I have been wanting an older SUV with "character" for years. Have looked at old international scouts, broncos, toyotas but never LR. Only heard bad things. Now after reading this forum I know that they are most reliable and nothing beats looking down on the peasants in your supremely engineered LR carriage. In that vein I just bought a 2004 black/black HSE with 98K miles. Seriously thank yall. I would never even considered this without the countless hours Ive spent on here wrapping my head around the mechanical marvels of D2. Im taking her to Austin Roverworks early next week to get some feedback, but she runs great and looks innocent so far. I expect to be asking for some help in the near future.
Cheers
Stephen

 

go ahead and order an ultra gauge to keep in the truck so you can monitor coolant temps. anything under 210 is fine, but if you keep over 220-225 or more, something is wrong. get the inline thermostat at the top of the page here with a 180 thermostat and install that and your coolant temps will be even better (180-205 depending on how hot it is outside). I would replace every single cooling system component for good measure, and then change all of the fluids (and make sure to get green coolant, not orange dexcool). A well-maintained cooling system is essential to keeping these trucks running right.

congrats and welcome to Rover ownership.

 

This ^

 

Sounds like a nice purchase, you got a good year IMO. I stumbled into mine, previously feeling the same as you regarding LR and having no real knowledge of what these trucks were about. The bad rap comes from a handful of poor engineering choices at a few key junctures, and is blown way out of proportion by ignorant shops with lousy mechanics who see the LR badge and think $$$$. These are great trucks and as rewarding to own as they are to drive. It helps to like to turn wrenches as a hobby, but they seem to scratch about every itch. I'm fully converted at this point, having just bought my fourth. Good luck with yours, you definitely found the right place to make the most of ownership. How about some pics? You also might consider adding your location to your profile, sounds like you're a Texan but it helps others to have a reference when answering questions. Welcome.

 

Congratulations and enjoy! I echo all that is said above. Definitely get an ultra gauge and keep an eye on temps, sure up the cooling system, do regular maintenance and find a good local Indy shop (like Roverworks) for things you can’t do on your own…. Just in case.

These things are truly awesome. When they are running good, they are pure joy and make you feel like a King…and they are extremely capable.

My obsession started many years ago, I could never afford one when they were new and I lusted and flirted with them in the used market for years. Finally, there was a period of time, around 3 years ago, when people seemed to be unloading these things at low prices. I bought my 04 at a bargain price and then two months later I snagged the 03 for even less. I always fight the urge to get another but 2 is enough for this guy.

Good luck! Have fun! We’ll see you around the forum!

 

Sounds a nice choice, good spec and good colour scheme. Let's see some photos please!

I think the Disco II is the Zenith of Land Rover's production, with just the right balance of old school simplicity/agility & modern electronic comforts and enhancements that give it (again, IMHO) the best balance between on-road manners & off road ability with a slight bias toward the latter.

Very capable and fun vehicles to own, and not as unreliable as many would have you believe. As long as you heed the good advice above regards monitoring the vitals more accurately and keeping the cooling system top-notch there shouldn't be anything over and above what you'd expect out of any other 15+ year old 4x4 when it comes to maintenance and repairs.

 

 

She’s a beaut Clark. Time capsule almost. Great looking truck. Get the cooling system refreshed and a nice tune up with new plugs, coils and wires and fluids and you’ll be good to go.

 

Looks amazing.

 

Very nice!!!