I just bought one. 2016, 60k miles, HD package, Vision Assist, and a factory front skid! Pretty much every option but the LUX seats, $35k. I feel like I did my research and hope I found a good one, but only time will tell. It’s single owner with a good history of service at the JLR dealer it was originally purchased from, in fact it just had its 60k major service three months back. I called the dealer to ensure that there wasn’t any denied service. Fuel pump has been replaced as well as the water pump. The dealer couldn’t confirm whether or not they addressed the crossover pipes at the time so I’ll have to watch those.
I’m new to Land Rover and I don’t have a ton of experience working on cars, so I bought an extended warranty through a 3rd party. It was $3,100 American First Auto Protect, and will get me through the next 51 months or another 60k miles with zero deductible. These terms were their year end special. More standard is a few hundred more, $100 deductible and 48 months. I grilled them pretty good on what is covered and I couldn’t find any reason to believe that they’d leave me high and dry, but I won’t know until I need to use it, which I assume I will at some point. He told me that lower control arms are covered so I know I’ll get a good chunk back when those need new bushings. But we’ll see. I’m sure I’ll be handy with a Handy with a mityvac soon, as well as becoming proficient in swapping brakes.
For me there really just wasn’t anything on the market that can provide the comfort for 7 and the capability of the LR4. We test drove the Disco 5, the TD6 mugs were very tempting, and they are extremely capable, but it lost the command position seating, and the 3rd row just didn’t make you smile. Have you sat in the 3rd row of an LR4? There really isn’t anything like it in the industry. Also, seats that fold flat into a platform! Honestly, it’s hard to miss solid axles when you gain that much versatility.
As you can tell, I’m in love. Hopefully she doesn’t abandon me for too many nights in the shop. Don’t be tempted for anything that even sniffs or sketch, and good luck!