All,


I'm new to Land Rover ownership and need your experience and advice. I'm considering purchasing a 2004 Discovery HSE. It has the 4.6 L V8 engine. It's very clean cosmetically and has 115K miles. Asking price is $5,900. What issues are common on these? Any definite reason to bypass this vehicle? I will more than likely get a PPI if there are no obvious known issues with this year/make/model. Any help you can offer is greatly appreciated.


-Andy

 

Any maintenance history on the vehicle? The more history you have on it the easier it is to make the decision. $5900 seems like it's on the top end of the value. JMO D*

 

Take an OBDII reader with you and look for any pending codes, also if it's like an Ultragauge or Scangauge II crank the D2 and watch the temps, at idle it shouldn't go past 205F with the AC on. Down the highway you want the temps in the 193-205F range. Once it's warmed up squeeze the top coolant hose and if it's rock hard you could have possible headgasket issues. It shouldn't be soft, but it shouldn't be rock hard either. Valve cover gaskets leaking, broken air box lid clips (common on the 4.6L). Pull the dipstick to check the oil condition, and level. Also inspect the brake fluid, and look to see if the reservoir seals are leaking.

Also once it's warmed up listen for any ticking. The only ticking you should hear are the fuel injectors any other ticking could be signs of a slipped sleeve.

D2's are great vehicles and lots of people think the 04 is the best of the best. IMHO I personally stay away from 04's as they weren't really caring about quality control as the LR3 was about to be rolled out and the D2 was being discontinued.
I think 99-02 D2's had better quality control, and standard oil coolers (03-04 D2's did not have them stock from the factory). The CDL can be added to 99-02 D2's with just a linkage out of an 04 and the SLABS unit. (later 02 models did not have the CDL nipple, but earlier 02's did).

I've owned 3 03's, and 1 04 D2, and while I loved the CDL I couldn't stand the SAI (secondary Air Injection aka LR's answer to CA emissions), and the plastic headlights that got foggy or full of moisture. I'm much happier with my 99 & 02 D2 vs all my 03/04's put together.

Just check the stuff I mentioned above or if you can take to a shop to be inspected (however the inspection is only as good as the shop you take it to).

I've noticed lately that clean D2 prices seem to be going up. Up to the rate that you could grab a decent LR3 for the same amount of $$$$$.

 

Don't know where you are but around here, $5900 is full blown retail. Could be that he thinks so much of it because of the low miles, but that also could mean that there are many required to-do's. Few to check would be

1. If it has the original front prop shaft, minus $400
2. If it has the original head gaskets, minus $1200
3. 3 amigos showing, minus $300
4. Check the coolant and oil. Any signs of overheating and you should be wary.
5. If the sunroof (or roofs) don't work, they may also leak so check for rust on the interior.

As mentioned above, listen to the engine from cold start up to full operating temp. Any tapping needs further investigation.

Check this as well if you haven't already...

https://landroverforums.com/forum/di...scovery-21328/

 

04' looked the best imo out of the D2 lineup. The tube roof bars added a more stout look. 04' was also the last year of the original looking Discovery body style. I've always thought the best one's to own woule be a 98' (50 years if Land Rover) or a 2004 (the last year). Defi look at the service history. Great vehicles good luck.

 

I do truly love my official 50th Anniversary Edition 98 D1 LSE in Woodcote Green. It was babied by it's original owner until they got a new RR then his wife parked it next to his Bentley Continental Super Sport lol.

It was very well taken care of! I have every document that it came with including the window sticker.

Maybe it's just me, but with my 04 D2 I swear the fatter roof rack bars made more wind noise going down the road.

 

I don't know what city you are in but that rover can be had in the flyover country for $1500. I picked up a perfect looking 04 a month ago with a bad ECU for $600. A new ECU/BCU/Gauges was $100. I threw on a fuel pump and crank sensor and I got a great truck. For $5,900 it needs to be gold plated.

 

The price seems a little steep.

I wouldn't do it unless the head gaskets have been replaced and you can get it for $3,500 to $4,000 if it's otherwise solid. Front prop shaft replacement is the other serious thing to look for. Check all the windows and door locks. You may get a discount if one or more don't work—pretty common stuff and not all that hard to fix.

 

You get what you pay for...

I've been lucky and have bought 1 LR for cheap that was in mint condition and it just needed an alternator. The rest I have paid just around 5K for.

Cleaner and good condition D2's are becoming a thing of the past. I'd rather spend 5k on a LR that needs a little TLC vs buying a 1-2k LR and it being a complete money pit and it spends more time being fixed vs being driven.

I think the price is fair if it's in excellent condition. If it's got cracked/crushed bumpers, saggy headliner, bald tires, faded paint then heck no it's not worth it.

However if it's clean inside/out, with great paint, and perfect interior (minus a few wear items) then go for it.