Nah I'm pretty sure the hood liner is not an indication of anything. Well, maybe something happened but who knows really. The oil pump is towards the front, bottom portion of the engine. I don't think it would mess up the hood liner unless it could cause the intake to blow up. But I would definitely ask as to what may have caused it.
Plus I'm pretty sure that Discovery in the photo is a 2004 model. If you look at the hood it has raised Land Rover decals. Only the 2004's have those unless a 2003 owner decided to upgrade them. 2004's with the oil pump/casting flaw are pretty rare.

 

That rip is not the oil pump, oil pump is up front. That tear looks like normal, the liner can get snagged and tear like that. And just so you know, the oil pump doesn't literally "blow up" like explosion with fire "blow up," but it would be WAY cooler if they did...

"How'd he die?"...."Oil pump failure in his Land Rover"

 

another question is a 2002 better than a 2003 or 2004?

 

I love the explosion. As I see it if you blow up like that people will remember you for a long time…….

 

Most people here agree that the 2004 Discovery is the best of all the Discovery models. Basically because it has CDL(center differential lock), so you get the updated looks of the 2003 and the CDL off road capability of the previous Discovery models in the 90's. The 2003 Discovery does not come with CDL.

I'm pretty sure the 2002 model doesn't have CDL either but I'll have to recheck that.

However in my opinion if you get a 99 or a 98 model D2, or even a D1 you might get more enjoyment out of the vehicle. And I say that because it depends on how much you care about the looks of the vehicle. If you have no fear of the trails and off roading then you might want to go with an earlier model because you will be less concerned with cosmetics and keeping the fancy upgraded head lamps of the 03/04's all nice and pretty.

However if you want a more modern design with all of the capability a Discovery can offer than a 2004 is the way to go. So when your ready to take it off road, your truck is capable as any out there.

But if you don't care that much about the CDL, the 2003 might be an option. Just make sure you stay out of the vin range for the casting flaw. 2003's are usually cheaper than 04's because of the reputation and lack of CDL. However there are good 2003's to be found and you can always add a CDL to the vehicle. The 03's still have traction control and they are by no means push overs but most hard core off road types want the CDL. If you're just going to tow a boat or maybe do some off roading here or there than the 2003 would be fine.

 

It's NOT better than the 2004. But the 2002, like the 2003, has the non-CDL capable Transfer Case, but it was the last year of the "more reliable(relative term)" 4.0L engine. Since you've never used your CDL in your DI, you wouldn't miss it in a 2002, and you'd have the added benefit of electronic traction control, which is actually pretty solid IMO.

I love my 2002 and I have never NOT gotten somewhere I've wanted to get due to a lack of CDL, but I don't do any rock crawling.

 

Thanks for the great help. This is a totally KEWL site. I am here to be a senior member some time !! By the way Rob, I have used the CDL many times. I just called Low 4Wheeling. English is my second language……

Go Renton Indians

 

And since you have resolved the major problem with the Disco 1, everything else is pretty small. D1's are stout machines, without the myriad of gadgets that tend to cause problems. Just scan the forum groups for the two and compare. Any vehicle can leave you stranded. Drive it 'till the wheels fall off.

 

I think you are right. Now I just have to convince the wife and kids that the old Rover is as good as I think it is !!!! Harder than it sounds But I should be at least as stout as the D1 ha?

 

Hello Forum!

This is only my second post; apologies for resurrecting an old thread.

I have always loved the styling of the Discovery (I and II). Am at a point in my life where I can purchase a fun car and am seriously considering getting a Discovery (was thinking series II but now after spending some time on this forum maybe not).

So looking I guess for opinions on two questions:

1. Is the 2004 the best Discovery II to get?
2. Should I be looking at a Discovery I?

A bit about usage:

* This would be a fun car...I have 3 other vehicles ranging from a winter driver to a garage queen to a sports car. I just love the styling of the Discovery and am willing to accept the quirks and maintenance costs.
* Am looking at the idea of a roof mounted tent so my wife will camp with me; I can see using the Disco for some offroading but nothing too serious. But like the idea of having a vehicle that can tackle any road even if nothing more than a Forest Service road.
* I like the SE7 as would be fun for the (eventual...not rushing things) grand kids
* Eventually will be building a beach house in Alabama and see this as being the beach car, so to speak.

Am very enamored with Vienna Green though White would also be nice. Just want something that won't bake quite as much in the Alabama sun.

Appreciate any guidance / wisdom.

Thanks

David