looking at a 04 discovery s

[mainerova]

im looking a an 04 discovery s, about 70k on it and in great shape. Would this needs the heads redone soon or was that more of an issue with 99-02 discos?

the s model is a 5 seater with no front fogs and the hse wheels.

thanks!

Mark

 

[Tugela]

The 2004 S is desirable to some folks because it has fewer amenities/luxury features/things to go wrong. I'm no D2 expert, but I don't think there is any escaping head gaskets. If the S has the same engine as the other 2004s, and I don't see why it wouldn't, you may have other long term engine troubles, as well. Still, the mileage is low so if you can negotiate a good price then why not go for it? Don't forget the inspection option, you may find other mechanical issues that will influence your decision to buy or how hard you negotiate.

 

[jimjet]

yes
it will need head gaskets
i havnt owned a disco yet that has not needed head gaskets.
search my posts / threads i recently did them after living with the leak for a while.

jim

 

[mainerova]

thanks Guys!

 

[Paul K]

The 'S' model is pretty basic, so I hope you can get it for a good price!

Yes, you will need head gaskets.

 

[adriatic04]

s is a great model IMO.

 

[mainerova]

i agree

 

[jeffro0502]

My 03 S is at 129K and still going strong (knock on wood) and have heard of a few that go much longer than that. However I'm ready if the need arises.

 

[mainerova]

good to know, thanks

 

[ChristopherP]

My heads went south last week at 57,031 miles.

 

[jgdisco2]

I love my 04 s! And the heads were done by the dealer before I bought it( I got it with 67k) so eventually at one time or another they will need fixing. The only thing I don't like about mine is the S seats, I miss my armrests and seat heaters:ack:

 

[KyleT]

there is no benefit to buying an S other than the wheels and a greater probability that it does not have sunroofs. Mechanically they are the same.

 

[DougG]

Head gaskets every 60,000 miles.

 

[Lucasd2002]

there is no benefit to buying an S other than the wheels and a greater probability that it does not have sunroofs. Mechanically they are the same.

I disagree. The 'S' is less likely to have the air bags SLS or the ACE systems, which I think is an advantage. Finding a truck without sunroofs like mine is significantly more realistic for 'S' trucks compared to the other trim levels (although this is difficult to find even for 'S' models).

I love my 04 s! And the heads were done by the dealer before I bought it( I got it with 67k) so eventually at one time or another they will need fixing. The only thing I don't like about mine is the S seats, I miss my armrests and seat heaters:ack:

jgdisco2- my S has seat heaters, and as far as I know, it is not difficult to add seat heaters. I have been told that most trucks have the elements and wiring installed even if they don't have the switches installed.

 

[adriatic04]

jgdisco2- my S has seat heaters, and as far as I know, it is not difficult to add seat heaters. I have been told that most trucks have the elements and wiring installed even if they don't have the switches installed.

I believe the story is: if you have leather seats, you have the heating elements. All you need is the actual plug and new fascia for the switch plate. The wiring is right behind the current fascia.

If you have an S model with duragrain the elements are not present unless you have the cold weather package.

 

[Blue]

I love my 2004 S, just like I loved my 1996 SD. When it comes to Land Rovers, the more bells & whistles you have the more headaches you will have. Hell, I almost wish this thing had roll-up windows and manual door locks (I have one manual door lock on mine...LOL).

 

[soccrscot11]

I have an 03 SE7 and from what I understand the 04s are pretty much the same. I'm on engine number 3 at 133K miles. Replaced both rear hubs, upper radiator tank, coolant overflow tank, power steering pump, power steering gear box, and front drive shaft. Just drove across the country and looks like I still have a power steering leak and possibly another draft shaft problem. Take this for what's it worth but I would suggest an 99-02 disco due to the engine problems.

 

[KyleT]

I disagree. The 'S' is less likely to have the air bags SLS or the ACE systems, which I think is an advantage. Finding a truck without sunroofs like mine is significantly more realistic for 'S' trucks compared to the other trim levels (although this is difficult to find even for 'S' models).



jgdisco2- my S has seat heaters, and as far as I know, it is not difficult to add seat heaters. I have been told that most trucks have the elements and wiring installed even if they don't have the switches installed.

you can find an se without bags or ace.... Few 04s even had ace......

Leather is nicer and tougher imo than the duragrain and arm rests are a must for me.... Like i sai they are the same and have the same common issues.

 

[adriatic04]

I love my 2004 S, just like I loved my 1996 SD. When it comes to Land Rovers, the more bells & whistles you have the more headaches you will have. Hell, I almost wish this thing had roll-up windows and manual door locks (I have one manual door lock on mine...LOL).

x2 I would convert to manual windows and manual locks if there were a kit readily available.

I also do not think the leather holds up as well as the duragrain.

 

[Blue]

The duragrain in my 04 S has impressed me. It is easy cheesy to clean (hell, it's basically rubber) and the only wear spots are a split in the piping on the outside thigh bolster of each front seat from where people drag themselves out of the seat to exit the truck. This is only a problem after the lift because you have to turn in the seat and then kind of slide out and jump to the ground instead of just stepping out. Other than that the duragrain looks new, unlike 7 year old leather with 80,000 miles on it.