Hi Everyone -

I am new to the forum and am about to purchase my first Lamd Rover. I started out looking for an LR3, but have now turned my sights on a Discovery. I love the classic and rugged look and rugged style of the Disco over the LR3 and the Disco suits my needs for less money. I have found a couple local prospects, but in my initial reasearch have already found major differences between model years of the same trim level. For example, I found a 2003 that has every feature I need, including HSE, low miles, seven passenger seating, and i thought locking diffs (its an HSE), but just learned that the 2003 didn't have locking center and rear differentials, and that only <2001 and >2004 model years have that feature, and only in HSE in the 2004. Is this correct? Is this enough reason not to get the 2004 over the 2003? Should these non-diff locking model years be avoided all-together?

Years back, when I had an M3, the enthusiast community knew to avoid the 2001-2003.5 models year because a bearing issue caused severe damage where if a recall had not been performed the engine could be ruined. Are there any model year discos that are ticking time bombs?

I plan to buy one of these and keep it forever maybe even pass ot down to my son who is 7 now. I understand the repair implications but I have a local LR specialist and the sale price is enabeling me to set aside money for repairs. Knowing all this -- is it worth waiting/searching for a pre- 2002 or 2004+ model year to get the locking diff rather than get the 2003?

Thanks!!

 

Some of the 03's had oil pump issues. Some think some of those problems trickled over to 04. Some time around mid year 2001 you lost the ability to lock the transfer case. That feature returned for 2004. They rely on traction control to compensate otherwise.

 

Could be a long reply to your question. Send me your number and I'll be glad to walk you thru this based on what the truck will be used for.

 

So does the reliance on Traction Control as opposed to locking diffs cause excessive stress on the ABS system, causing expensive repairs/maintenance?

I would think that the locking diff would be the way to go...


Mike -- I sent you PM...

 

if you are going to put lockers in then a 99 D1 is your best bet.

if you are not going to put lockers in then i would say a 99-00 D2 with a CDL engagment lever installed. It already has the guts in the TC for a CDL.

 

First off, WELCOME.

Secondly, 2002 is by far the best year....all other years are complete crap

Your question comes up quite frequently, I trust you have read these?....

https://landroverforums.com/forum/di...scovery-21328/

https://landroverforums.com/forum/di...-2003-a-40706/

 

I would say if you want the updated looks, luxury, and CDL then the 2004 is the best model. However the earlier models would offer pretty much the same thing and you might be more inclined to take it off road and do work on it because you won't want to mess up the prettiness of the 04 . And the parts and accessories are cheaper pre 03-04.

 

I agree with Ed. If you like the DII's, I would get a 99-00. IMO, they are the best years of the Series II Discos. Throw CDL in there and you'll do everything the DI's can do, but you'll have all the extra luxuries.

 

I vote for a 00, but I might be a little biased.

 

I have a 2003 HSE and have done about every preventative maintenance measure possible. I installed an oil pressure guauge as my VIN number resides in the failure range. I have owned it from September 2007. It has never let me down and been extremely reliable.
Now that maintenance is up to date I have added a steel front bumper, rear bumper, hard Labor creek tire carrier and sliders. The air suspension is cool and has been reliable. You will find that only on the HSE and SE models. The ability to raise the rear 3 inches to increase your exit angle off-roading has come in handy multiple times. I have a OME 2" lift with nitro OME shocks. I will install the CDL(center diff lock) upgrade this fall. But I have not gotten stuck yet, though I tend to avoid muddy trails. You can find a lot of my write ups by searching bosshogt.

All I'm saying is dont be afraid to buy a 2003, you can get a great deal by haggling on the price. Maintence records for Rovers are worth their wieght in gold. Also 5000 mile oil changes are equally important. If the oil pump has not died at 60,0000 it will probably be fine. Although I would replace the oil pump gears at about 100,000 miles because the outer gear tends to hair line crank from normal use. You can search two recent posts of people replacing the gear. One is a 2004, not in the death range. Its about $100 from Brit parts of Utah. Its also a great time to switch out your coolant from Dex-Cool to Peak global lifetime. And check the looseness of your timing chain. My Rover is in great shape at 101068 miles and I am about to do the oil pump as preventive maintenance. Thru your research you will want replace the front drive shaft as your first item on the list. You can have it rebuilt with greasable U-Joints for about $300 from any good drive line shop.
Sorry for the long post, but I think you would want some real life perspective from a 2003 owner.