Purchased Used Land Rover without RWC - Can't Get RWC Due to Oil Leak

getk on 27/09/2024 - 18:51
Last edited 27/09/2024 - 19:38 by 1 other user

Hi friends, my brother family bought a second hand car (Land Rover) in VIC for cira $20,000. It has registration till next month.

But due to urgency, they bought it from private seller as it was good car (by looks of it) and didn't do RWC from the seller and seller was moving state. The car was transferred into his name as per VicRoads. (One of the greatest mistakes to buy car without RWC).

But in the RWC test, it failed due to Oil Leak in engine. The RWC garage couldn't fix it, so took to LandRover(JLR) main office and paid approximately $1500 to fix it. But this failed again RWC as the oil leak didn't fix! (doh). So went again to JLR and the new quote is circa $6000+! That's too much and can't afford it

Now it's in Limbo now as transferring to his name FULLY ; the car needs mandatory RWC

So the options which came our mind are (or questions rather):

  • Fix from JLR ($6000+) and not worth it
  • Do it in another garage. Sent few quotes/queries to them. Time is running out as VicRoads have 14days limit of transferring
  • Can he claim on insurance? He got comprehensive insurance
  • Can he sell it to dealers and get some money and get a hit? Will dealers/buyers accept without fully transferred to his name?

Any advice/options would be greatly appreciated

Automotive Land Rover

Comments

  • jv on 28/09/2024 - 00:48
    -1

    Super glue

    • MS Paint on 28/09/2024 - 01:07
      +20

      jv weld?

  • brendanm on 28/09/2024 - 07:44
    +11

    Classic, buys a vehicle known to be a massively unreliable leaky shitbox that is expensive to fix, then give the old *surprised Pikachu" face when the purchased shitbox is leaky and expensive to fix.

    • magic8ballgag on 30/09/2024 - 17:14
      -4

      You mean just like that time you bank transferred a thousand dollars to a random on the internet thinking you wouldn't get scammed?

      • SBOB on 30/09/2024 - 17:26
        +1

        a thousand dollars

        https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/10593580/redir

        Was $130

      • brendanm on 30/09/2024 - 17:57
        +1

        Lol, it was $130, and I half expected to get scammed, hence the post. It even says "purchased" specifically in quotation marks due to me being dubious of it.

        If you are going to find a 3 year old post, at least read it correctly.

      • rumblytangara on 01/10/2024 - 14:39
        +1

        What sort of massive fail was that? It was clearly an exercise done for shits'n'giggles.

  • GordonD on 28/09/2024 - 07:57
    +7

    took to LandRover(JLR) main office and paid approximately $1500 to fix it. But this failed again RWC as the oil leak didn't fix!

    So you took it to someone and paid them $1500 to fix it, and they didn't. And now they want to charge you a lot more to have another go. Sounds like you ought to be seeing a lawyer about that. And damages would seem to include the inability to register the vehicle and the consequent loss of value. It just makes it worse that its a Land Rover and the place you took it to is the JLR main office. They can't claim lack of knowledge of what fixing any problem with one of their own vehicles is.

    Have your lawyer suggest you'd settle with them if they got the necessary RWC pass to get it registered. They are JLR, they'd have plenty of experience at getting Land Rovers registered despite the inevitable oil leaks.

    And when you get it registered, sell it immediately, and "move interstate".

    • getk on 28/09/2024 - 21:31
      -2

      Haven't looked into it and was such a shame that they don't know the system themselves :-(

    • dachosenone on 29/09/2024 - 23:31
      +2

      He doesn't want to spend 6k on a repair, but will happily waste money on lawyers against of all things, a billion dollar multinational?

  • The Hawk on 28/09/2024 - 08:38
    +2

    As a relatively recent import to Vic from NSW I still don't quite understand the system (or at least the mentality) when it comes to vehicle rego.

    In NSW you get a pink slip every year at rego time, it's typically a pretty basic test of brakes and lights, but theorteically looks at other things.
    In VIC there is no annual test, only a RWC when you buy/sell a car.

