Thanks everyone...still reading..still learning...still shopping....

 

Take your time find the right truck. Another year I would skip is the 2002 DII, no lockable center differential plus those big ole 18" wheels that gives you 1 choice of true offroad tires that cost much more.

 

All of this info is great! I too own a 04 DISCO that now is on its 4th... YES 4th motor!!!!!!!!!! The first time was a road trip, and the oil light came on. Autobaun LandRover said they found a camshaft bearing in the oil pan, and replaced the motor, and that was engine #2. The second time while in traffic the oil filter came shooting out of the motor like a shot gun, and Autoplex LandRover said oil pump bad, and replaced engine, and that was engine number #3. Just 2k miles out of factory warranty, service engine soon light flashes, and small popping sounds come out of engine under throtle. Took to non LandRover shop who owns the ONLY computer system with-in 400 miles of where I live that can read the codes. They tell me cylinder 8 is not firing correctly... They pull the motor and find lobe 16 on the cam shaft has worn itself down to nothing causing lifters, etc.. to not work properly, and they RE-BUILD motor from cam shaft up, that being motor #3.5! Just this weekend the SERVICE ENGINE SOON light comes on constant! In the past when we had a LR dealer and that happened it was the GAS CAP!

The non LandRover dealer wants $120.00 to run codes!

When I bought this Disco BRAND NEW I loved it... It was the best vehicle I have ever owned! It would go anywhere... MUD, SNOW, ROCKS, DIRT, ETC... Now If I could do I over again I would have sold it at 49,999 miles!

 

Man, sorry about your luck.

 

I would be pretty excited if I got a new engine for my used Disco because of the warranty. You get a fresh start and can keep up on all the scheduled maint. with no "mystery" past issues. Celebrate that one!

 

Well, it seems apparent that there are issues with the '03 Disco oil pumps. I checked my VIN and I'm in the club. The good news is I just rolled 101K and she is still running smooth and strong. My question is, "is this unavoidable?"

It seems the problem is related to the machining of the block, not the oil pump itself. If that is the case, what is the value of replacing the pump? Am I destined to be crying in a pool of used motor oil

I am open to suggestions...

 

A complete rookie here - how do I know the VIN range with problems (first 6 months of production)? Is there a particular # or letter in the sequence? I recently purchased a 2003 Discovery and was advised that I may have to replace the oil pump. Are there any other warning signs - I'd prefer not to make an unnecessary repair (the shop is suggesting it's a $2000 fix). THANKS.

 

The VIN range starts with VIN's ending 3A771801 and runs to VIN's ending 3A808362. This shouldn't be a $2k job. The part is available through Roverland for ~$450; the rest is labor. You may want to talk to a different shop.

 

The pump is what is failing, not the block. So if you catch the oil light on and shut it down, right away, prior to any problems, you can then replace the front pump and cover and start all over again.
So when ever you see you oil light stay on longer then it should when cold starting or at a stop light, Shut it down and get towed, do not restart it for any reason till a mechanic can inspect it.