Hello,

I'm new to this forum but I would like some info before considering buying a used Discovery. I've heard about their reliabilityissues. I'm not too concerned about driving it daily sinceit would not be my only vehicle. Are there any other issue I should worry about? Thanks.

 

What are you going to use it for, do you have lots of off road experience?

 

No, I'm not using it for offroading at all. I'm just looking for an AWD/4x4 SUV. Ican't drive my other carall the time since it's so small (boxster). I just sold my Honda CRV and I'm looking for a little bigger SUV. I borrowed my brother's H2 and it was way too big. I've always like the way the Discovery looked, but really haven't given british vehicles a chance until now. I've had a 01'4runnerbefore the honda CRV, and it was boring andbland...though reliable. I'm looking for a change. I amalso looking atBMWX5s as well. Thanks.

 

Oh, I should say what I'm looking at:

Discover Series II SE/SE7 only.

 

If you can afford a 2004 so for it because its the best year by far. And it has CDL, which you wont need if yo dont go off road, but its nice to have just in case. Disco's are great trucks and you will like the size of it compared to an H2. You may need to fix some problems left behind by previous owners, but once you do that the truck will be just as reliable as any other vehicle.

As you might know foreign vehicles can be more expensive to fix. So know that when buying any LR. Also the 2003 model had some problems with the oil pump, and no CDL. Like I said, 2004 is the way to go.

 

Now that I have an 03, I know now that I wouldn't spend the difference to get an 04 just for the CDL. If you don't need it, then you won't notice you don't have it. This 03 still has better 4 wheel drive than the Jeeps and Tahoe I've driven, so it's all relative. Mine has over 106,000 miles on it and it's running like new. Very dependable. Don't get me wrong, if you need CDL for off-roading, then the 04 is DEFINITELY the way to go, and it'll be worth the several thousand dollars difference to have that extra kick to the 4 wheel drive, but don't fear the 03's based on CDL only if you don't go heavy off-roading. There are some real deals out there on 03's and according to my dealership any oil pump problems will happen within about 50,000 miles. That means even if the VIN is within the possible range of problems, then a higher mileage truck isn't likely to be affected.

 

LR's are reliable, they require premium gas, same as the X5. They are not quick or fast.
If you wont be off roading then dont worry about the center differental lock.
The double cardon joint on the front driveshaft is a problem.
Other than that, no worries.
'03's do have oil pump issues but it is hit and miss.

 

Thanks guys. I'm not a serious off-road kind of individual. I do plan to move to the East Coast soon so that's why I'm looking for a 4x4 SUV. Trust me, the worst it gets in Austin are a few rain storms while it is50 degrees outside. Tough eh?

 

Where on the East Coast, the CDL can still be handy in snow, right?