    From what I understand cannot sell a car with rego unless you get a RWC. I didn't think there was any way to transfer a registered vehicle without one (except to a spouse etc and a few special circumstances). Yet I see people selling cars all the time without a RWC but with rego. Doesn't this mean that it stays in your name until the new owner bothers to get the RWC and can then do the transfer?

    How do you spend $20k on a car that can't be put into your name and take on that risk?>

    • MS Paint on 28/09/2024 - 10:14
      +3

      The buyer can absorb the risk with the requirement to obtain the RWC. I've done it on multiple occasions and got a decent discount on the purchase price knowing full well what the risks are. I also have basic automotive knowledge so they were educated punts.

    • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 29/09/2024 - 04:05

      Seller doesn't require the RWC to lodge the transfer with VicRoads.
      Buyer does.

      Seller assumes some risk if they fail to transfer or rack up fines etc.

      • stumo on 01/10/2024 - 12:39
        +1

        Risk of fines can be eliminated by keeping a signed copy of the dated sales receipt, and/or of the (incomplete but signed) rego transfer papers. Any fines will come to the seller until transfer is completed, but the sales documentation can be used to transfer those fines onto the buyer. And once the seller submits their notice of disposal, the rego is cancelled if the seller hasn't completed transfer. So the risks are minimal if you know what to do.

    • Chandler on 29/09/2024 - 20:04

      Is the same in QLD - cannot transfer registration without RWC.

      Sellers commonly give completed transfer paperwork to buyer for lodgement - it's in the buyer's interest to do so, since the form needs to be completed with their details and signed by them, so can't be done prior to sale. If you bought a car, would you leave the paperwork transferring ownership to you in the sellers hands, hoping that they lodge it correctly and in a timely manner? Yes, there is a risk to the seller that it is still registered in their name until the buyer lodges it, if they give it to them to lodge. But the seller should hold some sort of proof of sale, to reduce that risk (they have evidence that it is no longer their car, and from what date).

  • Potatohead82 on 28/09/2024 - 09:01
    +5

    This issues comes up all the time in reddit. It is an unfortunate that people don't do proper research before spending large amounts of money.

    I really hope your brother family find cost effective solution for the problem.Maybe look into Reddit and see what other have done.

  • goody on 28/09/2024 - 10:07
    +4

    Serial offender with new Range Rovers in the past.
    In all those years I only ever had two leaks.

    Water in and oil out.

    (A delight to drive, but a nightmare to own.)

    • Maxi Pad on 29/09/2024 - 05:43
      +4

      Let's be honest… There was also a considerable leak from your wallet.

  • doctordv8 on 28/09/2024 - 10:08
    +5

    As we have always said in the trade for decades. At least we know if an English car has oil in it…. it is leaking.

    Tell your brother/s/family… to bite the bullet and repair it properly. There is no rush as a Tilt Tray will move it around easily.

    Get some quotes, make an informed decision, repair it and move forward; unless dropping 20G into the ocean is an acceptable choice.

    Then keep it or sell it, that depends on their own personal circumstances.

    I will give ya $2500 and take the risk, unseen and delivered. Ok.

  • GordonD on 28/09/2024 - 11:45

    I wonder how much that mechanic paid to work on Wheeler Dealers so he could enhance his future job prospects and renumeration by being shown on TV being able to fix anything, including leaking Land Rovers. Of course the reality was there was a whole lot of researchers finding out for him the sort of things that would be likely to have gone wrong, and how to fix them. That's how "reality" TV is done.

    • holdenmg on 28/09/2024 - 11:55
      +1

      The reality is they don't need to make much on flipping the car that is upgraded.
      They make money on selling the broadcast rights.

    • brendanm on 28/09/2024 - 16:33

      renumeration

      Tee hee

  • JIMB0 on 28/09/2024 - 11:52
    +3

    😂

  • whatthecrappin on 28/09/2024 - 12:14

    just transfer it without the rwc?
    then take your time fixing / not fixing it

    • Randolph Duke on 30/09/2024 - 09:58

      You have 30 days to supply a RWC otherwise rego gets cancelled.

  • nizzkid on 28/09/2024 - 12:18
    +5

    Claim insurance?
    I'm not aware of "dumb decision insurance".
    Who is that through?

    You could go out and crash it on purpose I guess.

