Hi All,

New member from CT USA.

I just inherited a 2000 LR Discovery w/ 41,000 miles.

• very clean besides a crack in the front bumper

I need some advice - should I keep it and fix it up or flip it?

• How reliable are these trucks as daily drivers around town?
• What should I have my mechanic look at besides changing all the fluids as the Disco sat for a couple of years?

It definitely needs tires - can someone recommend a decent-size tire without doing a lift- something slightly more than the stock 255/65R16?

• I was thinking of a 265/70R16- would that work, or should I be more realistic with a 255/70R16?
• Any recommendations on where I can snag a front bumper without spending more than $500?
• I found this --> https://www.goldwingrover.com/product-p/dpb104620.htm - but I'm not even sure if they have one in stock.

Thank you all very much for any recommendations and advice.



Regards,

Mike

 

Got any pictures? We'd love to see them.

31" tire, yes that should be safe without a lift.

As far as reliability, once you get past 80-100k miles, these vehicles are known to require a considerable amount of maintenance and repairs compared to other brands. It's the major reason you don't see these on the road very often. They have a ton of known failure points in most major systems. If you can keep on top of them, they're great and many members here have proven that. The reason this forum is so popular, is that they are old enough where you can do all of the wrenching yourself. Common failure points: window motors, sunroof leaks at multiple points, power steering pump, evap system (various items), cooling system (various items), engine/transfer case/differential seals, headliner glue, and various electrical issues. Fortunately you should be a while away from many of those items.

I'd have your mechanic look for any fluid leaks, including differentials, transfer case, engine, transmission, brakes, power steering, and cooling. Check fluid levels. Also have them look for rust. Probably a good time to oil change the differentials, transfer case, engine, and transmission.

Finding one at 41k miles is very rare, so congrats! As far as keep vs. flip, it really depends on your appetite. I bet you could sell that for >$10k given the mileage if it's also rust-free. Otherwise keep it if you think you'll enjoy DIY and having something that is very capable offroad.

If you don't get many responses on this thread, consider re-titling it or make a new thread with "41k miles" in the title...that'll attract much more attention.

 

the year 2000 would make it a Discovery II model and is not a bad model. They did add a few things that the Discovery I didn't have, and took a few things off that the Di had. The looks are quite similar, most noticeably would be the rear lights locations and the dash layout (Instrument cluster) as well as the engine (I believe) and computers. I pretty sure they also went with the air ride suspension too. Not a bad vehicle and if you are interested in keeping it, a very capable off road unit, and a great vehicle for on the road too.

There are a bunch of guys on here with a wealth of information on keeping these vehicles running and they will help out when they are able. There are repair and maintenance manuals available, called RAVE manuals which are factory manuals, well worth downloading to help fix all those strange things that come up. Are these aggravating vehicles YES. are they fun to drive?? Absolutely!! Every time I think about getting rid of mine, I take it for a drive and I just can't sell it....

 

These are reliable rigs if you don't mind throwing money at them when they need repairs or maintenance. The cheapest way to keep them on the road as a DD is to buy the cheap sub 1500 dollar ones for spares.. make a little of it back selling parts to other rover nuts.

If you have to pay someone to maintain these, this is likely not a vehicle for you unless your have a pretty good toy upkeep budget.

 

Thanks all - I really appreciate the advice, and attached are some pics


One thing that seems very interesting is that the Disco does not have air suspension, and I really like the cloth interior.

Lastly, I'm prob going to mount 255/70R16s - does anyone think that will cause any issues?

 

 

If you don't mind a cheap mall crawler steel bumper eBay and Amazon have some metal ones that don't weigh a ton. Not much protection over stock. Look cool.

 

ooh and no sunroofs to deal with? Both of my D2s have no sunroofs and just one less thing to worry about. Miles to me on these is kind of irrelevant, at this point a well documented maintained high mile is almost more appealing to me as things in motion tend to stay in motion... That said someone above made a good point, if paying someone to maintain the truck then it's going to get pricey quick just due to labor rates. Parts are decently cheap and for the most part readily available and they are simple vehicles to work on. They do require some work from time to time and are terrible on gas but they are a joy to drive (we daily both of our discos).

 

Congratulations on your acquirement! The 2000 Disco 2 is the very best model of these to have (mine is also a 2000 model so I might be somewhat biased lol).
I personally think these are GREAT vehicles! They are very distinctive and beautiful (Ok, that is somewhat objective depending on your point of view) and you can't mistake the Old World Charm!
They are also very good offroad in stock form and can be easily modified to make it fantastic offroad vehicles.

All that being said, I am not blind to their failings. You really need to love them to put up with their British idiosyncrasies. Everything from the odd placement of things (like window and seat controls!) to the interesting(?) new ways they can find to break! But fixing them and keeping them running is definitely part of the charm of ownership of a Land Rover.
As PickleRick said:
And these cars (or are they trucks?) are actually very easy to work on, at least if you are an old school mechanic/fixer like myself! Unlike more modern vehicles, these are not plug-and-play machines.
Most of the things that break are more of an annoyance than a calamity. Most parts are available at a reasonable cost (MUCH better than most 25 year old vehicles) And the RAVE manuals along with this forum are WAY more helpful than you will find with most other cars.(or trucks)

So, drive it around for a while. Don't be in a hurry (because it definitely won't be, lol). Take it down some dirt roads. Learn what this unique vehicle is all about. Watch some videos of what it is capable of.
If you fall in love with it, pamper it and it will treat you right as well. If you decide that you aren't compatible, then please make sure you find it a good home where it will be appreciated.

P.S.: I just saw your pictures and yours is the same color as mine too! Awesome

 

Lift the front carpets and check for rust, and check the rear of the frame.

The biggest thing is to expect to spend money at 25 years old stuff will fail, just a fact of life.