Hey guys, new to the forum here and looking to jump into my first Landie. A little background on me before we start off. Im currently a mechanic/race tech for an independent BMW workshop in CT. I know my way around engines and electrical gremlins and all that. My main concern is what should I expect with an 04 Disco with 175k miles.

Apparently the head gaskets were just done last year and it runs smooth and clean with no weird rattles or piston skirt taps. I'm trying to 100% confirm that it was just the head gaskets that were replaced or if it was possibly a whole engine overhaul. Should have that info by end-of-day here.

I've been reading through Robinson's articles and many of the current forum topics, and although some seem a little grim, I appreciate the honest info.

I suppose my main question with this particular DII is if the engine made it to 175k with no catastrophic failures (besides gaskets) should I be wary of liner or block problems, or would I be in the clear because it's lasted this long?

They said this is a 1 owner truck that has traded it in for something newer (carfax confirms 1 owner no accidents). The shop that is selling the truck has also just replaced the front differential and a full brake job. I still have to look into seeing if the U-joints have been replaced with serviceable ones or not. But to the best of my knowledge that's all I should really be looking out for. They are asking $4500 for the truck, white on tan with brush guards.

Planning to take it for a nice long test drive on Saturday and bring our shop's scan tool and probably an oil pressure gauge and tools to check the spark plugs for any coolant deposits.

Thanks for any and all comments/suggestions,
Charlie

 

Yeah, check the driveshaft up front to see if it has grease fittings, I know I swapped my 03 for a new one. If you can get an accurate temperature gauge to see where the temps are actually running at (ultragauge). once the needle in the dash starts rising it's already overheated. check the condenser fan motor, and fan clutch, they like to seize. See when the plugs/wires/coil packs were done last. listen to the SAI pump, see if it comes on during cold start and stops, and doesn't sound super harsh or whinny. see if the cats are original.
IMO, keeping these trucks running at a safe temp is very important to keeping the engine running well, which is why i have an ultragauge to monitor the temp
check all the window regulators and door lock actuators, the fail quite a bit. The suspension may be smoked, unless they replaced shocks and springs.
wheel hubs too, see how the bearings are. ABS codes are fun

I'm not mechanic, and I know little about cars, but these are some bits I have learned from this forum while keeping my truck safely on the road

all the best