TD5 isn't available in the US

Even if you drop that much on a low mileage Disco, you're still going to end up doing most of the things I listed eventually. Undercoating is definitely a good option, and so is the inline thermostat mod, but the low mileage engine will still end up having head gasket issues as well as oil pump issues. If you're building one for straight up reliability, rebuilding is the best option.

 

Fair enough. I think there's some things you're overlooking though!!! You gotta consider the implications of the inline tsat on a low mileage Rover (and an aftermarket fan you should add too) - The entire problem with the head gaskets is a matter of temperature. Once the block overheats even one time, the aluminum warps and the head bolts will lose their elasticity, and you're well on your way to a blown head gasket.

If you prevent this from happening by installing a better tstat on a low mileage Disco, bingo, no need to re-sleeve or pin or whatever you decide to do.

In regards to oil pump issues, just don't buy an 03 and you'll likely be ok. Again, it's temperature related. Fix that with the tstat and the issue is greatly diminished, unless of course you're in the VIN range on an 03.

On top of this - the entire truck has less wear on it. The frame, axles, steering components, everything. So in that respect, you're future-proofed. You wouldn't need to work on any obvious gremlins right off the bat, either, such as the propshaft, which you wouldn't have to do for another couple of years, and I bet the heated seats would even work. You've got a LOT of time for it to fall apart, and even then, the big issues like the propshaft won't cost you more than $150, which is negligible.

 

every year cracks the oil pump, not just 03's. the rear frames wrought off, they wear out front diffs

 

What do you consider low mileage? Is 60k low enough mileage? What options would you 'avoid'. I like the sound of ACE capabilities, but if it's problematic, maybe best to leave out. Don't need 3rd row seats.

 

Well, you're mostly correct. No, your oil pump won't be fine by avoiding an 03. As Drowssap said, they all do that. Aftermarket fan is also a great option, I've got one off a mid 90s mustang that works awesome (write up in my signature). And yes, the in line stay will help, but the other biggest problem with the head gaskets was also the design. The factory head gaskets were single layer, there was barely any material there and an aftermarket head gasket is the only sure fire way to make sure yours will be good for a long time.

The steering components aren't as much taken out by wear as they are (atleast in my experience) time also. The rubber boots crack and tear after this many years and it allows dirt in and grease out. the frame is more dependent on where the Disco lives and the axles are more dependent on how it was driven and maintained, but there's no great way to tell with the axles/bearings/seals/gears without pulling it apart and you find a better frame by searching farther south where they don't use salt in the winter.

 

FWIW, I was in your shoes and found a fellow rover-head who had bought an 03 (I like the 03/04 look the best) with a blown motor and then installed a Great plains rover longblock.

He did the work himself, and I trusted him after I saw his garage, and found out he was an engineer at the local nuke plant west of phoenix.

I've had some little stuff for sure, T-case, power steering pump, etc, but I think that the 03 with a new motor is a great call.

Just based on design and the law of averages, buying a 120K disco with a still-running motor is a bad idea. they all break. better the devil you know than the one you don't.

I've also got the 7 seater, don't need it as I don't have kids, but a lot of my hunting buddies do and I enjoy running "bird carpool".

To top it off, I have been around mechanic shops since I was in high school, and unless I can get it there and watch the tech do the work, I simply don't use them. The math and the business model are not permissive of quality, careful work.

Its like my bikes. if I wind up on the side of the road, I have only myself to blame. Makes me a better mechanic.....

'03. Blown motor. Build it how you want, love it forever.

 

I got a couple of them and did not pay a lot for any of them. 2003 145,000 had a KNOCK was a rod bearing, $79.00 and 3 hours that is done and running Paid $1,000.00 for it
2000 208,000, water leak changed hoses and burped the baby and it is happy. Paid $1,350.00 for that one. So can you get a good one cheap, YES but you better have a full shop to keep it happy, Lift is almost a must since trolley jack gets very old QUICK.
Get an Ultra Gauge it you will be happy since it reads the OBDII and warns you when things go bump in the night.
Just think of it as a PET, you know DOG and it has its needs for sure.

 

" you find a better frame by searching farther south where they don't use salt in the winter."
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Or, in the northwest, where they too don't use salt in winter. I was born and raised in MT.---lots of snow/ice in winter, but no salt is used; same in Washington, Oregon, California, and other states, I am sure. I now live in Oregon; no salt on roads. All Rovers I have looked under, had no rust to speak of, no matter age, unlike the east, where frames rust out while you drive around. Before you buy, might be good idea to see what state it came from; if salt is used on roads in winter.

 

If you can buy one with ACE, go for it 100%. ACE and SLS (self-leveling suspension) are historically very reliable on Discoveries and do not really require any additional maintenance aside from swapping fluids out when they get dirty! (and SLS airbags need to be changed at least once over a full Disco lifetime)

 

Alex_M there was no mention of it having to be a North American spec. I'd buy the 04 base model TD5 in a heart Beat. And to be honest I'll probably be buying a TD5 D2 for my next truck. In Canada we already have access to the 98 and 99.