I bought a used 2002 disco 2 one year ago. Only 55000 miles. I know the old saying about buyer beware but didn't think about it when I test drove this vehicle. My love affair only lasted a month. First multiple radiator coolant line leaks. Old hoses replaced and over heating stopped. Then came the 3 amigos and the check engine light! Then came the sport/manual mode alarm lights flashing whenever I put the vehicle from reverse to drive. Then came a grinding/shaking in the front passenger side. Took the vehicle to a local tire and brake company that I've used for many years and have always trusted. They showed me the rusted brakes and roters (sp) so for $600 I had them replaced. Tires were rotated and the tire and brake company said they were fine. The grinding is gone now but I still feel a vibration at about 30 to 40 mph and the vibration goes away with an increase in speed. Have kept up with oil changes every 3000 miles and got the mechanic to show me how to check the other fluids and they are all fine. To date I've spent about 1/2 of what I paid for the vehicle to repair it. I am not stupid but I'm no mechanic. Any thoughts, suggestions and recommendations for a mechanic in Charleston, SC, US? I fear I'll go broke trying to fix my lemon and yes, I've learned my lesson!!!!

thanks

 

welcome to the club. the vibration could possibly be your front driveshaft. you should replace it ASAP as it could fail and tear up your tranny.

......and get ready to replace your head gaskets at 80K+.

good luck.

 

Yes, Front Drive Shaft!

get it changed ASAP!

You could have it rebuilt for as little as $125 or replaced with a serviceable one for around $300 - 400 depending on the labor rate...

BTW those are all normal issues for an 11 year old Disco 2. The only thing you could have done differently so far is to do some of the work yourself to save a little money. Keep in mind, these are not Toyotas, You can't just expect to drive it 150,000 miles with little or no maintenance.

Yes, find a good independent ROVER SPECIFIC shop... You will need them when your head gaskets fail.

 

Has anyone ever checked the front and rear driveshaft/u-joints? Very common problem with DII's and can be quite costly if not caught in time. Some of the signs of failure are vibrations and slight sweaking noise. other give no warning sigh what so ever

 

Stupid question...how will I know when my head gasket is going?

 

Open your glovebox, if your owner's manual says "Land Rover Discovery", your head gaskets are likely going/gone.

 

Wow, I really got taken! The salesman said I could pull 4 horses with this vehicle and then go off road. I'm afraid to drive it down the road now!

thanks for the info

 

I was partially joking, his statement is indeed completely true. I wouldn't tow MUCH with the vehicle, but you certainly can. As for off roading, you'd be amazed at how capable it is. The head gaskets often fail at least once in the vehicle's life, sometimes more. Is the vehicle eating coolant at all??

 

Yes it does go thru alot of coolant but rarely any on the ground below

 

one other thing...the engine now sounds like a diesel engine. that kind of clanking sound