I have been looking at purchasing a Disco for some time. I am moving about 2000 miles out west and need to pull a trailer. I have a 92 Land Cruiser which is my baby, but it won't be able to pull as much as I need it to. I am a decent driveway mechanic, and I am not scared to get my hands dirty, but I am not a shop and I have my limitations. I don't need this car to last a lifetime, just pull a trailer for the move and be a back up 4x4 when then snows come.

I have come across a 2003 Disco for cheap (2500 obo), which has a laundry list of problems:

Power steering pump needs to be rebuilt or replaced
Oxygen Sensors need to be replaced
U-Joint is bad so front drive shaft will need to be replaced
and the Kicker
He said he replaced the HG last year and had the sleeves pinned. The seller said the water jacket gasket is toast so it leaks out all the coolant. He said he still has good compression (I would certainly confirm this before anything), but is is possible to have a blown water jacket with that bad of a leak that isnt a busted block? If it is fixable, then I am interested, if it needs a new engine there is no way I am getting into this.

Advice? Things to look for or Test?

 

Odds are the block has a crack in the coolant passage.

 

Take a pass

 

That was my biggest concern, I was not sure if this was a one of those problems you find often or when its too late.

 

Pass. I don't think you want a 03 anyway. They had oil pump problems that year which can lead to massive engine damage too.

 

Towing ability and backup 4x4 aren't things I normally equate with a cheap Discovery 2. You would be better off with an old Tahoe.