Looking At A Disco

[lostincable]

Hi all, I have been doing some investigating on a 02 - 04 year model Discovery 2 with around 150k's on the clock and looking at the 2.5 diesel model.

Essentially I have been warned of some "possible" problems like the three amigos, leaking oil pump bolt, oil on harness, SLS etc.

My mechanic is also hesitant stating parts are expensive and labour on these can often be lengthy but he did agree they where a good motor if I get a decent one so I am at half hearts whether I take the risk or not. Mechanic said to look at Landcruiser or Patrol.

So some questions for the discovery owners...

1) I am going to be towing a 2T van loaded she comes in at 2.4 - 2.5 tonne and around 170kg ball weight and wanted to put a boat loader on her to carry the tinnie. Is the roof and towing ability of the diesel up to this type of load? I would stay within the 100kg roof limit as a side note.

2) Is the revision model just a purely cosmetic change or where some of the known issues fixed?

3) I have read alot of the errors that are given means they need to be cleared by a land rover mechanic. Is this something every mechanic has access to or only land rover speciliasts?

3) Aside from the obvious lists above if I am looking for one what is best to look at in particular on these vehicles?

Many thanks for the help!

[87County]

It might pay to get onto a competent LR mechanic - they do exist, rather than having to provide your guy with the learning experience.

If he's used to Nissans and Toyotas he could be hard to educate :)

Get said competent guy to do a pre-purchase as well ?

[imatt]

Hi mate,
There was a few changes with the update model which included cosmetic and mechanical changes, the most obvious changes were the headlights/tail lights, provision of cdl lever and some engine tweaks. Disco's are great cars and provide a far more luxurious ride than a nissan or cruiser, but everyone has their own opinions. Disco's are rated to tow more than patrol and cruiser, the TD5 engine is more advanced than equivalent other diesel engines. Always check service history and try to buy as low as K's as possible. Parts pricing can be higher for some items but the pricing of some toyota parts can also be extreme. If you are planning on towing heavy loads regularly I would suggest the rear airbag models as they will cope with the extra weight much easier.
Cheers Matt

[bob10]

G'day, mate, good advice from Matt, I bought a 1999 td5 disco with 319,000 on the clock. it had good service history[ cant be stated enough], found an excellent independent dealer to help me through a few early problems,[ replaced injector harness, new cardon shaft on the front, ] joined this forum and haven't looked back. We took our disco to Karumba in the Gulf, over 4,000 kms did not miss a beat, best car i've driven. If you want I can give you the phone no. of the independant dealer, good man to talk to about Rovers , and is a straight talker. Bob

[lostincable]

With the provision of the CDL lever do all 03 / 04 models have CDL by default or was it an optional extra?

Also when CDL is factory installed is the lever and all in one unit or are there two separate levers?

I do alot of sand driving myself (Fraser, Stockton, Lennox) I wouldn't like to be without it if possible. I have read on this forum and seen some videos of traction control getting some landy's quite stuck.

Thanks!

[Fluids]

All facelift models have CDL std. Engaged by moving H/L lever to the left, so it can be engaged/disengaged in H or L range while on the move.

Since the CDL is re-enabled in these models, traction control becomes less agressive when the CDL is engaged. If you're putting the boot in hard the traction control almost seems not to engage.

I live at the north end of stockton, and my D2a (facelift model) drives stockton with ease ... always with CDL engaged. It does it almost as easy with the CDL disengaged. Tyre pressure is more critical on stockton than CDL.

As already said, buy the latest facelft model you can find .... lowest k's and service history count, but aren't always show stoppers. Mine's now been almost 2yrs of relativley hassle free motoring. I'm in love with my D2a :)