Okay, i know yall know alot about these vehicle, so i just want some advice. I have never owned a land rover disco, but love the look, love the off road capability, and the plush interior. What I don't love is what I hear about their dependability. I am in college and don't have time to work on a truck my self or have tons of money to dump into repairs. Should I buy the 2003? or no? Is this a dependable vehicle? if not, what would you suggest with a 7,000 dollar price range.Your comments would be very helpful. thank you

 

Spend $5,000 and save the rest for beer.
No, seriously, spend $5,000, use the rest to bring the truck up to par and then enjoy it.
They are VERY reliable but you MUST use premium gas.
They have their quirks...but cost no more to maintain than a Jeep.

 

The 03's have an oil pump problem in a certain VIN range. With that price range, you can get a 2000, convert the CDL to work, complete the 60K service (do a search, mandatory for new purchase), re-build the front driveshaft if not already done, Put some Magnacor 8MM wires and Bosch +4 plugs in it, adn still have some $$ left over to save for head gaskets later....

This is a worst case scenario, but if you really want a Discovery, you have to maintain it, and you have to have the time to devote to it, if you can't afford to take it to a shop...

That said, I was broke when I got mine, and I would never get rid of her. I actually got a dead 2000 to work on in my spare time. Just want you to be aware that there will be problems, but you will get that with anything. This way you know what to expect..

 

I'll sell you my 97 D1 with new head gaskets, water pump, plugs and wires and lots of other new stuff for $7000. Just kidding

I would find an older, i.e. 2001 or 2002, Discovery 2 that is going to cost you less and not have the potential problem of the 2003. If you have done any research on this site you know that the 2003 model year had a batch of bad engines that can only be repaired with a new engine. Since you apparently don't have very deep pockets, at least after paying tuition and buying a Disco, I would recommend to stay away from the 2003. Actually, a D1 (94-early 99) will cost you considerably less than a D2 and is easier to work on. Your cost of basic maintenance is going to be the about the same on both D1s and D2s.

Land Rover's get a very unjustified bad rap for dependability. The particular vehicles that are undependable are usually unmaintained. These are not vehicles that you can just run and run without doing maintenance. If you're looking for a vehicle you can drive and drive and not maintain, buy a Toyota or other throw away car. Nothing against Toyota. People confuse maintenance intensive with undependable. Rovers are maintenance intensive, not undependable.

 

I would have to say that depending on the model of jeep, the jeep may be considerably less expensive to keep up. The parts would be less for sure. The disco is a cool ride. If you can deal with the electrical querks and the small things that were not designed well,buy one. I love both my rovers. If I was in college and on a budget.......no way.

 

spike, you saying i can get an 03 disco for 5? seriously? and disco guy, i appreciate your advice, and will most definitely take all into consideration. I will to find one at a dealer with just over 60 k so i know service is already done(i will ask for documentation). I just can't get over their styling, they are such gorgeous vehicles

 

gave 7G for my 03 HSE with 50k on it.

 

ok, so according to ak, no 2003, thanks for that piece of advice. and defender, i was looking at getting a grand cherokee, v8, 4wd, if that answers any questions

 

my 2003 will run for several more years. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the biggest piece of **** ever. I work on all kinds of cars. Don't do it. Tranny will go first...then the bells and whistles

 

really? a lot of my buddies have them and love them, and my lil bro has a 96 pushing 210,000 stock tranny.