The dealer said it has a lifter noise at idle, but only after it warms up, also it needs to have a new front drive shaft. There are 2 for sale at this dealership identical, but one has 111k miles the other has 80k. Both have the same problems. Was told the lifters where replaced and still has the noise. Is this worth the time or would it be better to look for one without the noise. The dealer said they would put a 100k mile warranty on the drive train.

 

No walk away!

 

No, RUN away.
And why an 03, what are you planning to use it for?

 

I ran way

I want the car mostly to drive into the mountains when I go snowboarding with friends. And maybe some off-road, but I don't want to modify the suspension or anything so nothing serious.

I found a 04 in great condition HSE7 with 103k on it. The dealer said there is nothing wrong with it, but I plan on taking it to a land rover mechanic and having it checked over before buying it.

 

It is not lifter noise - which would happen at cold start up with minimum oil pressure. It is a ticking sound from a slipping cylinder liner. The block has been overheated at least once, maybe more. The liner breaks loose, and taps against the head gasket. When revved up it may go away as the liner can't reverse as fast as the piston. Fix is pulling engine, machining for new "top hat" style liners that won't slip. Plus head gaskets. Liner can also have a coolant leak behind it, from a cracked block. New engine time usually.


Keep looking, you will find a good one.

 

That is really good information to know. Thank you for the reply.