2003 Disco II...

[William]

Here's an obligatory "I'm thinking about buying.." thread.
My wife wants me to replace our '86 FJ60 with something more "reliable".
We've found a 2003 Disco II with 60k miles and no obvious signs of neglect. Is this a good vintage to buy? What are the pros and cons, major failure points, etc. of this particular model? Any good, trustworthy British mechanics in Seattle?

Thanks in advance for your replies.

-W.

 

[lake_bueller]

IMHO...2003 is the worst of the years for the Disco. There is a complete range of VIN numbers (sorry, don't remember the range) with bad oil pump alignment pins. This cause premature failure of the oil pump, thus complete engine meltdown. Plus there is no ability to center lock the differential.

Look for a clean '04 instead. If you're looking for a less expensive alternative, look for a mid-year '99 through mid-year '01.

Another common failure on all DII models in the head gasket.

 

[EricG]

I've got an 03 with over 70k on it with only minor problems, mine falls in the bad oil pump range and if it hasn't gone by now I should be ok.

In the 3 1/2 years I've had it. Power stearing pump, right front hub, brakes, and u joints and plugs and wires.

I just put a Tom Woods front shaft on. Had the 3 amigos a couple of times leaks some oil.

As far as I'm concerned I like it and its never left me stuck anywhere.

Eric

 

[SeaRubi]

Biggs over in Bellevue generally gets decent marks.
http://www.biggseastsideautomotive.com/

If you're ever in Yakima or down south to Portland, Columbia Rovers is quite excellent.
http://www.columbiarovers.com/

I'm not sure I'd venture to say a Disco II is as reliable as a newer FJ - the 100's are a durn nice truck.

cheers
-ike

 

[William]

Sooooo, essentially it's like any other used vehicle. You take a gamble and deal with the consequences, or payoffs. :victory:

 

[Christophe Noel]

Sooooo, essentially it's like any other used vehicle. You take a gamble and deal with the consequences, or payoffs. :victory:

No. It's not like any other vehicle. I love my Disco, I really do, but it is bar none the most expensive vehicle I've ever owned and I've had my share of unusual rides from Ducati motos to Citroens. All Discos have a laundry list of potential woes. I've never met an owner that escaped the list, even slightly. Some people wait for the failures and respond accordingly. Others get ahead of the failures and replace problem parts before they turn ugly. Either way, not cheap.

I have a 2002. So far my repairs have been:

Head Gasket $1900
ABS Modulator and Pump $2000
Water Pump $500
Rear Hub $700
Multiple runs at the ABS, DHC, TC lights.

This on top of regular maintenance for a rig of this age such as brakes, hoses, etc added another $1000.

Ouch. Contemplate this vehicle with great care. Do your research.

 

[William]

No. It's not like any other vehicle. I love my Disco, I really do, but it is bar none the most expensive vehicle I've ever owned and I've had my share of unusual rides from Ducati motos to Citroens. All Discos have a laundry list of potential woes. I've never met an owner that escaped the list, even slightly. Some people wait for the failures and respond accordingly. Others get ahead of the failures and replace problem parts before they turn ugly. Either way, not cheap.

I have a 2002. So far my repairs have been:

Head Gasket $1900
ABS Modulator and Pump $2000
Water Pump $500
Rear Hub $700
Multiple runs at the ABS, DHC, TC lights.

This on top of regular maintenance for a rig of this age such as brakes, hoses, etc added another $1000.

Ouch. Contemplate this vehicle with great care. Do your research.

Sounds pretty much like the consumables/backlogged maintenance bill for my Landcruiser.
Cost of vehicle - $4000
Rebuilt carb, intake/exhaust manifold - $2100
Brakes, clutch, axle seals, wheel bearings, knuckle rebuild - $2300
Tires - $800
Exhaust - $420
New springs/shocks - $1000
Rear main seal/oil pan gasket - $250
Valve cover/Pushrod cover gaskets/fuel pump/tune up parts/oil and fluids - $$$$

Owning any vehicle is expensive. Especially when you baseline a new to you vehicle that you want to keep around for a while. Cha-ching!

I've noticed a trend in all the Land Rover inquiry posts in this section. Seems like you all tell the LR newbs to RUN!! I think that you just want to keep all the LR's to yourselves...

 

[overlander]

My wife has a 2003 and loves it. I tried to talk her into getting an LR3 but she's made up her mind.

We've had a bad battery (cracked top from dealership), and an annoying problem with the right rear signal pod losing brake light connection (might have been those French made bulbs in there). We also had the head gasket replaced as a preventive measure at the 60k service.

Only other problems we have with it are the powered seats blowing a fuse from time to time. She's had it for 6 years.

If we could do it again, I'd talk her into the 2004 for the CDL.

 

[zimm]

Sounds pretty much like the consumables/backlogged maintenance bill for my Landcruiser.
Cost of vehicle - $4000
Rebuilt carb, intake/exhaust manifold - $2100
Brakes, clutch, axle seals, wheel bearings, knuckle rebuild - $2300
Tires - $800
Exhaust - $420
New springs/shocks - $1000
Rear main seal/oil pan gasket - $250
Valve cover/Pushrod cover gaskets/fuel pump/tune up parts/oil and fluids - $$$$

Owning any vehicle is expensive. Especially when you baseline a new to you vehicle that you want to keep around for a while. Cha-ching!

I've noticed a trend in all the Land Rover inquiry posts in this section. Seems like you all tell the LR newbs to RUN!! I think that you just want to keep all the LR's to yourselves...

owning both... if youre saying a LR is the same as a LC in cost of ownership, youre just trying to talk yourself into what your wife wants.

how about this. if you dont have the money for parts that cost 4x as much than a chevy when repairing the used truck... buy a chevy. LC parts dont cost as much as LR parts, but they arnt too far behind.

the maint costs on a 50g truck new, dont change just because the owner does.

 

[timmy!!!!!!!]

I've noticed a trend in all the Land Rover inquiry posts in this section. Seems like you all tell the LR newbs to RUN!! I think that you just want to keep all the LR's to yourselves...

Naw we love new owners.... I just tell my friends not to buy rovers because I don't want to be the one working on them.

 

[michaels]

I've noticed a trend in all the Land Rover inquiry posts in this section. Seems like you all tell the LR newbs to RUN!! I think that you just want to keep all the LR's to yourselves...

shhhhh.

it's one of those things where--if you have to ask-- you shouldn't be looking for one.

 

[Mr. Leary]

... it has an engine, and its British... :Mechanic:

 

[William]

Alright, alright. I'm going to puss out and buy another Toyota. Probably for the best, as I can't afford another passion at this point in my life. Thanks for all the input Expo Members!! Cheers.

FWIW, I already have some fine British engineering in my garage in the form of a 2009 Triumph Sprint ST. What a beauty!!