Looking to buy, info on possible faults

Hi all,

Looking to replace the family car with a Disco 4 3.0DHSE

Anyone know/heard of common faults, problems or things i should look out for????

Ta

YOU should look out for a td5 the disco 4 is super complicated, heavy ,expensive to fix and not really sure of its role as a good range rover of the same year are about the same money (just my opinion on them)

All comments welcome, its just to get an idea of what im getting myself in for, theres no towbar and never has been on it so not worring about heavy load abuse.

The d3 had some issues with the clutch failing after low miles, also troublewith the handbrake system, not sure if the d4 has the same problems but you never know with LR. They can be money pits, a lot of electronics on board

They're basically the same as the D3 so had there faults.
Make sure the handbrake is adjusted and cleaned at every service
Dual mass flywheels create vibration if damaged
De EGR after its out of warranty. They only cause problems
Othe than that they're really very good vehicles and will go places on road tyres you wouldn't believe

thanks all keep them coming,

Mine was a money pit.Sold it.

tuskar said:

Mine was a money pit.Sold it.

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What sort of things did you have to do?? just trying to get an idea of what to look/plan for...........

have a look on Disco3.co.uk they also have a section on the D4, if that dont put you off you must have VERY deep pockets!

A mate who works at a LR dealer says to bargain on at least £1000 every time the car goes in. I Think LR have lost their way, it's just so complicated repair costs are a joke. If you really must get one make sure you get a decent warranty!!!

m500dpp said:

have a look on Disco3.co.uk they also have a section on the D4, if that dont put you off you must have VERY deep pockets!

A mate who works at a LR dealer says to bargain on at least £1000 every time the car goes in. I Think LR have lost their way, it's just so complicated repair costs are a joke. If you really must get one make sure you get a decent warranty!!!

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That's because it's a main dealer and they charge extortionate prices! We've gained a customer after LR charged £100 to change a headlight bulb !! I did
It for a tenner

after LR charged £100 to change a headlight bulb

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eeek!!!!!

And eeeekkkk! again cos the customer isnt capable of changing a bulb themselves, have people got no practical skills these days?

I agree main dlr prices are daft yet there is a whole raft of people who wouldnt risk not using a main dealer because they simply dont understand their vehicles.

Anyway, my Disco 2 even with 145k on the clock is staying the 3 and 4 are just too complex for me to contemplate........

I often see the "it's too complicated nowadays" thought.
I can't help but wonder, what would a mechanic from the 70's make of a D2 with its traction control, electronic diesel control and electric luxuries? or even abs or airbags on a D1. Yes the newer cars are more complex but we (be that the DIYer or professional) evolve to cope with these changes and we manage now. I say have a little more faith in yourselves and revel in the improved crash safety, the better economy and smoother ride that comes with newer cars. If we don't embrace them now and learn to cope then cars will soon be scrap the moment the warranty expires.

sidewaysste said:

I often see the "it's too complicated nowadays" thought.
I can't help but wonder, what would a mechanic from the 70's make of a D2 with its traction control, electronic diesel control and electric luxuries? or even abs or airbags on a D1. Yes the newer cars are more complex but we (be that the DIYer or professional) evolve to cope with these changes and we manage now. I say have a little more faith in yourselves and revel in the improved crash safety, the better economy and smoother ride that comes with newer cars. If we don't embrace them now and learn to cope then cars will soon be scrap the moment the warranty expires.

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I agree with most of the above except for the economy improvement(well on a D3 anyway!)

often see the "it's too complicated nowadays" thought.
I can't help but wonder, what would a mechanic from the 70's make of a D2 with its traction control, electronic diesel control and electric luxuries? or even abs or airbags on a D1. Yes the newer cars are more complex but we (be that the DIYer or professional) evolve to cope with these changes and we manage now. I say have a little more faith in yourselves and revel in the improved crash safety, the better economy and smoother ride that comes with newer cars. If we don't embrace them now and learn to cope then cars will soon be scrap the moment the warranty expires.

