Dexcool and also high engine temps to lower emissions are some causes for the higher headgasket failures on the D2.

It would actually be like replacing a head gasket on an OLD v8. It's a pushrod motor.

 

You'd want to find one at a salvage yard or on craigslist with the same color interior that you could park next to, and swap them, because there are a lot of trim pieces and brackets and stuff and you'd hate to miss something, because it would probably nickle and dime you to death if you had to order the missing parts from the dealer.

But yes, it can be swapped.

 

In short, yes the 04's are pretty much prone to head gasket failure as much as any other Disco, maybe a tad less. People claim it's Dex Cool blah blah blah when in reality it's the head bolts continue to stretch over time and cause external oil and coolant leaks as well as internally.

It really is quite an easy job considering it's a push rod motor and easier than other modern day vehicles. You don't have to worry about sealing a giant front cover along with a 20 foot long timing chain and overhead cams etc.

As other's have said, find a 7 seater from the get go.

Again, I really would recommend doing an oil pump and timing chain if you buy an 03/04. Just because the other person hasn't had a failure at 139k doesn't mean it hasn't already cracked and is on it's way out and MANY are glad they took the time to do it because the consequences are dire. It's just not worth the risk over $200 in parts and a Saturday's work.

 

What!!!! P38? I have 210,000 on mine no problems up until now.. still not ideal tight for 3 seats in the back, you'll never get the carseat clicked in and leave enough space for the boosters. Go with the serII SE7 front facing seats. Im shopping one now for my clan...

Way late on this post you probably grabbed something by now.