I see a lot mentioned about oil pump failures, LR like all the vehicles need service and ARE more prone to oil pump wear because the configuration of the pump.03 Dead Zone...well if it is an 03 and have more than 30k miles you will not have more issues than any Disco 2 with the oil pump. Most failed and were either corrected or the engine swapped by 12 to 18k miles from the lack of oil pressure, so if you are looking to purchase a 2003, please do pay attention to oil pressure but perhaps head gasket, wheel hubs and make sure the basics (headlights, A/C, signal lights, 3 amigos) will be my main concern..... Just my view

 

So I may be a little bit crazy, but I currently own a 2004 Disco 2 affectionately known as The Beast AKA Christmas Tree because it's green and lately has had various lights twinkling away on the dash. :-) I'm the second owner, bought it around 2010 with 100k on the clock and full records, and have loved and hated it, but she still resides at my house so there's that. Anyway, I work at a MINI dealership and we just took in another bone stock 2001 Disco SE, no sunroof, also in green. She appears fairly clean, is a 2 owner truck with the second owner having her since 2004 when the original lease ended. She has zero warning lights, cold air, and everything works, but she does have a coolant leak around the SAI control valve that worries me..... not to mention she's oily around the back of the engine. Should I take her home, or should I run away? That's the dilemma I am having...... Someone help me with my illness! I think I can buy her for around a grand.

 

A 2001 with SAI? Maybe I'm wrong but I thought SAI did not appear until 2003–2004, except maybe in California. I don't understand what a coolant leak around the SAI control valve would be, but then again my truck does not have SAI. Can you post a picture of where it seems to be leaking?

 

From your description I would take it home for a grand if for no other reason than to have a parts truck. I would hook up a scan gauge and take it for a drive first to check the overall health of the motor. JMO D*

 

I've always wanted a Rover, and now I am looking at an 04 With 160K on it, trying to find out about the maintenance past. Anything scary to look for or expect?

Thanks in advance.

First post.

 

i think i responded to you on another post but the whiskey sours have made my memory a bit vague. anyway, front drive shaft and head gaskets. the two main things to look for.

you will want the 180 degree thermostat. the cooling system is the weak point on these trucks.

 

You will want to know if it has ever overheated. Adjust offer accordingly.

 

 

You can have a 99-02 D2 with SAI if it was sold as a CA emission vehicle. 03-04 were 99% SAI vehicles although I have seen a few early 03 models without it as well as one or two 04’s without it.

 

I think Nevada had SAI stuff as well since it might as well be CA. My truck came from NV and has SAI