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Very good point, which I think is pretty much true. I am old enough to remember my dad changing his Anglia for a Mini, and the thinking then was the mini was a nightmare to work on!!!! Having rebuilt 2 minis I cant see what they were worried about!!!!

We are getting more specialised companies able to test and repair ECU etc so we are catching up. It's OK if we can do much of it ourselves, but most kids these days dont have a practical upbringing (hence the guy paying to have a headlight bulb changed) and reliance on dealers or even specialists to maintain the new breed of cars mean that I believe many will be scrapped due to cost of keeping them going.

Back to the OP, have a good look on the Disco 3/4 forum and decide if you can stand the potential repair costs........................

It's not all bad. Things to look for:
- Handbrake noises/adjustment. Properly adjusted they are no problem, but most dealers don't seem to take time or know how to do it. If left badly adjusted the electric motor assembly will strip gears and need replacing, fuel tank had to come out.
- EGR valves will fail, check they have been done on older cars.
- Stay away from manuals in D3, the clutch is too weak, outs cost £1100 to replace at circa 26k.
- Suspension bushes wear, check for work having been already done under warranty on cars around 3 years.
- check tyre tread. New set boots is not cheap.
- Check spare is present under rear and that winch to lower it works. Early ones had few issues but they are fine until someone is heavy handed with them.

All electric trickery never have ius a single issue, it's the basic mechanics that failed for our D3 experience.

Now for some positives:
- Great visibility and driving experience.
- Massive lead carrying both volume and weight.
- third row seats perfect for mother in law.
- Crash safety of a modern car.
- Economy in low 30's if your not lewis Hamilton.

I found it easy to work on just a bit scaled up! Changed rear pads and front discs and pads on ours no problem. Parts from friendly dealers are not expensive, jobs not add complicated as you expect, had typo change motor on drivers central locking and was simple.

Oh finally air filtering change internal is stupid, like 3 years or something. If you buy second hand put a new one on, £20 or so from main dealer, they clog up in time and affect performance and economy.

The dedicated disco forum is best for all technical info...

TallPaul

Hot Fuzz said:

theres no towbar and never has been on it so not worring about heavy load abuse.

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I've always had a tow bar on my 3 discovery's. I bought the thing to tow, I believe they were designed with this in mind.
If its not got one means you'll have the expense of having to fit one.

Sure I remember reading its a body off job to change the turbo or for some serious engine work

biggeeeee said:

I've always had a tow bar on my 3 discovery's. I bought the thing to tow, I believe they were designed with this in mind.
If its not got one means you'll have the expense of having to fit one.

Sure I remember reading its a body off job to change the turbo or for some serious engine work

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If they weren't its a blooming awesome mistake because nothing tows like one

You can change the turbo without taking the body off but it takes just as long and is more frustrating

m500dpp said:

eeek!!!!!

And eeeekkkk! again cos the customer isnt capable of changing a bulb themselves, have people got no practical skills these days?

I agree main dlr prices are daft yet there is a whole raft of people who wouldnt risk not using a main dealer because they simply dont understand their vehicles.

Anyway, my Disco 2 even with 145k on the clock is staying the 3 and 4 are just too complex for me to contemplate........

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1 of the bulbs you have to take the headlight unit out for but it's not overly difficult. The other is just arquard. I do all the work on her D3 now she'll come in for bulbs or wiper blades and is more than happy to pay a little for me to do it

Dealer has agreed to fit one with all electrics as part of the purchase price, its a swan neck type, is this rated to the full capibilities of the Disco??? towing weight i mean???

I think you will be more than happy with a d4 or 3 they drive in a completely different league to a td5
I own a d2 but every time I drive the new ones I always want one, money won't allow unfortunately , also if anything major did go wrong there's a lot of independant garages that can take the jobs on