Hello!
I was asked to move this question to the appropriate forum. Originally part of my introduction, I understand that the intro section is not for posting questions, so here we go.

Presently, I'm researching the market for a second car (first car is a 2006 LR3). Would love to buy a 2003 or 2004 Discovery, but not quite sure. Prices vary hugely, and reliability is a concern. We'll be keeping the LR3, but still I want a reliable second car as well.

What can I reasonably expect, if I find a good 2003 or 2004, with miles below 70 or 80000, do a thorough maintenance program (as outlined in Mike's 60k maintenance program)? This will be a mainly short range car for me, driving back and forth to work mainly, and likely not more than 7000 - 9000 mls per year.


Is there a way to find out if a particular 2003 had the engine replaced per the respective Technical Alert? I'm presently looking at a few 2003 Discovery, and one of them is just so BEAUTYFUL but is within the VIN range of the oil pump alignment problem

Will all the vehicles in the VIN range have the catastrophic failure, sooner or later? Sounds to me if this was machined to the wrong specs, then all engines from that range will have a misalignment, correct?

Sorry for the many questions, I hope to be able to contribute in the LR3 section, as I'm more familiar with those wonderful vehicles.

Thanks!

K

 

https://landroverforums.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=21328

The oil pump usually fails in the 40-50k range, but it can then be repalced and the "new" oil pump will last about 40-50k, then another new oil pump and so on.
Google "Land Rover oil pump 2003" and you will get tons of info.
Just because it is in the range does not mean it will fail, same thing with it being out of the range, does not mean it wont fail.

 

der_ingenieur, I would advise you to stay away from the 03 models. I've been shopping around for a Disco since Feb. and just recently purchased one. You can find some 03's for around 7-8k. And 04's above 10k. All of the 03's for sale around the 40 mile radius of Hinsdale fall into the bad VIN range, except one, by Patrick Land Rover down by Naperville.

There is a good deal for an 04 right now http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp;?tracktype=usedcc&searchType=21&pageNum ber=0&numResultsPerPage=50&largeNumResultsPerPage= 0&sortorder=descending&sortfield=PRICE+descending& certifiedOnly=false&criteria=K-|E-|M-_26_|D-_255_|N-N|R-40|I-1%2c7|P-PRICE+descending|Q-descending|Z-60616&aff=national&paId=315237904&recnum=7&leadExi sts=true

Not sure if its sold. Its been on for a week. Usually these Discos around the Chicagoland area sells within days expecially the good condition 04's.

Hope this helps. By the way, check out http://chicagolandroverclub.com/

 

I think you'll find the ONLY fix for the oil pump issue is a replacement engine (according to the SB)

An 04 will have a CDL as well, so worth paying a little extra and avoid the 03 trucks imo

 

Torancis_LR, thanks for the feedback (also to the other that responded). It appears to me that the 04 is the better choice, in terms of longevity. I'm somewhat limited by the choices, because I don't like the light / tan interior. Dark grey and black interiors are somewhat rare.
The silver 04 you suggested could be a nice one. There are also two very nice 04 about an hour north from where I am (one is an HSE, the other is a Westminster).

Does the Westminster have a special equipment package? Sorry, I'm unfamiliar with the model. Could be a final edition.

Did you see the light blue 03 they have at cars.com right now? Too bad it's not an 04, I love the color.

I'll check out the club.

Thanks again,

K

 

The HSE model you were reffering to is an 03. And for the Westminster, I currently have. For some reason, the ad listing has it for $14995 after the truck was sold for about a month. I bought it for $11k.

I mean so far the better deal is the silver one. You can go test drive the burgundy one at the Downers Grove dealer. But that one has more mileage.

I mean it takes time to have 'just the right one' to come up. It took me 4-5 months of search. Oh yeah, check this one out http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

It has no info means the dealer hasn't gotten the truck yet. But make sure you talk the price down. $16k for a disco is too much.

And for the blue Disco, I don't see many of them around, its really rare, maybe a later paint job.

Just keep looking around and ask questions.

 

Thanks!

The one in Downers Grove - OMG, I looked at it, and it is totally beat up inside. The light interior doesn't help, either. I thought it was dirty, worn surfaces, cracks, ...

Funny about the Westminster one, I guess they don't update their listings regularly.

 

To address your main question, no, there is no data base that you can access, Rover does not release that sort of information.
Take your time and look for an 04, go out of state or half way across the country but buy the color you want with reasonable mileage and at your price. I have helped many people on find, inspecting and either shipping or flying down to pick them up.
The one other item that will need to be addressed is the front drive shaft that had to be rebuilt on all the D2's, no big deal, as for the service list, I can help you get thru my list for "CHEAP".

 

Does LR do anything to cover this issue with the oil pumps? It is a manufacture defect in the block correct?

 

Only if you are the original owner and always had it serviced by a LR dealer.

Yes it is a block defect.