Hi Folks,
Thank you in advanced for reading my post. I’m considering buying a 2004 Disco HSE7 with just under 100K miles on it. The exterior and interior are in fair, to below average, condition. The front passenger window does not go down and the rear passenger power lock does not work. Neither of these really concern me.
The engine is knocking, from reading forum here does not necessary indicate a problem either way, the seller says it started a few months ago and he also has to add coolant every other month. Also, the power steering pump was winning pretty loud. I test drove the truck over the weekend and it seemed to drive nice. The tires on the truck have about 5K miles on them.
Since I work from home this would not be daily driver. It would be used to pull my boat in the summer, hunting and some trail riding in the fall and the occasional run to the grocery store. My wife, who also works from home, and I currently share a 2012 Jetta Sportwagon TDI which is and will be our primary mode of transportation. I’ve owned MGs in the past and do enjoy wrenching on stuff so most of the work would be attempted by myself .
Based on the little information I’ve given - am I crazy for considering this truck? Do these problems indicate the head gasket is about to go? The seller is asking $8900. What do you think is a fair price?
Thanks again for all your help.

 

Do not buy this truck. It is way over priced for something that could be headed to the scrap yard in short order. You are looking at major engine issues (bearings, and more), that coolant has to be going somewhere (head gaskets and/or cracked block), and the power steering is on life support. Keep looking. Budget for an indy mechanical inspection of one you really like, plus have $1,000 - $2,000 for catch up repairs when you get the right one.

 

The problems you noted indicate the head gasket ALREADY went.

 

That is a $4000 D2 at best with an engine knock, which is not normal.

 

Run from there its not worth it.

Keel looking you will find a better truck for a better price!

 

Thanks guys for all the advice. The search continues!

 

We are only trying to save you money!

 

The deals are out there, but you have to look hard. One member bought a D2 for $2000, her first car, and it had 117 actual miles, garage kept by eccentric owner. Now very few will top that deal. We more frequently hear from a new member who has been infected with Roveritis (no known cure); and has bought the first one he test drove, and the head gasket is blown on the way home.

 

I just got my 2003 Discovery II S about a month ago. Yes, it's an S, but it's the cleanest Discovery I've seen around here, and there are MANY around here! It appears to be garage kept, 2 owner, NO off-road marks underneath, Bushings & Suspension super tight, etc... 92k miles. Paid $6300 (From a Dealer, no less). I looked at many that were that price that were as you described your find. I was beginning to believe a clean one didn't exist. It's hard to find a clean one, but they do come around occasionally.

PS: I'm SUPER picky about clean vehicles if that's what I'm looking for. My previous Jag was not as clean as this truck, and my Jag was very clean.

I sold the Jag and use the Disco as my Daily driver, so that's why I wanted clean. As an FYI, I've already had a few small gremlins, so even on a Super Clean one, there's going to be something. But coming from a Jaguar, I'm feeling right at home.

 

Not to hijack the thread, but I have come across a similar 04 DII, 160k miles.. It is at a dealer currently getting ready to go to auction, but they have it listed for sale @ $3995. I will be test driving tomorrow, over the phone the dealer states it drives fine, but the check engine light is on.. Thoughts? Allegedly it was a trade in that came in from Colorado earlier in the week.

Exterior has some worn, albeit agressive looking nitto grapplers, as well as a cracked front bumper.. Interior looks to be average, with some slight tearing on the seats..