  • navshaf on 28/09/2024 - 12:38
    +6

    take out underbody engine shield, Clean underneath the engine of all oil and residue and then wait 10 minutes and see if engine oil drops within that timeframe. If engine oil drops on floor after 10 minutes, your car is roadworthy as far as engine leaks are concerned

    • Maxi Pad on 29/09/2024 - 05:45

      Exactly. Then clean it all off before hitting the RWC place. Pretty straightforward.

  • OzzyOzbourne on 28/09/2024 - 13:43

    A Land Rover with an oil leak? Unheard of 🤣

    Presume LR workshop is refunding the original $1500 for not fixing it.

    What model, engine and year? What kind of oil leak costs $7500 to fix?

  • seabombs on 28/09/2024 - 13:56
    +13

    As a prior owner of a second hand Land Rover (Disco 3) I empathise.

    It never leaked oil though!

    But it did leak coolant.

    Into the combustion chamber…

    • mini2 on 30/09/2024 - 13:40
      +2

      But it did leak coolant.

      Into the combustion chamber…

      Ouch.

  • S Baldrick on 28/09/2024 - 15:01
    +7

    Generally speaking - if you can't afford a brand new Euro, then you can't afford a used one.

    There's a reason why they're cheap to buy out of warranty.

  • 2esc on 28/09/2024 - 15:12

    "Time is running out as VicRoads have 14 days limit of transferring"

    Thats not a real issue as you can just try again yes of will cost more but its not 14 days and not allowed to register the car ever again.

    Take it back to LandRover(JLR) main office they didn't fix it correctly then need to fix it whats their explanation as to not fixing it correctly the fitst time?

    LandRover(JLR) main office can do Roadworthys.

    Maybe the wrong leak fixed?

    Maybe the mechanic doing the rwc is very picky?

    They can sell the car it's theirs a car doesn't have to be registered to sell though it's going to be a big hit price wise for that reason.

  • Cave Fire on 28/09/2024 - 15:19

    Can't speak about Melbourne, but here in qld, if it's not actively leaking, then some inspectors will pass it. Some inspectors are strict and find things that aren't in the transport departments criteria. Going to the head office was a mistake as they would be the most expensive. Should also check what was quoted and what work was actually done. Should be able to see new parts, for example.

    • holdenmg on 28/09/2024 - 16:15
      +1

      Nice photo.
      (Drop shadow or oil spill underneath?)

  • Georgejungle666 on 28/09/2024 - 16:48
    +9

    LISTEN HERE been to many rwc over the years.

    FIND A NEW rwc inspection center. Do not mention any oil leaks. Just tell them you need rwc ASAP for the car for your old man father.

    Don't mention the oil leaks or anything like that. You will find someone who will do a basic check and let you go even if you need to go to a different suburb, maybe a little less desirable area to get rwc done like Springvale or Dandenong area.

    Plus if the 30 days expire you can just get a new rwc.

    Each rwc check lasts 30 days. If you can't get it done you just don't drive the car until you get it done or get a permit to use until you get RWC it's not a scary thing. Permit is also available to get the car fixed go to Vic roads they will tell you.

    So go to another suburb like I said find an old independent mechanic not a dealer or franchise place. The smaller older shops will look after you. Just tell them you will recommend them to your mates if they get the rwc done.

    Again never mention anything about oil. Unless it's a major leak just get some STOP LEAK from super cheap auto fill it up before you go to RWC.

    Good luck mate

    • zuuutoootuuu on 28/09/2024 - 18:34
      +3

      except now the next RW mechanic sees why the previous RWC failed…

      but yes, I agree with a STOP LEAK type product that will soften the seals up and the leak up so there is no residue left over

      • Georgejungle666 on 28/09/2024 - 20:46

        @zuuutoootuuu that may be true so wait until it expires and start a whole new RWC and don't mention any issues.

    • OzPeter on 29/09/2024 - 19:18

      The best advice! Thank you so much!,!

  • Windows98 on 28/09/2024 - 16:56
    +2

    Clean the leak and immediately take it to another rwc place

  • Ash-Say on 28/09/2024 - 17:54
    +3

    I would be doing chargeback against JLR for $1500 if I paid them for a specific item and it didnt get fixed.

