looking at buying this 2003 Land Rover Discovery 4.6 HSE7.
has 160,000 miles on it and needs the head gasket replaced.

their asking $4000 for it. its Kelly blue booked at $6500.
Just want to know if this could be a maintenance nightmare.

 

I wouldn't but I don't know a lot about D2s. Post this in the D2 section

 

Kelly blue book has it at $6500 with a bad head gasket?

My point of view is that all you know is that there's a problem with the engine and you don't know what it will cost to fix. I'd say you can do better for $4K.

 

It really depends on what the average price is in your area. That being said, you could probably do better for 4 grand. Keep in mind, a head gasket job will cost anywhere from $500 (DIY) to $2,000 (mechanic) and up (stealership.)
Why is the seller saying it needs head gaskets? Overheating? Loss of compression? Read it from some tea leaves?

 

Too high for a vehicle that could need a lot more than head gaskets. Overheating can also cause the cylinder liners to begin to slip. A cracked block can simulate a head gaskets, overheating, etc. And you can have all three at once. Keep looking unless an inspection by your mechanic makes the price reasonable.

 

Pass, who knows what else it may need. Suspension etc.

 

You can DIY head gaskets for about $600. A shop could be anywhere from $1200-2000.
But IMO that vehicle has too many miles on it to even be asking $6500 with a good head gasket.
Plus '03s don't have the CDL.
You should be able to find an '04 with less miles and no head gasket problems for about $6500

 

Talk him down to $2000.00 That's all he'll get for it from a dealership if that much..

For two grand you can afford to do what ever needs to be done.. More than that and you're going too far into the hole....

Two grand is all it's worth with a "Blown Motor"...

John

 

Yea, take him down to $2,000. No reason to pay just because he says it is OK. Been there done that. Ended up spending a but load getting it back on the road.