I wish I could. I love my mechanic and it doesn’t hurt that he’s from England and drives an older Range Rover. He’s very knowledgeable. But the one I’m looking at buying is 10 hours away from home.

 

The newest Disco 2 is 14 years old. Why not looks at something more modern, with a real engine that was designed this century and that doesn't drink gas like you own a refinery.

 

Because I love my disco and I don’t want a modern car.

 

I like my 03 and 04's but 10 hours away to check one out is quite some distance to actually check its condition.

 

My boyfriend lives down there and is looking at it for me. I’m not traveling 10 hours just for a check.

 

Oh I see, If you have an Ultragauge, plug it in and let it run for 20 mins. If temperature stays between 188-201 degrees. I believe it will be ok. The rest is just normal replacement parts due. 2004 is the last of its kind. Great truck! BTW, listen to a major ticking if non, its better. Other SES codes are easy to fix.

 

Depending on location, check the frame rails for rust issues. Some will be rusted right through.

Me, l'd go for an 01 or 04...with good maintenence history and clean body/frame.

Brian.

 

Yep, run the carfax on it, if it has every been north of Virginia or out west don't bother looking at it, I am sure the frame will be rusted (I have owned at least 7 and looked at many more).

Pressure testing coolant system is a good idea - free tester available at Advance/Autozone/Oreilly

If someone slightly mechanical can help, I recommend a quick test of the oil pressure - I used to bring a mechanical oil pressure gauge with me and remove the plug in the front cover housing where the early D2's had the oil cooler line (03-04's have a plug in that location) to make sure the OP is good.

When you are looking at it, make sure the check engine light comes on during the start sequence (bulb check), then while testing/driving it make sure to start it three times - the check the pending fault codes (get a $5 OBDII Elm 327 bluetooth code reader off of Amazon - I buy them 3 at a time because the DOA rate is about 30% )using the torque app or something similar.

Personally I would look for a low mileage 2000-2002 because of the engine issues seen with the 03-04's. I have seen a lot with slipped cylinders and low oil pressure.

 

I am not sure what you are saying. The 03 (at least here stateside) does not have the CDL guts in the transfer case: same as late 01 and 02 builds. You will have to swap out the internal parts or as most people do: swap out the transfer case. Then you can add the shifter assembly. Either the D1linkage type or the 04 cable type.

I have heard that some of the 03 ROW models had the CDL as an option but I can not verify this.

 

Too true , also if you don't need/use a 4x4 it is better to buy a 'normal' car as the newest D2 is 'ancient' as big Jim says. If you still want a D2 and don't need the power or speed get a 4.0 they seem far less trouble. Watch out for chassis 'rot' at the rear especially. Take your time when selecting and viewing and find someone who knows D2's inside out and owns a DTC code analyser.