Considering a '16, have a few questions

2957 Views 4 Replies 5 Participants Last post by petcha, Feb 2, 2016

airrailey

Discussion Starter · Feb 1, 2016

Looking at making a purchase in the next few weeks (unless I wait for a custom order) and down to two cars, Discovery and the Lexus RX350 F-Sport. I'm leaning Discovery right now, but never owned a Land Rover product and curious as to what I'm looking at maintenance wise the next few years. I typically keep my cars 125-150K miles, not much of an off-roader, but driving in Atlanta can be a full contact sport. There aren't a whole lot of quality reviews out there on the Discovery Sport and no cost of ownership studies that I can find.

Also, can anyone point me in the right direction for info on the Dynamic Design package? The website is vague at best on what's included and the three dealerships around here are clueless. Best I can find is "spring delivery" but that doesn't seem to be set in stone.

Thanks for your help!

Save

1 - 5 of 5 Posts

4sallypat

· #2 · Feb 1, 2016

Welcome to the DS forum!

As for the 2 brands - please make sure you are aware of the distinct differences between the 2 brands.

Land Rover Discovery Sport = best traction control system with full time 4WD - best for snow, wet, mud, off road use.
Costs of ownership - after warranty = higher due to British parts and sourced from the UK.
Problems with the brand is evident in the Discovery Sport = glitchy electronics, NAV&SAT disconnection issues, fuel gauge issue, noises, rattles, squeaks. Fi
Fun Factor = highest with grippy, safe traction, high cornering ability using torque vectoring, ride is sporty and suspension is stiffer than the Lexus.

Lexus RX = FWD traction with part time on demand AWD using a separate motor- not the best for snow, wet, mud & off road traction.
Costs of ownership - after warranty - low due to local US sourced parts supply chain for the most part.
Relatively zero problems due to Lexus quality control and high reliability history.
Fun Factor = low (soft, numb, steering is mute, ride is for luxury & smooth orientated)

Interesting, my friend and I were looking at the same time and he ended up with a Lexus GS350 and I ended up with the Discovery Sport.
I have sporty, grippy, fun drive requirements (kids are grown), while my friend wanted smooth, roomy, soft ride (kids are toddlers) and did not care about AWD traction requirements.

As for Dynamic Design option - it might be for the 2016.5 model year or a non US option which I have seen many that we don't get (pedestrian airbag, water depth wading sensor, magneto suspension.

Is it decorative like a Black Pack option ???

See less See more

Save

jsyteng

· #3 · Feb 1, 2016

4sallypat said:
Welcome to the DS forum!

As for the 2 brands - please make sure you are aware of the distinct differences between the 2 brands.

Land Rover Discovery Sport = best traction control system with full time 4WD - best for snow, wet, mud, off road use.
Costs of ownership - after warranty = higher due to British parts and sourced from the UK.
Problems with the brand is evident in the Discovery Sport = glitchy electronics, NAV&SAT disconnection issues, fuel gauge issue, noises, rattles, squeaks. Fi
Fun Factor = highest with grippy, safe traction, high cornering ability using torque vectoring, ride is sporty and suspension is stiffer than the Lexus.

Lexus RX = FWD traction with part time on demand AWD using a separate motor- not the best for snow, wet, mud & off road traction.
Costs of ownership - after warranty - low due to local US sourced parts supply chain for the most part.
Relatively zero problems due to Lexus quality control and high reliability history.
Fun Factor = low (soft, numb, steering is mute, ride is for luxury & smooth orientated)

Interesting, my friend and I were looking at the same time and he ended up with a Lexus GS350 and I ended up with the Discovery Sport.
I have sporty, grippy, fun drive requirements (kids are grown), while my friend wanted smooth, roomy, soft ride (kids are toddlers) and did not care about AWD traction requirements.

As for Dynamic Design option - it might be for the 2016.5 model year or a non US option which I have seen many that we don't get (pedestrian airbag, water depth wading sensor, magneto suspension.

Is it decorative like a Black Pack option ???

Do you know if the pedestrian airbag will ever be offered as an option we could install later? I live in an area with lots of deer, and could imagine this airbag being very valuable in the event of a crash . . .

Save

stzombie

· #4 · Feb 1, 2016

4sallypat said:
Land Rover Discovery Sport = best traction control system with full time 4WD - best for snow, wet, mud, off road use.
Costs of ownership - after warranty = higher due to British parts and sourced from the UK.
Problems with the brand is evident in the Discovery Sport = glitchy electronics, NAV&SAT disconnection issues, fuel gauge issue, noises, rattles, squeaks. Fi
Fun Factor = highest with grippy, safe traction, high cornering ability using torque vectoring, ride is sporty and suspension is stiffer than the Lexus.

Agreed on all points.

With the exception of some particular cases... the rattle/squeak point is not nearly as bad as you may be imagining now.

Do I have the odd squeak, rattle/noise from the trim/seat mountings in the cabin? Yes. But I was on pretty pot-holed road surface and the entire thing had to be flexing a bit. I feel like the DS is "stiffer" than alot of the similar SUVs in this class (like the Lexus NX, RX, Benz... maybe not Audi and BMW) so with it flexing, flexing = noises.

I don't have the nav/sat option, I use my phone for all of that since those apps and software will always be better.

I love the torque vectoring, and the composed ride... it's hard to describe. But think of it like this... I exited the MassPike on a curved off-ramp with a posted speedlimit of 30 doing almost 60... and I never felt like I was even remotely out of control.

That and the rarity factor ... I've seen around 15-20 "new" RX's on the road, and I have to admit it is quite striking design, but I've seen 1 other DS...that's it. I get people doing double takes, giving compliments and asking questions everywhere I go... Even had a couple evoque drivers eye me with envy... This made me appreciate my choice even more.

I'm sure this is obvious... but have you test driven both? My friend had the previous generation RX and I've driven it ... felt way too soft for me.

See less See more

Save

Reactions: 1

petcha

· #5 · Feb 2, 2016

Good summary of the differences. I do have a different opinion on the electronics though.

I have had zero glitches or issues with my DS electronics (minus the fuel gauge, but that's a programming issue). It think the infotainment works quite well. I'll only knock it for being a bit slow to respond to touch.

My buddy does automotive technology market research. We were driving his NX tester around and I couldn't stand that system...not sure if it's any different in the RX. Could be personal preference, but I'll take the DS system any day.

I have also had a few squeaks/rattles. They seem to come and go. I think part of it could be the car settling in a bit. Mostly there's nothing noticeable for me. Compared to my old GLK, it's much better.

The new Lexus styling is quite polarizing, they're obviously going for a younger demographic, but I do like it. However, the DS, and land rover's styling in general, is more suited to my aesthetic.

Good luck (pick the DS!

)

Save

1 - 5 of 5 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month