Thread: Inspecting my first Disco tomorrow

My advice would be to see if you can get it independently inspected by someone with Land Rover experience (preferably D3 experience). Not sure who that would be in your neck of the woods - perhaps someone else might have a recommendation ?

Thanks for the advice Mick.

If I have any doubts, it will be going to someone with LR specific knowledge before I bite the bullet.

My plan is to play with the ride height, have a look under to see if the gearbox has had the metal sump installed, check over the gearbox for any unusual sounds/vibrations, scan the OBD, check suspension for any knocks and carefully review the log books (plus they still have all the receipts).

Anything obvious, I am missing?

Regards
Scott

Make sure that everything in the cabin works properly (sound system ac windows all locks boot etc). See if you can see which compressor is fitted from the service records (has it been changed) - be realistic about compressor performance it is not designed to go from access to off-road repeatedly in a short sequence, it should do it smoothly a couple of times but don't overdo it. Is it still on original shocks ? See if it creaks from the suspension turning up driveways (harder steeper the better). Gearbox should shift smoothly and without hesitation. Make sure low range can be engaged and drive a short distance. Once you've driven it have a sniff in the engine bay for coolant leaks (stupid plastic parts). I'm not a diesel person so have no comment about the motor. Check operation of the EPB and listen for unusual noises (squealing).

Be aware that non specific OBDII devices may not provide accurate returns and may themselves induce communication errors.

Probably a bazillion other things ! Level of attention vs preparedness to fix would depend on price to me ! Good luck !

Make sure the oil pump was upgraded when the timing belt was done. There was a weakness on the early ones where due to inadequate webbing/support, an attached pulley would break away causing terminal damage to the engine.

If it is going to break it almost always happens after the service is done.

Hi Sean, thanks for the input.

I was aware of the oil pump issue. Not too sure how easy it is to identify if it is the new one or not. Being that it is 60k since the change was made, I would think that any weakness would have identified itself by now.

Regards
Scott

Hi Sc0tt,
This is my own personal opinion before everyone jumps down my throat, have you considered a V6 petrol or have you decided on a diesel for your own reasons? I have now had four of the TDV6 diesels and have now jumped to a V6 petrol, I was convinced that diesel was the way to go.
I found a V6 petrol nearly $10k cheaper than a similar diesel, I have found the petrol to be a lot more maintainable and not as thirsty as I thought it was going to be, I'm presently sitting on 12.5l / 100 which I find is acceptable. the diesel is more economical no doubt about it, however I can buy a lot of petrol for the delta between diesel and the additional petrol. My vehicle has been well maintained in the past, doesn't have any belts and runs as sweet as. I believe I may have an issue with the air con if it is the compressor I can replace it without having to disassemble the front drive train. Just simple things that make life easier.

Just a point of view you might want to consider. Looking at a vehicle you look to be checking all the right things by the way. Klms are on the move, compressor, suspension, uneven tyre wear, condition of the interior, under bonnet cleanliness and a recognised LR dealership doing the servicing, check the recalls have been done.

Good luck with your test drive hope it all works out. Moving to LR which ever one you buy is the best decision.

Hi Nomad, thanks for the input.

I was/am making a tough decision between the 4.4 or the 2.7. The 4.4's I have been looking at for a similar price have about 100k less and are HSE spec. But this 2.7 is very well priced, and really after the first few weeks I don't really expect to get much out of the extra 'toys' that a HSE offers. Sure the 4.4 has less maintenance costs (belts) but I wont be doing those again for a few years and when you do them yourself it really ins't that big a cost. These belts should be a doddle compared to some of the Alfa engines I worked on.

The lower weekly running costs (we do about 20-30k a year) and greater range is nice and I maintain all my own vehicles (have since I was 17, and this will make vehicle number 30 something). My gut tells me this is the way to go.....but I would really like to get into a v8 again. I haven't had a v8 since my 351 Ford Landau.

Regards
Scott

If you're ambivalent about it I'd recommend driving a V8. The economy is not that bad once you get in tune with it. It's a great motor (waaaay nicer than your average chev/ford V8) and all the extra stuff (better seats rear air better sound system) make for a luxurious drive to say the least.

My opinion is that the running costs of a D3 are mostly made up of things common to all engines (suspension gearbox electrical epb etc).

Good luck !