Looking at 2003 SE7 - thoughts?
#1
04-18-2012, 10:22 AM
new to me 2003 SE7 - update -
The truck is clean with no rust on or under it; shock, springs etc clean with no leaks. No SLS or ACE. Windshield recently replaced with non heated version. Some one backed into it on the lot and it will need both bumper lens assemblies. Rear bumper and front grill have minor cracks/breaks. There are 2 small door dings, otherwise less scratches and chips than expected.
No fluid leaks apparent other than valve cover gaskets. Fluids all clean an appropriate level. Last oil service @ 2k ago. The Geolander HT's have about 2/3 tread with no uneven wear. The vehicle started right up with no ticking or other pertinent negatives.
The three amigos did come on on before and during the test drive. It was stated that some times they do that but most often not. After the purchase they were off for until a gas stop was made and they returned. Braking is straight and even.
There are no service, engine or M&S lights on. After the last oil service the odometer started flashing.
AC is cold. All electronics/switches - windows, cruise, heated seats etc function perfectly. The CD player was disabled by original owner and CD activates axillary MP3 connection. The changer is still in place.
I think it will be a good third vehicle.
Damn Suburban must be mad as it started acting up on the trip...
I am or may be looking for the following; please respond with price, shipping and availability.
Air filter box/top cover
shifter surround, black
cargo cover, retractable, black
Thank you.
No fluid leaks apparent other than valve cover gaskets. Fluids all clean an appropriate level. Last oil service @ 2k ago. The Geolander HT's have about 2/3 tread with no uneven wear. The vehicle started right up with no ticking or other pertinent negatives.
The three amigos did come on on before and during the test drive. It was stated that some times they do that but most often not. After the purchase they were off for until a gas stop was made and they returned. Braking is straight and even.
There are no service, engine or M&S lights on. After the last oil service the odometer started flashing.
AC is cold. All electronics/switches - windows, cruise, heated seats etc function perfectly. The CD player was disabled by original owner and CD activates axillary MP3 connection. The changer is still in place.
I think it will be a good third vehicle.
Damn Suburban must be mad as it started acting up on the trip...
I am or may be looking for the following; please respond with price, shipping and availability.
Air filter box/top cover
shifter surround, black
cargo cover, retractable, black
Thank you.
Last edited by ralt33; 04-29-2012 at 01:51 PM. Reason: update
#2
04-18-2012, 10:42 AM
Super Moderator
You'ld want to have a mechanic look at it, a small bit of money well spent to look for the costly things, not the stain on the rear carpet, etc.
You'ld want to carry your own scanner, plug it in, and look at that code. You'ld want to monitor the coolant temp while truck idles for 15 -20 minutes and during your test drive. Would you want a truck that idled at 237 degrees F ? You could buy one of those $50 or so exhaust gas in coolant test kits, and exam the coolant. For leaky head gasket.
You can use www.statewidelist.com to search for Rovers on craigslist, by state, and output is by metro area. So you can compare what is out there.
In my signature is a link to download the RAVE, which includes repair and owners manuals. Check every door for locking, every window for operation, sun roofs, etc.
You'ld want to carry your own scanner, plug it in, and look at that code. You'ld want to monitor the coolant temp while truck idles for 15 -20 minutes and during your test drive. Would you want a truck that idled at 237 degrees F ? You could buy one of those $50 or so exhaust gas in coolant test kits, and exam the coolant. For leaky head gasket.
You can use www.statewidelist.com to search for Rovers on craigslist, by state, and output is by metro area. So you can compare what is out there.
In my signature is a link to download the RAVE, which includes repair and owners manuals. Check every door for locking, every window for operation, sun roofs, etc.
#3
04-18-2012, 10:48 AM
It sounds like you need to take it to an independent Rover mechanic and have it checked out before purchasing it. Much that could be wrong will be stuff you can fix yourself since you're mechanically inclined, but if you haven't owned one before you should get a professional to do a pre-purchase inspection.
The price sounds OK for an '03, but they were known to have serious problems with their oil pumps. If this truck really has a 160k on it, then it's probably safe to say it doesn't have that problem.
