[CodyBurgett]

I'm looking at purchasing a 2003 Disco SE7 with 120k miles. Are there any things I really need to look for when test driving? I'm purchasing from a private owner who appears to have taken well care of the disco. He states he has replaced all parts that have normally failed in this model, and has also taken the time to replace the headliner. Any help and information would be appreciated. I've included the autotrader link if anyone wants to eye it out for me.

Cars for Sale: 2003 Land Rover Discovery SE7 in Nashville, TN 37214: Sport Utility Details - 349084374 - AutoTrader.com

 

[CodyBurgett]

I'd like to add, this disco will be a 3rd vehicle to play with. Not an everyday driver. I have a 2011 hyundai Tucson which is much more dependable for my every day car and alot easier at the gas pump. I've owned two Disco's in the past, a 97 model SE7 and a 2003 HSE. Had no issues with the 97 but the 2003 always had issues with brake sensors and 02 sensors going bad. The 2003 seemed to eat up the brakes as well. When I traded it in, the dealer had stated it had a cracked transfer case...which may have been attributed to a bad hang up while offroading.

 

[Disco Mike]

What are you going to use it for, it has no CDL, what are they asking for it?

 

[disco biscuit]

Lol. I'm gonna tell you better than anyone may be willing to.

If I were asked what to look for in an 03 disco...I would say I would look for an 04. Especially 8500$s I bought my 04 for 5k with 119k mi. The 04 is the year on that model. If your gonna pay premium price, get the most recommended year models. The 04 disco, 96 ford power stroke and 10 TDI Jetta are a perfect example. When looking for my land rover I lurked here first and switched from an 01 disco to an 04 from research. Do a favor and search here before making a decision. 8500$ for an 03 with 120+ mi is bad news. Look a the Kelly Blue Book value and deduct a couple grand there's ur price. The depreciation isn't as bad on the Lr3s but I'm telling you right now don't pay that for that truck.

 

[CodyBurgett]

Mainly just looking for a 3rd vehicle to do some light offroading, mainly to take camping and pull a boat on occasion.

 

[CodyBurgett]

Thanks for your input disco. Even a 03 with well maintenance wouldn't be any better than an 04 model? I'm also considering a 04 disco HSE with 89k miles for roughly the same price. Also looks to have been taking care of. No matter what the decision, a trip to the local dealer for a check up by a technician will be a must.

 

[Disco Mike]

I understand you have owned a D1, but a D2 is a whole different vehicle and I would suggest you have a pre-purchase inspection done before you buy one.

 

[disco biscuit]

I'm telling you pay less than 8500 for an 04. Hell less than 6 unless service records including head gaskets, water system rebuild. Power steering too.
Listen to mike also. Hell PM your number to him, reference this thread and he'll guide you to the disco you need. At this age, at least go through every item on his high mileage maintenance list before you buy it. You should look for a highly recomended independent shop in your area and have it inspected unless your capable of doing it yourself. I saved my purchase because I noticed tranny fluid and negotiated an extra 1k off of it. I saw the leak was at the tranny cooler but he didn't. There's some issue like that on both of those vehicles.

Oh yeah...03=-Center Differential Lock...=04 far more capable

 

[jafir]

I agree with disco biscuit. $8500 is high for an 03. I just sold my 03 with quite a bit of bling (not enough function yet....) for $5000. It looks like the guy had my Greg Davis bumper installed and it's back on craigslist for $6000. I'm not sure if he was unhappy for some reason or if he was just trying to make a quick $500-$1000.


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[columbiar]

Lol. I'm gonna tell you better than anyone may be willing to.

If I were asked what to look for in an 03 disco...I would say I would look for an 04. Especially 8500$s I bought my 04 for 5k with 119k mi. The 04 is the year on that model. If your gonna pay premium price, get the most recommended year models. The 04 disco, 96 ford power stroke and 10 TDI Jetta are a perfect example. When looking for my land rover I lurked here first and switched from an 01 disco to an 04 from research. Do a favor and search here before making a decision. 8500$ for an 03 with 120+ mi is bad news. Look a the Kelly Blue Book value and deduct a couple grand there's ur price. The depreciation isn't as bad on the Lr3s but I'm telling you right now don't pay that for that truck.

An 04 for $5k! Wow! In the NW, you wouldn't touch that same truck for less than 2 or 3 times that price. The most you would get is a broken down 2000.