Just getting my first disco '03 tomorrow and I keep seeing references on this site to the 3 amigos. What are they and what should I be on the lookout for? Had Local LR dealership check out car I'm buying with glowing reviews.

 

ABS, TC, and HDC warning lamps. If they were on dealer would have caught that. Owner and tech manuals are free in the RAVE download (stands for Rover AUtomated Viewing Environment; but most of us believe it secretly means Rovers A'int Very Economical). Look in our tech area for lists of things to look for, and high miles service list you can do yourself. The most common very expensvie "gottchas" are over heating, the gauge will show normal from 150 to about 235 - 250, a scanner can show you the real temps in digital fashion. A popular one is the Ultra Gauge, about $70. Another transmission killer is the front drive shaft, the factory one is not fully greasable, and when the sealed bearings go it can chirp briefly and then proceed to split apart and poke a hole in your transmission, about $7000 dealer repair. We have posts on how to rebuild it for under $100 if it is in good shape. The problem has become so widespread that there are now after market sources for replacement shafts.

Out of curiosity, how much did the dealer charge for the inspection? Hope it included a test with a mechancial gauge of the oil pressure.

 

Thanks - $90 on the inspection but the dealership had done the 60K service within the past month. Not sure if a compression test. Serp Belt was changed, radiator flush, new tires and P/S pump also done. Anything else you think I should be looking for? Disco just turning 63K and had all service records since 40K

 

previous owner did the Belt, flush, etc not me but documented by dealership

 

Somewhere on the forum is a FAQ/glossary sticky of sorts. It explains things like 3 amigos, death wobble, etc. If I find the link again I'll post it.