Land Rover Discovery "R" Reg Diesel - comments please!!!

[TheTravelMan]

hi there, a work collegue has offered me their "R" Reg, Land Rover Discovery 2.5 Diesel for £2500 - £3000. It has power steering, electric windows etc. seems in good condition but I need to go and look at it properly now i know it is for sale. What are these vehicles like, eg: power, reliability and economy. Do they tow ok? I have a Swift caravan which weighs mtplm of 1450. Any general comments appreciated! Does the price sound good,or what should I expect to pay? I am unsure of mileage but don't think it is more than 150k but could be as little as 100k. I am looking at this vehicle as a short term stand in. as i currently use my parents Isuzu Rodeo 3.0 to tow with, and expect to aquire this vehicle within the next 12 - 18 months when my dad gets his new one.

 

[Danny_5134221]

Andrew, Landrovers are usually tow anything anywhere tools and built to take a bit of abuse. An R reg one for that money is alot of motor for your money. Just think how much they are when new.

Carefully check what sort of life it has had incase you are buying a load of trouble, electrics especially. The engine might have a few miles under its belt but check for smoking and more oil on the outside than on the inside etc. Have a look under the oil filler cap for any milky residue, this may indicate a blown head gasket or cracked head. With the engine running take the oil cap of and see if any smoke is visible, loads of smoke means the rings are worn. Rattles and knocks are not uncommon on a diesel but anything excessive walk away.

Make sure when driving it feels ok and does not pull to one side and it stops in a straight line, make sure all gears work and 4 wheel drive engages ok and works. Bodywork speaks for itself and go for your gut feeling !

You can go on and on with checks etc but its not that much money for that sort of motor.

 

[mcghee]

Make sure it'll go into 2nd on a downchange and doesn't stick in 2nd.

Change the timing belt immediately since the diesel pump on the 300 model had a tendency to wear the belt unevenly.

Have a good look at the rear half of the floorpan in front of the rear arches, they had a tendency to fall out, so much so the LR dealers keep them in stock.

Check the rear chassis mount which can rust pretty badly, and they're not cheap to replace.

 

[TheTravelMan]

hi again, thanks for your comments so far!! Well just a quick update. the discovery is a 1997 "R" Reg, done 112,000 miles from new. my collegue has owned it for past 4 years and averaged quite a low 8,000 miles per year. Tax end of july and MOT 2 aug 07, he also said he has been offered