Shamefully lifted from another forum, but despite having known some of the history of the vehicle it might be sensible to run through as much of the following as you can get away with...
From my point of view, check the handbrake operation is free from graunches and nasty noises - it’s fixable but will be quite spendy to solve...
The original post follows:
“I started knocking up the following pre-purchase inspection schedule a few months ago but never got round to finishing it. It is by no means complete and need some good proof reading so would appreciate any ideas on things I have missed or got wrong. I will then get it formatted better and made into a downloadable PDF.
There are obviously variations on vehicles depending on exact MY and options but it should give you something to work with.
Pre Purchase Inspection of 2012 Discovery D4
Equipment required
• Fault Reader
• Plug in Voltmeter
• Music CD
• Notebook and pen
If possible, get all codes read and cleared before test drive.
Carry out complete walk round checking for
damage,
paint flaws,
door/panel gaps,
wheel damage
Check correct operation of smart key buttons (all keys)
Note external optional extras
Tow bar fitted? Presence of red blank
Towing electrics fitted?
Stand on rear bumper and check roof
note VIN from inspection window nearside lower corner of windscreen
Open bonnet and check
General condition in engine bay
condition of bonnet insulation blanket
oil level and condition
coolant level and condition
Check condition of air hoses
check condition of aux drive belt
open batter cover and check visual,condition of battery and date stamp if possible
open 2nd battery cover and check brake fluid level and for contamination.
leave bonnet open
Check each wheel. Note tyre size, condition remaining tread, even wear. Check behind wheel for condition of brake pipes, disks etc.
Check presence of spare wheel - Full size or space-saver?
Operate rear offside passenger door and check for smooth opening and closing. Check condition of seats, internal trim, seat belts etc.
Check folding seat mechanism.
Check 3rd row seat base.
Check courtesy lights
Check rear ventilation louvred for free movement.
Check ashtray area and presence of Aux audio input.
Remove rubber mats if fitted and check carpet for condition and dampness.
Open luggage compartment doors and check for correct operation and closing.
Check security of upper door stay body mounts
Check condition of internal trim, sides, ceiling, carpets 3rd row seat belts
Raise 3rd row seats and check condition and operation.
Open cubby boxes and check contents, - complete tool kit and wheel nut locking key
Check operation of spare wheel hoist. Lower to inspect spare wheel and raise again.
Check operation of courtesy light
Check for corroded upper door handle retaining torx screws
Check for presence of load cover
Operate rear nearside passenger door and check for smooth opening and closing. Check condition of seats, internal trim, seat belts etc.
Check folding seat mechanism.
Remove rubber mats if fitted and check carpet for condition and dampness.
Operate front nearside passenger door and check for smooth opening and closing
Check condition of trim, seats etc.
Remove rubber mat if fitted and check carpet for condition and dampness.
Open glove compartments and check contents.
Open main glove compartment and check for presence of Document wallet complete with handbook. Check interior light.
Lower main glove compartment door to lowered position and check fuse box for non OEM wiring modifications. Check presence of fuse extractor tool.
Operate driver's door and check for smooth opening and closing
Check condition of trim, seat etc.
Remove rubber mat if fitted and check carpet for condition and dampness.
Check condition of foot pedal runners are commensurate with vehicle mileage.
Switch in ignition and check warning light illuminations.
Tachometer – 6 lights
Centre screen – 4 light along the top
Speedometer – 3 lights
After self test, you should be left with
Centre screen – Amber triangle and red battery symbol
Speedometer – Red Seat belt warning and possibly green “lights on” depending on vehicle configuration.
Check mileage and displayed outside air temperature
Depending on how long car has been unused, voltage should be not less than 11.5volts, ideally between 12 – 13v
Check all switches for correct function.
1. Horn
2. All external lights including brake lights and puddle lights
3. All window operating switches (drivers door and individual doors). Check for auto closing (May just need reset if not operating)
4. Radio controls including steering wheel radio controls. Insert CD and check.
5. Speakers all working
6. Heater controls (not heated windscreens)
7. Winscreen wash / wipers
8. Electric seat – full range of movement in all axis.
9. Electric sunroof
10. Electric mirror adjustment
11. Check for quiet operation of electric parking brake (EPB) with correct indication (Red warning on tachometer. No amber warning)
12. Check other instruments for sensible indications (fuel gauge etc)
13. Check rear view mirror and adjust
Start Engine.
Engine start sequence should start immediately if warm or possible after a couple of seconds if engine cold on cold day.
Battery light should extinguish. After a few seconds, voltage should rise to between 14-15v.
Listen for unexpected noises. Check under bonnet.
Check Suspension reacts correctly to raising and lowering commands
Check Remote operation of suspension using smart key (all doors closed and hazard warnings on – see handbook for further info)
When ready to go on test drive, with EPB applied, select “D” and check EPB releases automatically when accelerating.
Drive car normally and check for normal response from accelerator, brakes, steering etc.
At slow speed, dab the brakes firmly. Any clunks could be indicative of worn front suspension arms.
Check Command Shift steering wheel controls. Check for correct gear indication on centre screen.
Check full steering lock in both directions
When safe to do so, carry out emergency stop
Perform heavy acceleration and check for smoke from exhaust or sounds indicative of blown turbo hose. Acceleration should be sharp with little lag.
Check reverse gear
Check Low ratio, forward and reverse
If possible find a hill and check Hill Descent mode
Check cruise control
Check engine temperature gauge warming up and warm air from all vents
Check air conditioning
Switch off all heating and ventilation in attempt to induce misting of front and rear windscreen in order to check heated screens. If suspicion of windscreen not heating, placing a bag containing ice on the windscreen. This should induce condensation which should clear when windscreen heating put on. Remember front screen is split heating, LHS & RHS elements
On return to parking, check parking sensors (front and rear and cameras if fitted).
Using an assistant, check luggage compartment door safety interlock. It should not be possible to open the luggage compartment door with the engine running without gearbox selector at “P”.
With engine still running ( select “P”” and EPB applied), open bonnet and check for signs of leaks and unexpected noises.
Switch off engine. Voltage should remain at approx. 12.5-13v
If possible, get codes read again for any faults which were still “live” during test drive.
After approx 10 minutes since engine switch off, select oil level on service menu for correct level.
Check all paperwork.
• Service Record, receipts
• MOT
• V5C Registration document
Do VINs agree? Do mileage records check out. Number of previous owners.
If buying from franchise dealer, check all recalls are up to date.
Ideally, car should now be placed on ramp for full underbody inspection with a good torch. Check for leaks, corrosion (brake pipes especially) damage, engine/gearbox protection covers in place etc etc.
Using written notes you took during the inspection, negotiate the best price you can ! “
Phew... extensive list but hope this helps!
