OK I need some honest answers regarding the 2003 versus the 2002 Disco's I have heard horror stories regarding the 2003's. I would love any opinions.

Thanks

 

ok, you heard them, so what's your question? want to hear them again?

Really depends on price and mileage and options, and whether the 03 falls in the VIN range, and if you want to keep it, or offroad.......

What are you getting the truck for?

 

Ok heard bad stuff about the engines on these pretty much all parts. one I am looking at has 84K, not sure about vin. going to be using on the road mostly with some trecks to colorado to go fly fishing etc. no major off-roading just dirt roads and some average terrain in my sights. Will be putting some good mileage on it.

 

Stay away from the 03, even if it is not on the oil filter/engine failure list, there is a bad taste in most people mouth regarding them and their valve is taking a hit.
What would you be using a Disco for when you buy it?

 

I'm thinking of buying an 03 if I can find one outside the bad VIN range. I have my D1 for off road so I don't need the CDL although I will probably add it in the future. I'm going to take advantage of people's paranoia of the 03 engine failures to get a good deal. I figure buying from a used car lot (not an LR dealer) they won't know enough to tell whether the engine is bad or not and will be ready to deal when I mention the engine is going to need replaced.

The difference between 02 and 03 are probably the most between any 2 years. The 03 has the newer headlights, new tail lights and the bigger engine. The drawback to the 03 as you know is the oil pump issue. Most oil pumps, if they are going to fail, fail between 50K and 75K miles (at least the way I understand it). The 03 is the only year I would say that higher mileage is not necessarily a bad thing. But even with high miles you're taking a big risk with the 03.

 

I can't speak for other people's 2003's but my 03 Disco has be great overall so far. Only issues I've had since getting it last year was the horn, thermostat and I had the valve covers replaced. I also had a coolant and oil leak(valve cover). I have not checked the vin on my car but I would assume it does not have the engine failure issue as mine has 117,000 miles on it and the previous owner always had it serviced on time by Land Rover.

During my brief time on this forum it seems that the locking transfer case(which is not on the 2003) seems to be a big issue with the hard core off roaders. I plan to do a little off roading with my Disco as well but I don't really have the money to fix things I may break and I baby my truck too much to where I probably won't need the LTC for my purposes. If you really want it maybe you should go for an 04 but it has also been suggested to go hunting for wrecked 04's and upgrading the 03.

 

You dont "need" a CDL, but it helps, you have traction control so the CDL is not needed for the type of off roading that you will be doing.
Dirt roads and 2 tracks no CDL needed, really deep snow, deep mud you will want it.

 

The CDL makes a huge difference off road. If you're staying on the road or jst doing easy trails you can do without it, especially with the TC the D2 has. If you do anything serious you need CDL. Only reason I would consider an 03 knowing it doesn't have CDL is because I plan to keep my D1 for off road. I can't imagine having a LR and not taking it off road at all but a 03 would be left for the simple stuff. I might even keep 18" wheels on it if the one I find to buy has them.