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UK USED BUYING GUIDE

LAND ROVER DISCOVERY
4.

The Discovery 4 refines the L319 platform but spans two diesel capacities, several outputs, three automatic gearbox variants, a rare manual and optional locking rear differential.

This quick guide highlights the major risks. Build the detailed guide to remove checks that do not apply to the exact vehicle you are viewing.

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DISCOVERY 4 · L319 / LR42009—2016
UK ENGINES
2.7 TDV6 · 3.0 TDV6/SDV6 · 5.0 V8
KEY CHANGE
2012 ZF eight-speed and rotary selector
OUR VERDICT
Outstanding—but maintenance evidence decides

BEFORE YOU VIEW

THE DISCOVERY 4 CHECKS THAT DECIDE THE PURCHASE

“3.0 DIESEL” IS NOT A COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

Confirm 211, 245 or 256PS output and six- versus eight-speed transmission. The 2012 update introduces ZF eight-speed, rotary selector and 256PS SDV6; 2014–2016 UK cars centre on that final combination.

01
V6 DIESEL

Bottom-end condition cannot be inferred from a quiet idle

Audit exact oil history, inspect filter/debris evidence and investigate any pressure event, knock or replacement engine before performance testing.

02
TIMING DRIVES

Demand evidence for both belts

The front cam drive and rear high-pressure-pump belt require itemised, generation-correct work. The 2.7 also needs relevant oil-pump mounting evidence.

03
3.0 TURBOS

Prove sequential turbo changeover under load

Log boost, secondary isolation/changeover hardware, actuators, DPF pressure and hoses. A gentle urban drive will not expose an inactive secondary stage.

04
AUTOMATIC

Identify ZF six- or eight-speed before testing

Test cold/hot engagement, coast-down, kickdown and converter lock-up. Eight-speed cars add rotary-selector and paddle/park-control checks.

05
AIR SUSPENSION

Measure height retention and pressure build

Command every height, record all four corners after standing and separate leaks, valve blocks, dryers, sensors and compressor wear.

06
EPB

Screeching means stop operating it

Incorrect shoe/cable adjustment leads to actuator overtravel and damage. Inspect the drum hardware before repeatedly pulling the switch.

07
ELECTRONICS

Cascading warnings need one complete scan

Transfer, rear e-diff, suspension, wheel-speed, EPB, battery and body-network faults interact. Find the initiating failure instead of clearing codes.

08
STRUCTURE

Lift inspection remains essential

Check integrated-frame rails, body/subframe mounts, brake pipes, control arms, towbar, sills, floors and evidence of body-off or impact repair.

Research status

UK Discovery 4 generator reviewed 3 August 2026. Validated model-year/powertrain configurations and thirty-one detailed conditional checks replace the former five-check sample.

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Turn this quick guide into a detailed checklist for its exact specification.

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