LR4 10,000 Mile Update - Was the Budget Land Rover Worth It?

[@jonarnejorgensen1179]

LR3/4 with V8 is the best. :) I bought a LR3 import from Florida here in Norway. Great 4.4 V8. Not very common in Europe, but i love it. Got the rear locker too.

[@LostCauseRanch]

Nice little grab there. Yes we Americans like our big V8s haha. Cool that you have one over there.

[@carlthetruthwilliams9447]

Excellent vid... LR4 is simply the best... My 2012 108k mi Ipanema sand HSE rides so smooth and it's quick. No codes, No chains. Thanks for the awesome review.

[@LostCauseRanch]

Glad you are enjoying yours as well, there is not much out there in the price range that I feel like I could replace one with.

[@trendel13]

It's always a good day when new Lost Cause Ranch content comes out. Thanks for the video drop.

[@LostCauseRanch]

Appreciate hearing that!

[@squirrelmaster1225]

i didn't have the balls to do my timing chain and tensioners, i had range rover do it for me, along with the supercharger nose cone, and front control arms, it was a touch over 12k. Im pretty handy, and usually do my own work, but after watching a few videos on the timing chain job, i realized it was a bigger job than my low back could handle : ) didnt like spending that money, but i bought it cheap because of the chain noise. : ) that was 40k miles ago, been trouble free, and a great rig

[@LostCauseRanch]

You got all the common stuff taken care of there at least. If you went in knowing that was the issue it doesn't hurt so much then haha. But they are great after getting the chains done, especially the supercharged ones. The chain job on these is definitely intimidating.

[@GYMGUYFE]

@@LostCauseRanchsince you’ve built so many of these would you recommend a LR3 or LR4 for a daily driver with weekend overlanding? Subscribed great videos!

[@johnciummo3299]

Love this site. As a Land Rover owner the over the last 20 years, the information and advice on this site is great.

[@LostCauseRanch]

Appreciate that, just like putting my 2 cents in these things out there every once in a while.

[@elizabethjackson3176]

They are expensive to maintain, but other than that Land Rover as a whole offers fantastic vehicles with great workmanship!!!

[@LostCauseRanch]

I agree, and some of the expense is just because of the fact that they pack more features than the typical vehicle. Certain models are pretty reliable in comparison to others, but either way I’ve enjoyed every Land Rover I’ve had.

[@maximiliaanvandijk6111]

My biggest pain in the butt thusfar was having to buy parts from overseas as they're hard to get in Mexico. Beyond that, it's been super reliable. Suspension issues can be avoided with preventive maintenance. The major inconvenience is that your suspension goes limp when the speed sensor gets disconnected due to hitting a speedbumps/pothole at high speeds.

[@craigbudd9866]

I'm glad I'm in the UK parts aren't that expensive

[@theghostinyourdreams]

I got a 2014 LR4 with 30k miles for ~ $25 K. Seemed like a great deal at the time but I just put my 20th $K into maintenance/repairs over 3 years and 35k miles. I absolutely love the car but it has beaten the sh$t out of me financially tbh.

[@markmcgrath9098]

Love the sound, dig the e39 in the back ground.

[@LostCauseRanch]

Thanks, it’s got a decent tone to it. Love me some e39s as well. That was a 540i 6 speed, have had some tourings and an M5 over the years as well, kind of the end of an era for BMW.

[@hammyh1165]

It's all worth it just for that exhaust note 😍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@LostCauseRanch]

Agreed, that is what keeps me coming back for more.

[@gordonyip8415]

Hi sir! May I know what did you do to get that note?

[@thebeardedstate]

@@gordonyip8415 straight pipe with a H pipe where the resonator used to be

[@Agent.K.]

Every couple of months I binge watch LR videos. Is it a sign 🤔

[@LostCauseRanch]

Be careful. You just might end up with like 20 of them.

[@JamesThomas-xk9ro]

100% not a regret.

[@LostCauseRanch]

110% haha. They are just special.

[@robpeabo509]

It was great watching the build on the LR4. I am so very impressed with my LR3 TDv6.A brilliant vehicle. It performed better off-road than my Nissan GQ Patrol with the TD42 diesel engine with a 2" lift. It did everything easier and gentler on the vehicle on the same tracks at a 4WD park I went to a couple weekends ago. It was my first trip to a 4WD park in the LR3. The drive to the camp site pulling my camper trailer was infinitely more comfortable and refreshing than my old Nissan.

