Hi guys!

Ok, so I really want to buy a discovery... I know that the 2003 model year potentially has some pretty scary engine issues. The Disco that I'm looking at has had only 1 owner and 140,000 miles on it. It's at a dealer and they don't have the service records for the truck. Is the fact that it has so many miles and only 1 owner a good sign? I would purchase it for $5,500.00, and it's out of state so I can't test drive it but I would definately order an independant inspection...

So here's my question:
Would you buy a 2003 Discovery with 140,000 miles on it from out of state with only photos (alot of photos) and an independant inspection to go by?

Thanks in advance for your help!
Kori

 

Kori, many on this forum will advise you to stay away from the 03's. Especially the dealer cannot provide service records along with not being able to test drive the vehicle should make this a very easy decision. Just keep looking for the 04 models in particular b/c they have the CDL option, it certainly comes in handy. It took me many months to find the right one.

 

I'll keep it short and simple Kori...
No.

I would pass that one up and look out for an 04. You can also find quality 99-02 DII's for that same price if the 2004's are out of your price range. Bottom line, I think you'll be happier waiting for a lower milage, non-03 disco. Good luck.

 

With 140,000 you're well passed the point where those engines have problems with the oil pumps. I would check the VIN against the bad VIN range but I think you'll be fine. That sounds like a really good price if the rest of the truck is in good condition.

However, like the other guys said, it does not have CDL and installing it in that vehicle is going to be difficult and expensive. If you plan to off road with the vehicle CDL is a huge benefit.

 

Thanks for all of your advice...
Someone else bought the Disco!
Oh well... I guess I'll just wait for a lower milage '04!

K

 

Take your time and keep looking, when its the right one it will happen.

 

yeah just take your time and keep looking, it's definitely a buyers market when it comes to discoveries right now...well DIIs not D1's they're all going to cash for clunkers thanks to obama