Hey guys,

I'm new to the Land Rovers but have always loved them. I've never owned one but am thinking about buying one, only problem is that it has some problems. It's a 1999 Discovery (I assume DI) with 130k miles on it and the guy says that it's ticking from the lifters, he says that he took it to the dealership and they said it's normal for them to do that after a while and not to worry about it. Now I don't know if that's true, if he's pulling my leg or what. So I was just going to see what you guys thought about it. Also he says there is a problem with either the cat converter or the o2 sensor. My main worry is the lifter issue, I assume changing out the others would be easy enough. Anyway thanks for your time.

 

First check the VIN number.. 99 was the cross over year and has both the D1 and D2 in it. Easy to tell,

- 1999 Discovery I model VIN numbers begin with "SALJY"
- 1999 Discovery II model VIN numbers begin with "SALTY"

As to the lifters... Honestly, out of the 3 I have owned, none of them had lifter tick that I could hear. But I have seen it on the forums quick a bit.

I would be more worried about the 02 sensors and cats. They can end up costing you as much as you paid for the truck....

 

So, have you bought it yet? Tickying noises can be internal or external. Internal it can be a warn rocker arm shaft, rocker arm, push rod, lifter and or flat cam lobe. External it can be an exhaust leak.
As for the cats and 02's, at that mileage, if the 02's are original, all 4 should be replaced, as for the cats do they rattle? Is the check engine light on?
I would find a good rover mechanic, not the dealer and have it checked out and before fixing anything, get back to us with an estimate, parts and labor.