Hi,
I am looking at 2018 Discovery HSE diesel, it is one owner, 45K miles - looks good on paper
Unfortunately, just out of warranty. I will look at the car in person towards end of the week.

Can you point out certain things to check or ask? I am new when it comes to Land Rover, have had BMWs all my life and although they say BMW maintenance is expensive, for me it has been oil changes small repairs (knock on wood, lol) (alternator, water pump, coolant lines ,etc - i am okay with things like these as the car ages, talking 10-15 years span).
Also, I never owned a diesel, but considering one now as I need to occasionally tow my track toy to the track (04 M3). I am considering the Discovery to get a taste of the famous LL luxury and convenience for everyone in the family. I have seen few local D5 cars and really like everything about it, did not get a chance to drive a diesel yet.

Anything you can advice me to look for, ask about will be greatly appreciated. Maybe even a shop or dealer contact at Baltimore, MD area that will help too.
Should a LL dealer be able to pull history and maintenance records by VIN if i ask them? Is this reasonable to ask or they will think I am crazy as I am not buying from a local dealer?

Last but not least, (I did search the forum already), any common/guaranteed issues or facts with the diesel to be prepared for? I am freaking out when it comes to electrical problems, engine or transmission issues, everything else i can handle - Should I buy the aftermarket warranty?


Thank a bunch for Everyone's comments in advance!
Ivan

 

I have 2017 D5 HSE LUX TDV6.
I bought it used, 42K, now has 70K
Get the VIN ask your JLR dealer to run it, see if windshield has been replaced. ( windshield is only thing I had to do, under warranty though)
It tows great. ACC is my favorite feature. to keep DEF in check I drive it once a week minimum 30 minutes at highway speed.
Change oil every 8K minimum. Mobil 5w-30 ESP or Motorcraft 5w-30 F-150 diesel oil, both meet spec.... there are a few others that meet spec, these 2 are my choices.
diffs, transfer and tranny @ 80K
I do have extended warranty. never used it.
I love it.

Good Luck

 

2019 LR Discovery HSE Luxury here.

First off, CHECK THAT EVERYTHING WORKS. All the seats fold up and down, all the headrests fold up and down. Seat heaters/coolers/massagers work. Touch screen works. Trunk release works. Buttons work. All that.

Call around to independent rover repair shops and inquire on a "pre-purchase inspection". They'll get the car on the lift and take a look. As well as run a CARFAX, etc. Also ask them if they can check all the system updates have been done. this is crucial.

The diesel...its a double edged sword. But really, you need to be using it on the highway and/or towing. That is what this engine is good at. If you just sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic all the time, then the diesel engine will give you trouble. Diesel engines need heat to operate. Idling is what kills them (I work in diesel engines and apparently idling is all we do here in America so, of course diesel engines are crap here). For positives, the diesel engine PULLS LIKE A FREIGHT TRAIN and gets fantastic MPG. About every 5,000 miles or so, you'll need to add DEF to a tank under the hood. Its not a big deal but if you run outta DEF, then the car gets very angry with you. The car lets you know WAY in advance you need to refill so ignore at your own peril. So pick a day of your choosing, wear your outdoor work clothes, gloves, and refill with the vehicle outside. Usually isn't messy but I'm sure now that I've said that, I'm gonna spill the stuff all over myself.

I basically run my D5 TD6 on the highway, darn near exclusively. Its fantastic. Just cruises amazingly.

For maintenance, the more you can do yourself, the better off you are. Oil changes in these cars is criminally easy. And really, the correct oil from the dealer is about market price for fancy diesel engine oil so, there ya go. The key is you need a oil vacuum extractor. Its like, $80 but it'll save you so much time, money and effort. No seriously, oil changes in these things takes less than 30 minutes and ~$100 in parts. Its quicker for me to change my own oil instead of driving it to the dealer.

Like BMWs, if you have to take it to the shop for...everything. You'll get nickel and dimed. Aftermarket for the D5 platform has gotten decent in the last few years. Basically these cars go through brakes and front suspension needs attention around ~70,000. Aftermarket brakes are reasonably priced. I've yet to deal with the suspension but looking at the suspension, it appears easy to work on. On the term of suspension, alignments are your friend.

Overall I love my discovery. I ask a lot from my vehicle (big, 7 seater, off road, towing capacity, interior luxury) and the D5 delivers.

 

Thanks for all comments!!!

I cannot believe my local dealer (LR Hunt Valley, MD), could not pull maintenance records by VIN, or more like they did not feel was worth their time helping me out as it is not a car on their lot…

I will try calling the dealer where I think the car of interest was serviced to see if I can get any info.

 

If you get a GOOD one they are largely trouble free. I would recommend looking at the CarFax to see if it went back to the dealer for maintenance only or if it lived in the shop for repairs. If it was the former you should be good to go, if the later I would run for the hills.

TD6 is Awesome!

On any modern car I think you should get the extended warranty for as long as possible it should pay for itself many times over.

 

Love the diesel. No powertrain issues 83k.

 

Not to be the one who ruins the party but note that the 3.0 liter turbo diesel V6, the non-igenium one, has a reputation of snapping crank shafts. Many of them do not, but some do. If it happens to you it’s new engine time. The engine is same as on D4/LR4 and RRS from 2010 onward.

 

I just had our 2019 HSE lux with the TD6 snap a crank shaft. Good news. Still at 40k miles and 3 months short of the end. ALTHOUGH i have an extended warranty. Great news BRAND NEW engine no questions asked from JLR. It is for sale however with the extended warranty. Wife does not trust it now. Loaded with everything but HUD. Massage seats, 4 zone climate control. Reach out if you are interested. 40k miles I live in Minnesota. I thought it was amazing. Great mileage. Soft comfortable leather and quiet.

 

Ok, this seems like a big deal and scary, should consider extended warranty

especially, also reading next comment of a fresh instance of this.

Thanks Everyone for comments!

 

glad you had the warranty. New engine sounds awesome. Now you know you have another 40k miles to go Jokes aside, if we were local I would consider - we are 1k miles away, I am Maryland based.

good luck!