So I've heard the 2013 Disco 4 seems to be more reliable compared to other model years...is this true? Thinking about buying a used 13 Disco with 75k or less miles. Anybody have any thoughts?
Baden
I can only speak to the North American spec which we know as the LR4. Are you in the UK or Oz? If so some of this may not apply; I’m not 100% certain...
The 2013 NAS LR4 is considered by many to have the best of the 5.0L Jag engines because in this model year the tension guides for the timing chains were improved. And it’s the last of the V8s in the L319 lineup. So to many of us this means a bit less anxiety about expensive timing chain repairs. However in speaking with my independent mechanic (a master LR tech prior to opening his own shop), he just laughs when I express confidence in my 2013 timing chains. He says he still sees LR4s coming in for this repair. The key seems to be frequent oil changes with top quality synthetic oil. You can find all of this info in a forum search in this sub forum.
The 2013 MY still consumes brakes, tires, and lower control arms like any other model year. Still has abysmal MPG. Still expensive parts if you go OEM. It still has issues with its water pump and coolant pipes on the front and back of the engine. But these are known items so conscientious maintenance (and budgeting) will help avoid surprises.
Everything is relative. “more reliable” than other model years is arguably true. No guarantee of course, especially when you start talking about preowned vehicles and unknown service histories. I have had a very good ownership experience with my preowned 2013. I bought it with 30K miles on it and have put another 50K on it in 3 yrs and it has been fantastic. I had a 2011 LR4 prior to this one and it was also mostly good until I hit 100K and my mechanic recommended switching it out, which I did. Good luck with the search as well-kept LR4s even in that mileage range are getting tougher to find, and 2013’s in particular for reasons mentioned.
Edit: Sorry, just saw you were located in Ohio. I made an assumption based on how you referred to the LR4 as a Disco 4. I usually do that when I’m talking on IG to an owner outside of North America.