FWIW, the VIN number thing is old news and no longer a factor to consider. Yes there was an issue but those effected vehicles have either been fixed or died by now. Also it wasn't a "slipped sleeve" issue, It was the front cover being bolted on incorrectly leading to premature oil pump failure. It was a random issue in 03 - 04 which made itself known early in the engines life. That being said the oil pump gear set and front cover are a regular maintenance item and do fail on all years of D2 engines.

 

2004, 1-Owner, 69k miles, long service history records, NO RUST I'd pay $10k if the interior and exterior are in good shape. $12k if the interior and exterior are in excellent shape. I would not use it as a daily driver. This would be a weekender or even a collector truck at those miles. Very well maintained D2's do not come up very often. With that said, they all require a fair amount of service and money. It would likely sell for $10-15k on Bring A Trailer and they are a great place to look at what people are willing to pay. There have been no stock, low mile D2's sell for $18k on BaT.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...-discovery-10/

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...r-discovery-3/

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...r-discovery-8/

 

I have owned my 04 D2 for almost 10 years now and live in the NYC area. I paid nowhere near that price when I bought mine. It had 55k on it.

 

The more research I've done today and everything I've heard from you folks I don't have a doubt, that would be a terrible financial choice so I'll keep looking and find something affordable and we'll taken care of
Thanks everyone!

 

These guys have actually done all of the work already.
Worth checking out I'd think.

https://www.atlantaonwheelsllc.com/i...ry.aspx?sold=0

 

Aren't those the same guys in ATL who charge $24k and don't bother to replace the parking brake and transfer case gaters? I wonder what else they don't bother to do.

 

Well.. Not promoting just relaying info.
When I've looked at their inventory in the past they usually have a few that aren't quite that expensive but had all of the motor work done etc.

 

Buy’em at Auction for $3k. Put $5k into them, sell for $20k. Profit!!

 

6k-10k

 

It all depends on what you want out of your truck. I got mine for $4500 with 104K, 7 years ago with the intent of a daily driver/weekend warrior, but I live very close to work so I knew I wouldn't be in bad shape when I had to work on it. I'm also a mechanic of sorts and like having something to tinker with; whether it be maintenance, repairs or mods so I already have a fair amount of tools and know-how. That said, I was prepared when the truck needed immediate attention and it has been a "rolling restoration" ever since. So if I ever get to a point where I've replaced/repaired everything, the process will probably start all over again. Oh, and many of us have parts trucks too which can save a lot of time and money when you need something. The investment is definitely not worth it for people who keep track of what they spend vs. what their car is worth. It's a labor and investment in something that is a great basic platform for a tough little suv with character, that isn't a Wrangler, 4Runner or a cross-over with no frame, and may never be produced again unless you pay big money for it. Good luck with your search.