In the throws of buying a 2004, one owner Disco with 46K miles. Im buying from an ind. car dealer and having a local LR dealer perform a pre purchase inspection today. I dont have any exp. with LRs and I dont know how thorough this pre purchase inspection is. I wanted to ask for any advice on issues of particular concern that I should make sure they review since I am not confident the dealer will be that thorough. My knowledge to date is that there are issues with leaking head gaskets, differential, oil pan, ABS light issues, window motors, early worn out rotors/brake pads, etc. Im optomistic these will not be issues based on the age, miles, but I really want to make sure the dealership goes over any issues before I pull the trigger on this purchase. Thanks in advance. Also, I have seen recommendations of replacing the drive shaft with a greaseable u joints vs. the stock, is that really required before there are any issues? I understand there appears to be a design flaw, but it seems unusual to tear out and replace without any symptoms. Any advice much appreciated.

 

Replacing the stock front drive shaft u-joints with greaseable joints is not a recommendation but a requirement if you want to keep the vehicle for a long time. The factory u-joints can fail without warning and destroy your transmission. You make the call but $300 to replace the u-joints sounds a lot better than $7000 to replace your transmission.

The 2004, like all D2s, suffers with the 3 amigos. Most of the time rebuilding the shuttle valve fixing the problem and from what I have read is a fairly easy DIY project if you are mechanically inclined. The brakes wear fast because the truck are heavy. Empty weight on a Discovery is over 4800 pounds according to the manual. Window regulators use plastic rollers and fail often. As yours fail replace them with the metal rollers and it will be the last time you have to worry about your regulators. I can't find the link for the place that sells the metal rollers right now but I'm sure someone can help me out.

 

for the rollers

http://www.jewellamberoil.com/sales/...roducts_id=185

 

This truck sounds like it might be a good buy as long as everything is fixed BEFORE you by.
You cant expect them to rebuild the driveshaft for you but fixing all the leaks and the ABS is a must.
Otherwise they need to knock $5000 off the price of the truck so you can have it fixed.
How much are they asking?

 

Mine is not leaking...seeing how it seems 95% of them leak is this cause for concern?

 

Your what is not leaking?

 

hate to say it,,, but mine doesnt

 

Have you guys with Rovers that don't leak checked your fluids lately? Make sure there is something in the engine to leak.

 

Doing the PPI is a very good idea. Be aware, the dealer will many times miss a few things. Take what you have heard here and make a list of things to look for.

It's what i have been doing on my quest...

 

check em weekly,,,



its the damnbest thing