  • DiscoJango on 28/09/2024 - 18:21
    +8

    Seller quite literally jumped for joy and then ran off to the hills lol

    • MS Paint on 28/09/2024 - 18:48
      +1

      Username checks out. I'm guessing it was a Disco Sport.

  • R4 on 28/09/2024 - 19:51
    +1

    Don't buy a Land Rover

  • ipiok on 28/09/2024 - 20:20
    +4

    lol “can he claim insurance”…

  • lachhelix on 28/09/2024 - 21:43
    +3

    Can he claim on insurance? He got comprehensive insurance

    JFC. Absolutely ridiculous

  • 28kb on 28/09/2024 - 23:06

    but disco's look so nice :(

    • smartazz104 on 29/09/2024 - 20:31
      +2

      Yeah they do look nice parked in the emergency lane with the bonut bonnet up.

  • drfuzzy on 29/09/2024 - 02:00
    +2
    1. Use a generous amount of the leaked oil to lubricate your backside.
    2. Go back to JLR without your pants on and prepare to be ripped a new one.
  • Aerith-Waifu on 29/09/2024 - 02:13
    +3

    Disclaimer: Me and OP is not related by birth or marriage! LOL

  • Naigrabzo on 29/09/2024 - 06:08
    +1

    Wtf. Just pressure wash the underside of car just before the rwc inspection. Use engine degreaser prior. Pass RWC.

    Buying a used land rower is not a good idea.

  • Sidog on 29/09/2024 - 07:56
    +1

    Unless your brother is insured against brain dead decisions, I don’t think Insurance claim is an option.

  • croc330 on 29/09/2024 - 08:24
    +5

    Fiat invented the oil leak. LR perfected it!

  • BAM51102 on 29/09/2024 - 10:44
    +9

    people saying to take the car to other place, not mention anything and redo the RWC there - this trick is not working anymore.
    now if the mechanic is doing RWC - it is all online with photos and the progress is saved at vicroads servers. once the RWC failed/passed - all info about it saved at vicroads. You can go to another place , but once your rego/vin is punched in RWC application - it will pull all previous attempts of obtaining RWC with comments (photos? ) what and why did not pass previously.

    Probably the only way to avoid the record of not passing RWC from the first attempt is speak to the workshop, and ask to do pre-RWC inspection - mechanic will do everything he usually do during RWC , but not put anything on books . All defects he finds - will be just between you and him. Then you fix the defects and apply for RWC at the same place (and will pass from the first attempt as he will be checking exactly the same, but with formal lodgment and photos) or go elsewhere and try your luck somewhere else if current mechanic was too picky at pre-inspection.

  • gimme on 29/09/2024 - 12:27
    +2

    Kind of funny considering the large number of shitboxes on Melbourne roads. Vicroads is a bit of a joke anyway but I guess they have standards to register a vehicle. After that you can run it to the ground and noone cares

  • Dubsys on 29/09/2024 - 13:33

    The world is trying to tell him not to buy a Land rover

  • Name on 29/09/2024 - 15:48
    +2

    Fix from JLR ($6000+) and not worth it

    At $21.5k in, another $6k would get you to $26.5k.. It's getting to be an expensive second hand car. If he is a car enthusiast and really wants that car, maybe worth it (I've seen people throw more money at less) but shop around other mechanics before doing it.

    Do it in another garage. Sent few quotes/queries to them. Time is running out as VicRoads have 14days limit of transferring

    The RWC? Yes - I'd ask around people at work / friends, you can normally find someone that doesn't mind doing a dodgy RWC check.

    Can he claim on insurance? He got comprehensive insurance

    No, insurance isn't there to cover car defects / issues. Only for traffic accidents. Maybe crash the car and then claim insurance.

    Can he sell it to dealers and get some money and get a hit? Will dealers/buyers accept without fully transferred to his name?