I don't know any of the shops beyond central PA, but if not too far, you could try Trevor at British 4x4 Specialists (Rover Lab formerly RoverLab). Otherwise you could post up looking for a reference to a good Rover shop over on the North East Land Rover Club Forum. A lot of those guys are from central and eastern PA, so I'm sure someone over there can recommend a good mechanic...
The price sounds OK for an '03, but they were known to have serious problems with their oil pumps. If this truck really has a 160k on it, then it's probably safe to say it doesn't have that problem.
I don't know any of the shops beyond central PA, but if not too far, you could try Trevor at British 4x4 Specialists (Rover Lab formerly RoverLab). Otherwise you could post up looking for a reference to a good Rover shop over on the North East Land Rover Club Forum. A lot of those guys are from central and eastern PA, so I'm sure someone over there can recommend a good mechanic...
#4
04-18-2012, 10:49 AM
I like the SE7. I just suggest you have the code read to see what it is. Parts cost quite a bit (for the most part), and most are not available at the local auto store, but a whole lot get parted out. These trucks are temperamental, so I would suggest giving it a good inspection before paying top dollar for it (around $10,000 for that year). It is a good car if you take care of it. It's not a Toyota, so it doesn't tolerate infrequent oil changes. The leather tends to hold up really well, but the headliner tends to sag.
#5
04-18-2012, 11:11 AM
Here is a page you can look through, https://landroverforums.com/forum/ge...chanics-29796/. If you are close to British 4x4 Specialists I would suggest using them.
#6
04-18-2012, 04:13 PM
Rock Crawling
You should check out the '04 that Night Train is selling in the "for sale" section. Price is the same ($4,500) and you're getting an '04 with about half the miles and center diff lock. I'm surprised nobody's jumped on it, as that sounds like an amazing deal for an '04. The other bonus is since Night Train's a member of landroverforums, there's a good chance that a lot of the typical maintenance things are done.
My $0.02 worth...
RedAustinIX (Ed)
My $0.02 worth...
RedAustinIX (Ed)
#8
04-22-2012, 06:29 AM
Used Parts
Present driver has had it for 20k with no issues other than service light after last oil service (at a chain) and he says that going down a steep gravel drive if it slides a little the ABS etc lights come on (and back off). He says no overheating issues. He says that it looks like head gaskets may have been done (clean and sealant) and that it appears that original owner maintained it well. He knows very little about them. There are no records or manuals. He had a carfax and says one previous owner and no accidents.
Thoughts, opinions anything specific to look for that I may not have gleaned lurking? I am mechanically inclined personally and professionally but have very little LR experience.
2003 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY SE
One owner from CT for 140k+ until small used car lot bought it. The owner put 20k+ on it. Currently just hit 165 k. I was able to get it for 2700. It drove and rode like a well maintained 60k vehicle. @ 225 miles with zero issues except I noticed one of the wipers was tore a little when it started raining.
The truck is clean with no rust on or under it; shock, springs etc clean with no leaks. No SLS or ACE. Windshield recently replaced with non heated version. Some one backed into it on the lot and it will need both bumper lens assemblies. Rear bumper and front grill have minor cracks/breaks. There are 2 small door dings, otherwise less scratches and chips than expected.
No fluid leaks apparent other than valve cover gaskets. Fluids all clean an appropriate level. Last oil service @ 2k ago. The Geolander HT's have about 2/3 tread with no uneven wear. The vehicle started right up with no ticking or other pertinent negatives.
The three amigos did come on on before and during the test drive. It was stated that some times they do that but most often not. After the purchase they were off for until a gas stop was made and they returned. Braking is straight and even.
There are no service, engine or M&S lights on. After the last oil service the odometer started flashing.
AC is cold. All electronics/switches - windows, cruise, heated seats etc function perfectly. The CD player was disabled by original owner and CD activates axillary MP3 connection. The changer is still in place.
I think it will be a good third vehicle.
Damn Suburban must be mad as it started acting up on the trip...
I am or may be looking for the following; please respond with price, shipping and availability.
both rear bumper light assemblies
Front license plate bracket
right rear quarter molding and mud flap
Owners manuals
shifter surround, black
cargo cover, retractable, black
rear bumper
sunroof retractable shade
I think I have them listed in order of need and importance.
