Worth it?

[Nick_Will]

Been on the forum for a couple months now, but usually over in the jeep section.. Just over two weeks ago I was rear-ended and in the end, insurance totaled it. So, now I'm looking at a new ride. Would love a new jeep, but today, I found this.



I believe is is an 04 Disco SE7. Can't remember the exact mileage, but there's an issue with it. As per the lot owner, there's a noise coming from the engine, though I couldn't quite figure out what kind of noise he was meaning. I didn't get to give it a test drive, hopefully on Monday I will, so then I'll have some kind of idea what the noise is. He said they have checked it out a couple times and have determined it wasn't a thrown rod or anything, but still no ideas. At this point however, they are just planning to take it to auction to take their chances.

A couple questions as I am intrigued about this vehicle.

What rack, lights, and bumper are on this? I am assuming they are not stock!

Any ideas on what the nose could be? Any routine Rover issues that could be related to this?

Granted, I don't have the mileage on it, but any ideas on what it is realistically worth?

And finally, if the engine is shot, what's an engine swap look like? Price for engine? Price to swap? Engine size? Amount of work?


Haven't been apart of the rover world any so I have no idea what I would be getting myself into, and I am hoping for some solid advice!! THANKS.

 

[Nick_Will]

Well... Failed at uploading the picture correctly, sorry!

 

[sedat]

Its probably running funny because its on its side!

04. has a 4.6. you can find a used one for 1500-3000. it'll cost you another grand or so to get it installed unless you're handy with a wrench.
secondary air will commend a slightly higher price, vs non secondary air engines.
Check for the center diff lock too! some had em, some don't.
Out here a 04 with a lunched engine is worth about 1-2000.

 

[proper4wd]

As far as the seller is concerned, I would emphasize that it likely needs a new engine and that he/she does not want the liability of selling it at auction without full disclosure.

As far as you're concerned, it's worth investigating the cause of the noise. While these trucks are known to have slipping liner issues which can create an unusual knocking or ticking sound, it's still just an old school push rod V8 that can make some noise as they age. Sticking lifter, worn rocker shaft, even a small exhaust leak can all sound pretty catastrophic when in reality they are no big deal.

However, being your first foray into Land Rover ownership... a Series II Discovery with an engine issue will undoubtedly be a baptism by fire no matter how you slice it. Not that it's going to catch fire literally (it might), but there's going to be a learning curve... and it may be steep... financially and otherwise.

 

[tarditi]

Some vehicles make great projects - not sure this is one of them.

 

[LR Max]

Slipped liner probably.

These engines just...do that. My friends D2 has been making the noise for a couple of years now. Its kinda like, run it until it goes completely to crap.

That said, Cannibal V8 is in your town. They specialize in rebuilding and making the Rover V8 a good, solid unit.

http://www.cannibalv8.com/

What I would do is if the engine is the only/main problem with this truck (that you are concerned with), I'd offer $1k, go no more than $1500. Say it needs a new engine, blah blah blah. Then take it over to Cannibal and have a new V8 installed. I bet they would be happy to actually get a decent core back.

Dunno, just an idea. Once you replaced the engine, it'll be a solid truck.

Or spend $18k and get an LR3...which is pretty much the awesome. But you know, whichevs.

 

[Dendy Jarrett]

I am inclined (without hearing it) to believe it is either:

1) A dropped cylinder liner- Get it check by a reputable land rover mechanic

or

2) When water from the engine gets into the heater box, it can make a gurgling sound while driving (and it sounds odd to say the least). This is an indication of some sort of coolant leak or a new heater box is necessary.

It is a good looking truck ... btw.

D

 

[Howski]

This rig belonged to Chris (StolenHeron) who is a member of Expedition Portal. It has an extensive and well documented build thread here - http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/38658-Stolenheron-s-04-D2-thread?highlight=stolenheron I would budget accordingly for an engine replacement which, as others have mentioned, can run a few thousand dollars but isn't prohibitively expensive. If you can get a good deal on this truck, in the ballpark of $4000, I'd consider it worth it. It is a very nicely put together D2.

 

[roverandom]

See "Looking at D2's.....what should I be looking for??' Thread.

Or, for the readers digest version, just know that 8 times out of 10 a DII project is just not worth the effort.
My 2c.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[proper4wd]

IMO, replacing the engine does not make it a project if the rest of the vehicle is in very good condition.

My previous cautions still apply but we are not talking about a clapped out, rusty, soccer mom mobile that had 7 kids and 6 dogs living in it since 1998.

 

[stolenheron]

Yep that is my old truck. my god do i miss it, but it had motor issues which is why i ended up trading it in. I honestly, don't know what was wrong with the motor when i traded it in, but it has a loud tapping both at idle and under throttle. It could be a number of things (or combination of): slipped liner, valves (although i doubt it, they were redone at 60k), etc.

I got out of it because most likely, it was probably going to end up being a $3-5k job realistically at a shop to get the motor repaired or swapped.

what dealership is it at? what are they asking for it? if I had to do it again, I would have parted it out then sold it, probably would have got more for it than I did on trade in.

The mods list can be found in my thread. I took very good care of it while I had it from 2007 until 2013. It was wheeled, but always got proper treatment for repairs or upgrades.

It is embarrassing to say this, but I'm tearing up just writing about that Rover. The memories with that rig will stay with me the rest of my life. If you buy it or anyone on here buys it, please let me know.

 

[Dendy Jarrett]

Buy it back!


D

 

[stolenheron]

Buy it back!


D

I wish man, but it just isnt in the cards right now.

 

[superbuickguy]

Yep that is my old truck. my god do i miss it, but it had motor issues which is why i ended up trading it in. I honestly, don't know what was wrong with the motor when i traded it in, but it has a loud tapping both at idle and under throttle. It could be a number of things (or combination of): slipped liner, valves (although i doubt it, they were redone at 60k), etc.

I got out of it because most likely, it was probably going to end up being a $3-5k job realistically at a shop to get the motor repaired or swapped.

what dealership is it at? what are they asking for it? if I had to do it again, I would have parted it out then sold it, probably would have got more for it than I did on trade in.

The mods list can be found in my thread. I took very good care of it while I had it from 2007 until 2013. It was wheeled, but always got proper treatment for repairs or upgrades.

It is embarrassing to say this, but I'm tearing up just writing about that Rover. The memories with that rig will stay with me the rest of my life. If you buy it or anyone on here buys it, please let me know.

it blows me away at the affection that people have for their D2s - the guy I bought mine from was crushed when he sold it.... stone stock, but for whatever reason his brand new BMW didn't have the soul (his words). I accidentally told him that the reason he sold it was invalid.... a mechanic misdiagnosed it (blown head gasket) when it was a leaking hose.... oops.

 

[stolenheron]

it blows me away at the affection that people have for their D2s - the guy I bought mine from was crushed when he sold it.... stone stock, but for whatever reason his brand new BMW didn't have the soul (his words). I accidentally told him that the reason he sold it was invalid.... a mechanic misdiagnosed it (blown head gasket) when it was a leaking hose.... oops.

I would agree with his sentiments. This nissan I'm driving now is fantastic, but it doesnt have even 1/10th the character that the D2 had.