QuestionHi John,
I am preparing to buy an second hand Land Rover Discovery TD 5 S 2.5 cm 102kw/139PS construction year 2001.
Please tell me which are most common faulty that can appear at this model, you now, like testing guide four buyers.
I hope you will consider my question enough interesting four everybody.
Thanks in advance!
AnswerHi George,
yes, this is an important question for used LR buyers.
Firstly, do you know much about LR repairs? Is there an independent LR mechanic near you? LR dealer repairs are notoriously expensive and I've had my share of horror stories with them. Finding a LR mechanic you can trust is extremely important.
LR parts are also expensive and you may even have to consider salvaged parts. Find local auto part supplier who carries LR parts or try www.car-part.com for salvaged parts at a fraction of OEM price.
LR's have problems with electrics, windows not operating, brake lights failing, door locks not functioning. Taildoor is notorious for not being able to open.
Check for water ingress (leaks) into the cabin. Most leaks are in the footwell on the passenger side but sometimes found on drivers side (rare). Carpet becomes soaked and there may be an odour. Look at door floor panel for signs of rust around screws.
Make sure radio security code is available in LR owners manual. Without it you will have to go to the dealer and that could cost you $$.
Engine problems are usually with rough idle, throttle position sensor, idle air control valve, mass air flow sensor (MAF). TD has less faults but common problems may be with exhaust valves. Signs to look for are loss of power on hills when engine is at normal operating temperature.
ABS brakes are a pain. LR has had problems with the ABS and it seems to be with all models right up to the LR3. I've been told that a redesigned ABS modulator has finally resolved this. ABS, TC and HDC warning lights would activate and remain on. Dealers would replace sensors, gaskets, shunt valves .... finally the modulator itself. BUT if modulator is intrinsically faulted, the problem would come back eventually. Let's hope the new modulators have solved this problem.
Overheated LR engines can result in cylinder sleeves dropping and rendering the engine useless. For $10,000 you can buy another, right?
Only way to tell if engine has dropped cylinder is to have mechanic take a look with the sump pan off. Even then, a trained eye is needed.
Water can ruin the starters on many LR's. Water and road grit can saturate the main lead wire to the solenoid and then you have not enough amps for cranking. Water also has been found inside the starter and can form rust around the springloaded shaft. Look for difficult starts. TD starting is not as bad as V8 models.
Suspension is a concern. Check shocks as this vehicle is very heavy. Front end shaking has been a problem at high speeds due to bad shocks, ball joints and tierods.
Look at tire treads to see any signs of misalignment.
Oil leaks are common, question is how bad is it and from where.
Headgasket failures are common. Check reservoir, rad, oil for signs of this problem. Pressure test of cooling system and rad is a good start.
TD system is quite stable. Rare to have glowplug faults.
Roof is the only part of Disco that is steel. Rest of body is aluminum. Look for 'bubbles' where aluminum is folded over, crimped and spot welded (all around the doors).
That's about all I can think of. Ask others for more advice. Go to www.discoweb.org for more details on TDi models.
Best of luck,
JohnMc
