Member Since: 28 Oct 2014
Location: Hereford
Posts: 39
Buying a low milage older Discovery 4
I'm currently doing what the title mentions, its a very nice and clean 2010 Discovery 4, with a little over 80k mileage, test drove well and has a FSH at a main dealer.
I haven't yet taken delivery and so I'm going through my usual paranoia trying to think of any concerns I can come up with before taking the plunge and delivery of the car.
Having read around on the forums it seems that what I assumed was a desirable specification for a used car, low mileage, driven in West London, probably mainly to deliver small children to private schools in Wandsworth and Barnes might be good for some cars, but is a red flag for a Disco 4 because of the number of cold starts the engine would have experienced.
Assuming I go ahead, what is my best approach to caring for this car so that I can minimise any likelihood of future engine problems. Is it mainly a question of ensuring its kept correctly oiled or is there more I can do?
I mainly work from home so days can pass where I don't need to drive at all, I often take my bike to the shops.
Do I need to make sure the car is started up regularly?
What care and feeding will it need?
20th Jun 2018 4:54 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 72799
Re the crank, it seems a total lottery. Just enjoy and stir in a bit of fiscal fear.
20th Jun 2018 5:31 pm
mz mini
Member Since: 02 Jul 2014
Location: Sunny Devon
Posts: 1759
Land Rover 90 - deceased
Discovery 3 - deceased
Discovery 4 2013
Mini Cooper S 1964 Mk1 - International Rally winner red & white
Mini Cooper s 1964 Mk1 - Road Rally champion green & white
Mini Cooper S 1971 Mk3 - original and unrestored
Porsche 911 997
Porsche Boxster 3.4S
VW Polo 1.2
Citroen Xsara Picasso - shed/run around
20th Jun 2018 6:56 pm
LT
Member Since: 31 Dec 2005
Location: South West
Posts: 23386
I guess running it on branded diesel not supermarket and using something like Millers Diesel additive and more frequent oil and filter changes, might help. Can't do it any harm anyway.
I doubt we'll ever have any accurate figures for vehicles that have crankshaft failures, but I'd bet the overall percentage is still low. I see a lot of D3's and D4's on the road still. 2006 D3 HSE (Original & still the best)-GONE
2010 D4 HSE (A bit bling)-GONE
2014 D4 HSE (Almost too bling)-GONE
2015 D4 HSE (A heated what?)-GONE
2016 D4 Landmark (Written Off)-GONE
2016 D4 Landmark (Surely the last!) PD1881 rims-GONE
2017 FFRR SDV8 Autobiography
20th Jun 2018 7:12 pm
charlietortoise
Member Since: 29 Oct 2011
Location: Staffordshire
Posts: 502
Whats the issue with having little use? That will be how my car is going to be used. CheersDiscovery 4 3.0 HSE 2010 year. I like it a lot. Now with winch 😂
20th Jun 2018 8:20 pm
DiscoDan15
Member Since: 30 Dec 2017
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 87
I was in a similar position, had the chance of a low mileage 2010 D4. I did the research, and decided to take the plunge.
Yes there's scare stories out there but the numbers appear to be small, and most cars have at least one worrying factor about them.
Mine had obviously stood for periods of time doing only 40,000 miles in 7 years but a 8 months and 10,000 miles later I've had no problems.
The message from most enthusiasts seems to be 'keep on top of the maintenance'.
It's unfortunate I worry about the crank situation but every time I drive it I love it! The pleasure of the car far outweighs any 'what if's'.
Good luck with yours.
And if you're only doing occasional use, limited miles, why not search out a petrol version and then the worry of the crank doesn't apply!
20th Jun 2018 8:34 pm
Browny90
Member Since: 19 Jul 2016
Location: Ashbourne
Posts: 687
With that age, I would make sure the belt have been replaced, or just take the hit and have them done again for piece of mind,.
With a FSH I would assume they have been done, but would warrant a call to the dealer to confirm. Also make sure any mods/ recalls have been carried out.
Maybe consider a gearbox megaflush, all will help you relax at night Disco4 MY16 SDV6 Landmark Black
Disco4 MY12 SDV6 XS Orkney Grey (Gone)
Defender 90 200tdi Completely rebuilt.
21st Jun 2018 9:19 am
free1000
Member Since: 28 Oct 2014
Location: Hereford
Posts: 39
I thought the timing belt change was required on 7th service, ie: 105k?
Having it done a bit sooner is not a bad idea if you are keeping the car long enough I guess.
21st Jun 2018 9:35 am
Browny90
Member Since: 19 Jul 2016
Location: Ashbourne
Posts: 687
I think (please correct me if I am wrong) but I think its 105K OR 7 Years which ever comes firstDisco4 MY16 SDV6 Landmark Black
Disco4 MY12 SDV6 XS Orkney Grey (Gone)
Defender 90 200tdi Completely rebuilt.
21st Jun 2018 9:47 am
free1000
Member Since: 28 Oct 2014
Location: Hereford
Posts: 39
Ah, yes that would make sense. So I'll need to get it done.
The first mark down for the car dealer who I asked this question to and tactful avoided answering my question.
21st Jun 2018 9:48 am
Robert SausageTrousers
Member Since: 09 Aug 2015
Location: Cornwall
Posts: 466
Think it's either 112k or 7 years, whichever comes first.
As others have said, there's no real way of guaranteeing you wont get any engine problems, the only way to guarantee you don't have to face any huge bills is to get a decent comprehensive warranty from Warranty Direct, that's really the only way to have complete peace of mind.
21st Jun 2018 9:50 am
free1000
Member Since: 28 Oct 2014
Location: Hereford
Posts: 39
I looked their warranties up yesterday.
I can see that the pricing suggests that they will deliver if something goes wrong, maybe it is worth the peace of mind as I intend doing some long trips abroad.
I can't see any significant price break for buying their warranty for more than a year at a time.
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