Looking at buying an series 2 discovery

[newlandyowner]

Hi

Im looking at buying a 2000 discovery TD5, 5 spd, 130kms
Its a one owner (who I know well) and has been serviced regulary and had most of the mods done to it, new injector harness, coolant level sensor etc done when needed.

Ive been told to expect to put a new radiator in between 130-180kms, and replace the head gasket before it blows and warps/cracks the head.

I was wondering what other problems I could be in for, although it hasnt given the current owner many at all, I dont really want to be buying something that may end up in the shop longer than its on the road or cost me lots of money to keep running.

Any help or words of wisdom are greatly apprciated.

Cheers.

[Hendrik]

If you know the owner well, and the price is right I would probably go for it.
The head issue would be your biggest concern, mine needs doing as well as I have over heated it before. Maybe have it pressure tested just to see how bad it is. As for the radiator, depends what state its in, I still have my original one and has done over 260kms.

[Disco EMU]

If you know the owner well, and the price is right I would probably go for it.

I'll second that! After meeting the previous owner of my Disco ... you could tell how much he loved the car and looked after it!
Plus you also know the service history, where it's been done. what's been done to it.

Sounds like a no brainer to me!

Cheers

Craig

[Narangga]

If you know the owner well, and the price is right I would probably go for it.
The head issue would be your biggest concern, mine needs doing as well as I have over heated it before. Maybe have it pressure tested just to see how bad it is. As for the radiator, depends what state its in, I still have my original one and has done over 260kms.

As Hendrik says - if you do the wrong thing with a vehicle for whatever reason you pay the consequences. All makes of vehicles need preventative maintenance and upkeep. Be aware of what your buying - which it seems you are - and have a look for things on the forum to know what else to look out for.

Bought mine 18 months ago with those specs and am very happy :)

[runger]

things that went wrong on my discover 2003.
wiring loom leak.
$1500 for part but under used car warranty.
80 000k

throttle potentiometer.
$600 at 90k part only. labour came under warranty. they ripped me on this as both parts and labour were supposed to be covered.

leaking fuel tank seal. a 10 dollar part but a large amount in labour to remove carpet etc.

leaking fuel pressure regulator. $650 part 170 for labour.
however may have been slight use of poorly made bio causing these seal leak problems.

check the wear on the brakes and the rotars.
mine needed new brakes and rotars at 110k.

clutch has been said to need replacing at around 160k.


mine has some kind of clutch issue currently at 120k.

[justinc]

things that went wrong on my discover 2003.
wiring loom leak.
$1500 for part but under used car warranty.
80 000k

throttle potentiometer.
$600 at 90k part only. labour came under warranty. they ripped me on this as both parts and labour were supposed to be covered.

leaking fuel tank seal. a 10 dollar part but a large amount in labour to remove carpet etc.

leaking fuel pressure regulator. $650 part 170 for labour.
however may have been slight use of poorly made bio causing these seal leak problems.

check the wear on the brakes and the rotars.
mine needed new brakes and rotars at 110k.

clutch has been said to need replacing at around 160k.


mine has some kind of clutch issue currently at 120k.

:eek::eek::eek::eek:

There are some BIG $$$ there! Did you check the list price on any of these items? You'll find LR price on a fuel pressure reg is about $430 MAX. Takes less than an hour usually to fit. Wiring harness must have been completely replaced for $1500, you'll find the injector loom is only about $150 MAX.
Rear carpet and remove and refit fuel pump is less than an hour job, a little more if you have roller drawers in the back.
Good thing warranty Co. paid then:eek:

JC

[ozscott]

There forums are excellent....but they generally attract the tech oriented people and enthusiasts AND often people with existing problems...so you get to see a LOT of problems in one place...One has to be careful at jumping a shadows. My 02 compliances 01 build now has 155,000 and not ONE engine issue, clutch issue, tranny issue etc. The only things that have happened have been with front left engine mount shearing (td5's shouldnt do that:wasntme:); front CV's and shafts, ABS modulator under warranty at 50,000k, and the front drive shaft unis (NOW THATS A PROBLEM WORTH CHECKING ON WHEN BUYING A SECOND HAND ONE). Apart from that coil packs twice, leads and plugs.

I cycle the brake fluid with the traction control often. I do oil and filter every 10k. I do the radiator when required - flushing, new fluid. I do the oil in the diffs and box as per the manual etc.

My clutch has just started making a little squeeling when I let it out slowly with throttle (almost sounds like a hydraulic line vibration...) so perhaps the clutches dont last to 200,000k when having done towing (I have a 2 tonn boat).

Cheers

[Slunnie]

:eek::eek::eek::eek:
Rear carpet and remove and refit fuel pump is less than an hour job, a little more if you have roller drawers in the back.

JC
How the hell do you do rear carpet and pump in less than an hour! I'm assuming that you don't strip the trim???

[stig0000]

How the hell do you do rear carpet and pump in less than an hour! I'm assuming that you don't strip the trim???

it can be done, just take that trip strip off the back near the bumper and all them scruws,, lift the carpit up, and your in;)

[Slunnie]

it can be done, just take that trip strip off the back near the bumper and all them scruws,, lift the carpit up, and your in;)
Mine was tucked firmly and a long way under the side moldings. No chance it would pull out or push back in.

[Graeme]

Mine was tucked firmly and a long way under the side moldings. No chance it would pull out or push back in.
I reconnected a pipe fitting on mine in a few minutes after the pipeline re-routing recall was done as the carpet had been cut just under the edges of the storage boxes.

I recently replaced the throttle pot for $165.

[Zute]

You should never buy a car off friends, people you see often, co-workers, people in the same street as you or people with no fixed address.
:mad: