Water Damaged 03 Disco

[Td5disco]

Hi Guys

Haven't been on for a while and lucky enough to say for a good reason my Disco purchased a few years ago has been a trouble free gem!! After learning so much and reading the many good threads on here im thinking of taking on a new project but looking for a bit of advice.

Looking at buying an 03 facelift Discovery 2 that has been auctioned as a repairable write off due to water damage. It is the SE with ACE and SL suspension, full ARB bull bar, rear DVD, front DVD V8, 193k on the clock with good set of new tyres on it. My question is is it worth buying this car to repair and have as a proper off road toy compared to my daily drive TD5. the guy tells me the immobilizer is stopping the unit from turning over but swears he has been able to get the engine to turn over but not fire, the SL suspension does level out and the dash does light up with all sorts of warning lights. looks like the water level barley touched the centre console but hard to tell as its been cleaned a bit.

you guys have probably seen this all to many times. im mechanical and electrically minded as a fridgey for a trade but feel for the price tag of $3,500 may be running my money at a loss as eventually one day i would look to sell it and dont want to do all my dough. Any advice appreciated

[PhilipA]

I have an acquaintance who is an insurance adjuster, who writes off any newish cars if water comes to the dash.
In his opinion it is impossible to have a modern computer controlled car repaired with water damage as every connector submerged will eventually corrode. That was referring to cars immersed in fresh water in the Newcastle floods 6 years ago. If it was salt water it is of course worse if that is possible.
Regards Philip A

[loanrangie]

$3500 is too much, for 1K i'd be tempted for parts and not as a fixer.

[Td5disco]

Thanks guys I did offer him 1k but says he is not interested. I'll see how I go and post if I end up with a deal.

[Roverlord off road spares]

Thanks guys I did offer him 1k but says he is not interested. I'll see how I go and post if I end up with a deal.
Submarines were designed to run under water but not motor vehicles. Save your money and look elsewhere. Unless you like to gamble. Even at that price for a wrecker it's too much as all your electrical componentry is compremised. Walk away

[Road Stone]

Remember in a V8 the ECU for the engine is down in the footwell near the peddles.
If the water came in there, then that would of been submerged and maybe a reason for the none start troubles leading to even more issues!


Cheers, Jerry

[lewy]

to much money,every computer is behind each kick panel and the gearbox is under the pas seat,fresh or salt water will make a differance,be prepared to risk no more than $1000.has the water penetrated the diffs or gearbox,the breathers are higher than that.

[nismine01]

I have a 1999 2000 TD5, I recently discovered it was a WET write off.

I don't have many/any problems and at the price it was a good deal.

Cheers

Mike