It is nice looking, but it appears it's lipstick on a pig. The mechanical problems are substantial. By the way, that is a Disco 2. (different forum) But, I think they will tell you the same thing.

 

Okay. I decided to pass that one up and go with one that's dealer certified.

Asking $6500. I think I can get out the door spending 6k flat...

2002 Land Rover Discovery Series II SD
148,858 miles
Head gaskets REPLACED at 129k
New AC Compressor at 138k
New ABS shuttle valve and switches at 123k
New modulator at 123k

No Damage. Very clean. No dash lights on.

Thoughts?

 

((by the way, thanks for helping me decide to look deeper. your comments helped a lot))

 

That's still a crazy amount of money for a 13 year old truck with 150K on it. Are you getting a years warranty from the dealer? That might make it a bit more worthwhile.

 

I plan to ask for a warranty. Really don't mind paying this much for the peace of mind, to be honest. Also, that's about the going rate if not lower than everything I've seen. It sounds like there's some secret cheap rover store in your neck of the woods? I'd love to see a cheaper example that's had all this work done to it. Thanks again for the input.

 

I respect your opinion as you seem to be very knowledgeable, Paul Let me ask you, what should this automobile cost me? What would you offer with all the work done and a 1 year warranty?

 

Look, I don't even know where you're located but I can tell you this, there is no "secret cheap rover store" where I live. I know how to buy a used vehicle. It would appear you don't.

Take a look at Jafir's post #20. He gives you examples of two Rovers he bought with lower mileage, more options and for less money. One was less than half the price of the one you're talking about now.

A quick look at Dweb and I see one truck, an '02 with 130K and some aftermarket parts with an asking price of $5500. The fact that the truck is being sold by an enthusiast makes me feel a bit better about what's going on with the vehicle.

There's an '04 on LRO with 168K and a fresh motor and he's asking $7K and seems open to negotiation.

There's an '01 on LRO with 149K for $4500 OBO. Recent inspection, recent service, new parts, new cats, plenty of new stuff.

Even on this board there's an '01 with just 89k for $6K.

I found those in a matter of minutes. If I knew where you were located (you can include your location in your user profile and it will appear in the upper right corner of your posts) I could probably come up with a number of better values in your area. Want to pay me to buy a car for you?

 

An '03 with 113K for $6K.

2003 Land Rover Discovery

Here's one for $3200 OBO. It would leave you enough to buy another DII as a parts truck.

2000 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY RUNS EXCELLENT

This looks like a beautiful '03 with 124K for the same amount as your dealer wants for a truck with a lot more miles and no where near as many options.

2003 Land Rover Discovery SE loaded excellent condition loaded 4x4

An '01 with 150K, an ARB bumper, lost of new parts for $3K

2001 land rover discovery

A '99 with 130K for $4K that looks awfully clean in the pictures.

1999 Land Rover Discovery Series II

An '02 with 112K that looks as clean as a whistle for $5500 OBO.

2002 Land Rover Discovery SEV8

An '04 with 135K for $6K OBO

Land Rover Discovery 2004 4WD,V8

An '03 SE7 with 130K for $5900

2003 Land Rover Discovery 2 SE7 Vienna Green, Dual AC, No dents

I could keep listing Rover after Rover. This is just from Craigslist alone, never mind local dealers, private sales, newspaper classifieds.

The bottom line is I could easily buy a newer, more desirable '03 or '04 for less than what your dealer is offering you.

If you want to go head to head, with comparable models, it looks like I could buy a similar truck as the one at your dealership and still keep a couple of grand in my pocket for future repairs.

Now, I don't know if you need a Rover tomorrow or not. It would appear, based on the way you've presented yourself here that you want a Rover and you want it right this minute. That will obviously put you at a distinct disadvantage in a market that is less fluid than the one I live in. Never the less, it is my contention that if you SLOW down, and take your time you will ultimately find the right truck. Running ***** nilly to own a Rover as fast as you can puts you at the mercy of the market and makes you extremely likely to make mistakes.

 

Picked up my DI with 130K, bad fuel pump, new tires, in pretty good shape, for $650. Fuel pump ended up being a bad connector, had to replace front drive shaft, exhaust, a few electrical gremlins, leaks a little oil and front brakes are in the future.

A nice truck with plenty of power. Just need the ambition and nice weather to work on it.

 

Paul is right, you are considering buying a truck for too much. The admission cost is just the beginning, a year warranty will not save you.

The key to buying a used car is to educate yourself, look at as many trucks before buying as possible, and remember that there is always a better deal around the corner.

I know how to buy rovers and am always amazed that a better deal comes along.

Take your time.