Going to checkout a 2003 discovery SE.

what should i be checking out?

i'm not a very proficient mechanic. my level would be "know most of the names. can't take apart". And completely new to land rovers.

- common failure points
- - which ones are easily fixable?
- any way to read fault codes without expensive reader?
- can i believe tree amigos is only an extra $600 in repairs for the abs? (from my quick read on the forum)

really appreciate any tips

 

Make sure the truck isn't in the specified vin range for the 2003 D2 engine failure. You can find it if you search the forums. If it is in the range and it has at least 110,000 miles then the engine should be fine.

Check the u-joints in the front drive shaft to see if all 3 have been replaced with greasable ones. If not you'll need to eventually rebuild it. But since you're just checking it out it's not a huge deal.

Make sure you check ALL the electronics. I forgot to check the horn on mine when I bought it and sure enough, the damn thing was out. I eventually got it hard wired.

 

Thanks! haven't heard about the 2003 failure before... think i may be ok... the info i've found is:
"2003 with vin ending 3A771801 – 3A808362" is that reliable?

The vin i'm checking is SALTY16403AB01105

hehe, my other car still doesn't have the horn because i also forgot to check

 

If that B is really an 8, that's in the range.

 

Pop the cap off the expansion tank and look for flakes of copper ;-)

 

good point. will be sure to inspect in the stickers....

btw, where can i find the engine and transmission VIN stickers?

 

great hints guys!

any other tip for looking at fluids? exhaust deposits? exhaust smell?
anything that may look like a regular car but that for LR are a telltale of a near death.

The car is in a charity auction lot. i can pretty much open the engine head. but only drive 2in back and forth :/

 

Not sure about any that may be on the engine or transmission, but there should be the normal one on the dash, and one when you open the driver's door.

Also, how many miles? If it's got quite a few, it's possible it was "ok" or possible that someone has already fixed it... heck it may have even been fixed at the dealer while under warranty.

 

It's my understanding that there is no fixing the engine, just replacement right?
Or can they rebuild the lower half of it and be cured? My understanding of the failure is still a little clouded. I know that you can get away with continuous oil pump replacement.

 

dammit. just trying to check the vin online already gave away that that B is an 8. with a B every vin check service report invalid.

IN: SALTY16403A801105
Year: 2003
Make: Land Rover
Style / Body: Hardtop 4D
Engine: 4.6L V8 EFI
Country of Assembly: United Kingdom
Model: Discovery SE

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