Land Rover Repair: 01 discovery shakes when low on coolant, window door locks, coolant leak

Question
My 01 discovery starts to shake when it is low on coolant...Why? It doesn't over heat (but I have not driven it long on low, so it probably would over heat)I think I have a leak in the back of the engine, almost directly in front of the driver's side... I just bought the thing, and am massively discouraged. My drivers side window motor broke, my break switch broke (leaving my car in park for two days). I am frustrated, and considering selling. Is this normal, or am I exaggerating?
Thanks.

Answer
Hi Todd,

If you just bought it, is there hope for a warranty here?

You may have a headgasket failure - loss of coolant and engine shudders.  Check your oil and look for contamination.  Could also be a lubrication problem.

Window, door locks, keyfobs, all are normal for aging Disco II's.  Same with brake switch failures.  All very common for LR's (Disco's, Rangies, even Freelanders).

Considering it's at least 5 years old, all this is normal. Don't be discourged.  Find out what's causing the coolant leak, consider locating an independent LR mechanic to help with these nuisance problems.   Send me an email and I'll try to locate a mechanic that might help.

Best of luck,
JohnMc
jmcinnis64@hotmail.com