I'm looking at a 2001 Land Rover discovery and every one I've talked to tells me to stay away including my mechanic. You all are owners what do you say?

 

If your mechanic has inspected the vehicle I would go along with that. If the comments are simply based on reputation, then perhaps have him inspect it. also see https://landroverforums.com/forum/di...scovery-21328/ .

It is quite common to catch "Rover Fever" when looking for one, and this could distort your vision on things. Of course we all caught it and survived. Many times with less money in our wallets than we planned on.

Anything can be repaired. With enough money. Sometimes it is best to look at other Discos, and not the first one that gets your attention.

Common big problems with D2s include, but are not restricted to:

cracked oil pump gears, resulting in low oil pressure and rapid engine wear - if caught in time $115 in parts.

loud tick from engine when warmed up fully, from slipped cylinder sleeve(s) - no cheap fix - many believe this is caused by overheating.

head gaskets - certainly wear out faster than many vehicles, again may be due in part to overheating - about $300 in parts, plus machine shop; or $1700+ at shop.

front drive shaft - stock one must be replaced or rebuilt ($100) as the sealed grease fitting fails and the shaft slams a hole in the transmission. A $7,000 hole.

overheating from improper coolant service practice - increased by how instrumenst are designed in the truck. An evaluation of a truck should include a plug in OBDII scanner, to read for stored codes and the actual digital coolant temp.

a variety of problems related to the ABS system which can be fixed

sunroofs leak

MPG is low to mid teens. Demands premium gas.

So if you don't have the space, tools, expertise, and time to self medicate, err... self- maintain; then you are faced with becoming a regular customer with an indy mechanic or the dealership.

 

I agree with Savanna.... these trucks require ALOT of servicing... but are AMAZING when running well..i've had mine since new( 13 years) and have not had many of the problems( over heating, etc..) that you see on the forum, but have flushed the radiator regularly and have REALLY been on top of the rovers service schedule... this site is the best site if you have or are thinking about a land rover....the folks here are EXPERTS on these vehicles....good luck with your purchase...cheers...

 

If you have to ask then it is not a good idea.

If you cannot work on it yourself or are not willing to learn you will hate the truck and sell it inside of a year.

 

Thank you for your input and taking the time to answer. It will be hard to walk away from such a nice looking rig. Still not sure I will. The next post I just may be looking for some repair advice.

 

The Rover Rash spreads easly once you drive it, up high with good visibility, a feeling of quiet confidence knowing you could leave the bounds of the highway and strike off overland. You find yourself looking at pathways from the paved road thinking about what trail challenges you would find on them; others motor by just hoping to get to the next fruit stand. Most of the earth is not covered by concrete, outside of Houston....

But arrange for mechanic to inspect it and go from there.

 

Question, why did he tell you to stay away from that Disco, was it because the truck needed lots of repairs or does he just not like them? Also what are you planning to use it for?

 

My mechanic has not seen the truck yet. I stopped by to make an appointment to have it looked at and his first question was why would you want to buy one ( lots of problems ect.). As far as what we are going to use it for? We live in the mountains and some winters we can have as much as 4 ft. of snow on the ground. I would like a go any were vehicle for the wife to drive.

 

If that is your mechanic opinion without seeing the truck, he is not the one you should be taking it to be inspected.
Save your money he has already made up his mind, probably because he wasnt capable to fix the last one he worked on.

You want to find some one specilizies in Land rovers,
perhaps if you list your location like everyone else someone could make a recommedation of where to bring it.