LR4 help
#1
02-08-2021, 11:41 AM
LR4 help
Hey everyone,
I’m in the process of buying a used LR4, I have never owned a Land Rover but have always wanted one. I’ve been looking at the 2013 model year because I’ve heard that is a good model year, but I was wondering are the 10-12 model years just as good in terms of reliability and performance?
Any thought helps!
thanks
Baden
I’m in the process of buying a used LR4, I have never owned a Land Rover but have always wanted one. I’ve been looking at the 2013 model year because I’ve heard that is a good model year, but I was wondering are the 10-12 model years just as good in terms of reliability and performance?
Any thought helps!
thanks
Baden
#2
02-15-2021, 09:19 AM
Recovery Vehicle
Baden, an LR4 is an amazing do-it-all vehicle that is a joy to drive. 2013 was the last year of the V8, as 2014 and newer have the SCV6. 2013's did get upgraded timing chain guides which are a common problem on previous years.
My advice is to look for a very well maintained LR4 with documented repairs. Here are common issues to look for:
- Oil changed more frequently than the LR recommended 15K mile interval
- Replaced suspension parts such as control arms, sway bar bushings, front hubs, tie rods, etc. These heavy vehicles wear out suspension parts.
- Low coolant and a seeping water pump. Nearly every 2013 LR4 probably needed a new water pump by now.
- Oil leaks, especially at the passenger side valve cover and upper timing chain cover. These drip oil into the alternator and kill it.
- Leaking coolant crossover pipe or leaking rear coolant manifold. If buying an LR4 over 100K miles and these have not been replaced, do them ASAP to avoid buying a new $12K engine.
Know that you are getting into a vehicle that will be very expensive to maintain & repair unless you can do some of the work yourself.
You will also need to sort through how LR bundled 2013 options:
- Most models are an HSE
- HSE-LUX model adds better leather, better sound system, memory seats, refrigerator, etc.
- XM radio was an option so not all will have it
- All 2013's will have a 2-speed transfer case (low gear) but not all have a locking rear differential. The "heavy duty" package added the rear locking diff that helps in extreme offroad conditions.
See the LR4 shopping checklist in the above "sticky" post section.
Happy shopping but take lots of time to find the right LR4 that has been well cared for. This is not a purchase to rush into.
My advice is to look for a very well maintained LR4 with documented repairs. Here are common issues to look for:
- Oil changed more frequently than the LR recommended 15K mile interval
- Replaced suspension parts such as control arms, sway bar bushings, front hubs, tie rods, etc. These heavy vehicles wear out suspension parts.
- Low coolant and a seeping water pump. Nearly every 2013 LR4 probably needed a new water pump by now.
- Oil leaks, especially at the passenger side valve cover and upper timing chain cover. These drip oil into the alternator and kill it.
- Leaking coolant crossover pipe or leaking rear coolant manifold. If buying an LR4 over 100K miles and these have not been replaced, do them ASAP to avoid buying a new $12K engine.
Know that you are getting into a vehicle that will be very expensive to maintain & repair unless you can do some of the work yourself.
You will also need to sort through how LR bundled 2013 options:
- Most models are an HSE
- HSE-LUX model adds better leather, better sound system, memory seats, refrigerator, etc.
- XM radio was an option so not all will have it
- All 2013's will have a 2-speed transfer case (low gear) but not all have a locking rear differential. The "heavy duty" package added the rear locking diff that helps in extreme offroad conditions.
See the LR4 shopping checklist in the above "sticky" post section.
Happy shopping but take lots of time to find the right LR4 that has been well cared for. This is not a purchase to rush into.
Last edited by PaulLR; 02-15-2021 at 09:35 AM.
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