Thread: Looking at TD5 should I do it???

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.

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

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.

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!

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..

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.

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

Originally Posted by xsm

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 Message - AULRO Classifieds

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.