J-gulf
New Member
Hi All,
New time poster here, apologies if I cover things in this post that may be elsewhere on the forums, but from first check I don't think they are.
So I have just moved out to the middle East, thought I want to take advantage of the great outdoors, have a car that can take me camping, off roading, fit my bike and also take me to work.
Essentially I arrived at the conclusion to go LR4, largely down to this site quashing my fears of unreliability and pointing me in the direction of a 2010 - 2013 V8 over the v6.
Fast forward to now, short list my vehicles to about 5. Then narrow that down to 1 as a good condition 2012 pops up, with a 1 year warranty from the dealer (I say dealer, more seems a big workshop with lots oof fancy cars and an office down a back road), seems about the price of other models like this, other ones I have shortlisted are slightly cheaper but 2010 models, but private sellers and no warranty, All around the 130 - 170k km mark. The other 2012 in the short list is a bit more expensive, largely as it iis white, but again, no warranty.
I went to test drive today, my issue I realised is nothing to baseline against in terms of a good Condition LR4. They say it is good (they are salesmen), I am going tomorrow to get an independent mechanic to check it out (again will want business..).
With that I need some advice for some of the things I noticed:
1. The big one, I managed to find the VIN on inspecting the engine, not found in door well as expected. This showed up following googling that it had been in 2 x accidents in 2012, however the local police site showed no accidents:
a) collision with fixed object offroad (front left angle, vehicle front, bonnet)
b) multi-vehicle collision, not leaving enough space. (vehicle rear, other)
2. Brakes seemed a bit slow and soft. I have been driving the work prado, this years model, so maybe just not used to an older model car.
3. A slight vibration sound, not feeling any vibrations I might add. I have seen another thread on this so no need to expand on this point too much.
4. Slight wear and tear on buttons and instruments, for example e-brake seemed a bit temperamental, bonnet took a couple of tries to properly shut.
Overall assessment it drove OK, not quite as responsive as my Prado in terms of acceleration or cornering, went over the speed bumps well, couldn't test suspension much more than that.
Basically, should I avoid it like the plague?
What things should I focus on checking when I see it again tomorrow?
What should I realistically expect this car to perform like and feel like inside? Should it have a brilliant stopping distance and be able to steer around a corner easily with one finger.
I will try to test drive another one or two, but wary of waiting too long in case I am missing out on a good car here.
Any advice greatly appreciated. This forum has been a fountain of knowledge so far and I feel like one more hurdle until I can officially be part of the club.
Thanks,
J
New time poster here, apologies if I cover things in this post that may be elsewhere on the forums, but from first check I don't think they are.
So I have just moved out to the middle East, thought I want to take advantage of the great outdoors, have a car that can take me camping, off roading, fit my bike and also take me to work.
Essentially I arrived at the conclusion to go LR4, largely down to this site quashing my fears of unreliability and pointing me in the direction of a 2010 - 2013 V8 over the v6.
Fast forward to now, short list my vehicles to about 5. Then narrow that down to 1 as a good condition 2012 pops up, with a 1 year warranty from the dealer (I say dealer, more seems a big workshop with lots oof fancy cars and an office down a back road), seems about the price of other models like this, other ones I have shortlisted are slightly cheaper but 2010 models, but private sellers and no warranty, All around the 130 - 170k km mark. The other 2012 in the short list is a bit more expensive, largely as it iis white, but again, no warranty.
I went to test drive today, my issue I realised is nothing to baseline against in terms of a good Condition LR4. They say it is good (they are salesmen), I am going tomorrow to get an independent mechanic to check it out (again will want business..).
With that I need some advice for some of the things I noticed:
1. The big one, I managed to find the VIN on inspecting the engine, not found in door well as expected. This showed up following googling that it had been in 2 x accidents in 2012, however the local police site showed no accidents:
a) collision with fixed object offroad (front left angle, vehicle front, bonnet)
b) multi-vehicle collision, not leaving enough space. (vehicle rear, other)
2. Brakes seemed a bit slow and soft. I have been driving the work prado, this years model, so maybe just not used to an older model car.
3. A slight vibration sound, not feeling any vibrations I might add. I have seen another thread on this so no need to expand on this point too much.
4. Slight wear and tear on buttons and instruments, for example e-brake seemed a bit temperamental, bonnet took a couple of tries to properly shut.
Overall assessment it drove OK, not quite as responsive as my Prado in terms of acceleration or cornering, went over the speed bumps well, couldn't test suspension much more than that.
Basically, should I avoid it like the plague?
What things should I focus on checking when I see it again tomorrow?
What should I realistically expect this car to perform like and feel like inside? Should it have a brilliant stopping distance and be able to steer around a corner easily with one finger.
I will try to test drive another one or two, but wary of waiting too long in case I am missing out on a good car here.
Any advice greatly appreciated. This forum has been a fountain of knowledge so far and I feel like one more hurdle until I can officially be part of the club.
Thanks,
J