[@roverdogs_keithwhelchel]

You love what you love and no regre. Wish my D2 had lockers

[@LostCauseRanch]

A D2 with lockers is quite the beast, you have the center lock? I really want to do a LS swap D1 or D2 with either a manual or 6L80 gm auto. I think that would probably be the one I could give the LR4 up for.

[@roverdogs_keithwhelchel]

@@LostCauseRanch yes I have the cdl and it’s all working now

[@SergioLopez-zc5bv]

10,000 miles $6500 parts alone is not a great deal for a person thatvis not a mechanic and still has to pay labor. Paying up to $10,000 in repairs on an SUV that has a bluebook value of 13k sounds horrible for someone that doesn't own his own repair shop

[@Budd16944]

That is true but these vehicles are definitely pay to play. Especially as they age. They’re a horrible idea if you’re in a lower income bracket without mechanical inclination. That’s why the market is flooded with them at the 80,000-120,000 mile range. However they are doable and definitely worth the bargain price if you turn your own wrenches. I’d take one any day over the Jeep I owned.

[@nycinkmaster]

Can you tell me where I can get this wheels also the tires size and did you have to install spacers?

[@LostCauseRanch]

The wheels are from Lucky8. The spacers are needed to clear the front brakes on a LR4. A LR3 can get by without them. I’m running 275/65/18 tires. It does rub and needs some things clearanced.

[@derelict_wanderer]

Nice build. I've also hauled 10' pvc conduit inside my OG Grand Wagoneer. Tuck under passenger side dash, over console, and across rear seat. Tailgate window rolled up. Compared to the modern behemoth, it is very small. Height wise, it's even closer to a station wagon than a more common Grand Cherokee, etc. I've also eyed that HF winch plate for the same reason. I miss having a winch on a solid driver/weekender. At the same time, I'd prefer it not be noticeable and like you, want to keep the factory look. Whether or not it actually happens is another story. I am itching for a legit excuse to tear into the axles just to install Detroit true tracs. I'm not into hardcore off roading, but have had the limited slips and love them. Snow driving and more confidence off the path are greatly improved. Since the LS swap, I've put 8K on it in the course of a year.

[@Stu_2112]

While the Series 1 Discovery was something of a groundbreaking SUV in terms of looks, and probably my fave Disco, I totally agree with you Joe that the LR4 is such a great looking vehicle.....and I love it in silver

[@NickplaysDrums96]

Im looking at a 2016 LR4 and i really Really like it and love Land rovers, That body style in particular i just love. This one im looking at is $14,999 with 107000 miles on it. 👀 What are some of your thoughts on that??

[@LostCauseRanch]

Service history can go a long way on them. They don’t take well to overheating and can have some plastic coolant pipes leak and lead to problems if that isn’t addressed. Do you know of an independent shop that works on them around you that you feel you could trust? A pre purchase inspection with someone that is knowledgeable could help in determining if it’s the right one. The mileage at 107k isn’t considerably high anymore on these with the age they are.

[@NickplaysDrums96]

@@LostCauseRanch I defiantly appreciate all that information and your quick response im gunna keep what you said in mind for sure. I think i do know of a place for that pre inspection i just hope its still a thing 😂

[@giochartolani7990]

looks cool. how you got this soun? I have LR 3 V8 and want to try on it

[@LostCauseRanch]

I have an x pipe in place of the center muffler and resonator.

[@giochartolani7990]

@@LostCauseRanch 👍👍 isn't it too annoying on a long ways?

[@jstokvis]

Excellent

[@LostCauseRanch]

They truly are!

[@eddie9177]

Thanks mate. I like the video. I’m looking for a V8 now.

[@LostCauseRanch]

No problem, I do love me a V8 LR4, hopefully you find the one you are looking for.

[@Jon_Drew]

Are the new timing chain tensioners that you put on the same stock OEM ones? Or are they better the OEM ones?

[@MickThornton-i7z]

When you say lux edition, do you HSE? How can you tell for sure if the LR4 has the locking rear differential?

[@LostCauseRanch]

The Lux is a package on top of the HSE. So it would be HSE vs HSE Lux. The Lux adds “premium” leather, Xenon headlights, passive keyless entry. Either are nice models though. The quickest way to visually tell is the HD package that had the locking rear diff came with a full size spare alloy wheel underneath instead of the smaller spare. Otherwise you can crawl under and check the diff for wiring and motor on the differential. Otherwise the simplest way is to call your Land Rover dealer with the vin and they can tell you.

