Hi,
total newbie. I have my eye on a 03 Discovery Se. Vehicle has a clean carfax, but what should I be on the look out for? Oil leaks, a/c compressor issues, engine issues, etc.. It seems to be in great shape, but i just want to make sure i'm asking smart questions before purchase.
thanks
jamie

 

https://landroverforums.com/forum/di...scovery-21328/

Read all of the tech sections in both the DI and DII sections.
Then if you have more questions post them in the DII section of the forum.

 

The best thing you can do is find a good mechanic and pay to have a pre-purchase inspection, it will save you a fortune in the long run.
As for what to ask, do you really think a seller will tell you all the trucks faults, only what he wants you to hear.
How many miles on it, how mechanical are you, what are they asking for it and have you called a Rover dealer to see if that truck is on Rovers hit list for a failing oil pump/engine?

 

Spike,
i had started ready through the tech sections, but thought i'd throw this out there just in case. I'll ask more questions ( if need be) over in that forum.

DiscoMike,
You are correct, i'm pretty sure a seller won't spill all the "beans" as it were. Did not think about calling the dealership to ask question. Smart idea thanks.

it's an '03 Discovery SE 4.6L V8 with 112,000. Asking $7,800. I stopped by the sellers lot on sunday ( dealerships are closed in this state on sundays, and the car was open !?! Anyway there was an a/c compressor ( i believe new as it had shipping tags to this location) on the passenger floor and one of the rear door inside panels was off.
As for mechanical..brakes, starters, alternators, spark plugs, oil changes... i try to do as much as i can on the cars i have owned...for better or worse.

Thanks both for the advise

james

 

Ask them about the a/c compressor as well as the door panel.
It could very well be that they are installing the new a/c unit and replacing a broken power door lock actuator.

 

Spike,
well of course when i went over after work, it was sold. I did ask them about the door and a/c, and you were spot on.
There are other discoveries for sale in the area - a '97 se and a 2000. I'll probably take a look at those as well.
My wife and i really like that look and need a bigger vehicle...but do not want a jeep. anyway thanks heaps and i'll be nosing about the other forums.
BTW the tech guides you have up are super helpful over in the tech sections.

 

Take your time, let the truck find you.
It took me 9 months of hard looking to find my 1 owner dealer maintained Disco.

 

dont forget that the 03 had the bad alignment dowels for the oil pump housing, see if the engine has been replaced take the vin # to dealer for verification