Disco 4 buying advice

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Originally Posted by Steve86

Hi guys

Got the inspection report, mechanic said it looked good apart from a couple of items:

1. small oil leak from diff pinion area (possibly seal?)
2. evidence of coolant staining right rear engine area (no active leak, possible hose leak not cleaned after repair)

Turns out the front suspension arms have been replaced recently, which could explain some outer tyre wear observed. He also noted that there were no fault codes & it hadn't been manually reset.

I can't see any red flags from that - any thoughts?

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Staining on bell housing may indicate the oil cooler is leaking, the seals become hard and let go. Do a cooling system pressure test. Be optimistic that the stains are not oil related. If the oil cooler is faulty replace all other components that are accessible whilst exchanging the cooler.

Establish the full service history of the vehicle, you are on the time limit for belts, transmission, suspension compressor desiccant and gear box lubricants.

The suspension compressor also could be reaching the end of its life cycle.

Unfortunately these vehicles can look smick but unfortunately mechanically they have their on agenda.

I know it’s not the same, but there are similar designed components in both.

My 2008 L322 tdv8 has had the plastic thermostat housing replaced twice because of minor coolant leak.

The last time cost a lot because I had all the coolant hoses replaced.

Replacing the thermostat housing costs quite a bit. But should be good for another 7 years.

If the timing belts have been done the EGR crossover coolant pipe is removed to access fuel pump belt. Coolant is spilt on doing this at back side of engine.

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Originally Posted by Gravy

Staining on bell housing may indicate the oil cooler is leaking, the seals become hard and let go. Do a cooling system pressure test. Be optimistic that the stains are not oil related. If the oil cooler is faulty replace all other components that are accessible whilst exchanging the cooler.

Establish the full service history of the vehicle, you are on the time limit for belts, transmission, suspension compressor desiccant and gear box lubricants.

The suspension compressor also could be reaching the end of its life cycle.

Unfortunately these vehicles can look smick but unfortunately mechanically they have their on agenda.

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Looked through the service history & compared with the current vehicles available it's pretty good - annual services 10-15000km, the first 5 years at a LR dealer. Plan will be to have it serviced by an indy & do all the lubricants etc to set it up for success. The agreement with the wife was if she wanted one then no complaints about maintenance costs.

Honestly it's a 7 year old car & I'm expecting anything that age to need some TLC. It hasn't towed & I doubt has seen much off road action (seller is a housewife in a mansion overlooking Karrinyup country club), so safer bet than some of the other cars we've looked at.

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Originally Posted by PerthDisco

If the timing belts have been done the EGR crossover coolant pipe is removed to access fuel pump belt. Coolant is spilt on doing this at back side of engine.

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I don't recall seeing timing belts in the service history, another thing to have checked by an indy at service.

Sounds ok, the 7th year is the big one for all belts and fluids. If it’s done mainly suburban and city driving id be budgeting in a transmission fluid change as well. They are NOT sealed for life, regardless what the dealer or LR says. Full fluid change with ZF lifeguard for the 8 speed. Not sure if Penrite has the BMV approved for the 8 speed yet (I use BMV in my 6 speed).

if you do decide on it, get it looked over thoroughly and take it for a long run on the highway.

good luck with it all

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Originally Posted by Eric SDV6SE

Sounds ok, the 7th year is the big one for all belts and fluids. If itÂ’s done mainly suburban and city driving id be budgeting in a transmission fluid change as well. They are NOT sealed for life, regardless what the dealer or LR says. Full fluid change with ZF lifeguard for the 8 speed. Not sure if Penrite has the BMV approved for the 8 speed yet (I use BMV in my 6 speed).

if you do decide on it, get it looked over thoroughly and take it for a long run on the highway.

good luck with it all

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Made an offer & was accepted, will be picking up the car at the end of the month.

I believe it's coming up for the 182,000km / 84 month service (odometer is 95,000km). Is that the major service? I'd be doing fluid changeover in any case as I'll then know what's been used. What would you expect an indy would charge?

I expect almost exclusive suburban driving on this one. Young Sebastian has to get dropped off at Aquinas College in style dahrling!

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Originally Posted by Steve86

I don't recall seeing timing belts in the service history, another thing to have checked by an indy at service.

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Timing/fuel pump belts should be done at the 182,000Km/7 year service. Check they are listed on the invoice for that service.

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Originally Posted by kelvo

Timing/fuel pump belts should be done at the 182,000Km/7 year service. Check they are listed on the invoice for that service.

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It'll be due for the 182,000 km/7 year service in February - car was delivered 02/2015. What would be the expected cost (including transmission fluid change)?

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Originally Posted by Steve86

It'll be due for the 182,000 km/7 year service in February - car was delivered 02/2015. What would be the expected cost (including transmission fluid change)?

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I have a mid 2014 D4. I get all fluids changed about every 70-75,000km. This was done for me in late 2020 at about 150,000km. (both diffs, auto, transfer as well as service). Cost about $2000 from memory.

In March 2021 the vehicle was getting close to 7 years but only at about 160,000, so got belts done. Both belts replaced. In addition, I did a bit of other preventative maintenance while stuff easy to get to. Also replaced water pump, oil pump, alternator and new battery (battery was original). Cost nearly $7,000. Done by indy.

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Originally Posted by Steve86

It'll be due for the 182,000 km/7 year service in February - car was delivered 02/2015. What would be the expected cost (including transmission fluid change)?

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I was quoted $2400 by a Perth indi just for the timing and fuel pump belts to be replaced. I ended up paying less than that at the main dealer due to a club discount.

I do all the other ‘normal’ service and repair work myself with my D4.