Hi all. I am considering purchasing a 2000 Discovery with 103000 miles.
Current owner is second owner but has had the truck for like 10 years. Said he had the head gasket and heads done.

Here are the problems I can see:
Head liner is falling
Passenger rear air shock is flat, sometime it pumps up but then goes flat over a few days.
Three Amigo lights are on
Fuel door latch broken
Drivers door lock not working (said the alarm went crazy one day, lock smith was able to take a rod or a pin out, now he doesn't lock the door)
He said there was a coolant leak nut couldn't see from where so he put some sort of radiator leak fix stuff in radiator that stopped the leak.
Drivers side headlight spray washer has come off bumper (neither drivers side or passenger side seams to be plumbed with tubing)
Break light switch not working (according to owner, didn't check when I looked at truck)
Black exterior and parked every day under pine tree so finish is very dull and fender flairs are discolored.
Tire tread is getting close to nothing.

Truck does have jump seats in the back
Seems to run fine when started up

So... As I see it, going to need a new Radiator, thermostat, radiator hoses
Change to coil springs in rear or install new air shock and take a chance on the compressor and other air shock working
Needs set of new tires,
Needs new head liner
Drivers side door lock
Fuel door lock
Break light switch

Not sure what to do about Three Amigo lights

Asking price of $1500

Question is, with a price of $1500 and projected $1000 to $1500 worth of work, is she worth it?

I fell in love with land rovers when I lived in Panama ad owned a 1994 defender 110.

Thoughts are welcomed. Thank you in advance.

Jeff
San Francisco Bay Area.

 

Keep shopping unless you love it and DIY work.

 

I would consider it a parts truck. unless your handy with repairs and need a hobby. You will have to spend some money fixing it up.

 

keep looking; you don't want anything that has had stop leak in it

 

Realize first that you won't get that truck fixed for $1000 or $1500. Especially if you have to take it to a shop.

A few other things to test... make sure the heat works and note if there is a waterfall noise under the passenger side dash.

Read the codes, find out if you have any other lurking issues.

If the heads were done it should have updated wires and plugs, if not you'll want to add those to your list.

Observe the instrument cluster when the key is first turned. you'll see the light check sequence... look for lights that don't illuminate.

In addition to tires and one bag you'll probably need new front shocks and springs,

Chances are the brakes will need pads and possibly rotors.

What about the front drive shaft? is it original? You'll need a new servicable one.

The high mile service should be done.

If you can do most of the work yourself, the interior and body are spotless, and you don't mind spending 3 to 5 thousand dollars on repairs, go for it.

 

Chances are you will end up replacing or repairing almost all of these parts and components at some point if you own or intend to own a Discovery.
If you love it, can get it cheap, can do a lot of the repairs yourself or over time and plan on keeping it for a long time then consider it a canvas to make your mark on. It sounds like a restoration project but at least you will know your vehicle has undergone all of the necessary repairs under your direction and discretion.
My $.02

 

Buy one with a good interior and exterior, with the exception of a headliner. I find working on an engine easier and cheaper than interior restoration and repair.

If you do buy it, inspect/replace the cooling system components that have or may have stop leak clogged in there.

 

Offer $1,200 and buy it.
The head gaskets done is a big big deal.
For the lock - you need a mech - those are about $170 and you install it.


Head liner is falling - IGNORE.
Passenger rear air shock is flat, sometime it pumps up but then goes flat over a few days. NEW BAG - $100.
Three Amigo lights are on - IGNORE for now.
Fuel door latch broken IGNORE.

Drivers door lock not working (said the alarm went crazy one day, lock smith was able to take a rod or a pin out, now he doesn't lock the door)

DOor lock $200 get a mech.

He said there was a coolant leak nut couldn't see from where so he put some sort of radiator leak fix stuff in radiator that stopped the leak.

Rad - $230 Nissens from Rock Auto. Must be replaced.




Drivers side headlight spray washer has come off bumper (neither drivers side or passenger side seams to be plumbed with tubing)

Ah, who cares? These are about $38 new on eBay. Only important when selling as buyers are a pain in the a


Break light switch not working (according to owner, didn't check when I looked at truck)

Must be fixed.
Only $30 part.



Black exterior and parked every day under pine tree so finish is very dull and fender flairs are discolored.

Pine sap hard to remove.

Tire tread is getting close to nothing.

Will need new tires.
Count on $1000 for all 4.

Truck does have jump seats in the back
Seems to run fine when started up

Put a air bag in it - and you are done.
IF the compressor fails, THEN replace it all.
Not until then.


So... As I see it, going to need a new Radiator, thermostat, radiator hoses
Change to coil springs in rear or install new air shock and take a chance on the compressor and other air shock working
Needs set of new tires,
Needs new head liner
Drivers side door lock
Fuel door lock
Break light switch

 

It doesn't sound a well looked after and maintained car and it will probably have many other faults soon develop. Once a 'dog' always a 'dog' and $1500 for a 'dog' is a wasted $1500 and then you're stuck with it. There is no such thing as a 'cheap' car - there is always a good reason why they are cheap. There must be better examples around for a bit more cash. When looking to buy a Disco, or in fact any car, always do your research on the chosen model first 'warts and all' and then take someone with you who knows that particular type of car. There are many bad Discos around and they are notorious if you're not familiar and sure of what to look for. Good luck.

 

If the interior is shot, besides the headliner. Don't get it. Everything else can be fixed, but torn seats, worn steering wheel, ruined carpets etc are harder than engine repairs IMO. You buy a disco for 1300, your going to put 500$ in just maintenance (fluids and oil swaps) and upwards of 1-2000$ to fix necessary problems and a lot of labor hours.