Buying second-hand D4

[HazAnd]

Hi, I know this is a very general question, but I'd welcome any advice from experienced D4 owners. I'm going to inspect a second-hand D4 (MY12) this weekend. Has just over 80K mileage. Intend to let my 2x young-adult sons drive daily and for off-road. Replacing a much-loved D2 (MY2000) which is getting just a little too old. Is anybody able to provide insights, advice or guidance in things to look for or ask the D4 owner when I inspect/test-drive it? Thanks!

[mikeford]

Service records by suitably qualified service centre.

[DiscoMick]

Rear e-locker?

[Odysseyman]

My top radiator hose was sliced through by the engine cover so check clearance around the top hose. 10mm all around is advisable. You can cut away the cover to suit. Also adjusting the way the hose is fitted can help.

Worn lower front control arm bushes are a common issue in Australia because of our rougher roads. If there’s a knock in the front end over kerbs or potholes then they’re probably due for replacement. Apparently 60000km or so is a typical mileage. My 2016 D4 has just been done at 68000km (fortunately under warranty).

The electric parking brake can be a problem.

If if it hasn’t already been done using genuine oils I would change all transmission, transfer case and diff oils using genuine Land Rover oils at this mileage regardless of LR recommendations.

As said before, check the service history but make sure you see invoices, not just a printout of when services have been done. Also find out as much as you can, how the car has been used.

Im sure there are a lot more things to consider so read this forum thoroughly. It has a wealth of information.
Cheers

David

[Eric SDV6SE]

As with any used car, talking with owner as to where theyve been with the car, how much towing duty, off road etc. Can be invaluable.

Most critical points have been covered above, if possible to check transmission "thump" take it for a drive and accelerate, coast then accelerate waste again, there should be minimal slop in the drivetrain.

An RAC vehicle inspection would not be a bad idea.

From the top of my head:

Check airsuspension operation should take about 20-30 seconds to raise the car

Check tyre wear

Oil leaks around transfer case, differentials and turbo oil drain pipe

Air intake hosing for cracks,

Error codes (if you can plug in a code reader)

Signs of deep water / mud in the engine bay under the car.

Scrapes and scores on the belly pans

Hope this helps

Eric

[scarry]

Service records are very important,

An inspection by a good Indie is also the go.

And the usual checks when being a vehicle.

[ATH]

Yes to most of the above but I wouldn't bother with the RAC inspection. Not in WA anyway. I've had a couple of bad experiences of their so called mechanics in the past.
Get a decent independent to check it over. Don't worry about a bit of dust in or under the vehicle, no way can you travel in Oz without it getting dusty unless you stick strictly to the bitumen and there ain't no fun in that.
AlanH.