    No, dealership would not accept a car that isn't fully in his name. But from what you explained it is in his name now, it just isn't registered? Being registered and being the owner are different things. I'm not sure many dealerships would buy a car that isn't registered /can't pass a RWC. You might try your luck at the wreckers.

    my suggestion

    Take the car to a mechanic that also does RWC. Get them to do the RWC and fix any issues at the same time. That way you aren't running back and forth between the mechanic and the RWC person who are both looking out for different things. You won't have issues with JLR saying it's fixed and the RWC person saying it isn't. Ie if the mechanic you paid $1600 to repair was signing the RWC it would have been done. You'd probably still have a leak, but you'd have your certificate and you can just top up the oil until you get rid of it.

    • getk on 29/09/2024 - 18:14

      great advice. thank you

    • Cave Fire on 29/09/2024 - 20:00

      If the rwc doing the repairs, they're more likely to find things wrong. So charge more overall imo.

  • R4 on 29/09/2024 - 15:56
    -1

    New Australians……

  • Tiredman on 29/09/2024 - 17:51
    +3

    20k can get you a fantastic and reliable RAV4. If he can't afford 6k for repairs why would he get a used Land Rover?

    • rodericb on 30/09/2024 - 09:08
      +1

      To impress friends and strangers.

  • chk on 29/09/2024 - 17:55

    isnt selling a car without rwc illegal unless youre selling to a dealer?

    • MS Paint on 29/09/2024 - 18:21

      No. Not in Vic.

      • chk on 29/09/2024 - 18:35
        +1

        really? google tells me plates need to be returned to vicroads if no rwc?

        • MS Paint on 29/09/2024 - 18:57

          That's what they say. Not what happens in reality.

  • mooodeng on 29/09/2024 - 17:57
    +4

    Cut your losses and just sell it on Grays. Should be able to make a decent amount back. I also purchased a car that I couldn't get the rwc to pass. Ended up selling it at Grays for more than I paid for it. This is probably your best option imo.

    • MS Paint on 29/09/2024 - 19:18

      Did you have a letter/receipt from the previous owner to prove ownership to allow you to sell it?

      Or, what was the process to prove it was yours to sell?

      • mooodeng on 30/09/2024 - 06:00
        +1

        No need to provide proof of ownership if you are selling without plates.

  • bargaaan on 29/09/2024 - 20:24
    +1

    Welcome to Land Rover ownership. There are some wonderful things about many of the models, but owning one often needs to be a labour of love. I have had a defender and a Discovery 3 that is currently at over 400 000km, and have (mostly) loved it. First mistake you made was going to a dealer. Never go to the dealer. Find a GOOD independent Land Rover Mechanic and get it assessed. Some Indy mechanics will allow you to source parts as needed. This can save you a lot of money. Example - local LR dealer wanted $1200 for an oil cooler!!!! I had the same part shipped from one of the major UK parts suppliers in under a week for $200, and my mechanic fitted it. Like many euro vehicles, they get a terrible reputation for being expensive to fix partly because of absolute rip off parts pricing. A dealer that sells 120k and up range rovers etc is not shy about making money on overpriced parts from rich owners. Remember these vehicles as they age are not going to be something you get fixed cheaply or well without doing your homework….. Do your homework.
    Do whatever clever tricks you can to get around the roadworthy for now, and then longer term work with your Indy mechanic and gain as much knowledge as you can forums like AULRO. https://www.aulro.com. Great info can also be found on YouTube with channels like LRTIME. https://www.youtube.com/@Vera_and_Christian.

  • bargaaan on 29/09/2024 - 20:26

    BTW - what was the car?

  • Cave Fire on 29/09/2024 - 21:37

    found oil leaking from lower timing cover (around lower timing cover to cylinder head and possible rear main leak or lower timing cover chemical seal to engine block)

    Cylinder head gasket to lower timing cover has been previously sealed with RTV sealant, the cylinder head gasket will require inspection for any damage when timing cover is removed"

    Those are your issues. A little confused about head gasket to timing cover connection. Anyway those seals shouldn't be $1000 to replace. Rtv instead of gasket could have mucked things up. Rear main should be around $900 with today's labour rates.

    • brendanm on 30/09/2024 - 11:53
      +1

      You've obviously never worked on a land rover.

      • pegaxs on 30/09/2024 - 16:04
        +2

        Holy shit, rear mains and T seals on 300TDi Disco and Defenders, I did sooo many of these. These would take a whole day if it was a manual, worse if it was an auto. So, in early 2000's, it was an 8 hour job on a Disco Manual. We were charged out back then at $150~ish/hour. That's $1,200 just in labour back in 2000 for a much easier vehicle to work on or about $2,200 adjusted for inflation.

