Hi guys

I'm in the market to buy a vehicle with seating for 7. I currently have a 2004 Nissan Titan Crew Cab, but I have another little one on the way so I need something with at least 6 seats. I always like land rovers but I always thought they were out of my budget, but I was wrong with seeing 2004 Disco's priced at $12000. The Discovery seems to be the best choice out of 2004 Trailbrazers's with 200,000 miles or minivans. I know some people have problems with Head gaskets and transfer cases, yet others don't. I'm not too worried about as I fixing cars on the side as my hobby (I also own a twin turbo G35, in which I did all the work). There are a few Discovery's for sale in my area however I would like to get a idea on what to signs or problems to look for while test driving one.

Also before I take the leap, I would like to know a few things I can't seem to find and info online.

-Does the engine have a timing belt or timing chain?
-Is the Fuel filter in-line or in the tank?
-If it is in the tank, it there a access panel, or do you have to drop the whole fuel tank to change it?
-Do they make a manual transmission for the Disco?


I look forward into owning one soon

 

Well for starters.. It sucks for trying to cram 7 people in it as well it handles worse than a boat with 7 people in it....It's a death ride..they use to name them tipos ....

timing belt and chain...and it's a given you will have the complete motor out of the truck during your ownership...

It's a hobby from hell most times....

But hey, i own one...so i guess i never learn....

 

In the tech section there is a "what to look for" list.

It is a old push rod engine, so its a timing chain.
You MUST use premium gas, so keep that in mind, and this is a MUST not a recommendation.
The 3 row it pretty much useless.
Like all modern cars there is no fuel filter.
The fuel pump can be replaced in under a hour, there is a access panel in the cargo floor.
All models of the Discovery upto 2004 came with a manual transmission and a diesel engine...but you cant get those in the US.

 

Thanks for the input guys. I'll check out the tech section.

I can see 7 grown people fitting in one being a pain, but my sons are 5 and 4 years old and they love to climb on stuff, and they would be small enough to find in the 3rd row.

 

Yes your kids would be fine in the 3rd row, until they get bigger, so plan ahead if you are planning on keeping whatever you buy for many years.
I hate minivans but they really are the best thing for families.
Land Rovers are either love them or hate them.

 

Car seats are tough in the 2nd row of a Disco. As silly as this seems, if you already have a car seat for the newborn, bring it when you look at the truck and see if you and your wife are ok with the amount of room back there. The door size is fine for most cases, but cramming/removing a huge car seat might get old.

I would certainly trust the safety of these things to transport a young child, but ease of entry/exit might be tough for the first few years with a car seat.

 

That's a good point, that I didn't think of.

 

Load the baby car seat with 20lbs of sugar (or some other weight) and have your wife lift it into and out of the back seat a couple of times.
Then go buy a mini van and get a Rover later or as a second car.
Seriously, I have 3 kids and one on the way, a Rover is not a family car, 7 pass or not, it is a second car if you have car seats.
You can pull the boat to the lake and take the kids with you, but for a daily driver hauling kids around in car seats and picking them up to put into car seats (like a 3 yr old) you are going to hate it so much you will set it on fire the first chance you get.

 

Yea, but you are talking to guy who used to load my two son's in the back of this everyday with no problems.



A minivan would be unable to tow my car on a flatbed, which is one of the main reason's I'm looking for a SUV.

 

All we are saying is to beaware of the extra work that will be needed to lift 50lbs up into the back of a full sized SUV.