I just purchased a 2001 Discovery that was in Texas for most of its life. It has 111k on the clock. I hope to build it as a weekend warrior for exploring the Northeast with my girls.


There is almost no exterior rust and the frame is really clean. The interior is really filthy and needs a good detailing, and the only issue that needs immediate attention is the leaking front sunroof which pretty much destroyed the headliner. It is falling in and rotted, so I hope to remove it myself and have an auto upholsterer make a new one and install it as I haven't found a new replacement liner to order. I'm debating just siliconing them shut as I probably won't use them and I don't want to have recurring leak issues.


I bought the vehicle sight unseen (I know) and the seller didn't mention that... There's a bunch of missing or broken plastic parts on the interior as well, but I'll source them from a parts car eventually.


The truck drives fine and just had new heads and gaskets installed as well as new plugs, wires, and brakes.


I need to find a British Motors mechanic in the area (Dutchess County) and I hope to take an automotive course over the summer since I have no mechanical experience and would like to be able to tackle the maintenance and any minor stuff myself.


I'm starting to feel a little panicky about this purchase as I read about all of the potential issues. It's kind of like when you read WebMD and think that you have whatever ailment you're reading about.


Is there such as thing as Rover Hypochondria? Can one be too paranoid? LOL! Seriously, what are the odds that my Disco is a peach and will never break down?


I'm trying to educate myself to be as pro-active as possible and to make this as stress free a Land Rover owning experience as possible. Any advice for a new owner is appreciated!

 

Hi Mr. Pickles & welcome!

First off you have read correctly – Rover can be very finicky creatures and you’ll want to download the RAVE, the manual of all manuals to help you thru your journey. It can be found here:

http://www.landroverresource.com/

Please don’t ask me what you’re supposed to do with this wonderful manual once you’ve downloaded it because I have absolutely positively no silly clue. It’s embarrassing too. Upon recommendation I have downloaded the same 590 mb file a zillion times with no change in status with my Rover. Perhaps I’m supposed to read it? Who knows..

So once you have downloaded this wonderful manual, invest in a good mechanics tool set – Craftsman is good, a 6 sided socket set with cheater bar will take you a long way in whatever ails you. And don’t forget to take stock out in anti-seize, PB blaster, WD40, and silicone spray. You will definitely need the lube.

I had a good chuckle at your name today as well as Mr. Clovers – perhaps you could be good friends?.. gotta dash.. just wanted to say welcome and best of luck. A little patience goes a long way with these finicky creatures - you'll find the forum to be both helpful and overwhelming at times.


Ta!
Ms. Slightly C.

 

Nice find!

The sunroof is one of two things. Either the drain tube nipples have broken off the tray, or the flange seal that sits against the roof is toast. The drain tube is an easy fix with some waterproof epoxy and a few minutes, and resealing the flange with clear silicone will sort out your sunroof leak woes. Either way, you'll need to drop your headliner.

On mechanics, I don't have anyone for you up in Dutchess, but if you're up to making the trip for something outside of your mechanical ability, I cannot recommend British Auto Works in the Bronx enough.

Land Rover Repair Service, BMW Repair | Bronx, NY