[@Jabullz]

Doesn't sound like factory muffler, did you cut the resonator out?

[@florianrav8179]

nice vids man, could you post a video of that timing chain repair please ?

[@LostCauseRanch]

Yes, I actually have another LR4 that needs chains. So there will be a more in depth video up on that process in the next 2-3 weeks. Appreciate you watching!

[@florianrav8179]

awesome thanks !@@LostCauseRanch

[@stevenmoran4060]

You never regret buying any Land Rover, not even the one half buried in the field!

[@LostCauseRanch]

Haha. Never had a bum one, even when you only get half.

[@Sophos1964]

Great LR4! It sure helps that you know about the mechanical needs of that beast! The rest of us mere mortals don’t have the skills (nor the wallets) to deal with those issues. How are the electronics holding up? Electronic gremlins are the other hidden time bombs of Land Rovers.

[@LostCauseRanch]

This one has been pretty good. Get the occasional hood latch issue that sets the alarm off but other than that nothing big as of yet. These in my experience have been much more reliable electronics wise than say early LR3s.

[@jonnyhead]

Good video, usual LR probs😒 any probs starting up in minus temps??

[@LostCauseRanch]

Nope, it’s started fine in the -20f range. So it’s all good there haha.

[@chrishunter6481]

Love your build and have been following along with each mod. Sorry if I missed it but, did you cover how to know if you have a rear locking diff (the HD package)?

[@LostCauseRanch]

Quickest way to weed it out is the full size spare. The full size/alloy wheel spare came as part of the HD package. Not exactly fool proof though as someone could have added a full size spare at some point in its life. Otherwise you can call your Land Rover dealer with the vin number and have them look up the options, crawl underneath and see if there is wiring going to the rear differential. Or if you have a little time to play with it you can put it in low and rock crawl mode on the terrain response, then pull up the 4x4 mode on the nav screen and see if it locks the icon for the rear diff in the screen. You’ll have to ply with/drive it around a little for that though.

[@chrishunter6481]

@@LostCauseRanch thanks! Your videos are part of the reason I just bought a 2007 LR3 V8 HSE. It has the factory full size spare. So now I'll go play with it in Rock Crawl mode.

[@LostCauseRanch]

@@chrishunter6481 Nice, more than likely should have the rear locker. That will make you a nice little ride.

[@ignoreamos1]

what did you do to increase the growl of the exhaust? just remove the second silencers?

[@LostCauseRanch]

I replaced the center muffler and resonators with an x pipe. Here is the video that shows the setup: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIOYkGummL5mhrs

[@dcsr12]

What rim/ wheels are on your lr4 in the video?

[@LostCauseRanch]

It’s Terrafirma steel wheels with 30mm spacers and 275/65r18 tires.

[@dcsr12]

Thank you! Do you know what lift it has ?

[@LostCauseRanch]

I put the 2.5” Proud Rhino lift rods in it.

[@shinhochulp]

Hello. How do you tell if an LR4 has the HD package? And is there a best model year to buy?

[@LostCauseRanch]

The quickest indicator is a full size spare and not the space saver donut. But that is not fool proof as someone could have swapped that out. Other options are to call the Land Rover dealer with the vin to get option list, or you can crawl next and see if there is wiring going to the rear differential. School of thought in the beat year is usually 2013, last year of the V8 and supposed to have updated timing chain guides.

[@jamesbarger5241]

I just took my LR4 in to get the same tires and wheels you have, I got the wheel spacers and proud rhino lift rods as well. After they got everything together they said that the camber angle was so bad in the reer that only the outside of the tire was touching to road. Are their any other parts needed that you didn't mention in your LR4 overland video or something I'm missing?

[@LostCauseRanch]

Is it as they just set it down off the hoist or did the roll it at all to let the suspension settle/level out? It shouldn’t be that far out. Another thing I guess is what height do they have it set at via the switch? With the lift rods you are essentially tricking it to be at off-road mode height while in the standard/normal height mode.

[@jamesbarger5241]

@@LostCauseRanch I'm not sure if they rolled it out or not but I will ask them. I have a good understanding of the lift rods and what they do and I assumed that's all I needed besides the wheel spacers. They mentioned some trimming in the front too because the wheels in the front rub when they are turned, is that normal? Your videos make it look so simple haha.

[@joaosperb]

I have a 2012 LR4 and got a letter from Land Rover extending the timing chain warranty with no expiring date.

[@LostCauseRanch]

Interesting. When did you get that? The ones I have seen have an 8 year 100k mile limit.

