Hi all looking at possibly replacing my 04 Discovery with an 2012 LR4. Beyond the timing chain guides what are any hidden things that can bite you ?

 

head gaskets. if the head gaskets have been done in the past, i'd look for another.

unlike our D2s, these engines do not handle head gasket replacement well. usually due to head and or block warping from the overheat that caused the head gasket issue.

edit: i love the 5.0 V8 in my 2011. other than the issues with the head gaskets that were replaced prior to my purchase and have started leaking again. i am running block sealant, the reservoir cap loose, and borrowed time until i can put in a new engine. still, it runs great and pulls well. it is an incredibly comfortable ride and has lots of room in the boot for road trips.

 

@jastutte Thanks, I love my Disco II but if this tapping is gets bad, it is time for a new truck

 

Look out for some torque converter shudder as well when coasting, it's when the RPMs bounce up and down within 200rpms. Make sure the air compressor isn't over running itself. Test out all of that stuff, make sure the AC works. If you can bring someone with a GAP tool too, to check for any codes, most of us LR3 guys in the club have one so one of us can probably help you out to check for any hidden codes. LR4s also have some coolant crossover issues, but if you get a nice one, not like me and I got the cheapest one I could find. You should be alright, but honestly an LR3 has a much more reliable engine

 

The decision has been made Lr4 will be in my hand shortly

 

Only speaking on my experiences, after the mileage hit 150,000, get ready to start pouring money into it. Oil leaks, wheel bearing, AC, rear hatch, because the vehicle is heavy you will go through tires at any mileage.
I love mine, when it all works. The sound system is awesome.

 

@LR4Troubles My "new" Lr 4 on has about 73300 miles.

 

here is the list of needs for my Son's 2011 lr4 over the past few years.
purchased it with 87k miles in 2020.
battery
2nd battery this summer
brake lines to the rear [rusted and started leaking]
EPB module
air suspension compressor and front block +1 strut
none were leaking but preventive: front and rear crossovers pipes, water pump and thermostat/housing
front LCAs
front tie rod ends
front wheel bearing [on side]
2 sets of tires
new running boards/side steps. originals rusted out
new transfer case

I have done all the labor except the brake lines...that was a labor intensive expensive thing.

Good luck with the LR4...they are fantastic. I think perhaps, owners deferred maintenance on them more that other cars due to the expense of doing things. As long as you keep ahead of it, they are great.

 

@ugmw177 Coming from a Discovery II and being OCD about maintance according to my wife keeping up is just something I do.

But your words were exactly what the service manager said, do regular oil changes, change out the coolant every 2 years max and you should have very few issues other that the expect age related stuff.

 

Howd you find such a low mile example?