Hey everyone,
I've been seriously thinking about gettinga Discovery. I currently own a Jeep Wrangler and love it, but I recently started a career in Real Estate, and quickly found out that my jeep no longer meets my needs. I am very much outdoors kind of person andand have always liked the Discovery, so I was wondering if you guys could give me some info on what I need to be looking for when buying. Is there a certain model or features that I should look for?

Thanks in advance

 

I own both, fully loaded and built TJ Sahara, and a 2000 Disco 2 SE7. The Rover is fantastic for the room it offers, but cannot be compared to the Jeep when it comes to reliability. My suggestion would be to spend more on the purchase and get a 2004 for the sole reason that it's still under dealerwarranty, and at the end of the said warranty, you HAVE to get an extended one. I have found that if you really want to enjoy this vehicle, you have to have ^peace of mind. If you can't afford the 2004, or one that is still under warranty, then I suggest that you pass.

I bought my Disco which was a one owner full history dealer recommended with 54000 miles in last December and have already spent $4000.00 to fix leaks and replace the full suspension after an air suspension failure. Warranty would have taken care of all this.The dealer insists that I have one of the few good ones in my hands. But I still cannot trust it enough to take my family for a long trip. The thing still leaks oil and coolant and I just don't know anymore. Wanna buy mine???

 

Thanks for the info. I had read on here about some of the problems they have, but I don't understand why there are so many! I was thinking about a 2003, but I doubt it would come with a warrantee. The last thing I would want is a vehicle that isn't reliable. Do all of them have this many problems?? I've had my jeep for years and haven't had any serious problems with it.

 

Discoveries are a great vehicle for your needs. I own a 99 disco one and I love it.
Check the usuall things you would when you purchase a used vehicle, fluids etc.
The disco one has a locking transfer case which makes it an awesome off road vehicle: the disco two does as well but(and this is weird)... Land rover decided with the disco two after '03 that people just werent using the diff lock so they did away with the diff lock shifter mechanism. Same LT230 transfer case that has the ability to lock but just no provision for it on the inside of the cab--there are retrofit kits for this(I believe that it includes a shifter from a disco one and cutting an H-pattern for it in the floorboard under the center console. This coupled with the traction controll on the disco tow is supposed to be unstoppable on the offroad trails.
With the Disco two you have a double cardon joint on the front driveshaft= NOT GOOD. If the rubber coupling on this deteriorates then it'll fling your driveshaft into whatever will stop it, which is the transmission, transfer case and possibly oil pan. In which case youll probably need to give up your 401k, take out an additional mortgage and sell your organs on the black market just to pay for the repair bill . You can replace the driveshaft to eliminate this problem though, and you should if you get a disco two as this is the major weak point of this vehicle.
Get the compression of the engine tested by a reputable mechanic as these tend to have problems with head gaskets( and then they will drop a piston sleeve which would result in anew engine block) It shouldnt be a problem if the compression checks out allright though. <--important

 

Hello!!

I purchased a 1999 disco series 2, first I love the car!!!, but I have had headgasket problems, which off sets the good deal I bought the car for, (maybe thats why I got such a good deal) althought I had my mechanic check it over from fron front to back.

when the car is running..its a BLAST!!!! and I can carry all my camera equiptment in it, plus people.

Ralph

www.ralphduke.net

 

I sure don't mean to ruin your plans. Personally, I had dreamed of tghis vehicle for 10 years before taking the plunge. I was suppose to get rid of the Jeep the second that I knew the Discoenough. Now that I do know it.....the Jeep ain't going anywhere. Istill like the Disco, but would never have it as a primary vehicle. Those things are like time bombs. You go on Jeep sites, as I'm sure you've been on, and the subjects are about lift, tire sizes, mods and from time to time little problems. You come on here, and other Land Roversites and see for yourself. Problems, problems, major problems and major, major problems and from time to time tire and suspension question. It's true however that Rovers are a lot more technicals than Jeeps, and that if the Jeeps had as much gadgets , they would have more problems. But never as close as the Rovers, for the Americans are simply better car builders. Most of their cars have no personality, but they're more reliable.

 

hey there. I would just like to add that I wanted a Disco for years, and after finally droping the big 20,000 for an 03'. I had some issues with it. I however didnt know what to shop for or what kind of warranty at time of purchase was good. The dealer took care of some issues and I spent a few bucks repairing minor issues. Regardless to say, My Disco is a beauty. These vehicles are high maintanance because of the limited personel to tend for them.Rest assure, the elite own discos. so please come aboard. If you do your research first. and shop around for the best deal and warranty i think you will be ok. checking for a disco with one owner and low miles plus a good maintanance history will be a great idea.
I read your into real estate and you would look great driving up to some clients ina say04' HSE7 edition. That says SOLD!

In closing I just want to say that if your a good car fanatic, interested in looking KEWL, don't mind getting a little dirty and some what mecanically enclined you will be fine. I didnt even know discos had air suspension and DISCO MIKE, a famous word of wizdom on this forum walked me thru some issues and turned out great. Just remember you have good people here that are willing to take time and show u ways to minimize your problems.
I cannot stressany more that you do need to shop around for theBEST CONDITION disco. this will save you the headaches that are included in owning these rare vehicles.




Black 03' Discovery HSE7
Harmon Kardon, Stock Navigation, 15"kicker Sub,600 watt Rockford Fosgate Amp
HID lights by ORP

 

Let me get this straight Darover,you have a TJ and a PT Cruiser Convertable? Buddy,you need to spend more time hanging with the guys!LOL!

 

RUN AWAY!! RUN FAR FAR AWAY!!

It's too late to save us but don't come any closer.

I would NEVER CONSIDER another Discovery or any other LR vehicle.

Oh, and I would probably not trust any Realtor that didn't drive American.

 

well, if you are in the real estate buisiness, i would suggest the 7 seaters. Assuming you are going to be driving on unpaved roads,also, im sure you know the buyer does not always have a car capable of going certain distances. By buying the 7 seater, you can definetly fit them in, crammed, but still in there .

As far as reliability, i have had nothing go wrong on my discovery, i bought it 3 years ago with 63,000 miles on it (right after 60,000 mile service). The SUV now has 83,000 miles and runs VERY strong. I have taken it up and down some steep grounds, and well it has done nothing but show off! If you are seriously looking to get a good rover, take it to multiple dealerships to get it looked at in and out! i spent 400 dollars doing so before even buying it! But i have saved so much money... totally worth it!

my 2 cents