Hey guys Im looking into getting a 2003 or 2004 Land Rover Discovery. Im wanting the 7-passanger seating. Either the SE or HSE. Just wondering whats good with the discovery and what I bad about it. Im going to use this as a daily driver and also take it out on the weekends. Im 20, and working full-time and going to school at night. So im always on the go, would this be a bad ride for me? Also Ive looked at some prices they are around 9,000 to 13,000 that seems kinda cheap, why is that? Also would insurance be expensive since its a land rover? Sorry for all the questions...thanks for the help!

 

Beware of the 2003 models as they had a bad batch of engines that have to be replaced at owner expense when they go bad. Usually if a 2003 has over 60,000 miles on it then you're safe but if you find one check the vin number before you buy it to see if it falls in the range of bad engines. The engine blocks were machined wrong and the oil pumps fail taking out the engine on the 2003 models in that range. It's not something that should deter you from looking at a 2003 but keep it in mind. The 2004 has the best that the Disco has to offer. Larger, more powerful engine and all the latest greatest stuff. Plus a 2004 may still be under factory warranty. Insurance on anything is probably going to be fairly expensive since you're only 20. Sorry to say that but insurance tends to work that way. I have a 97 Disco that actually gets a discount for it's safety rating. I assume an 03 or 04 would also get a similar discount.

Needless to say the 2004 is going to be the more expensive but the price range you mentioned is about right.

 

Go with an '04 at a minimum... Unless you do your homework on an '03 (I have an '03)... What do you plan on doing with the truck and why do you want a Discovery?

The price is in that range because the market is flooded with SUV's, and the Rovers are known for being somwhat unreliable and expensive to repair...

As a daily driver, you need to use premium fuel and maintain it per the recommended service intervals at a minimum...

since you are under 25, insurance is going t obe expensive anyway, so that should not be a deal breaker...

 

Well, I own a 1998 Disco so I don't know that much about DII, but here is what I know. If you get a Disco II stay away from the 03 because oil pump failures are common woth them, seach the forum for the VIN range in which it occurs. The Disco II has more electronics than the DI so it may be harder to work on it if you are an adept of DIY. If you don't plan to work on it yourself, find an indie shop and stay away from any LR dealer.

If you use it as a daily driver, expect something around 16 mpg. And remember that you must use PREMIUM, 91 octane or more. These trucks are cheap because of the gas prices. And probably that insurance will be expensive because don't forget that LR are luxury trucks. They also require you to follow the maintenance schedule, otherwise you might look at very expensive repairs.

In the DII, if I remember well, you will have to get your driveshafts rebuilt with greasable u-joints if they are not. And once you get the truck, I suggest that you do the 60k maintenance recommended by Disco Mike. If you have any questions concerning you truck, surf around this forum and you will find an incredible amount of info. Hope I answered you questions.

 

As per " LR Technical Alert 03 1201"

2003 Discovery Series II Oil Pump Failures
Vehicles Affected "Discovery Series II (LT) 3A771801 – 3A808362"
Situation:
Oil pump failures on 2003 Discovery Series II vehicles may be the result of a
manufacturing error. Locating dowel pins may be slightly misaligned permitting
assembly of the oil pump to the engine block, but placing stress on the pump housing
which can ultimately lead to leakage or failure.
Resolution
Whenever an oil pump failure is encountered on vehicles within the above VIN range
the only effective repair currently available is replacement of the complete engine
assembly including the front cover/oil pump manufactured to the latest tolerances.
Use the following components to affect a repair:
• LBB112301 4.6 Engine assembly LEV
• LBB111461 4.6 Engine assembly NON-LEV


I'm 23 years old and have a 2003 Discovery out of the vin range. Be prepared to do the 60k miles service regardless which year you get and do anything else the experts on this forum advise. I've had my Disco for only 3.5 months and am very happy with it. If gas went up to $5 gal, I would still drive it....and probably be living it it too... lol

I would get the 04 model. The reason I didn't was because the prices were a bit too high back when i was looking and I wanted a silver exterior and black interior. disco.

Search for that 60k miles service list so you get an idea of the additional costs you will incur with the purchase of ANY Disco.

Good Luck!!!

 

Another aspect of the insurance part will depend on what state in which you reside - and register. When I lived in VA, my insurance premiums were pretty darn close to what they would have been on a Chevrolet or Ford. When I relocated back to WV, the same insurance company (I had been with them for 12 years) DOUBLED my Rover's premium ('02 DII). To put that into perspective, they jumped my premiums on my '97 Miata in WV to what I had been paying for the Land Roverthe previous month in VA. My agent in WV actually told me I shouldn't have bought a LR if I didn't like high premiums!

As for maintenance... they aren't Japanese four-poppers. They are more like children. They need to be cared for.

 

Ok so I think Im going to look at the 04! Thanks for the help so far! So What one schould I look at the SE or HSE?Whats the diffrece between the two, whats better?

Im going to get a quote tomarrow from my insurance and see what they say how expensive it will be!

Also what's all goes into the 60k service, how much does that cost?

 

just got my 04 almost 2 weeks ago.love the rig!!!

replaced the front shaft joints. installed a sat radio. and it is the best riding truck i have ever owned.

had to replace the brake switch the second day of ownership and am now replacing the passenger window regulator the second week. but i have a garage being occupied by an italian car and motorcycle so i am used to finicky vehicles

 

I just dont want it to be something, im going to spend a lot of money to keep it goin...

 

You MUST use premium gas, the double cardon joint on the front driveshaft MUST be rebuilt with greasable u-joints.
You need to change the coolant every 2 years, same with the brake fluid.
As for the 60k service, how mechanical are you?