

[former member]

We did 2007 Defender 110XS to 2012 VW California 180 4motion; but Defenders are rather different.

Maybe stick some good all weather tyres on (I will soon) just in case you need to go a bit off road. Also consider the lowering thing carefully as it has downsides too.

I prefer them raised!

Also a keen (although not as keen as I was) MTBer so have the excellent 4 bike VW tailgate rack.

 

[peterposh]

They seem very high as standard , especially when you see them next to a transit or vivaro, almost like they are ready for off roading

 

[Tellmewhatsnew]

I still have a Disco 3 (but will sell it) and recently took delivery of my T30 Kombi for the same reasons as you (mountain bikes). Mine is lowered but I think you'll still find it 'bouncy' unless you are carrying a heavy load. I've gone for DSG and find it a really nice drive. Not as comfortable or quiet as the Disco but soon got used to that. One option you may want to consider if you are carrying passengers is rear air con as it gets really hot in the back in summer (Disco had 2 zone air con). Alot more practical for bikes as they are locked away and out of site. I'm happy with the switch but my wife preferred the 'status' and luxury of the Disco

 

[peterposh]

I've got the dual zone air con , why didn't you go for a LWB?

 

[simon]

We had a disco3 and now t6, overall the disco was comfy, had a bit of status and looked great. However the van is more practical, reliable, great fun and I love it, kids love it and wife loves it. I have more people asking me about my van or comment about it too. If money was not a issue definitely would have both but it is and the t6 wins hands down. I have bought a panel van and have had the conversion done either diy or when I can afford it, this so far has worked out cheaper and meant I could get a newer van i.e. 16plate with 2yrs warranty left, and after having Landover, this is lovely to drive a vehicle not worrying if it is going to bong and a warning light come on. Go for it

 

[Buggirl]

Great stuff!

 

[Sturge]

Indecision about all this, and then three car calamities in a week made me talk to @BognorMotors and hire their 4motion kombi for a trip to the alps with bikes. We have really enjoyed the experience. It is a lowered, leather trim, lined one. Still a bit noisy, and maybe bit bouncy, but it is fully lowered on 20" wheels. Love the way you can throw it around the alpine roads in a way you can't with a disco.having bikes in the back is great. My kids (14 & 16) and wife found the journey much more relaxing, so it's a long test drive but decision is made I think!

 

[BognorMotors]

Glad you're having a great time. This kombi has got minimal sound deadening, arches only, so you can make them a lot quieter.

 

[Sturge]

Thanks oli. Thought that may be the case....

 

[Tellmewhatsnew]

View attachment 11376 View attachment 11374 Indecision about all this, and then three car calamities in a week made me talk to @BognorMotors and hire their 4motion kombi for a trip to the alps with bikes. We have really enjoyed the experience. It is a lowered, leather trim, lined one. Still a bit noisy, and maybe bit bouncy, but it is fully lowered on 20" wheels. Love the way you can throw it around the alpine roads in a way you can't with a disco.having bikes in the back is great. My kids (14 & 16) and wife found the journey much more relaxing, so it's a long test drive but decision is made I think!

Where abouts in the Alps did you go? Just got back from a week in Morzine/Les Gets on my MTB

 

[Sturge]

In Les gets at the moment. Yesterday We were in lindarettes, and up in avoriaz and moraine today. Great fun and driving home tomorrow. We love it out here. Spiritual second home!

 

[Tellmewhatsnew]

In Les gets at the moment. Yesterday We were in lindarettes, and up in avoriaz and moraine today. Great fun and driving home tomorrow. We love it out here. Spiritual second home!

Loved it there - 6 days riding did 180 miles in total. Got back late Saturday but still recovering now