I found an 03' with 88k miles and blown head gaskets. I'm supposed to go look at it tomorrow, but my friend has the identical car and nothing but trouble.

Im looking to spend $1500-$1800. What do you guys think? Its as clean as can be,black on black. My mechanic will do the heads for $1500 cash.

If I can diagnose that it does not have a slipped liner or broken oil pump, should I buy it? After paying the $1500 am I just going to end up with a PITA?

It would be sacrilege to part it out, but maybe that's the call?

Looking for opinions, satire, facts...

 

You'll be OK.
Start it - and see if it knocks when it gets hot.
Should only have misfires on cylinder 1 or 2 or 7 or 8.
Any other cylinder - avoid.

Oil pump on these can be bad on certain VIN's due to a bozo who worked certain days and assembled the pump wrong.

 

I will bring my UG. Do you think that is a good deal, or just OK...

 

Its a friggin great deal if you want to have a very capable truck with no illusions of ever getting out of it what you put into it.

Knowing of course that you could spend a whole lot more on a lesser, more boring, newer vehicle.

 

Remember the 2003 does not have the CDL option if you are looking for strong off-road capability out of the vehicle.

A blown head gasket from overheating could also result in slipped liners as you pointed out. I also recommend asking about the cause of the overheating. It could mean repairing the cooling system such as a new radiator, thermostat, hoses, etc. I suggest checking the inside of the hoses or radiator to see if there is crud leading to possible coolant blockage.

$1500 for a 03 Disco with 88K is a great deal assuming no slipped liners.

 

$1500 for a 03 Disco with 88K is a great deal and another $1500 for gaskets is not bad either. So you own a 03 for $3k.
why did the gaskets go?
how many times was it over heated? x2
how much stop leak was poured in it x2
and for how long? x2

And lastly why is the original owner selling a truck with a value of 6-7k for $1500 repair? when he could put 1500 into the repair and sell or trade it for 5-6K profit instead of selling it at a loss

cheap thing aren't good and good things aren't cheap

 

Not a bad deal at all. Make sure the HG repair is done right with the heads decked and use only ARP Studs and the best gaskets
listen for any knocking and check the oil pressure as well.....

 

I say go for it, the thing about the oil pump scare on these trucks is that enough years have gone by where almost all the faulty pumps have either been fixed or blew up already. Sure there may still be some out there but the chance is slim. Check the vin range to be super sure.

These engines are bulletproof but their kryptonite is heat. Overheating even once can be the death of an engine. As long as that doesn't happen it should run a long time with no issues (other than wear parts)

 

Thanks guys. I'll be checking it later today.

 

Like every one has said it's a great price, hey if you dont want it then I certinally will!!!

I own a 2003, yes it's in the death range, know what who cares the oil pump or motor would have been replaced. Yes mine also ticks, it's been ticking for the last 20K miles with a slipped liner and you know what.... mine still runs great and I use mine for a DD and heavy duty wheeling.

Go for it and enjoy, just make sure that when you do the HG then you put the new ARP studs in put a 180 thermostat in and have a big grin on your face knowing you stole this Disco every time you drive it...