Looking at TD5 should I do it???

[XVSKYM]

Hi Guys,
Looking at a 1999 Discovery TD5 ES for $19,990. SLS no ACE. Oh Yeh 170,000 km.
Services have all been done, it has towed and looks in good condition.
Is there any thing that I should check?
Is there any thing that is about to go bang, only paperwork for top radiator hose and trans service due to vibration when hot & towing.
Should I move from X-trail to Disco?

[trev]

pretty well top price for that year.

Paperwork for top radiator hose? known issue when bleed screw fails.It may have had an overheating issue...not good.
vibration in Auto box when hot could suggest torque converter problems along the line.

Be careful.

Trev.

[Nankas]

Firstly,

Are you sure its an ES as i am confident that ACE is standard. With an 11 year old car i would get the owner to ring their service agent and get printouts of what work has been carried out. You really need to find out the history of this car. AT $20k make sure you know what you are getting. Things like the injector harness should have been replaced, what work has been performed on the ABS, Fuel regulator, Fuel pump, sls air bags etc, it good to know if any of these have been replaced. 160k the auxillary belt should have been replaced.

As you will read in many of the posts, the D2 and TD5 are loved by their owners and can be a fantastic vehicle. You need to find out where this one is at.

Find out more and let us know

Regards

Nankas

[XVSKYM]

Nankas,
The air bags do look a bit old, rings at lower edge.
Most Services have been done at Black Forest and the last few by the owner.
There is an Aux belt in the back door so it may be new or a spare. Looks like the old owner was a tourer as there is a note QLD trip in the books.
By car point is is half ES 7 seat no leather, no ACE?????
Might get the owners phone number from the dealer or ring Black Forest...

Trev,
Any way to check for over heating and trans?
Engine oil is clean-ish with no diesel smell.

It drives very well and has lots of acceleration - could mean it's chipped? Diesel clatter is prominent, but then again I didn't have the radio on or anything.

[Chase]

Just as a side note, l bought the same spec car with 100k more on the clock for $8000...it even had an electronic CDL!

[XVSKYM]

This one also has an electronic CDL. Turbo Timer, ARB compressor switch (don't know what for???)

TD5's here must be coated in gold here. There only two for sale 2001 - $21990 and 1999 $19990. Both ES 7 seats..

[trev]

Replied but I think it went astray.

Its possible that the previous owner either had the top radiator hose fail big time,or replaced when it was obviously leaking.Hard to say.
Check your coolant reservoir for the correct level and whether the fluid is clean.Look under the cap for signs of oil or other contamination.
When driving listen for gurgling noises behind the dash.
These can be signs of a blown head gasket.

For the auto,check the fluid colour.There is no dipstick so you need to just open the drain plug to see if the fluid is red and not discoloured.

With the car up to proper operating temp.(usually halfway up the guage)on a level road the transmission should go into lockup at 80KPM. this should be seen and felt by a drop in revs to slightly under 2000RPM.This should happen smoothly but noticeably.This is a good sign that the torque converter is working as it should.

You mention a switch for ARB compressor..this may mean that you have an ARB locker fitted either front or rear,Check for air hoses to diffs.

Trev.

[xsm]

Hi,

Frankly, that price is several thousand dollars more than I would pay. Although the kms are about average for the age, later models with fewer kms can be had for less money. I assume you are buying from a dealer? It is a good idea to buy privately so that you can discuss the cars history with the owner and driver of the car. The used car dealer statutory warranty doesn't apply to that car anyway.

Last year I bought my 11/2002 Auto TD5 "S" D2a with 139,000km for $13,500. I have just recently sold it with 147,000km for $18,250. It is in very good condition, 2 owners, full service history (log books and receipts).

$13,500 was an absolute bargain but even so, 20k for a 99 model is over the top. I was fortunate that not much went wrong with mine. Just fixed a water leak (wet carpets) and replaced the injector harness. Discovery's are very capable vehicles and are well suited to 4WD enthusiasts but many of them are money pits and it is wise to leave a few thousand aside for repairs. If you do buy this vehicle and are unfortunate and need to spend a few thousand on it you will be well and truely over capitalised.

I am saying this in good faith and don't intend any offence. I'm sure others will disagree with me but I'm just giving my opinion and I hope it helps.

Check: oil penetrating the injector harness, SLS leaks, warning lights staying on, wet carpets (passenger side from windscreen, both sides from blocked aircon drain), worn shocks if they're original, condition of radiator and of course service history. Ask if the oil pump bolt has been checked. If not, and you buy the car you should check it urgently as failure will result in a new motor. The sump needs to be removed to do this.

Best of luck
Martin

[Gillie]

Hi,

Although the kms are about average for the age, later models with fewer kms can be had for less money.

Best of luck
Martin

Such as my wifes :D Message - AULRO Classifieds (http://www.aulro.com/apc/showproduct.php/product/2657/cat/4)

Great vehicle and the TD5 has heaps of go and the ability to get more if you chip them. We will be looking for a D3 when this one sells. I would be wary of any service history to the cooling system and want to know more. In saying that, maintenance is expected but I would hate to see an over heating problem. They are great vehicles, Go for it.

Martin has summarised the main issues with TD5 D2's in his last paragraph quiet nicely, though I would add to check and make sure that the Hill descent, traction control and ABS lights do light up on key start.

[Chilly]

Hi,
Dont know if this post is too late but found this on ebay...

