I have been looking around for quite some time now for a 2003 discovery and have been finding great deals but, I am hesitant to buy one because many fall within the vin range listed on the TSB that says the oil pump fails and requires the whole engine to be replaced. My questions are what is the average mileage on the 2003 Discovery when the oil pump fails and can the pump simply be replaced or does the whole engine need to be replaced? Because, many of the 03 discoveries I am looking at have about 70 to 100k miles on them and I’m wondering if they did have the problem but the engine was probably replaced awhile back anyways...

Greatly appreciate the input

 

They have failed with low miles, 20,000 or more and at higher mileage, 70,000 plus.

 

so they really just fail randomly at different times? And would replacing the pump fix the problem all together or would the engine over time suffer damage from the faulty pump?

 

The block was machined wrong and the front cover (housing the pump) doesn't mate up right. I would steer clear of the 03's, unless you find one the engine has already been replaced in..... When your pump fails all together, everything is toast.

 

Is there a way to tell if the engine was replaced, like a serial number located on the block?

 

I am sure there is, but I don't know what to look for. service records are the easiest... Most people with newer one's replace at the dealer, or it may have been replaced under warranty. I think CarfaX should show it....

 

I guess I'll keep all that in mind... But thanks for your help!