QuestionI am purchasing a 1999 Discovery Series 2 and I had it checked by a dealer who said that the head gasket would need to be replaced eventually, but said that it was not of immediate concern. (the estimate for that procedure was 2300 with parts and labor) I consulted another mechanic about it and he said he has never changed the head gasket on a discovery (and he specializes in them, he is out of Plymouth, MA) and he has never heard of any issues. What are your thoughts on head gasket repair and whatnot? Is the dealer trying to take me for a ride? Thanks so much!
Best, Eric
AnswerAnyone who purports to be a Land Rover expert and has never heard of any head gasket issues on their engines has less experience than you'd want.
There have been continuing problems with Land Rover head gaskets, so much so that specialist shops like mine (we are in Springfield, Massachusetts) always have one or two Rovers at the shop with leaking heads.
The head gaskets leak oil and or coolant on the ground. Since it's a drip on the ground it's not usually an urgent repair, but it's something to be aware of.
You might go to our web site, www.robisonservice.com, click service department, then Land Rover, and look at some of our service information pages for more issues with these cars.
