I have been shopping around looking for a nice Discovery II in Houston.

I have come to notice that these Disco's are few and far between. I am looking for one with around 60-90,000 miles, and all the bells and whistles.

I have a few questions though, one about the SLS and the button for the clearance/trailer hitch. Is this button optional? Because I really want it, despite what I hear about it. Also, I don't know much about all the SE,SD,SE7,HSE stuff and what is with all that.

I'd appreciate any help you guys here can do. If you have any tips on buying a used Disco, please let me know.

Thanks alot,
Zach

 

Zach,
if you haven't yet, try looking on autotrader.com. I just did a quick search there for a '99-'02 Discovery and got 20 matches within 75 miles of zip code 77001 (Houston? - autotrader only lets you search by zip code as far as I know). Prices range from $19,500 down to $5,900.

Don't know anything about SLS.

The SE & SD designations are "trim" levels. SD being the lower, SE the higher spec model. In '03 or '04 (don't remember which) the HSE Discovery was added which was a step up from SE. If there is a 7 at the end (SD7, SE7) that simply means that it is a 7 passenger version, with two jump seats in the back.

Check out the many other threads on this forum that have advice for first time LR buyers.

Good luck,
Piotr
'02 Disco II SE
'95 Audi S6

 

I'm a Disco II rookie having just jumped in with my first '02 SE two months ago. Here's what I learned. No matter how good the vehicle appears to be, plan on dropping an additional $2000-3000 within the first few months. Mine looked mint, but needed engine work that was tricky to spot right away. I've heard that bit of advice several times. Save some money for repairs. For example, three sources have told me head gaskets go at 60-80k. Mine went at 59k. That can be a $1500 repair alone....and it's never alone.

Discos in the mileage range you speak of will be on the edge of big dollar repairs and maintenance bills. I lucked out and the previous owner of my Disco did the $800-1200 60K servicing PRIOR to me buying it at 58k. I did have to replace springs and shocks since 65k likely spells the end for the OEM units. Cha-ching...$800.

Extended warranties are actually worth the dough. $2000 in repairs goes quickly. But it won't cover the stuff that's just poop'n out at 60-90k.

I love mine. The tally for my "mint" Disco ($11750 from private seller WITH records) hit $16165 after suspension replacements, tires, wiper blades, engine repairs..... No, didn't see that coming.

Good luck.

 

The button you are asking about is for the SLS, self leveling arear air suspension and only comes with that option.
Don't necessarily buy one with all the bells and whistles, you may find they are not needed or get in the way.
What exactly are the features you want?
Mike

 

Yeah, I am pretty new to land rovers too. However, my experience with a '02 SE has been a little better than newBrover. We bought it 10 months ago as my wife's daily driver and it is also the vehicle of choice for out-of-town trips. In the 10 months we put 21k miles on it (it had 70k when I bought it from a LR dealer auction in California - it was a lease return). So far I did the 75k service on it right after I got it (~$300-400 in service parts and synthetic fluids) and it has not given us much trouble at all. The ABS/Traction Control system sets of a christmas tree of warning lights on the dash once every few weeks for no apparent reason - but this is about it. Now that I have said this I am sure that it will put a rod through the block when I start it tomorrow morning So, Zach, I guess my point is to hope for the best (not all Discoveries will drain you bank account) but prepare for the worst. Having it inspected by a LR specialist will increase your odds of getting the right vehicle greatly.

Piotr