Hi all!

I've been a Disco admirer for a long time. I'm now in the market to buy a reasonably priced one.

I found an '03 model with 63k miles that seems to be in really great shape. VIN does not fall within the Oil pump TSB range. Dealer did their standard 123 point inspection that is done on all used vehicles.

Two questions:

1. Are all 2003 Disco's at risk for severe engine trouble and failures? I've been reading reports of 03 Disco's outside the VIN range that experience the same failure. Does that mean they are all doomed? Would I be better off looking at a pre-2003 model?
2. Are there any special inspections, outside of the dealer's normal protocal, that I could request to be completed?

I love the vehicle but I don't want to do something really stupid here so any info/advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

Since even some '04s are reporting oil pump failures, I'm inclined to think that any Disco with a 4.6L engine *can* be at risk for the same fate despite what Land Rover says.

That being said, not everyone is going to have problems.

The only sure fire way to be sure is open the front cover and look at the oil pump gears. Cracked gears = imminent failure. An oil pressure test might tell you something as well. I think normal pressure is 15psi, but someone correct me.

The gears are $100 and gaskets are a few dollars more. If you're that into the truck, pay for a tear down and replace them to buy some time.

Given that more and more people are experimenting around with a permanent fix, I'm optimistic that someone will develop something sooner rather than later.

 

interesting, so anybody know what percentage of '04s have reported oil pump failures?

 

How could anyone know that?

 

you'd be better off looking at an 04 model, but they tend to be more expensive.

the pre-04 D2s dont have a locking CDL, which is important if you want to off-road. the 04 has a locking CDL. for some of the other D2s, you can put in a kit that allows the CDL to be lockable. but i don't think it's that easy with an 03?

if you can afford and find an 04, get it over other D2s. you should be able to get an 04 for around $9-10k.

for oil pump issues, 03s outside of the VIN range should be fine. but the VIN range is not hard and fast. that's why 03s tend to be much cheaper than 04s.

 

p.s. the oil pump failure on the 04s is not nearly what it is on the 03s (based on internet lurking), and i bet its similar to other D2s.

 

Yeah, we just did the CDL convo on another thread: 03's dont even have the gears; if you want it, you have to reman or replace the cdiff.

 

somebody that works at a LR service department would know. If they've work on 1000 '04s and 100 have had bad oil pumps that would give you a good idea.

 

$9-10k for a 2004? I'm seeing them in my area (WI/IL) in the $15-16k range with reasonable mileage. Obviously I'd negotiate those prices but that a huge leap.

Is it the area or are you guys just really good at talking prices down?

 

its the area