Today I test drove a 2001 Discovery with 81k miles on it, it runs nicely and drives excelent. Inside the engine bay it has what looks like worn out seals around the valve covers. (as there is oil stains and appeared to be a slow leak on the right side)I checked the oil after a short drive and it wasover full.Also I think it was the power steering fluid that looked like it was swirling around like a cyclone while the truck was running. What would cause this?? Also it is for sale as is what should I look out for before making a decision. It is 5800, how much would a new motor cost installed. Do you think that this vehicle could give me 50k miles without to many repairs? Thank you in advance for any advice. Also the vehicle does not have any service records, it is on a used car lot.

 

First, the p/s fluid is supposed to swirl, and why worry about getting another 50,000 miles or what it will cost to replace an engine it doesn't need? What are they asking for the truck and will the dealer let you take it to another shop to be checked out?

 

Hi there, First of all that seems really cheap since I paid a lot more for my '01 7 months ago but it was at 50k on the miles. I would be concerned about the oil over full, and the appearance of leaks. As for the power steering, that is normal shows the fluid is moving through the system, the coolant should do the same thing, you should visually see it moving in the tank. To answer your question if it could go 50K miles with out too many repairs. Depends on what has been done in the past but since you couldn't find service records thatwill be hard to determine. Being at a used car dealer, it probably came from the auction and if it was a trade in at a Land Rover Dealer (sent to the auction) ask about where it came from before that dealer got it. If the LR dealer didn't want it to retailthis will be a buyer beware.If it was a repo, it probably was not taken care of (cause they couldn't afford to), most RoverOwners are very picky about their rigs.If the dealeroffers an extended warranty BUY IT!!!!!!!!!!!! and make sure that it will cover everything. This is a Land Rover and repairs can be very expensive. The warranty will cost upwards and over 2K and maybe close to 3K, but on this vehicle it would be worth it. Read the contract before purchasing. I would not roll the dice on this one unless you have mechanical knowledge and, if you like it enough to buy it. That vehicle should be close to $10-12K on a lot from the rocky mountains west.

 

I do not think the vehicle recieved very regular maintance, as the brake rotors are worn also, but it seems to run and drive really smooth, with the exception of it looking like it leaks oil. It is listed for 6995 but I talked the dealer down to 5800. I was only looking into the cost of the engine because I think worst case scenario it needs that.

Thanks again for all of your feedback and advice, it is needed as I am only 19 and dont want to make a dumb move. I have always wanted a Discovery but only now can afford it, I relize they are not cheap to maintain but have no idea what I should expect to get it in tip top shape.

 

Is the truck hard to work on for some1 that does not know a lot about them.... and worst case scenario what would a motor cost installed with a warranty...??

 

Quit worrying about what a motor will cost, $8000.
This could be a great truck but still, can you afford the insurance, cost of general maintance, running high octane gas at 12 to 16 MPG and the unforcene possible repairs.

 

First off, if you are serious about it run one of those car history things, CarFax or something like that. I did that on my Rover and when I saw that it had every single scheduled service at the dealer, I knew it was a good find. If you do buy it...

I think you're worrying about it a little too much, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Since it has an unknown history I would go over everything, fix/replace the items that need it, swap all the fluids and just drive it. Get the Land Rover "shop manual" CD, you can download it from a few sources on the internet for $10-20 and it is a great investment. I'd also recommend owning an ODBII scanner, you can get one for not a whole lot and you can find them at your local auto parts store. I think I bought mine from Kragen.

Personally I haven't really had to do any work other than swap a few plugs and wires on my 03' and as far as the ease of working on them, well other than LR placing some important things in a few poorly designed locations, it isn't any different from working on any newer car/truck IMHO. Having an ODBII scanner is a godsend if your truck starts flashing lights at you though.

 

Pulled the Car Fax

Year purchased 2000 2004
Type of owner Lease ---
Estimated length of ownership 3 yrs. 3 mo. 3 yrs. 9 mo.
Owned in the following states/provinces Connecticut District of Columbia
Estimated miles driven per year 11,680/yr ---
Last reported odometer reading 37,650 37,837

THERE is no reported dealer servicing on this Should that be alarming??
The car fax did not say anything negative though

 

It was a 2 owner sorry that did not post very well....

 

Have you checked with a Land Rover dealer to validate this? If so, then yes I would say it is alarming unless some maintenance records come with the car. Lots of folks buy lease vehicles and never have them serviced for the length of the lease, knowing that they'll be rid of the vehicle before the lack of maintenance catches up with them.

Dave