Hello all, I'm new to this forum, but I'm looking at buying an '03 Discovery. Price is $8400, 68,000 miles. It is very clean, I really like it, but I noticed two things about it. I can see a small oil leak at the back of the valve cover gasket on the drivers side. I read on this forum that I can probably snug down the bolts and stop it, but if not I have no problem changing it myself. The other issue is that the service engine soon light is on, they took a scanner out to it and said the code was 155, and told me that it was an o2 sensor. Of course I would have it checked out on my own, but I was wondering if any of you could give me any insight on these couple of observations, as well as anything else I should check. Thanks in advance.

 

Don't buy the truck if the service engine light is on. Get it in writing that they will fix it before you even think about buying it. 2003s had a run of bad engines where the oil pump fails and destroys the engine. Only fix is a new engine. Get the VIN and check it against the bad VIN range which is somewhere on this forum. I had it written down but lost the paper, sorry. What do you plan to use the vehicle for? If you plan to off-road I would pass on a 2003 and find a 2004. The 2004 has the center differential lock and the 2003 doesn't. Makes a huge difference off-road. Plus the 2004s didn't suffer from the bad engines. One less thing to worry about.

Bottom line, considering the price and the problems I would pass on this truck and find a 2004 for not much more money.

 

What do you plan to use a Disco for? If it is for moderate to hard wheeling, don't buy an 03, they don't have a locking t/case. Before you buy any 03 you must check with Rover to see if that trucks vinn is on their hit list for a possible engine failure do to failing oil pump.

 

Hey guys, thanks for the quick replies. I don't plan on off roading, but here is the VIN: SALTW16473A811202. How do I check this for the bad engines? Thanks again.

 

TECHNICAL ALERT
March 14, 2003 TA03 1201
NAS US Only Cda Only
ATTENTION: Service Manager Service Advisor Technician
X
2003 Discovery Series II Oil Pump Failures
Vehicles Affected
Discovery Series II (LT) 3A771801 – 3A808362
Situation
Oil pump failures on 2003 Discovery Series II vehicles may be the result of a
manufacturing error. Locating dowel pins may be slightly misaligned permitting
assembly of the oil pump to the engine block, but placing stress on the pump housing
which can ultimately lead to leakage or failure.
Resolution
Whenever an oil pump failure is encountered on vehicles within the above VIN range
the only effective repair currently available is replacement of the complete engine
assembly including the front cover/oil pump manufactured to the latest tolerances.
Use the following components to affect a repair:
• LBB112301 4.6 Engine assembly LEV
• LBB111461 4.6 Engine assembly NON-LEV

 

Thanks spike, it looks like it's not in the VIN range for the oil pump problem. I plan to find a shop to take it to about the service engine light before I purchase it. I'm glad to have found this forum, you guys are great.

 

We are always glad to help.