[@joaosperb]

@@LostCauseRanch July 10, 2021 - A Land Rover timing chain lawsuit settlement has been reached between the automaker and the plaintiff who filed the class action lawsuit. The original timing chain lawsuit was filed in 2018 and included several Jaguar and Land Rover models. But the proposed settlement includes only 2012-2014 Land Rover LR4 and Land Rover Range Rover Sport vehicles.

[@jasonciskiNYC]

I'm in the initial research phase for perhaps finding my own budget LR4 as a sleeper crusier...maybe a tad offroad but light. I could use a guy like you around to give me your opinion on a LR4 prior to purchase. Im leaning towards a 2011 or 2012 with the v8 but I like the 14', 15', 16' also but price is a large factor for me. I would like to wrap mine in a satin matte black. Are you an expert on LR4's? How can I get in touch with you further?

[@rosemont83]

Do the supercharged 5.0 engines also have the timing chain guide issues? And compared to the 3.0 supercharged? Looking at picking up a 2010-2015 just unsure...

[@LostCauseRanch]

Yes, same chain setup in the supercharged 5.0. 2013 was the year that they fitted them with the updated guides with the steel button. So those have a little better longevity. I’m on the fence with the 3.0 as I’ve ran into more catastrophic failures on those with lower ends. But some of that comes from people running them low on coolant and overheating them.

[@rosemont83]

@@LostCauseRanch Hey again! Looking at a 2013 HSE Lux with the v8. Has about 120K miles, guides never been done.. Think this could be a good car or do I need to budget the guides? Priced at 14k

[@vannjunkin8041]

Wife bought one with the 5.0 V8 rather beastly

[@LostCauseRanch]

They are pretty rowdy for what they are. Love the 5.0 in these.

[@rovereddy2431]

Not gonna lie sounds good

[@LostCauseRanch]

It is an interesting sounding one that is for sure.

[@free2chasehappy]

Just wondering if you guys are still selling LR3 or LR4? I'm in the market for one and most that I've look at were just not taken care of.

[@LostCauseRanch]

Don’t have as many around anymore. Kind of settled down a bit, have one come through every once in a while though.

[@free2chasehappy]

@@LostCauseRanch gotcha, thank you!

[@homeydirt2278]

I didn’t budget enough! So far, two repairs $2,600 each and oh, a remanufactured engine for $18,500

[@LostCauseRanch]

Ouch. That engine is painful, what was the failure there?

[@homeydirt2278]

@@LostCauseRanch not confirmed yet, timing chain seemed to be ok, may not know for another week or two

[@jamesrebbechi5247]

Gosh.

[@9inchNirvana]

I’ve heard that having wheel spacers can put extra strain on your hubs and cause potential damage over time. Any truth to that? Asking because I noticed the 18” terrafirmas you have and have seen that they require spacers on the LR4. Also, any word on what the largest tire size you can run on an 18” without lift rods? Appreciate your time, great video!

[@JSingh100]

LR is way too strong and if you are thinking about another 7-10 yrs from it, you don’t need to worry about it.

[@amgeezy_2709]

What people say who don’t use them. So many people have run them with no issues.

[@GeorgeRM85]

I've found a 2012 LR4 for $21k and it has just under 60k miles on it. Any chance the timing chain and all the maintenance you mentioned may have been addressed already? Would it still be worth it at that price to buy if it hasn't been addressed?

[@bonusb2924]

I would take it to a reputable shop for diagnosis. Wouldn’t buy one otherwise. They can tell you what’s been done and what will be needed and when.

[@ajones5683]

I was chatting with someone on insta with a LR3 with rear locker.. said the original owner gave him sale papers, apparently the option for rear locker was $500 😳

[@LostCauseRanch]

It’s too bad more people didn’t check that box back then.

[@Shyguy624]

My dad had one new he checked that option. Got the rear locker and full size spare it's a really rare option

[@ajones5683]

@@LostCauseRanch I agree, but I’m also that mall crawler who wouldn’t really have any use for it. Did you use it when you took it to Jeeps on the Mountain? Also, yours purrs way nicer than what I’m used to hearing.. is there anything on that list of work done that changed it?

[@MegaSkypes]

My D4 V8 ❤ it

[@LostCauseRanch]

I know you feel the same way about them as me.

[@MegaSkypes]

@@LostCauseRanch the Australian edition was basically fully loaded like yours I drove last night and was thinking about how freaking awesome it is to drive 😎

[@LostCauseRanch]

@@MegaSkypes Always curious how they were spec’d elsewhere. We don’t always get the same models/options in the states.

