Long time reader, first time poster.

I have been reading here for a month or so. Looking to purchase an 04 Discovery for my wife. Most likely HSE model... her preference is Vienna Green.

She used to drive an 02 Montero limited and has always wanted a Discovery. Maintaining a Land Rover seems to be the big snag for most people. I also own an 88 928 that I work on so the upkeep does not scare me. I have been over the DIY and dont see anything there that scares me.... if I can tackle a TB/WP and intake refresh on my S4 I think I can handle the majority of the DIY items.

My questions is what to look for in a used Discovery. Have limited my search to the 04 Model, seems like this is the favorite amongst many? Trying to stay under the 75K mile mark and one that is clean and well cared for. Dont mind spending a few extra bucks to get what I want and am in no hurry to buy. I found one that has 72K, and still has a years warranty with LR... could probably buy it for about 11K. Most that I have been looking at are in the 9-13K price range.

We typically keep our cars for several years. My old s70 had 162K and drove it for 8 year... one of the easiest cars ever to work on! Wifes montero only had 87K but we had it for 5 years and did very little to it.

She will commute back and forth to work and around town in the Discovery. May put 12K miles a year max on it. I know, car is not really in its Element... but she has always loved them. We had a good friend who had an 03 that she drove numerous time..... he loved the truck but motor went out and he was done.

Any advice for me as I move forward?

Thanks in advance for all your help!

 

Go to the DI section and then look in the tech section.
Most of your questions will be answered there.

 

I have an 01 that just crossed over the 75k mark, try to find one with lower miles.

 

You picked the right year.

Model/trim package doesnt really matter.

#1 advice is to find one with great service records. If it's had the head gaskets done, even better. Look and smell for coolant, pressure test is even better.

 

Seems like head gaskets become an issue when approaching 100K. Does not seem like a horrible job from what I have read.

Most dealers seem to have no records. Will post here when I get closer to a decision.

Appreciate the input.

 

TAKE AN OBD2 CODE READER WITH YOU!!!!!!
if i had taken mine i would have known that the check engine light had been removed...as well as all the lights for 3 amigos....also i would have known about the long list of fault codes it had...and most importantly i would have known to walk away from it..no, run not walk!.
In fact i would never buy a car again without taking my OBD2 code reader. get the more expensive $100 version....waaaay better than the $30-$60 range.
It will pay for itself!....if you remember to take it with you!

 

I think you are the perfect candidate to own a Land Rover product. You have done your research and are very mechanically inclined to do all your own work. Luck is what you need. Some people service their vehicles to the factory requirement plus extra and still have problems, then there are those who do the bare minimum and have very little problems. Take your time in the search and with gas probably going up again, you will have the upper hand in finding the right one. Good luck and welcome to the club.

 

I recently sold my 2000 F250 Powerstroke and went and bought an 02 SD with 118,00 miles simply because I had always wanted a Discovery. The price was great and since have not looked back. In fact, my wife liked it so much I could not keep her out of it. So..we sold her 350z and bought an 01 SE with 88,000. We both love our trucks. I have done the 60,000 mile service on both, have completed option B for the 3 Amigos on hers, and very happy. I agree you sound like the perfect Disco family. Go for it, and remember you always folks like Mike, and Spike and the senior members are a welth of knowledge. Oh I did a fuel pump on the 02.