questions from a potential LR owner
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1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2011
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questions from a potential LR owner
Howdy folks, I've been considering trading in my current vehicle and I've come across several good deals on LR Discoverys.
One in particular is a 2003 HSE model with 105k miles. I know with some cars, 100k is close to the end of its service life while others, that's just getting started. Is 105K considered high mileage for these models? I do most of my own work on my current vehicle and always keep on eye on parts to make sure nothing is wearing out. But if there are a lot of common problems that happen around this time, I may have to look elsewhere.
Also, I've had multiple people tell me that they break down a lot and that parts/repairs can be very expensive. Allegedly poor build quality and lack of reliability. Is there any truth to this? Are they really that bad compared to other vehicles? My current truck is a Chevy S10 Blazer approaching 150K (I've owned it the last 70k) and aside from a fuel pump that died and an occasional battery issue (due to a faulty amplifier I installed), I've never had any major problems with it. Should I expect the same level dependability out of a Disco?
Lastly, why is the resale value so low on Land Rovers? This particular truck that I've been looking at is listed at $6400 on their craigslist ad but $5999 on the dealers website; both of which seems quite low. I've seen several other Discoverys in similar condition for similar prices.
I think that's all the questions I have for now. Apologies if this is in the wrong section but I figured a DiscoII specific subforum would yield the most views.
Thanks!
One in particular is a 2003 HSE model with 105k miles. I know with some cars, 100k is close to the end of its service life while others, that's just getting started. Is 105K considered high mileage for these models? I do most of my own work on my current vehicle and always keep on eye on parts to make sure nothing is wearing out. But if there are a lot of common problems that happen around this time, I may have to look elsewhere.
Also, I've had multiple people tell me that they break down a lot and that parts/repairs can be very expensive. Allegedly poor build quality and lack of reliability. Is there any truth to this? Are they really that bad compared to other vehicles? My current truck is a Chevy S10 Blazer approaching 150K (I've owned it the last 70k) and aside from a fuel pump that died and an occasional battery issue (due to a faulty amplifier I installed), I've never had any major problems with it. Should I expect the same level dependability out of a Disco?
Lastly, why is the resale value so low on Land Rovers? This particular truck that I've been looking at is listed at $6400 on their craigslist ad but $5999 on the dealers website; both of which seems quite low. I've seen several other Discoverys in similar condition for similar prices.
I think that's all the questions I have for now. Apologies if this is in the wrong section but I figured a DiscoII specific subforum would yield the most views.
Thanks!
Recovery Vehicle
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 28
From: Charlotte, NC
For 2003's you need to check vin range of the vehicle and make sure that it doesn't fall in the range for the for the defective timing cover/oil pump that will eventually blow your engine up. However if it does fall in the vin range, it's not a guarantee that it has the error, check with the seller.
In my opinion 100k isn't bad at all on a Land Rover. Disco's will keep on trucking as long you as you are willing to take care of them. However, I got mine with 108,000 miles and the PO always took it to the dealer for service. So I didn't start getting many problems until about 125,000 miles. By then I had a head gasket failure, valve cover leaks, door locks failing, windows going bad.
At 100,000 miles anticipate a head gasket replacement sooner rather than later. Unless you know that it has recently been done, include that in your decision to buy the vehicle.
Also, don't use the electronics, like power windows, sunroof, or heated seats too often or unless necessary. These sorts of things die on Disco's all the time.
My truck is in pretty good shape right now mechanically. But stupid things like the windows and door locks need to be fixed. It's annoying as hell.
Repairs costs are terrible. So unless you are wealthy it would serve you well to be mechanically inclined or at least have a few buddies that are mechanics.
If maintained well, the Discovery can be dependable. But yes some would say that they aren't engineered very well. Expect more maintenance than your Blazer.
Discoveries are cheap because they aren't very economically friendly. I would imagine their reputation might have something to do with it as well.
If you decide to buy you also need to check the front drive shaft of the vehicle and check how many grease fittings it has. If you get one, you should get accustomed to checking your fluids regularly, if not more often. Discoveries aren't constantly pissing and ****ting themselves but always taking precaution is a good move here.
There are a lot of threads you should check out on the forum page. They should help you a lot. I hope I helped some. Discoveries are a lot of fun to have. They are both beauty and beast. I hope I my post wasn't doom and gloomy, I'm just being real. If you want a good Disco, you either buy a good one and keep it that way or you make it a good truck. Maintenance and careful driving is key. You have to make her your baby.
In my opinion 100k isn't bad at all on a Land Rover. Disco's will keep on trucking as long you as you are willing to take care of them. However, I got mine with 108,000 miles and the PO always took it to the dealer for service. So I didn't start getting many problems until about 125,000 miles. By then I had a head gasket failure, valve cover leaks, door locks failing, windows going bad.
At 100,000 miles anticipate a head gasket replacement sooner rather than later. Unless you know that it has recently been done, include that in your decision to buy the vehicle.
Also, don't use the electronics, like power windows, sunroof, or heated seats too often or unless necessary. These sorts of things die on Disco's all the time.
My truck is in pretty good shape right now mechanically. But stupid things like the windows and door locks need to be fixed. It's annoying as hell.
Repairs costs are terrible. So unless you are wealthy it would serve you well to be mechanically inclined or at least have a few buddies that are mechanics.
If maintained well, the Discovery can be dependable. But yes some would say that they aren't engineered very well. Expect more maintenance than your Blazer.
Discoveries are cheap because they aren't very economically friendly. I would imagine their reputation might have something to do with it as well.
If you decide to buy you also need to check the front drive shaft of the vehicle and check how many grease fittings it has. If you get one, you should get accustomed to checking your fluids regularly, if not more often. Discoveries aren't constantly pissing and ****ting themselves but always taking precaution is a good move here.
There are a lot of threads you should check out on the forum page. They should help you a lot. I hope I helped some. Discoveries are a lot of fun to have. They are both beauty and beast. I hope I my post wasn't doom and gloomy, I'm just being real. If you want a good Disco, you either buy a good one and keep it that way or you make it a good truck. Maintenance and careful driving is key. You have to make her your baby.
Last edited by DiscoRover007; Jul 2, 2011 at 03:59 AM.
You must use premium gas.
If you cant do 98% of your own work you will hate the the truck and set it on fire.
Its the little things that will get you, these trucks are very reliable IF well maintained.
Offer $5000 for it, if they take it great, if not keep looking.
Go over to the DI section and read the tech section "what to look for".
Dont buy the first one you drive.
If you cant do 98% of your own work you will hate the the truck and set it on fire.
Its the little things that will get you, these trucks are very reliable IF well maintained.
Offer $5000 for it, if they take it great, if not keep looking.
Go over to the DI section and read the tech section "what to look for".
Dont buy the first one you drive.
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