Newbie with some tech questions VAG-COM & 03 Disco

[JoMar]

Hello there,

Newbie here with some tech questions for you all. I am currently looking at an 03 Disco. It has some minor issues that seem ok to me to fix. I have read nothing but horror stories about the 01-04 Disco and this one is firmly in the middle of that. Are they decent to live with? What should throw up a huge red flag for me when I inspect the vehicle?

Ok here is an odd question. I have a couple of more modern VW's and they all have an ODB port in them that oddly enough is the same as the one on the Land Rover (are these plugs universal?). Anyway, the one end is the car interface the other is a USB plug that I use with the VW Vag-Com software. My question is; is there software out there that can use this cable? If so is it windows or mac based?

Thanks for all your help in advanced. My wife and I are looking forward to this new addition.

[Disco Mike]

Take the vi. number and call your local Rover service manager to find out if it is on their hit list for possible failing oil pump/engine, this is your main concern with any 03.
What are you planning on using a Disco for?

[JoMar]

Thanks Disco Mike,

I will do that. As far as use, I am purchasing it because I need a family off road vehicle. I know they are more of a luxury vehicle but I need something rugged that can go hunting when I do falconry and also hold up to trips to my parents cabin out in the sticks. All at the same time carrying a 100lb dog and 2 kids. The Land Rover seemed to be a very good fit for this. I am replacing a newish Passat 4motion wagon (which cannot go off road).

I hope I am not stepping on toes with my intentions. I see there are some blingy LR's here, and this will probably not be my first choice for what to do with the truck.

Thanks,

- Joe