So to start this rather long read.
Any help is greatly appreciated.

My father just gave me his 2003 Series II SE Land Rover Discovery.
he was the second owner he bought at 90,000 miles and has mildly maintained it if I am honest. I do a lot of highway driving and city driving if that is useful information

It just hit 160,000 miles. This car will be my daily driver from here until it me or the car gives out. Currently, there are some minor problems such as the three windows have an electrical problem the windows either dont close all the way or open all the way. There is a leak somewhere on top of the front window because there are water stains. And all the doors lock except for the drivers seat the lock fob (the black thing that goes up when unlocked and down when locked) is completely missing have no idea how. And the brake lights is on even though the brakes were replaced just weeks ago and work fine. Small dent on the passenger side and cracked front bumper
The car runs fine no over heating or leaks, for the most part, it is just small things as I listed.

Before I go into another rant just a few beginner questions?
What is the top speed these things should go before I should worry for the car?
I know rpms are an important thing in relation to speed
what should be an ideal idle rpm and top rpm in terms of normal highway driving?
Also still not clear on the several other gears besides the basic ones
And the small lever on top of the normal gears, my dad told me to never mess with that, but I would like to know more about it.
Some concerns for a car this old with this mileage?
Once I start to do work on this car is there any kind of specific mechanics I should go into.
I am based in the suburbs of Chicago but can go into the city without difficulty if that is any help.

If you're still reading this thank you so much.


I love the car's body and the look of it when its driving.
I want to put money into rather than buy a new one down the road.
I have a good amount of money saved up.
But wanted to know what are some of the first things I should to improve the car.
I want this car to be a beast in every meaning.
Any special parts that I should look into to improve the car's performance
I would like it to be a bit faster I clock in 70 mph at 3k rpm
Also improve the mpg I think right now its at 12 city
I need help in what I should invest in first. I want to work on the performance of the car first then later get to aesthetics.

In general I just want to make sure this car runs great for the following years but also run in top shape.
I have read that replacement of spark plugs, fuel injectors, and chips are a good start.

But I would greatly appreciate any help that anyone can give. IF these is any information that could be helpful to you please let me know and I'll try to give you the best answer.

 

Welcome to the bittersweet world of the DII.

There is a lot there. First thing is download the RAVE Manual, and that will answer your questions on idle rpm.

First things: Inspect the driveshaft, Do fluids and filters, Use recommended fluids. It really will run better with Rotella or regular oil with Comp Cams break in additive. Inspect your cooling system and if you do not know when the thermostat was changed, get a Genuine 180 or do the inline thermostat. I run a lot of seafoam through mine in the gas, at least 3 or 4 times a year, I am a bit of a hypochondriac, but I also don't drive a ton in the city(Chicago) and it stabilizes my gas.

If you are handy invest in a good cordless 1/2" impact wrench, sets of 12 point and 5 point 3/8" and 1/2" metric sockets, and a torque wrench. No need for Snap on tools unless you are into that. Get a good floor jack, the bigger the better if you plan to work on it yourself. It's a big heavy truck, and it will really make your life easier.

Start a diary of your work. Track oil changes etc.

I have a Turner short block with upgraded cams and at 2700 rpm I am doing 75. I idle at around 650rpm. Take a look at an app for your phone to plug into the OBDII or an ultragauge or scangauge. Overheating will kill your car.

If you want to improve performance consider a tune up with new Mass Airflow Sensor, wires plugs, and a good cleaning for the top end with seafoam induction. Also, if you want performance without having to tear it apart, and putting in new cams, although that is a good idea, you could look at the Storm Tuning reflashed ECU. It would improve the performance without wrenching.

Be open to used parts for your bits and bobs. Paul Grant is really good, and there are others that can get hard to find parts. For nuts, bolts, etc. the Dealership is fine, but don't take it there for service.

Be patient. Make a list of projects, and work through them. My rear windshield wiper has not worked in years, and I have learned to live with it. Have had other projects that I would rather focus on.

To summarize, insure your cooling system is bulletproof, then your drive train. Past that, make a list of priorities, and have fun with it.

Maybe i will see you driving around the city, I am the Epsom Green with the jacked up bumpers.

 

I'd surely scratch him off any list of future father's day gifts...lol.

But, seriously...I'd follow the advice of the "world's sweetest border collie" owner. My only other advice would be, tread lighting walking in and don't get in over your head (meaning, don't pile money into the vehicle...only to find out the 160K has taken it's toll of it). Dollar signs can add up quickly, while restoring any vehicle of this age.

Good luck, looking forward to seeing some pictures and following along. And welcome to the Discovery world.

Brian.

 

I agree with Bryan. Don't sweat the small stuff. Get the engine and drivetrain where you need it.

 

It's been said by many before, the Rover is a very dependable beast once maintenance has been brought up to spec. Too many previous owners neglected to maintain their machines and if you are serious about owning one then you need to be serious about maintaining it.

I bought an 04 a year and a half ago at 165,000 miles. It now has 210,000 miles on it and is my daily driver and runs very well. But I started out with Disco Mikes high mileage list and have replaced most everything on the disco that wears with time (battery, alternator, starter, rubber belts & hoses, brakes, etc...). You have to realize that your "new" ride is 14 years old at this point and there are a lot of wear items that just need replacing or you will be left stranded at some point.

If you accept this going in then you can spend a little each month and cross things off of the maintenance list. I can also guarantee you that things will just pop up of of the blue as well.

Read a lot on this forum. Only once have I ever had to take my rover in for service and that was mainly because I didn't have the time to rebuild a leaking transfer case myself. You can learn a lot.

Buy a scanguage or OBD code reader. It will be your best purchase and keep you from guessing as to what your problem might be when they arise. Change your oil and filter to a quality selection and then change it regularly. Do the same with your coolant and replace the hoses and the original thermostat with the 180 OEM gray one. Check your front driveshaft (the forum is telling the truth about the issues with the driveshaft), in fact unless it's a new one just go ahead and replace it. You will sleep better at night!

Post any questions you have at this forum. The gang is super knowledgeable and always willing to help out.

Hold off on the "fun" stuff for your vehicle until you get the engine running properly.

Just my two cents but it's worked for me for the last year and a half.

 

Small but important, open the gas tank door and read and follow the sticker that says "Premium fuel only." Use top tier, not the cheap stuff. You'll be glad you did.

Use heavier oil, like Rotella 15w40. Yes its made for diesel engines but that just means it has lots of zinc and detergents.

If it still has orange coolant, flush and swap for regular.

Always know your coolant temperature. the dash gauge is useless.

Make sure the front drive shaft has been addressed.

If you go to a mechanic shop, find a Land Rover specialist. Not a dealer or a "foreign car shop' that has a LR guy. Usually LR specific places end up being cheaper because they know the trucks more intimately and can do the work faster than someone who is just guessing or learning.