Intro and Disco 4 SDV6 test drive questions

**v8sruleok** · 23rd June 2018, 11:35 PM

Hi all,

I'm a newbie to the Land Rover brand, guess I've heard too many negative comments over the years and consequently never had them on my radar. However things changed when I recently met up with an RRS enthusiast. I'd been looking for a suitable tug for a caravan for a while now, and explored the usual suspects to no avail. I've now got the Discovery on the top of my list, and have been searching and researching for just a short while....maybe not long enough.

Have looked at four vehicles in the last few weeks, and today put an offer in on one at a Perth used car dealership. It's a 2011 HSE with moderate/high Kms for age, and on the test drive after a short warm up I gave it a short full throttle burst from low speed to around 70kph. It blew out quite a bit of white smoke, and then shortly after de-rated with the red triangle light visible. The dealer explained it had an existing issue, something to do with a "vacuum" fault, and that they were awaiting parts for repair. Subsequently the offer is on hold until rectification of this issue and re test drive of vehicle.

How does this sound so far? I know the cost of ownership is going to be high anyway but I'd like a little bit of grace before I start forking out. And whether the vehicle is low milage or high, doesn't seem to make much difference to the ongoing running costs.... I've seen the invoices on previous vehicles inspected. I'd like to take out an extended warranty, but the supplier is voiding manufacturer faults from the start. I guess this might include the known problems that are well publicised in forums and social media, and specifically the reason I want insurance protection.

If you guys would like to provide advice or comment then I'd be glad to hear from you.
Cheers, Mike.

**DiscoJeffster** · 24th June 2018, 12:24 AM

Welcome!

Could be one of a number of common faults. Likely a leak somewhere. Split intake manifolds, split throttle body, stuck actuators cause similar symptoms. Ensure the dealer clearly explains what was replaced and if possible get them to detail the fault codes associated so we can provide some advice in case the dealer tries to pull a swifty on you

Intro and Disco 4 SDV6 test drive questions

None of the above is a reason not to buy. Part of the fun of a Disco.

**jhsnow** · 24th June 2018, 06:47 AM

Have the vehicle inspected by an independent Land Rover specialist first. If they won't allow that be careful.

**101RRS** · 24th June 2018, 12:23 PM

Originally Posted by v8sruleok

I know the cost of ownership is going to be high anyway but I'd like a little bit of grace before I start forking out.
Cheers, Mike.

I Mike and welcome to the LR brand and the forum.

Do not assume cost of ownership is going to be high - certainly when compared to the cost of ownership of equivalent well know Japanese products. Servicing costs overall will work out less. In addition through this forum you will soon learn about the parts infrastructure and where and where not to get parts at good prices.

Look closely at extended warranties - many are not what they seems and my not be "cost effective" - again the forum can provide good advice on this.

Cheers

Garry

**Mungus** · 24th June 2018, 01:32 PM

If the dealer is willing to sell a vehicle and assuming that they did not mention the known fault prior to you questioning, then I would steer clear and move on to another seller. They sound dodgy right from the start. As you most likely already know, make sure the vehicle has a well documented service history and do exactly what you did on that test drive each time. Good luck on your search, despite all the blind follower LR haters, they no jack **** about these great vehicles.

**DiscoJeffster** · 24th June 2018, 02:35 PM

Originally Posted by Mungus

If the dealer is willing to sell a vehicle and assuming that they did not mention the known fault prior to you questioning, then I would steer clear and move on to another seller. They sound dodgy right from the start. As you most likely already know, make sure the vehicle has a well documented service history and do exactly what you did on that test drive each time. Good luck on your search, despite all the blind follower LR haters, they no jack **** about these great vehicles.

I doubt they had any idea. I think the sales guy was thinking on the fly and made that up.

**loanrangie** · 24th June 2018, 03:36 PM

Unless it was real cheap and you were experienced with the vehicles i would walk away regardless what the salesman says, i certainly would not put a vehicle on the lot for sale if it had a known issue.

**v8sruleok** · 24th June 2018, 04:03 PM

Thank you to those posters kind enough to reply so soon.

I do have a sales contract with the Dealer which I'm quite happy to proceed with as long as the fault is cleared and my "re" test drive is not problematic. I'm not actually sure if the wording in the condition box on the "Contract" is strong enough to allow the deal to be broken, I wouldn't want to put it to the test but would do so should the need arise. Hopefully the vehicle will perform flawlessly in the next test and both parties will be happy, I will however be particularly stubborn if there is any excess smoke from the exhaust, or problems of another nature.

Originally Posted by Mungus

If the dealer is willing to sell a vehicle and assuming that they did not mention the known fault prior to you questioning, then I would......................

Mungus, interesting you should say that, it crossed my mind at the time and I even mentioned it to the rep, but it went through to the keeper without so much as a snick along the way.

**v8sruleok** · 24th June 2018, 04:09 PM

Thanks DiscoJeffster,

I'm not deterred by this, there's too much about the vehicle to like. I'll take your advice and follow up with dealer re the fault codes.

Originally Posted by DiscoJeffster

Welcome!

Could be one of a number of common faults. Likely a leak somewhere. Split intake manifolds, split throttle body, stuck actuators cause similar symptoms. Ensure the dealer clearly explains what was replaced and if possible get them to detail the fault codes associated so we can provide some advice in case the dealer tries to pull a swifty on you

None of the above is a reason not to buy. Part of the fun of a Disco.

**LRD414** · 24th June 2018, 04:22 PM

I would be ensuring you get full details of what part(s) get replaced and fault codes logged. For some air intake issues it is not unheard of for something to get replaced but the issue be still present and even potentially intermittent. So an exact history of what is undertaken at this stage may also be useful in a few months when still in the statutory warranty period.

It does sound likely to be one of the more common issues and therefore should be simple to fix.

Scott

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