Thank you.
Thoughts, opinions anything specific to look for that I may not have gleaned lurking? I am mechanically inclined personally and professionally but have very little LR experience.
2003 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY SE
One owner from CT for 140k+ until small used car lot bought it. The owner put 20k+ on it. Currently just hit 165 k. I was able to get it for 2700. It drove and rode like a well maintained 60k vehicle. @ 225 miles with zero issues except I noticed one of the wipers was tore a little when it started raining.
The truck is clean with no rust on or under it; shock, springs etc clean with no leaks. No SLS or ACE. Windshield recently replaced with non heated version. Some one backed into it on the lot and it will need both bumper lens assemblies. Rear bumper and front grill have minor cracks/breaks. There are 2 small door dings, otherwise less scratches and chips than expected.
No fluid leaks apparent other than valve cover gaskets. Fluids all clean an appropriate level. Last oil service @ 2k ago. The Geolander HT's have about 2/3 tread with no uneven wear. The vehicle started right up with no ticking or other pertinent negatives.
The three amigos did come on on before and during the test drive. It was stated that some times they do that but most often not. After the purchase they were off for until a gas stop was made and they returned. Braking is straight and even.
There are no service, engine or M&S lights on. After the last oil service the odometer started flashing.
AC is cold. All electronics/switches - windows, cruise, heated seats etc function perfectly. The CD player was disabled by original owner and CD activates axillary MP3 connection. The changer is still in place.
I think it will be a good third vehicle.
Damn Suburban must be mad as it started acting up on the trip...
I am or may be looking for the following; please respond with price, shipping and availability.
both rear bumper light assemblies
Front license plate bracket
right rear quarter molding and mud flap
Owners manuals
shifter surround, black
cargo cover, retractable, black
rear bumper
sunroof retractable shade
I think I have them listed in order of need and importance.
Thank you.
MiamiBritish.com
Good Luck, Chris
#9
04-29-2012, 02:07 PM
Maintenance etc
New bumper lights are in. I had to replace one light for the instrument panel.
I decided to change the valve cover gaskets and wires. Wires were LR. The plugs were whipped and the recommended champions for the 4.0 - the gap was pretty big. I finally found a 8mm 12 pt at home depot. I'm surprised how well it was running with the old plugs and wires. Not a bad job, the worst part was keeping the valve covers gaskets in place when reinstalling. I did not drain the coolant or move the AC compressor. I couldn't find the Bosch +4's to try so I just went with the platinum ones. I used the STI wires.
I do get the occasional three amigos, other wise you'd think this had @ 60k on it. All the fluids look great but I'm thinking I will change them out sooner than later so I know when they were done.
Though the ride does not compare to the Suburban I am pleased with what I got for $2700 and think it will suit it's intended purposes well. The Suburban is at the tranny shop getting checked out.
My 14 year old daughter has changed her mind and now likes it. She has washed it and offered to detail and wax it. I think she has it in her mind that it will be better than SLE when she starts driving.
Thanks for the links.
I decided to change the valve cover gaskets and wires. Wires were LR. The plugs were whipped and the recommended champions for the 4.0 - the gap was pretty big. I finally found a 8mm 12 pt at home depot. I'm surprised how well it was running with the old plugs and wires. Not a bad job, the worst part was keeping the valve covers gaskets in place when reinstalling. I did not drain the coolant or move the AC compressor. I couldn't find the Bosch +4's to try so I just went with the platinum ones. I used the STI wires.
I do get the occasional three amigos, other wise you'd think this had @ 60k on it. All the fluids look great but I'm thinking I will change them out sooner than later so I know when they were done.
Though the ride does not compare to the Suburban I am pleased with what I got for $2700 and think it will suit it's intended purposes well. The Suburban is at the tranny shop getting checked out.
My 14 year old daughter has changed her mind and now likes it. She has washed it and offered to detail and wax it. I think she has it in her mind that it will be better than SLE when she starts driving.
Thanks for the links.
Last edited by ralt33; 04-29-2012 at 02:10 PM.
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2003, 4x4, back, basic, british, bumper, craigslistorg, land, maintenance, privacy, rear, rover, screen, se7, specialists