        Now, in our workshop, if someone came in claiming they could get a rear main seal done on a Land Rover for $900, I would chuckle, hand them back their keys and say "yeah, ok, champ…" I might take the gearbox out for $900, but it's not going back in… :D

  • brad1-8tsi on 29/09/2024 - 22:24

    If it's overall a good car then find an independent LR specialist and get it fixed properly. There are no shortcuts in LR maintenance.

    If your brother hasn't budgeted $5k-$10k/yr for maintenance & repairs or isn't mechanically handy at a high level of expertise then he shouldn't have bought the vehicle. He should have rigorously which driveline to buy prior. Some are acceptable and some are just time bombs.

    I have mates that have owned multiple LRs but they have lots of money and love the brand. Personally, when I wanted a 4WD I bought a Pajero Sport. It's a s boring as bat-crap has some design faults and shortcomings but it's reliable.

  • MrThing on 30/09/2024 - 06:10
    +1

    Landrover and oil leak… Dont they come new like that as well?

  • BartholemewH on 30/09/2024 - 07:55

    JLR can f right off with $6k. You could get a known good replacement put in for that. Assuming you went to JLR and told them the oil leak was for RWC, go back to them and tell them they need to pass it. You won't be taking it somewhere else and you don't have$6k. Speak to the workshop manager.

  • JIMB0 on 30/09/2024 - 10:16
    +1

    Could be worse. This person spent $7k, then a further $6k (which JLR covered 80%) and now they need another $7k to replace the engine. 2017 Discovery.

    https://www.reddit.com/r/CarsAustralia/comments/1fp286y/car_…

  • brendanm on 30/09/2024 - 11:54
    +3

    Once the oil leak is fixed, you will only have to wait a few months for the oil pump to fail, or the crank to snap. The joys of land rover ownership.

  • Roman Sandstorm on 30/09/2024 - 14:38
    +4

    took to LandRover(JLR) main office and paid approximately $1500 to fix it. But this failed again RWC as the oil leak didn't fix! (doh). So went again to JLR and the new quote is circa $6000+!

    To me, all the other stuff at this point is irrelevant.

    You took the vehicle to a fix a problem. You paid them $1500. Presumably, you drove away thinking the problem was fixed. I mean, the LR shop didn't say: "Thanks for the $1500, you can take the car, but we didn't fix the problem."

    Subsequently, the problem resurfaced.

    It's on the LR shop. NOT to give you another quote, for a vastly greater sum, but to honour their original contract of sale with you. That is, to fix the initial problem. Doesn't matter if it costs them $50,000.

    Of course, actually getting them to honour this is another issue. But we have pretty good consumer laws in Australia. If you have verbally asked them to fix the problem, as per the original agreement, follow this up with a letter. Be specific. Give them a reasonable date to resolve it by. If they don't, contact Consumer Affairs Victoria. They will ask if you have done the steps I just mentioned. They may give you other advice. They may take on you claim.

    From the information you have provided, if it is accurate, you are at the very least entitled to a refund on that $1500.

    • getk on 30/09/2024 - 18:16
      +1

      thanks for the idea. Such a shamble that they said they identified and fixed the 1st time. Now their second quote said, it is "possible" have another rear leak. The words are wishy-washy as they still don't know the second time also it fixes the issue !

  • imurgod on 30/09/2024 - 15:28

    How have you lived your whole life never learning how unreliable English cars are?

    • pegaxs on 30/09/2024 - 16:14
      +2

      Lol @ English cars… Oh, sweet summer child… JLR is now owned by Tata… An Indian truck manufacturer. While some of their vehicles are made in England, most of those are the domestic and European market vehicles. Australia gets a mix of English made and Indian/Chinese made vehicles. The only places on earth worse than getting a car from France. They also manufacture vehicles in Slovakia and Brazil. Another two countries renowned for their top tier quality motor vehicles.

      • imurgod on 30/09/2024 - 16:48
        -2

        I don't even know where to start with your comment.

