Hello all,
This is my first post- and with any luck, it won't be my last. I've been kicking around the idea of getting a Land Rover for a while now. I love the new Defenders, but didn't pull the trigger on one when the finances allowed. Fast forward a couple of rough years and I still have the itch, but I've been looking more at LR4s for a while. Well- the need for a second car has gotten pretty serious and I convinced the wife that a LR4 would be the right fit. So here I am.

I am going to look at a 2014 HSE Lux tomorrow with a shade over 110k miles. The price was pretty appealing and it's at a larger dealer with a lot of good reviews... so I expect that, at the very least, nothing is massively wrong with the truck. I also read the "Pre-Purchase Checklist" thread pinned at the top and I genuinely appreciate that information. However, I'd like to ask y'all for any last minute, more focused things to look for- as in quick (in a dealer lot) ways to maybe check the air suspension health or places to look for oil leaks. Things of that nature. I am vaguely aware that these engines tend to have timing chain wear issues. Is there a particular sound I should be listening for in the engine? I may live to regret it, but an indy mechanic inspection is likely not going to be doable, but the price is such that the gamble is probably (read: hopefully) worth it.

I am no stranger to European luxury vehicles, but mostly German. I've owned more Porsches than you can shake a stick at. A fair number of Mercedes too. But this is the first British car (was JLR owned by Ford at this time?). Thanks for any feedback or advice you can provide.

Scott

 

In an “actual” LR dealer lot? If so, ask for the used vehicle inspection report, a limited warranty.. and the service history report.
These are big, heavy vehicles. Maintenance is everything. And these very capable vehicles require a good maintenance schedule.

Many drive the @#$&! out of them, ignore the maintenance, then dump them when the big estimate for repair presents itself.

 

Not an LR dealer lot. The only service records are in the CarFax, which is slightly better than nothing. I haven't been able to see it yet, but I do have a deposit down on it. Apparently, they sent it to a LR "specialist" and I'm going to go take a look at it when it comes back. I am going to ask for those service records, obviously- but hopefully I can also get the name of the "specialist" and give them a call. But it doesn't look like there is going to be much history available.

 

FWIW, every LR and Jag product I have owned has been checked by my local dealer. By providing the VIN, they have provided me a complete service history of the vehicle.
You may be about to learn that many "specialists", are not.

These are complicated, heavy vehicles. Maintained, they may last decades. Not maintained, they may be very expensive to correct. Do you homework!

 

Everyone wants a reliable and fuel efficient vehicle... Land Rover's are neither, so there are deals to be had. As other's have said, maintenance is important. But understand that aftermarket parts are reasonably priced and LRs are easy to work on. If you're going to own an older LR, then be prepared to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty. YouTube is your best friend. Add an extra $1000 to your budget and after you buy one go through and do all the maintenance yourself, then you know exactly when it was done. If car maintenance doesn't interest you... buy a Toyota or Honda.


What did you decide to do?