Hello all, long time lurker, first post.

Looked at a 2001 Disco 2 today for a funky 4X4 project for me and to teach the kids some wrenching skills. Always wanted a Rover.
I am a jet aircraft mechanic by trade and have always had bikes or cars to play with, this will be my first Rover.
Looking to see what you thought of a monetary value for this creature.

2001 170K miles, Disco 2.
Short test drive it ran well it seemed, no smoke, no hesitation, shifted fine - bare in mind this is my first Rover lookover.
No visible leaks on ground, updated front driveshaft upon inspection.
Cold A/C, hot heat. quiet motor, no clacks, ticks or chirps.
Had recent oil change so sniffing the oil wasn't going to reveal any antifreeze smell.
Had fluid in the plastic coolant overflow, steady stream of coolant from small inlet at top of plastic tank when cap was taken off.
I didn't smell any antifreeze from the exhaust but when the engine was hot you could smell it for sure under the hood.
OBD2 CEL codes are 1173, 1170, 1171, 0134, 0171, 0137

All related to bad o2 sensors from what I can gather.

Now, my question -
I am going into this with eyes wideopen -
I always buy "project" vehicles that need work, and I am already planning on whatever Rover I buy will need headgaskets at some point.

Do you think this is head gaskets or maybe just something more simple like a throttlebody heater hose for example.
With the multiple CEL code O2 sensor faults it would make me think it is burning coolant and wiping out the sensors, but I didnt smell any in the exhaust.

Also, I "assume" the truck came from the NorthEast since it had rust under the truck from front to back - but none showing on the bodypanels though.
Is this a dealbreaker with this brand ?

Also had $1200 worth of tires, alignment, front brakes and battery within the last 2 years.
NC inspection in August 2015.

Back brakes are whipped, metal on metal for sure, you can hear it - can this cause the OBD2 code of 1590 (Rough Road ABS)
Also showing the 3 Amigos on the dash.

So - what would be a value? Or just walk away even if it was sold for next to nothing. Its not in bad shape, some bruises outside - inside is complete and solid and functional power everything.
They were asking $2600 and dropped it to $2300 pretty quick and are holding.

All commentary is welcome and appreciated, it's good to finally be here and finally shopping for a Rover.
I live in a small town so If I opened up my "project" hunt I would now be looking at traveling cost as well to calculate in .

Thanx all.

 

Of course prices vary market to market so prices in you market are likely different than mine.
I have bought 4 discoveries 1 d1 and 3 d2s in the past 4 years.
I drove 1 (2000) for 3 years without any major work (lots of minor stuff of course)
1 (2001) I bought knowing it had a weak frame and was a parts truck.
1 (1997) I flipped and doubled my money - paid $400, cleaned it up and sold for $900
My most recent was a super clean 103,000 mile 2002 California truck ,never seen winter, needed tires and a water pump.
Was my most expensive one so far paid a whopping $1000 Canadian pesos.
Any fixer upper is a gamble and hard to say what yours will need and yes head gaskets seem to be a common failure ( I have not had one go on any of mine) internal leaks AND external leaks from heads. No misfire codes is a positive sign. Could even be oil leaks fouling the O2 connectors causing the O2 fault codes.
Throttle body heater is quite easy to visually inspect
1590 rough road / implausible will set in engine codes with 3 amigos / a.b.s. Faults are set
Dealing with rust a lot up here in southern Ontario ( plenty of snow and salt to help rott vehicles out I. Would look closely at the frame behind the rear axle for heavy rust scaling or weak sections of frame. Also check the frame rails right beside the catalytic converters (inside of the rail) also check the front floor pans at the firewall , right where your feet would be while driving. I have seen a few rotted right through including my 2000.
So in my area would be a $1000 truck.
Hope my rambling helps you decide

 

Thanx for the replies I appreciate the info.
Truck runs pretty good despite the multiple CEL faults.
I have been researching these vehicles off and on for a while now and am looking for a "beater" to learn on and have fun.
Then something nicer in the future.

I am already budgeting for a ABS 3Amigo code reader and reset unit already and enjoy the process of figuring things out with cars/bikes - I guess it is my hobby.
However, I'm leery of the underbody rust, although it just passed NC inspection in August so I guess it is just surface rust ?

It would need rear brakes and rotors immediately, everything else I could work while driving it and sorting it out.
Is it safe to "assume" the code of 1590 (Rough Road ABS) could come from bad brakes ?

Hmmmm, I might just give him a list of the issues and offer up a price.
We all take a bath on vehicles from time to time; I just Finally sold a boat at a huge loss just to get rid of it to a buyer who actually had the cash.
He will have to do the same with this one I think.

Thanks again

 

amazon has the best $ for OEM o2 sensors.

you might want to look at a icarsoft930 only a couple dollars more than an ABS amigo but does so must more 125 on ebay.

1590 could also be a hub problem.

 

I second the icarsoft over the ABS Amigo. In addition to detailed abs diagnosis and reset, it is a general scanner with info for Land Rovers and does SRS diagnosis and reset. And it is cheap.

Dro is right, prices vary. But I've bought a better one (for parts) for about half what you've been quoted. Rust spooks me, too. With metal on metal in the back brakes (easy to fix, or cheap to fix) I'd be concerned about a poorly maintained, rusty truck. I know you want a project but I bet you can do better. Also, if I was getting one for a project (bearing in mind I have had my cherished Disco II for 16 years) I'd get a Disco I, which has a thicker, galvanized frame, replaceable wheel bearings, and is generally less electrical/complicated. I've seen them rust free with about 120,000 miles for 1500 in Dallas.