        Part truth and part pure fantasy.

        In any case, I never mentioned where they're built.

      • MS Paint on 30/09/2024 - 19:05
        +1

        The only places on earth worse than getting a car from France.

        Waiting for nubsy or whatever their name is to enter the chat.

  • serpserpserp on 30/09/2024 - 19:42
    +2

    Why buys a car that uses oil these days? Just a ticking time bomb of expensive fixes. Surprised it didn't catch on fire.

  • OceanMachine on 01/10/2024 - 05:47
    +1

    Check with another mechanic.
    An engine oil leak doesnt necessarily fail a RWC. Unless it's really bad.
    A Roadworthy is primarily about whether the car is safe - i.e. do the brakes work well, the lights, can you open the doors/windows, etc.
    The general condition of the engine may be not as important for this as you think, and an unscrupulous mechanic may try to convice people to pay for expensive unecessary repairs, knowing you are in a bind needing a RWC.
    Of course, the leak could be a safety issue, if it is pouring oil over the road.

  • chillwok on 01/10/2024 - 08:59
    +3

    get the degreaser out. give it a clean in a spot where a roadworthy guy won't see the mess. move it to a clean spot and get a mobile RWC guy out.
    RWC done

    • PaKoRa on 01/10/2024 - 12:13

      This is the way…

  • stumo on 01/10/2024 - 12:53
    +2

    The last car I got a RWC for in VIC used the new process.

    The mechanic has to upload photos and videos to vicroads of all the items on the checklist, pass or fail. If he pings you on an item then it needs to be fixed with new photos uploaded.

    The guy failed me on some bushes, and also "pre-failed" me on some small oil leaks. He did not take photos of those leaks on the first inspection, and told me to degrease the whole underside of the engine right before bringing it back with the other fixes done. He said he has to run it for 10 minutes in the same spot and leave it there for an hour or something, then check for any leaks that have hit the ground. So he was able to pass it even though it does actually leak. But they are very small leaks that can pass his test if you degrease it all first. These are not landrover leaks.

  • mini2 on 01/10/2024 - 12:57

    Actually…

    Find a hoist. Remove all the undertrays and whatnot. Drown both the undertrays and engine with degreaser and then hit it with water.

    Tow the offending LR to the RWC of choice.

    Let's hope oil isn't seeping when it's on a flatbed to the RWC bloke.

    • mapax on 01/10/2024 - 13:11

      If it’s a rear main a Land Rover is very likely to leak when the mechanic starts the car.

      • mini2 on 01/10/2024 - 14:00

        Maybe find a RWC bloke in Dandy or Broadsmeadow and hope they're inexperienced with LR's.

  • 2andre2 on 01/10/2024 - 14:03

    Move to SA where we dont have RWC and my land rover can leak oil as much as i like

  • shangoz on 01/10/2024 - 20:02
    +1

    Don't understand people like those Europe shit car and not try Honda, Honda Civic and Accord plus CRV are such reliable car, own a Civic more then 22 years, only on 16 years just Air compressors start to have problem, and Engine plus Gear box still very good when 22 years old plus more then 250k on it, still easy in freeway 110km/h plus.

    • King Tightarse on 01/10/2024 - 22:11

      'Air compressors start to have problem'
      - do you mean low compression?

      • mapax on 02/10/2024 - 18:51
        +2

        Probably meant a/c compressor since they said engine still good?

  • getk on 02/10/2024 - 18:44
    +8

    After a stressful week, I’m relieved to say that the issue is finally fixed and the car passed the RWC, all thanks to a local garage. I really appreciate the advice and support from some of the members here

    Key lessons learned:

    • Avoid taking your vehicle to JLR for service. They either lack the necessary expertise or charge excessively for repairs. The actual fix turned out to be much simpler than what JLR suggested.
    • Do a pre-RWC check (usually around $100) to identify any issues before going for the formal RWC. This way, no failure is recorded in the system, and you can address any problems right away without adding unnecessary complications and time pressure
    • Choose a garage that offers both RWC and end-to-end repair services. It’s much easier and more convenient to have everything done in one place, reducing the hassle and responsibility and turnaround time for repairs.

    Thanks again to many members who helped and guided us.

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