2003 Discovery - higher mileage better?
 

My wife and I have always loved Discoveries. We feel we are finally in a position to afford one (not necessarily the initial purchase price that is tough, but more or less the poor premium fuel mileage and constant repairs). Anyway, I'm a fairly competent backyard mechanic and wouldn't hesitate to do most of my own labor.

We really want an 03+. I love the newer headlights and would REALLY like the extra power - even the 217 of the 4.6 seems low for this size vehicle (considering my Jeep is 210 w/ mods and almost a ton lighter). My largest concern though is obviously the oil pump. I don't think we can swing an 04 right now and the lack of CDL doesn't bother me anyway b/c there are no trails in the area (crappy FL), so just the beach (and mud holes which I hate). Is it safe to say that higher mileage 03's are safe of the failure even if they're in the VIN range? I'm looking in the 70-90k miles range.

Also, how difficult of a job is this? Cost of parts? I always do a complete tune-up when I buy vehicles so that I have a solid starting point, so all fluids, plugs, wires, etc will be done. I understand wires are a bear. I'm just curious to know what's involved in the oil pump. Can you drop the pan w/out having to unbolt / jack up motor? Does a new pump solve the issue or is there something else in play that is also at fault?

Also, do 2003's have the front driveshaft issue too?

I appreciate all of your help!!

RE: 2003 Discovery - higher mileage better?
 

There is a great thread that was started couple weeks ago by the title : How bad are the 2003s.

https://landroverforums.com/m_93539/tm.htm

Great info contributed by the forum members, especially around the oil pump issue and the VIN range.

Check it out.

RE: 2003 Discovery - higher mileage better?
 

Have you considered a 2004? Same truck as the 2003 but without the oil pump problems and had the center differential lock. The center differential lock can't be added to a 2003 without rebuilding the transfer case at a minimum. Don't know if CDL is an important feature to you but to a lot of us on this forum it is.

The thread unimoged posted the link to sshould have a lot of helpful information as your questions are very common.