I am looking into purchasing a used disco, probably somewhere within the '02-'04 range. I know the 2002 models are a bit different from the '03'a and '04's, but my real question is - what is up with the mechanical issues of the 2003 models? I have been reading a lot of reviews and they all seem to say the 2003's are much less reliable and tend to list problems such as: service lights always on, bad sensors, rotting hoses and tubing, and bad motors. I would greatly appreciate some insight on this topic. Thanks a lot.

 

only thing wrong with 2003's are the motors are bad, and the transfer case doesnt have a CDL..... codes and hoses are the same for all D2's.

look for a 04.... if you can find a 03 cheap enough then get it... but plan to replace the motor when it fails on you

 

just type in 2003 issues into the search function and start reading

 

thanks a lot guys.

 

What are you wanting to do with a Disco when you buy it?

 

The bit about bad engines isn't true for all 03s. There is a VIN range that applies to the oil pump issue, and you can search for that. The missing CDL is also not specific to 03s, but rather (I believe...) mid-01 through 03. I would verify range of years though.

 

Everyday ride ... may be used for light towing. I will be driving it in below freezing temperatures for a good part of the year ( i dont know if that effects the engine issues at all ). I do not want to have to put much money into this car.

 

Living in Colorado, I can tell you Rovers are not bothered by the cold.

 

If you can do at least some of the maintenance work yourself, you can avoid the high costs often associated with Rover ownership. This site is a great place to learn how to take good care of your Rover.

I have an '02 Disco and love it. I haven't done enough hardcore off-roading to wish I had the CDL...I'm sure the day may come, but I feel like it's capable enough even without the CDL.

Since you are looking at DII's make sure you familiarize yourself with the "3 Amigos" and rebuilding/replacing the front propshaft/driveshaft by doing a seach. Good luck!

 

so it seems like for the most part there is a group of 03's that have the bad engines (oil pumps)?? is that right, or do they all have bad engines?? it seems a little suspicious to me that there are around three times more 03s for sale than there are 04s