Land Rover Discovery TD5 1999 Series 2 + Free Nanocom - eBay, Passenger Vehicles, Cars, Cars, Bikes, Boats. (end time 18-May-10 14:39:18 AEST) (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Land-Rover-Discovery-TD5-1999-Series-2-Free-Nanocom-/130389633703?cmd=ViewItem&pt=AU_Cars&hash=item1e5bd3eaa7)

I believe it is near you.

[newlandyowner]

Hi Guys,
Looking at a 1999 Discovery TD5 ES for $19,990. SLS no ACE. Oh Yeh 170,000 km.
Services have all been done, it has towed and looks in good condition.
Is there any thing that I should check?
Is there any thing that is about to go bang, only paperwork for top radiator hose and trans service due to vibration when hot & towing.
Should I move from X-trail to Disco?




I got a 2000 TD5 in December 09, 130km's, 1 owner, manual, jaram roof rack, ARB bull bar with hella spotties, side steps and very tidy with full service history and even came with a few spares for $15,000.
Shop around there's lots of good buys out there.
carsales.com.au is always a good start!!

[Disco EMU]

Should I move from X-trail to Disco?

I moved from an '08 X-Trail Ti to a 2000 Td5 and I still consider it to be an upgrade.

Good luck

Craig

[big guy]

I see you are in SA.
Thats great mate, cars here are generally more than interstate and we often get people from interstate to buy here because our cars spend less time in traffic and have fewer dents fixed. etc.

Having said that, I often go interstate to buy cars as they are often cheaper by a big margin.
Fly over and take for a drive and have money ready and enjoy the trip home by car.
Good way to get to know it too.
If you save say $5k, that will be eaten up by a big service, some spares, new fluids and belts and seals etc and some more for roofracks, lift kits and tyres and such like.

Just my thoughts, also Black Forest has been around for a long time, thats granted but they lost their land rover agency 3 years back for a good reason. ----Won't go into that.
Be patient and find a good one. Service history is more important that a glossy top coat. Trust me---;)

[simonmelb]

Hi XVSKYM (http://www.aulro.com/afvb/members/xvskym.html)

I've been following the market quite closely over the last 6 weeks and would agree with the previous posts.

A same spec'd vehicle in immaculate condition sold in Melbourne for $13K and there was one in QLD for $18K with ACE, and a bullbar and chipped and a great service history. Both were advertised on Carsales.

So be patient, sit on Carsales all day if you can, be prepared to travel and you'll be rewarded! The good ones sell quickly. I would avoid buying from a dealer unless you can validate the history with the previous owner or the business that has services the car.

I waited 8 weeks for mine as I wanted a D2a with ACE and SLS, and a gem of a vehicle finally came up. Pick it up in 2 weeks.

Cheers
Simon

[simonl8353]

Beware, independant car dealers either dont know there product or blatantly lie, I have emailed several 'cos I hate them claiming to be selling the ES (never had a reply :bangin:).

In 1999 the Auto ES was $66k new (+$1.5k for the diesel) compared to the base model Auto at $49.5k. I believe they are trying to lull the unsuspecting buyer into believing they are buying a top spec model, when in fact its a base model with an option or two (or none at all in some cases). With the base model, if you wanted ACE, add $4k, and for 6/7th seats +$3k,

The 1999 ES as standard came with (highlighted the extra bits):

12 Speaker Stereo, 16" Alloy Wheels, x 8" wide, ABS (Antilock Brakes), Adjustable Steering Col. - Tilt only, Air Cond. - Climate Control 2 Zone, Airbags - Driver & Passenger (Dual), Alarm, Armrest - Rear Centre (Shared), Body Side Mouldings, Calipers - Front 4 Spot, Calipers - Rear 4 Spot, CD Stacker - 6 disc, Central Locking - Remote/Keyless, Centre Differential, Control - Hill Descent, Control - Traction, Cruise Control, Disc Brakes Front Ventilated, Disc Brakes Rear Solid, EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution), Engine Immobiliser, Flares, Fog Lamps - Front, Headlamp Washers, Headrests - Integrated 2nd Row, Leather Trim (Incl. Seats, inserts), Mudflaps - rear, Power Door Mirrors - Heated, Power Steering, Power Windows - Front & Rear, Radio Cassette, Remote Fuel Lid Release, Roof Rails, Spare Wheel Cover - Soft, Stainless Steel Exhaust, Suspension - Active Ride (leans into corners), Suspension - Auto Levelling, Tacho, 3rd row seats, 3rd row ICE (stereo) controls, rear compartment air conditioner.

Why do I know all this, 'cos I got one and its BRILLIANT :D

[Pedro_The_Swift]

I thought they all came with the stacker,,
I thought SLS was an option until you optioned 7 seats, then they just bolted it in regardless?

and yes,, most car salesmen know nothing about D2's

[Banjo_pluker]

I thought they all came with the stacker,,

No the base model didn't come with it

I thought SLS was an option until you optioned 7 seats, then they just bolted it in regardless?

SLS was standard on the D2a's except for the manual base model

[justinc]

Its about 9K too much. Keep looking. A D2a can be had for that, a far better result for outlaying 20K.

JC

[lotsmaw]

SLS was standard on the D2a's except for the manual base model


I have a D2a Classic auto - no SLS.

[Hamish71]

This one also has an electronic CDL. Turbo Timer, ARB compressor switch (don't know what for???)

TD5's here must be coated in gold here. There only two for sale 2001 - $21990 and 1999 $19990. Both ES 7 seats..

I flew to QLD and drove home a 2003 D2aTD5 with leather, 2 in lift,bilstiens and king springs, 2 sets of tyres, bull bar, custom rear bar, 150k for $16k....worth the trip I reckon.

[simonl8353]

Hey, XVSKYM, Any more news on the purchase ?