Be patient.

 

It took me 3 years to find mine. I looked at many drove models from the start of the 99 series II to the 04. I finally settled on mine for many reasons but I have never regretted the choice.I have been working on her littel by little for close to 3 years. I would not trade her for anything... well maybe an LR4 but thats a different story. good luck keep looking and keep driving. I also spent a lot of time on here reading and reading I think it helped me to understand the issues, the fixes, the costs and the different approaches most on here have. keep us posted.

 

For the moment - my 2001 has been perfect with 105,000 miles on it now.
Not one issue save for a cracked windshield and the clock lamp is burned out and the odometer lamp is burned out.

I toss around selling it for a more efficient vehicle.

I am in San Diego currently and did the head gaskets last year in Boulder, CO.

At $5,800 asking - no one is beating down my door.
But, that's fine.

It keeps me from selling it.

But if the right buyer comes and ponies up the money than I will probably sell it.

i may get one serious buyer a month off of Craigslist.

I read about all these issues on this forum with the Discovery 2.

Mine just keeps humming along.
I should not be so smug now as that is when luck runs out.

I drive it so so carefully and found I can get 15 MPG with mixed highway and city driving if I drive it like there is an egg on the gas pedal.

Careful driving saves wear on everything. Even the tires too.

 

just plan on replacing the driveshaft and head gasket on everyone you look @ and price accordingly.

 

keep looking...you WILL find one....low low miles are often worse than high highway miles!
i would add a few comments from my own experience;

1. Check the chassis for rust...some are awful...and surface rust becomes more serious fast esp at the back of these trucks around the fuel tank. Walk if you see a bunch of corrosion under there!
2. Dexcool yes...but change it every 30K AND put a 180 degree thermostat on the car to keep it 10-15 degrees cooler. This, plus frequent oil changes, (I use Rotella 15:40W oil), has meant I have never had a head gasket failure...I've had three Disco's all well into 6 digits and one Classic Rangie.
3. Front propshaft MUST be updated to include greasable joints.
4. Transfer case leaks are normal...but top up every oil change...when the leaks stop...it's empty...

 

Good advice, thx