Member Since: 26 Jan 2016
Location: Earth
Posts: 6
What to look for when buying a used disco?
Hi!
I'm looking at buying a 6speed Hse . Are there particular things I should look for when viewing a car? I'd be very grateful for any help! I'm supposed to be looking at one tomorrow
So excited at the prospect of owning one
5th Feb 2016 7:14 pm
Mr Kington
Member Since: 12 Dec 2011
Location: Scottish Borders
Posts: 1552
Run a search on here. There is a lot of things to check to be fair But run a search and this will throw up the key points.James favourite hobby is writing in the third person.
5th Feb 2016 8:44 pm
Mr Kington
Member Since: 12 Dec 2011
Location: Scottish Borders
Posts: 1552
Will also help if you state what year, mileage etcJames favourite hobby is writing in the third person.
5th Feb 2016 8:47 pm
bigdave Site Sponsor
Member Since: 04 Jul 2008
Location: Cornwall
Posts: 9872
Complete your profile location as you may be near a member on here who could help.
Don't go buy the first one there are a lot out there now.
Take someone who couldn't care less ie Wife, mate etc as it dampens the excitement so you can think.
And have a good search on here - theres a lot to look for.
Dave
All things shipping, storage, transport. UK and worldwide.
Member Since: 30 Oct 2011
Location: plymouth
Posts: 6525
8 speed better
5th Feb 2016 9:01 pm
Darbs
Member Since: 29 Dec 2010
Location: Nr Pershore, Worcs
Posts: 102
There is a lot written on here, and I am also starting a search for a D4. I've been to see a few and found some of these issues, thanks to the knowledgeable guys on here for making me aware in the first place.
I have made this list of things to check for from some of the info I have come across on here.
• Full Service history
• Fuel light goes off and range is correct
• Even wear on tyres
• Heated screen works
• Seats move correctly
• Sunroof operation smooth
• EPB operation and no squeal - With drivers door open listen for screech underneath when applying and releasing EPB. Gentle whirr is fine. After test drive touch rear alloys to see if hot from binding brake shoe.
• Cam belts at 7 years or 112,000 miles evidence
• Smoke from cold?
• Gearbox smooth when warm
• Checki it accelerates smartly without clouds of smoke and brakes well (hands off braking).
• Check that the auto box is behaving. (slow down quickly and then accelerate, accelerate to see if it changes down well, check that it's fairly unnoticeable when changing)
• Check the electronic brake is working well. Try stopping on a hill and not manually engaging the handbrake. The brake should hold it on it's own and should release when you pull away.
• Make sure it's got a spare wheel slung underneath (of some description),
• If it's got a detachable tow bar on, check you've got keys for that and it comes off, they can rust into place.
• Check for vibrations through the steering wheel as the front diffs go along with brake discs.
• Put the suspension down then up and make sure the compressor does not sound like it is struggling towards the end. car drops to lowest setting in 3 to 4 seconds. Set normal then immediately select high so it lifts straight up. It should get there within a few seconds and hold evenly and level.
• Check for corrosion around suspension turrets and centre of chassis.
• With ignition on, door open and engine running select neutral gear and then low range (switch with mountain symbol) solenoid should audibly click underneath. Message on dash should confirm. Shut door drive forward to check low gearing selected. Stop, select neutral and then high range, check dash display confirms.
• Listen for knocks and thumps on front suspension arms over bumps.
• Listen and look carefully at the engine as they are an expensive lump to replace.
• Check that the suspension is good, that it goes up and down as it should and that the terrain response system does what it's supposed to.
• Underside for damage
• Tow bar receiver wear
• Gearbox oil flush at 60k
5th Feb 2016 11:17 pm
rarara
Member Since: 26 Jan 2016
Location: Earth
Posts: 6
Thanks for you replies!
I crap at searching and didn't know what to put in a search :bag: but shall endeavour.
I am the wife! my husband is the voice of reason so there's that.
I'm looking at 2010 mileage at around 56000.
I hear you re an 8speed but with my budget (£27000 ish) I'd have to up the mileage and it would be more than I'd like, or I'd have to get a GS or XS and would prefer an HSE.
Im in Manchester.
I've been looking for a new car for almost a year so no rushing here.
Thanks for all the info Darbs
6th Feb 2016 12:47 am
doz
Member Since: 15 Jun 2014
Location: Southampton
Posts: 436
I'm surprised nobody's mentioned the need for easy access to hard drugs and alcohol which will be required once you take ownership.
6th Feb 2016 3:32 am
Mr Kington
Member Since: 12 Dec 2011
Location: Scottish Borders
Posts: 1552
They are amazing cars and cover all needs. But they are needy and you need to be prepared for that. Good indy or living near Geoff is a must.James favourite hobby is writing in the third person.
6th Feb 2016 8:42 am
rarara
Member Since: 26 Jan 2016
Location: Earth
Posts: 6
doz wrote:
I'm surprised nobody's mentioned the need for easy access to hard drugs and alcohol which will be required once you take ownership.
*gulp* is it really that bad?
I live in Manchester so no probes getting hold of the good stuff
6th Feb 2016 8:52 am
Russell
Member Since: 23 Aug 2007
Location: Kent
Posts: 10564
The D3 was and is a godd vehicle but had a poor reputation for reliability, the D4 came out in the 6 speed format and was a big jump in the quality and reliability (although the D3 was more practical within the cabin area due to storage), the D4 8 speed came out and was a massive jump again. Yes there are known issues and yes they can be costly to maintain, afte all they are big heavey cars whcih do wear out components, but at the end of the day overall they are a good car no worse than any other if you regularly maintain them.
I would however try to get the 8 speed if possible as it is a nice car MY17 D5 1st Edition Namib Orange
MY15 D4 HSE Kaikoura Stone
MY12 D4 HSE Nara Bronze Sold and gone
MY11 D4 HSE Stornaway Grey Sold and gone
D3 S spec Silver Sold and gone
Tow bar, full length roof bars, side steps, tow bar storage unit, surround camers.
D4 camera club
6th Feb 2016 9:14 am
Fitzy73
Member Since: 09 Feb 2014
Location: Truro
Posts: 2407
I purchased a 2010 D4 XS 2 years ago (LR approved used) and I have to say it is the best most capable, versatile car I have ever owned, it still makes me smile and I remain in awe of it.
However, whilst I knew it would be expensive to run with high road tax (£490ish) and poor mpg (23 average), it has still come as a shock. Mine is in on Monday for its 7 year belt service at £1,200 it will be a similar amount if I wish to extend the Land Rover warranty as well.
So do carefully consider the costs!Andy
6th Feb 2016 9:47 am
dlgis
Member Since: 02 Oct 2015
Location: Tunbridge Wells
Posts: 398
And don't forget to budget for all the upgrades you'll be tempted by once you've bought. Since buying mine 3 months ago I've added cruise, cubby fridge, remote heating, lights that work in the dark, mud flaps, boot liner etc. All totally necessary for everyday driving of course - well certainly the lights are!
Personally I also wanted 8sp so went for a newer GS with leather rather than a 6sp XS or HSE.
Good luck
DarrylD4 GS 12MY
6th Feb 2016 10:22 am
rarara
Member Since: 26 Jan 2016
Location: Earth
Posts: 6
Cheers everyone. Lots to think about.
I still want one though
7th Feb 2016 12:47 am
doz
Member Since: 15 Jun 2014
Location: Southampton
Posts: 436
Good because when these cars are not emptying yer wallet they are mind blowing excellent
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my husband is the voice of reason so there's that.
