D2 TD5 prices take a hammering

G'day all,

Chris here, I'm new to the site and have always had a soft spot for the Discoveries. My girlfriend and I are looking at purchasing a Discovery for getting up to the topend etc. so I'm happy to hear that the prices are dropping (sorry to all those selling). I'm learning all the time about these vehicles and am concerned with the problems some of them seem to display. We are looking at a later model TD5 2003-2005 (probably an auto), what sort of price should i be looking at paying for a good vehicle and what pitfalls/problems/traps should I be wary of. By the way we are located in Mackay and are wondering also if it is best to look interstate for potential vehicles? Sorry I'm a newbie at all this Landy stuff but I am keen as mustard to learn and love the look of the Discos (always have), I currently own a AU 1 Falcon ute and have previously had SWB Landcruiser 1980 BJ42 4cyl Diesel (which was a great but rough little truck, could pull a house off its stumps that thing).

Cheers

Chris

Welcome to the forums Chris


As far as car dramas ..... All makes (toyo / Patrol / Mitsi / ect) have there dramas


Car prices ..... Read the car sales paper ;) as they vary from state to state

TD 5 ..... Dunno ... never owned one

Gear box .... My vote for the Auto :) especially in 4x4 work and cruising ... However ... manual has hi-load / tow advantages

Reliability ? .... Depends on WHY the previous owner traded it in, and how they treated it as far as looking after it

With a keen eye , patience , and a nose for a good deal (NOT necessarily based on the cheapest price going) .... you will get a TOP vehicle

Personally tho .... V8 for me :D

Mike


:)

:)

I had a look at Discos from 10k-20k on Carpoint last night after reading this thread .
There were VERY few TD5s with less than 130-140 K kms and many over 160.
It seemed that around $17-18 K there were some TD5 with more reasonable Ks say 130 , but you can get a really low k V8 for that money, say 60Kkms.

All things being equal you are going to get many more trouble free years out of a low K V8 than a high K TD5 ( or high K V8 for that matter). Fuel costs pale compared with a head gasket/head/injectors on a TD5.

There were a couple of cheap TD5 in WA so maybe there is a glut there.
But there were a LOT of Discos in total IMHO compared with those sold new.
My impression is that Victoria is the best place to buy.
Regards Philip A

Quote:

---

All things being equal you are going to get many more trouble free years out of a low K V8 than a high K TD5 ( or high K V8 for that matter). Fuel costs pale compared with a head gasket/head/injectors on a TD5.

---

I agree, but even low-kay V8s can have problems. The worst that can happen seems to be overheating and slipping a liner. I pray that does not happen to my V8, but as I mentioned here a few months ago, my 99 D2 V8 appeared to have a partially blocked radiator at 89,000km...

After i got the radiator fixed, it had a cracked exhaust manifold that I had to replace (not suggesting they are related, just surprised that a one-owner car with perfect history could have these items needing attention).

I still get a slight engine ticking noise from my V8 which might be an incorrect gasket fitted to the new manifold or perhaps the oil grade is too light but in the absence of any other symptoms I am not going to chase my tail on that one - let's call it 'character'

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 4X4V8

I agree, but even low-kay V8s can have problems. The worst that can happen seems to be overheating and slipping a liner. I pray that does not happen to my V8, but as I mentioned here a few months ago, my 99 D2 V8 appeared to have a partially blocked radiator at 89,000km...

After i got the radiator fixed, it had a cracked exhaust manifold that I had to replace (not suggesting they are related, just surprised that a one-owner car with perfect history could have these items needing attention).

I still get a slight engine ticking noise from my V8 which might be a LOOSE gasket fitted to the new manifold or perhaps the oil grade is too light but in the absence of any other symptoms I am not going to chase my tail on that one - let's call it 'character'

---

Grab a socket and tighten the manifold bolts / both sides.... 50/50 on being loose ... :)
Radiators should always be checked every couple of years .... after a certain "time frame" from new ... Run a filter sock in the top radiator hose ...

:)

Hey I have a business in Mackay, although I spend a lot of time in Canberra and OS.

I wouldnt buy a car in Mackay. My pick would be either Victoria or NSW.


Pick several to look at in Melbourne, get a cheap Tiger Airfare. Hire a car and go and buy one.

Then nice little trip home.

Cheers

Hi Chris,

Welcome to the forum, I was in the same boat as you in Feb this year when i had to replace the disco my mrs rolled (see avatar pic!!)
I would be flying down to any of the major capital cities and driving back, or freight the new car and fly back (not as much fun as a road trip and its a good opportunity to get to know your new baby!!!)
I would be seeing the fellas at Land Rover Spares (LRS) in Mackay on your return to get servicing etc, may even be worth ringing them to see if they know of anyone selling what you are after locally....

Cheers,

Johnsy

G'day everyone,

alright I have a few more questions for the panel:

1. If I were to look at purchasing a Td5 how many km on the clock would seem reasonable for a 2003 - 2004 vehicle?
2. I'm curious about the manual transmission, how easy is the clutch and gear change as my girlfriend will have to be able to drive the vehicle easily?
3. What specific Discovery questions should I be asking prospective vendors so as to get a good idea as to whether they're being relatively honest in dealing with me?

I know this is a lot ask of everyone but I just want do everything I can to avoid any major problems, thanks for your help in advance.

Cheers

Chris

Hi Chris,

I am no expert but I will try to help!!!

1. Average of 25000k a year means for a 4 or 5yr old car expect 100-125000k average.
2. Manual transmission... Dunno, I have had Autos for the last 10yrs...:D
3. Questions to ask vendors....mmm theres a raft!!! (and they probably won't mention *everything*) best to check log books and service history.
Some common faults are the ABS/HDC/TC Lights (aka the 3 Amigos) normally a wheel sensor fault but can also be the ABS modulator ($$), umm oil in the ECU harness, but if you do a search on this site you will find the majority discussed at length by people much more experienced than me!
Best to get an independant Land Rover mechanic to give your prospective new rig the thorough once over before you finalise the contract, and get some warranty thrown in!!;)

Best of luck...

Johnsy

Hi Topcat,
I actually work for a dealer.:D
We have a range of D2a's for sale which vary in price due to km's, condition, extra's etc.
MELBOURNE CITY LAND ROVER, LAND ROVER, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA
There are a few more in stock that are not on the web.
Web is being updated soon as the gent who does it has broken his leg:(

If u need to chat give me a ring direct 96841021, I am not a salesman but can help get a better price if needed. Can give some honest thoughts on the vehicles if interested.;)

Do u have a color pref, int color pref, accessories, price range etc etc.

Cheers.