I found a 04 d2 for $5400 with 116,000 miles on it and a clean Carfax. It's a fully loaded use with every option seemingly. I've wanted a disco since I can remember and think I'm ready to take the plunge and I've been doing alot of research lately with mixed reviews. I'd say majority of reviews are good with the usual gremlins but the bad reviews are real bad. Like $6k engine replacements and the such.
I'm pretty handy with a wrench and know an awesome mechanic who will help for next to nothing but I'm still slightly hesitant. It really seems like luck of the draw with these things and ive had not the best luck buying used rigs in the past.
I just need to hear that I'm making a good choice because I REALLY want to be a disco owner already.
Thanks for any input good or bad. Cheers

 

I was in the same boat as you are now a year-and-a-half ago. Had wanted one of these trucks since they first came out for MY99. I knew of the issues and the worst case scenarios, but went for it as I figured it was now or never. I have not regretted it (too much).

Keep on top of maintenance, fix issues before they become bigger problems, and enjoy. My truck has been my daily since I bought it, but I still enjoy driving it at every opportunity.

 

I think a well maintained 04 with 116k is going to last a long time.

You already seem to know the issue: service on them is expensive unless you do it yourself. Gas mileage is bad and they use premium. Parts are also expensive and generally have to be ordered online. Cosmetic pieces like plastic trim and seats, are very hard to find, and upgrades border on experimentation. Dependability is sort of low.

You wouldn't need to worry about resale because you are buying when the buying is good. I think it is rewarding to keep and use a Disco because they are some of the last boxy, body on frame SUVs found in the US. Well running Discos are getting rare, which means we are entering that golden phase where parts from dead ones are getting easier to find, if you don't mind scavenging.

They are sort of like old Broncos 20 years ago, but the difference being that, at least in the US, there is not a huge base of replacements and upgrades from other makes. As long as you understand those things and don't get in too deep financially it is a no lose situation.

The engine thing is big. New ones are 5 to 7 thousand. Just getting the parts to rebuild them is expensive. Once someone cracks the code to putting a common engine in Discos using a simple kit (it has been one many times, but it still takes a lot of experimental work) the Discos will enter true Bronco phase.

 

Yeah, I'm not too worried about fuel costs and routine keep up and fixes but I definitely don't have several grand laying around for catastrophic failures. I've never been a gambling man but I think I'm ready to start.
I'm more than familiar with scouring bone yards for parts, I actually quite enjoy it, so that'll cut costs significantly. As long as I don't buy a complete lemon I think I'll be fine.
Are there any tell tale signs to look for as far as engine issues. I know to check the coolant color and head gasket check too but anything else I can look for without taking things apart? I plan on taking it to a land Rover mechanic to give it a once over before the purchase as well

 

Head gaskets aren't really that big of a deal or expense if you do them yourself. I have gambled on rovers with head gaskets for parts but the gamble was that the block wasn't cracked. I'd be sure to drive it about 30 minutes to be sure there is no major ticking as that could be a slipped liner and a world of expense. I'd also like to know that there isn't a ton of sludge in the valve covers or any other signs of overheating.

In my experience with the Discos (17 years) the most expensive problems were engine, hubs, and broken plastic parts. The cowl between the windshield and the hood is very expensive, as are the plastic finishers on the left and right, and they get brittle with age. There is an alternative for the cowl but none for the other finishers. They just aren't made anymore. Transmissions are cheap. Driveshafts are moderately cheap.

If they have cleared codes just before you get there I'd walk on principle. When you get there if the engine is cold, feel for an hesitation at startup (sign of head gasket trouble), pull the dipstick and check the coolant.

Be sure to drive it at all speeds. 30 minutes should get any codes that were reset and show any temp problems and maybe a slipped liner.

Fwiw nice consoles and dashes are also hard to find. Seat covers (real ones) are very expensive. ABS problems are a crapshoot. Most can be fixed with time and a little wire. Be sure to try all 4wd modes.

Check the door locks too. Those are a pain to buy and replace. Look for signs of water leaks. Those are usually from the sunroof and fixing it basically requires removing the interior of the truck.

I live in the south and have no idea where you are but if you are in a rust belt area, keep in mind that the Disco II frames are 30 percent thinner than Disco I frames.

Also Fwiw I do think that sounds like a decent price if it is in good shape. If you don't get it I might be interested!

 

I've owned more Land Rover's than I can count, and I honestly have never had a truly "bad" one. Maybe I had just great luck, but I really don't think so. My first Land Rover was a 97 SE D1 from a used Toyota car lot. At that time I only knew a little about RRC's. I bought it after just a simple test drive, and I never had a single fault with that D1, but sadly it gave it's life for mine 6-8 months later

Then I owned 2 LR Certified 03 D2's and never had any issues. I also owned a 97 RR 4.6L HSE Vitesse and once again besides the EAS needing new air bags I never had any serious problems. Then I got away from Land Rover's and got into the 05 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon since a D90 was just to much $$$$$. I found them cheaply made, rusty from the factory floor, and very delicate for serious off road use (no wonder they have so much aftermarket support....). Then my brother got me craving another Land Rover when he got back into a RRC.

