QuestionI want to buy this land rover but I had a question. Here are the stats of the one that I have opportunity to buy:
Land Rover Discovery II Series II
Year: 2000
Price: $15,695
Mileage: 48,176
Engine: 8 Cylinder Gasoline
Transmission: 4 Speed Automatic with Electronic
Overdrive
Stereo: Compact Disc Changer
Drive Type: 4 wheel drive
My question is concerning its reliability... Consumer Reports give it a bad review... I will put about 12000 miles per year on this vehicle with some towing of a travel trailer and I don't want any suprises when I am out of town. Is this vehicle worth the money? Sorry if this question is too general... any input is more than I have now as I do not know anyone who owns one.
thanks for your time
"BOE"
AnswerHi BOE,
The price you have is quite good for that vehicle. Blue book is about $19K US.
As for reliability, I have to say that there are some problems that you should be made aware of. For starters, a serious valve problem exists with Disco series II that requires a complete valve job at about 50,000miles. The exhaust valves start to stick and the only solution is removal or cleaning: ~$2000US.
Most Disco's have water leaks into the interior. Passenger footwells and rear pillar (alpine window?) are two areas of concern. Check the carpet on drivers and passengers side for water stains. Look for rust under the front seats.
The electrics on Disco's are a mystery sometimes. If you ever have a short somewhere, you don't know how it will show up within the vehicle. IE: a rear bumper brake bulb holder short could cause your Disco to lock in PARK, thus you could not engage drive or reverse. There are other examples like this.
If you are serious about this Disco, take it to a local LR dealership and have them perform a complete inspection. It will cost you about $100 but it will give you peace of mind. Make sure the dealership uses its diagnostic analyzer or you'll only have a visual inspection (not good enough!).
When Disco's are kept in good condition, they are quite impressive to drive and have lots of power to spare. For such a heavy vehicle, +- 4990lbs, the 4.2 or 4.6 engines are superbe. They handle mud, snow and rain like a dream. I wish all 4x4's drove like this.
When they do need repair, they are costly to take to the dealerships. An alternator can run as high as $800, a power steering pump $650. Then there is the labour charges...ouch!
The Disco sounds good...but is it being sold because of problems that are about to happen? Have it thoroughly inspected BEFORE you buy.
Regards,
JohnMc
