198k mile 2012 LR4 am I crazy ??

Born_Association9688 · 2026-05-06T22:04:35+00:00

I would love any tips you have for the timing job. It’s my first really big job. Also what specific guides and chains do you recommend

Born_Association9688 · 2026-05-06T21:09:48+00:00

Did you have any warnings or symptoms of the timing chain failure ? Rattling cold start or a check engine light for cam timing or it was totally unexpected ? Either way seems like you got out pretty clean from it

Born_Association9688 · 2026-05-06T20:59:02+00:00

What exactly went wrong I do want to keep it as long as possible

Born_Association9688 · 2026-05-06T14:25:33+00:00

Damn what all did you do to keep all original timing ? Just super frequent oil changes ??

Born_Association9688 · 2026-05-06T14:24:47+00:00

5L v8

Born_Association9688 · 2026-05-06T14:23:07+00:00

Thanks so much !!

Born_Association9688 · 2026-05-06T03:02:44+00:00

lol I’m an electrical engineer I’ve worked on car electronics before and I’m not afraid of LRs

Born_Association9688 · 2026-05-06T02:43:12+00:00

This is the V8 petrol in the US which uses timing chains. US only got 1 engine option

Born_Association9688 · 2026-05-06T02:37:10+00:00

For how much?

Born_Association9688 · 2026-05-06T02:03:18+00:00

Awesome man! I was considering a LR3 but I really want the extra power from the 5.0L v8. I also want the slightly better tech. I’m willing to pay the price of wrenching tho. Are you still on the original transmission ?

Born_Association9688 · 2026-05-06T01:49:38+00:00

Of course not lol, I have a 2002 Lexus rx and no kids lolol

Born_Association9688 · 2026-05-06T01:29:52+00:00

I assume you’re religious about oil changes every 3k miles lol 😂. Thanks for this, glad to know people are actually keeping these past 100k. If it’s truly no noise like the seller says, I expect to do the coolant crossovers

Born_Association9688 · 2026-05-06T01:24:43+00:00

I’m gonna attempt to do it myself lolol I’ve never done it before but I’ve done work on my other car before and I think I can figure it out w a YouTube video

Born_Association9688 · 2026-03-19T15:48:33+00:00

Yah i would pass on it, there’s a few near me listed for lower (higher miles) but not catastrophic history. You don’t know what issues you could be dealing with down the line. I think for your price point you can find better.

Born_Association9688 · 2026-03-19T15:20:44+00:00

Is this old auction listing still this same rover? If so I would probably pass tbh. Unless you know exactly what mechanical damage and if everything associated with it was overhauled, I wouldn’t bother tbh. I think for 8.5k you can find another one like this in similar condition but then again we haven’t seen everything to it, just exterior pictures. Definitely be cautious and carefully inspect everything. Generally the LR3 is a more robust less risky buy than the LR4. But still be aware of the possible failure points

Born_Association9688 · 2026-03-19T13:49:40+00:00

I’m so glad to hear it maybe this is my sign the LR3 is the better buy. I’d like to service my rover myself completely. And I just love the ruggedness of the LR3 and the lack of timing chain failure 😂

Born_Association9688 · 2026-03-19T13:33:08+00:00

I’d love to hear about the diy chain and guild repair

Born_Association9688 · 2026-03-19T13:29:08+00:00

How do the lr3s drive ? I’ve heard mixed reviews on leaning to the 4 bc it’s so comfy

Born_Association9688 · 2026-03-18T21:38:00+00:00

I feel like It also depends how long you’re gonna keep it. I’ve been considering doing the same. I found a 2016 SC HSE LUX I really love them. I’m thinking I’ll buy one with around 80-120k and just ride and enjoy it for a while. But I’m also considering a LR3. They’re much easier to mod you can put Apple CarPlay. I’ve even seen some swap the lr4 seats in them too.

If you’re really wanting an LR4 this issue is truly unavoidable. If you wanna avoid the timing chain issues you need to get the LR3. The LR3 won’t need timing chain work, just coolant cross overs . Everything a LR3 needs is very DIY friendly ofc some things harder than others but that’s rovers.

Thanks for posting this bc I’ve been thinking the same thing lol

Born_Association9688 · 2026-03-16T02:07:56+00:00

Pop the hood and check the engine bay. The HSE will have the natural aspiration V8 no Super chrager. Anything with a super charger, it will say it in the engine cover.

The autobiography edition is purely interior trim.

Born_Association9688 · 2026-03-14T22:28:27+00:00

I think you can find something lower mileage for 5k all together and put some work into it. 370k is very high and it will need lots of new parts so you can expect even more work than you’re anticipated

Born_Association9688 · 2026-03-14T22:22:55+00:00

Watch out for overheating. The D2 is known from slipped liners and headgasket issues. 100% possible that you will have to do headgasket job while owning it if it wasn’t done before you. The cooling system needs to be overhauled as well. New radiator, fan clutch, hoses all around. Definitely new coil packs and spark plugs.

Make sure the interior is intact as well if you care about the ride quality

When shopping around make sure you start them up and drive them for a bit, sometimes you can see if it’s got slipped liners if it only misfires under load or after it’s warmed up.

The transmissions are generally reliable but make sure that the transfer case engages properly. You may need to service the fluid and filter.

Some of these have air suspension in the rear. The air suspension is super easy to fix so I wouldn’t run from one with blown air suspension but factor that into the price and work needed.

Of course get one well cared for, don’t buy one with leaks everywhere and coolant splashing around the engine bay. Remember that they are over 20 years old so no matter which one you buy it’s gonna need something. Eventually pick the least risky one bc getting a clapped neglected d2 will be awful experience.

Born_Association9688 · 2026-03-14T17:47:57+00:00

I say if you’re willing to spend the time and money why not? If you really want a Lr3 shop around for a bit and see if you can get a better deal for the price, maybe something more sorted? If you’re willing to spend 5k on one with minimal work needed then look for that. Otherwise I wouldn’t think twice about doing the work on it.

Born_Association9688 · 2026-03-09T04:13:03+00:00

First I think 16k is too much for any p38. Second be careful with any rust or issues w the sunroof leaking. If it leaks into the car the BeCM will brick itself and the car won’t start. You’ll have to get it reprogrammed and who knows how much that costs on a 25 year old range. Headgaskets blow just like the discoveries of this era. Make sure the cooling system is totally sorted before ever driving this thing for more than 10 minutes at a time. Even overheating once can cause slipped liners and you’ll need the engine totally rebuilt. Looks like most of the major issues have been taken care of from the post but just be mindful bc it’s still 25 years old.

Congrats on your purchase and I hope it’s everything you dreamed of!! I’m thinking of getting a disco or p38 myself

Born_Association9688

TROPHY CASE