I've now got 3 Land Rover's and they range from a 98 D1 with 124K in near mint condition, a 99 D2 with 105K in near mint condition, and an 02 D2 Kalahari with 226K in near mint condition.

All were Craigslist buys, and all were without proof of mechanical repairs/upkeep. I just knew what to look for, and bought them from honest sellers. Sure I had to do some small misc repairs, and maintenance.

The 99 D2 I bought was listed as just needing an alternator and a battery. I had them down to 1300.00, but ended up paying 1500.00 so they'd hold it for me until I could get there on a weekend. I honestly drove up there with a spare alternator & battery that I had in my shop, opened the hood, swapped out the battery & cranked it just to see how it ran (all before the owner even showed up as it was at an independent LR shop). It cranked right up after sitting nearly 6 months!!! Owner showed up, I handed over the 1500.00, they gave me the title, and they left. I then installed the alternator, cranked it up, let it idle as I checked the fluids, and electrical stuff. I found nothing wrong so I jumped in and my test drive consisted of a 4.5HR drive back to the house!!!

As it sits today all I've done to the 99 was a set of front O2 Sensors, a thermostat (180 LR OEM grey unit), and a radiator (it leaked at one of the fan shroud screws). I had a spare radiator, so all I've spent was maybe 300.00 on it to get it back up and running. Also upon further inspection it had new wires, plugs, shocks, and the head gaskets done. I truly can not believe someone would park a perfectly good vehicle over a dead alternator!!!!!!

I love 03/04 D2's but I'm not a fan of the SAI setup & lack of no OEM oil cooler so I prefer older 99-02 without it, and just slapping in an 04 CDL Linkage/SLABS unit. However if I was to find a nice clean low mileage well cared for 03/04 D2 I'd certainly look into it.

My wife keeps telling me I have to many LR's and that why do I need so many, but I then point out that all 3 of my LR's don't even add up $$$$$ wise to her H3 Alpha lol.

Good luck on the 04 and my only advice would be to test drive it when it's 100% cold and listen for any ticking, and also have an OBDII reader to monitor engine temps once warmed up. You don't want anything over 210F. Then just check for the usual stuff.

Land Rover's to me are very simple to work on, very reliable (if well maintained), fun to drive (if not a seriously tall person), and are not like all the other cookie cutter's out there. I find the D1/D2 styling to be very unique and different which I love vs just matching everyone else.

There are plenty of companies to buy aftermarket parts from like Lucky8, Rover's North, Atlantic British, and when it comes to used parts Paul Grant & Will Tillery will normally have what you need at great prices.

 

Thanks guys! Y'all have been very informative and doing a good job of twisting my arm. Lol. Still looking forward to more input but so far I think I'm gonna go in this direction. My other choice of vehicle is a Tacoma which I know is a good choice no matter what but I've owned a few Toyota's now and it's time to move on I think.

 

I like Tacomas too. Last forever. Not as distinctive. As long as you go into a Disco with your eyes open you be fine. This forum is the only reason I've kept mine. Honestly mine sat in the garage for five years. I found this forum and 1000 dollars and two weeks later I was driving it again. That's been several years of happy driving (mosty) for basically free.

An 04 is the king of Discos.

 

Agree if everything works, no water leaks, excellent int., no history of being in the rust belt and rust free underneath.
......

 

I don't know about that one! I've been seeing a LOT of posts lately in regards to blown engines, specifically the 2004, and at relatively low miles (+\- 100K)

The 2004 has the best options from the transfer case all the way to the titanium badging, but by far the weakest motor/block. I would give it a 50/50 chance of surviving. If it's been running on Rotella oil and under 210 degrees the chances of survivability increases but it's probably only seen Penzoil and 220 operating temps for the past 5 years.

I would be extremely hesitant buying a '04 but IF you do, it's Shell Rotella 15W-40, 120 weight gear oil in the diffs and transfer-case (like at the first convince store or even on location, for that matter,) and a 180-degree INLINE thermostat with the modified housing and bypass delete when you get it home. Take a new gray, 180 degree genuine LR thermostat with you, along with any device of your choosing which will read the coolant temp in real-time. If it gets over 215, just pull it over and get it towed to your house. Be extremely paranoid of coolant temps and possibly consider replacing oil pump gears/timing set with new front cover gasket at soonest convenience. The 2004 block is one that is not forgiving of any variables or inconsistencies. I would keep it happy and about as it left the factory (except with coolant temps well under 200F...ask us how) meaning update every replaceable unit within. Check the trans fluid with the engine running.