Hi all,

First post on this forum. I have never owned a land rover but I am finally in a position where I can purchase one. I have heard a discovery will teach you how to be a mechanic, but since I have never owned one before, I am hoping this community can provide advice.

I found a 2004 Land Rover Discovery II SE w/ 85k miles. The owner has been experiencing an overheating engine since January. In an attempt to fix this issue, he had the head gasket replaced with no luck. This solved the issue for a couple weeks but the engine started overheating again. He then tried bypassing the heater core but it did not fix the issue. The mechanic then did a pressure test and concluded it has a slipped liner. The owner also said the car loses coolant quickly and the engine does not produce any bizarre sounds.

Does this seem logical that it is a slipped liner? From my research it seems that slipped liners are rare. Therefore, would you take a $3,000 risk on purchasing the vehicle with the potential of needing to replace the engine?

 

No, I would not. I would offer $1,500 cash depending on the condition. If the owner take the offer, do it and have the expectations it is a slipped liner and you will be paying to have work done and parts.

 

These engines are notorious for cracked blocks. I don't think I'd take the chance, personally.

 

omg............run!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

They are not rare. My reading indicates they mostly all eventually fail.

My personal experience is, I have four Discos. Three (the D2's) had slipped liners / cracked blocks. The fourth (a D1) is still fine at 90,000 miles.

I wouldn't pay more than $1,000 for it depending on overall condition.

 

No no no.
Do not buy it.
Slipped liner is new engine time.

You can PIN a liner. But it is not easy.

You can replace liners. But it is not easy. Not for the backyard mechanic.

Buy a 2001 or earlier.
Or

if you are really smart.
buy an LR3.

Avoid the Discovery 2003 and 2004 at all costs.
They are pretty yes.
But the engines are more fragile then the 2001 and older

 

99-02 with a 4.0L are much better IMHO. Slap in an 04 CDL Linkage, 04 SLABS, and you've got yourself an 04 equivalent.

LR3 = a different bucket of worms... (very nice LR's but you must know what you're looking at or you'll be in a world of hurt if you don't!).