[@MegaSkypes]

@@LostCauseRanch well the country that made them never gave them the 5.0 litre V8 petrol option!! How bizarre is that?! And in America they are solely called a LR4! Australia and England and the I think the rest of the world they are a Discovery 4!

[@markmusgrave5091]

Hey Lost Cause, I had a Discovery II with a lift and 32s. The tires with factory gearing caused the engine to struggle in the low end, getting off the line and so forth, and the truck ended up throwing a rod, I believe at least partly as a result. Thoughts? Gearing change would be super costly for us wrench-averse LR lovers wouldn't it? I ask because I'm considering the purchase of an LR4 with 75 -85,000 and lifting it as well. Gotta have it! (BTW. the new Defender bring the lost era back.. if you want to spend $100K)

[@LostCauseRanch]

Yes the D2s do really benefit from a gearing change when you upsize the tire. The LR4 has enough power and a 6 speed auto and doesn’t see as much as a detrimental effect.

[@MatthiasNyberg]

Why are there no front locker on practically any car except for the Rubicon? It's so silly to build 4WD cars that when SHTF are actually only 3WD (if you're lucky).

[@kennygraul]

I'm not sure if this is appropriate to ask an independent mechanic... But do you or anyone else know of any legitimate and worth it extended warranties that may cover things like timing chains/air suspension on the LR3s/LR4s?

[@LostCauseRanch]

If you have a trusted independent that you work with now I would ask their opinion on it. Over my 15 years running a shop I have found a higher percentage of worthless extended warranties/service contracts vs worthwhile ones. On most vehicles the service contract doesn’t end up paying off. You are usually ahead putting the cost of the contract aside in case of future repairs. In the case of a LR4 though there is some merit in them if the chains have not been done yet on a 10-12 and you are in that 70k miles or greater range. But be leery of buying anything new that currently needs them and trying to get them covered under the service contract. They can balk at pre existing conditions and trust me at a $6k+ repair they will typically try anything they can to get out of it. With that being said we did have great luck with Allstate service contracts and they seemed to be the best to deal with, at least out of the commons ones in our market.

[@kennygraul]

@@LostCauseRanch thanks so much! That's good advice and I'll look into Allstate. Does the LR4 have the same air suspension equipment the LR3 did, or did they upgrade it at all for longevity?

[@LostCauseRanch]

@@kennygraul I’ve seen less issues with the LR4s but that could also be a factor of the age of them. Never as old as the LR3s. In the grand scheme of air suspensions outside of the LR platforms are decent. But any make has issues once they age. Our biggest air suspension issues were the early models with hitachi compressors.

[@JesseHMR]

I love Land Rovers they are so great looking and so decent off-road but they are just too expensive in Australia and parts and repairs are $$. It's sadly nearly impossible to justify them, especially considering the lack of reliability and all the nightmare stories I've heard from owners IE a mate had his head gasket blow with under 80k miles on his LR4. If one day money doesn't matter I'll get one but until then will need to stick with things like Toyotas and look way less cool haha

[@aretools]

My timing chain failed at 270k.

[@anthonybaiocchi3028]

I've got 2 Land Cruisers for when you break down?😉

[@LostCauseRanch]

I may need them haha.

[@FlawedOffroad]

I dont like the look of the LR3, the 4 is ok. The 1 & 2 is where its at for me. Now if I could just keep one running haha

[@desertsurvival8235]

Im trying so hard to like land Rover, its a shame.

[@roteldorel]

ME GOD YOU REALY INAPT TO DO OFROAD ME LOVE HANDICAP:))

[@LostCauseRanch]

I would agree

[@roteldorel]

SORRY I WAS JOKE YOU NICE SUCCES IN YOU OVERLAND ITS NICE :))@@LostCauseRanch

[@LostCauseRanch]

@@roteldorel Haha, no worries I don’t take anything to serious so no offense was taken. I appreciate you watching!

[@ОлександрТаран-ю4ь]

Доброго здоров'я привіт з Одеси Україна.

[@LostCauseRanch]

Wish you the best as well, thanks for stopping by!

[@Chillfam]

I've always wanted one but they're such a piece of shit.

[@mansamusa9123]

I heard the same thing about Jaguars and yet I still own mine after almost 20yrs. Almost pain free. Search any vehicle online and the problems will scare you. Toyota seems to have plenty of Transmission issues. The Land Cruisers.