Considering LR4 purchase

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Alex1118

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Hey everyone,

I’ve started exploring the idea of purchasing a LR4 the last few weeks. Went to look at one a few days ago and really enjoyed it. I’m looking to spend around 15-20k which appears to be a 2010-2011 with around 100k on it. I’ve spent a lot of time on the forum looking up some pre purchase inspection tid bits.

The one that has me a little tripped up are the timing chain guides. Can anyone elaborate on that? Sounds like a pretty big ordeal.
 

ryanjl

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If you've already read posts on this forum about the timing chain guides, there isn't much else that could be posted here to add to it.

The general consensus is that a cause of the problem could be LR's recommended oil change intervals of 15,000 miles. Many here have gravitated towards a more sensible ~7k mile oil change.

In that mileage range, look for one with good service records. You'll probably be looking at having to replace the lower control arm bushings/control arms soon, if it hasn't been done already. Water pumps are another common issue.
 

Alex1118

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If you've already read posts on this forum about the timing chain guides, there isn't much else that could be posted here to add to it.

The general consensus is that a cause of the problem could be LR's recommended oil change intervals of 15,000 miles. Many here have gravitated towards a more sensible ~7k mile oil change.

In that mileage range, look for one with good service records. You'll probably be looking at having to replace the lower control arm bushings/control arms soon, if it hasn't been done already. Water pumps are another common issue.


I’m having a tough time finding one with decent service records. The biggest thing I am doing is trying to find 1 owner rovers. It’s my experience that the 2nd and 3rd owners of cars with more maintenance needs often skimp on them.

The problem is I’m wanting a very specific color and trim. I’m thinking I’m going to have to take a chance on one eventually. I don’t have the luxury to hunt for 6 months.
 

cperez

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It’s my experience that the 2nd and 3rd owners of cars with more maintenance needs often skimp on them.

I guess I'll be the exception to that rule. I'm the 2nd owner of two LR4s (in succession) and the shame of my first sale (to a dealer) is that my fat file of service records was of no interest to them. I should have quietly stuck the folder in the pocket behind the front seat for the next guy. I'm doing the same with this one and if I ever unload it (big if), the next owner is going to know every screw that was tightened and have every service, repair, and accessory receipt since 30K miles. I even use the mycarfax app to track a lot of this stuff.

Good plan to look for 1-owner Rovers. Hope you find a keeper.
 

Pfunk951

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Alex,

Stretch out your search, and don't be afraid to get on a plane for the right truck. I did, and got the exact color/options I was looking for. Private sellers are out there, ans some dealerships will have records if it is a trade in where it was serviced..

You won't have to take forever, but choose carefully. You want a solid truck, not someone else's nightmare.

Best of luck!!

Mike
 

jpjp

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Also don't be afraid to spend $250 on a Pre Purchase Inspection if you are buying from a private party. You will get a list of things that need to be done now and what will need to be done in the future with an estimated cost. Then you can counter the sellers offer deducting the amount of things that need to be done now, and it might be nothing. You are looking at an 8 year old vehicle with 100K miles that was priced at $60K+ when new.

Check Craigslists of other cities as well.

Good luck!
 

DirtyHal

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Also don't be afraid to spend $250 on a Pre Purchase Inspection if you are buying from a private party. You will get a list of things that need to be done now and what will need to be done in the future with an estimated cost. Then you can counter the sellers offer deducting the amount of things that need to be done now, and it might be nothing. You are looking at an 8 year old vehicle with 100K miles that was priced at $60K+ when new.

Check Craigslists of other cities as well.

Good luck!

I was in the same boat and wanted very specific options and low miles so I ended up taking a chance and ordering my LR4 through my local dealer ( who happened to be part of the Autonation Network) all the way from Florida and it came with a 90 day 4,000 mile warranty. I promptly took it to a local Independent LR shop and had it Inspected for about $100. They informed me the car was in great mechanical shape except for a small oil leak on the vacuum pump so I took it back to the dealer and they fixed it for free because it was still under warranty. It was a $200+ repair so the inspection paid for itself.
 

Jazzy

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Listen to what jpjp said; I did this exact thing a year ago. I opened my online search to span all of the US, because a $300 plane ticket is worth the thousands I saved and getting the style I wanted. I car searched for about a month before I found a seller in Virginia. I then called the LR Dealer closest to the car and set up an appt. LR techs then deal with you directly over the phone. I then asked the seller to take the 2012 LR4 into the dealership for their 165 point inspection which is the test for all certified pre-owned, and I paid $225...seller complied. The lower control arm needed to be replaced. The seller and I negotiated the price down some more because he didn't want to pay, but wanted to sell.

Prior to finding this LR4 in Virginia, I was ready to pull the trigger on a lesser LR4 locally after about 3 weeks of searching. The night before I agreed to the deal on the car I was "kind of" excited about, I was up late and decided to open the search to the entire US...that night is when I found the car I have today. Best decision I ever made...with regard to cars!

Will the LR be for off-roading as well as daily commuter vic?
 

R Hermann

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My only advice- stick with it! I am extremely happy with my CPO X5 but still look longingly at the rare LR4 I see on the road. I will be needing a third vehicle in about a year and an LR4 is at the top of my list. The ONLY downside for me was the distance to the closest dealership. At an hour each way, I made the mistake of letting the fear of a problem and the long service distance keep me from recognizing the every-day enjoyment was guaranteed. Best of luck with your search. If you find one near Ann Arbor, Michigan I may be able to put eyes on it for you.
 

verbal01

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Don't own an LR4 but have a L322 and I was able to tell from the carfax that mine was serviced exclusively at the local Land Rover dealer. I called them and they printed out a full service history for me. Not sure if they are really supposed to do that but it was very helpful.
 

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