So tomorrow i will be going to check out a 2002 Discovery SE7 for 1700$. Can y'all give me some pointers to look out for? The wife and I are really wanting a Discovery 2 with the jump seats preferably a 2004 because of the CDL, but are limited here in El Paso, Tx. I am not very familiar with these beast but more so with jeep. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks all

 

Ask for maintenance records.

If you're looking to purchase it, what you really want to avoid are any pitfalls, and current leaks or poor/no maintenance would increase your increase your odds of taking home a truck with issues.

Probably the number one problem with these vehicles is coolant leaks leading to overheating. You didn't mention a mileage, but mileage + work history should give you a better idea of what should be done to increase the lifespan of the vehicle.

 

Check the transmission on the front driveshaft side and see if has been beaten up by a failed driveshaft.
I know a "Rover" guy that just bought an 03 only to find a puddle of trans fluid in his drive the next day and he should have known better.

 

Normally if a front driveshaft fails it kills the transmission. If you see a dented transmission pan no biggie (my 99's is dented from when it's front drive shaft broke at a very low speed), but a cracked transmission or bell housing = new transmission time.

Honestly maintenance records are great and all, but with these old of vehicles it's a needle in a haystack to find an original owner vehicle or second owner vehicle with decent maintenance records.

If the D2 looks like it's falling apart (torn seats, hanging headliner, broken coin trays, missing interior trim, dirty carpet, broken locks, broken window regulators, sealed sun-roofs, bald tires, and zip tie/duct tape repairs under the bonnet = RUN FOREST RUN.....

I can instantly spot a good RRC, D1, D2, P38 by how well it's been kept up without even opening the hood. If you can't fix a coin tray, or a window regulator, do you really think they've been making sure the fluids are topped off, and they haven't been running it hot?

If the vehicle is clean upon arriving to look at it, the interior is well cared for, the tires aren't bald, and it's all original under the hood without any aftermarket poor wiring then it certainly a good contender. Records are great, but not 100% necessary.

If the seller can't wash it or clean it out they certainly probably haven't done anything else to it. Also stay the heck away from small used car lots with bandaid repaired LR's.....

 

My best tip is to take along someone professional who is savvy on D2's plus a good code reader. Also browse through the trade publications for buying guidance.