[soggynachos]

Hello everyone. New to the forum, and new to the LR world (well not yet), so please bear with me. I am seriously thinking about purchasing an 03 Discovery that is in immaculate shape. It has 79K miles and runs great. The engine looks to have had all the hoses replaced, valve covers changed, not a drop of oil anywhere (although I have read that's inevitable ). I have researched this thing for several days now, and the issue of the failing oil pump really concerns me. Eventhough I can get a really great deal on this truck, I still don't want to risk it being useless in the near future. Everything I have read on this issue is kind of back and forth. Some say that once you reach a certain mileage mark, you should be okay, then I read others that totally debunk that theory and others that have had no problems at all. The VIN to the truck that I want to purchase does fall into the range of the problematic ones. Can anyone make any recommendations? Is there anything I can check, test or otherwise to see if this particular truck is likely to fail? Can I buy a 3rd party extended warranty that will cover the engine if it fails, or will it not be covered by any warranty company since LR has claimed that it was a defect in manufacturing? I would be very grateful for any advice or help anyone here can give. TIA

 

[soggynachos]

The price is $4K. I will be using it as my main vehicle, probably not much if any off-road. As far as being mechanical, I can do the basics but that's about it. If the engine blew, I would be screwed. I did contact a local repair shop that specializes in LR and they offer a pre-purchase inspection for $150. If I decide to get it, I will definitely do that first. And I have already verified the VIN and it does fall in the range of the bad pump issues.

During my research on this truck I've seen you post several comments and you seem very knowledgeable...is there even anything they can look for in an inspection to determine if there is a higher probability that there may be issues? This problem just seems to happen with no warning of any kind. One minute you're driving, and then BAM!! the oil pump explodes and you need a new engine. That would suck with the whole fam in the truck headed out of town on vacation. Assuming I get the inspection done, are there any must ask questions that you think I should know?

 

[soggynachos]

Thanks for all the advice guys. As far as the price, let's just say that it's a "unique situation." I'm not concerned with anyone hiding anything. The tests you mention, should something like that be included in the $150 pre-purchase test I mentioned earlier? Also, the previous owner owned the truck for 2 years and only put about 8K miles on it. Mike, you mentioned that if it's got 80K it's most likely ok. Should I be concerned that with more regular driving, more problems could creep up?