Thread: Disco TD5 2000 opinions

Iv'e got the 2000 model. $8k repairs this year.

Heads can crack, if they have been replaced by a dealer this is usually good as they should have used steel dowels to replace the dodgy plastic ones, check for coolant loss or signs of over pressurising (coolant marks from overflow from header tank) due to cracks.

Exhaust manifolds leak, leading to a sound like a squealing drive belt when at higher revs..

The injector wiring harness under the rocker cover leaks oil into the wiring harnnes and it fouls the multiplugs causing missfire or stopping. Its easy to change the injector harness but not the engoine one. Dealer could easily check for this leak, or you could unplug the main harness from the head (front drivers side under accoustic cover) and check for oil in plug.

Automatics have a too weak flex plate that has a tendency to tear apart...

Fuel pumps have a habit of stopping between 150-200k

Air suspension can be faulty, have look at condition of airbags if fitted and pipes, not that there is much to see!

The fuel pressure regulator (rear of head on drivers side, visible only from under car) can fail, leaks fuel onto the starter motor, which then fails and needs cleaning... check for leaks there for sure! Mine dripped like a leaky tap when running!

Seals fail at the transfer case input, gear oil drips down...

Above is first hand experience...

Have also heard...

Oil/coolant heat exchangers can leak into radiator, check for sludge oil/water mix in header tank.

Front wheel bearings can fail.


A retro fitted diff lock actuator is a big +, the mechanism is there but not connected on earlier models, after 2001 I think it's deleted, then put in and operational 2003 or 4?


Have "fun"

Dave

there are a few problems with all vehicles but given that your looking at a relatively old rover most of them should have been sorted out..

things that have been known to let go with little or no warning are

fuel pumps
throttle positions sensors
injector harness leaks
fuel filter water level indicator sensor
oil pump bolts (should be fixed on all rovers by now that have had regular dealer servicing)
tempers of drivers of other 4x4's who cant match it for fuel economy


First thing Id put on my list of gunna get it done right now is a full fluid change over on the engine along with filters, a proper flush and flow check of the cooling system, change the brake and clutch fluid, pads while your at it and give the MK I eyeball to all other fluids, bearing pay in the wheels, bush play in the suspension and steering, thickness on the rotors and while your under it loose items/leaks and signs of other damage. Dont forget to drop out the wading bung on the bell housing and put a bent cotton bud up there to see whats in there.

90% of reasonable places/people that you want to buy from will let you do all of the Mk I eyeballing with no hassles. So long as everything looks ok, the tyres arent brand new (tyre wear can give away a lot of a vehicles condition). If your not sure about it take a greaser you trust with you (Id voulenteer but dont know where you live and you dont know me, yet...) or have RAC/NRMA/whatevery you got thats similar have a look for you.

I'd like to provide a counterpoint, Ive got a 2000 TD% that I have had from new. It's currently got 155000 Km on it and has been a good vehicle. The only major problem I have had is that it needed the gearbox rebuilt at 75000 due to a failing bearing on the output shaft. I remain unconvinced that this was not caused by the dealer using inferior oil.
I have replaced a couple of turbo hoses as well but I would classify them as consumables anyway.
My vehicle has had very little running around town and if it is started it typically does at least 100Km, I dont know if this has had a positive effect on it's reliability.
Regards,
Tote

That was like therapy!
Going out now to fit larger transmission cooler to replace the too small one with the failed temp sensor...

Dave

Thanks all for your help.

The Vehicle we are looking at has done 118,000 km. It has been used for towing previously and has a chipped engine.

We live in the country so all driving is on hwy, probably why my series has lasted so well.

All these problems are making me a bit hesitant, and making me feel like holding onto old faithfull.

I just listed those faults as they seemed to be relatively common complaints from others too. I love landrovers but it may just be an enthusiasm for British cars at times I think!
I'm sure some people have had none of the issues. Maybe.

Dave

well big reds at about those Km's and hasnt had the soft life.

Not one problem thats been a show stopper.

I have a 2000 with ACE 160000km chipped, suspension winch, dual batterys's etc

no problems and ohhhhhhh so nice to drive com paired to other makes of similar age.

Cheers