Puchase advice

[Black_and_Blue]

This is my first post so apologize if this is a duplicative thread. On the verge of pulling the trigger for an 03 Series II SE7. While it's bit high in the miles (67k) it's got the unlimited warranty ('til 100k). Having a 94 NAS ST know all too well how expensive repairs can be for Rovers, so the latter is key.

Guess what I'd like to know is there anything peculiar about the 03's I need to know before buying? With the Defenders you basically know when everything is about to go -- my alternator, starter, water pump, radiator basically all died together.

The truck I'm looking at appears to be bone stock, and the only thing that's been replaced (according to owner and the maintenance records) is the power steering reservoir. Other than that it's had the basic maintenance but none of the hardware is shot. Also noticed during the test drive I really had to come down hard on the brakes, but there's no pulling so wonder if that's just how these things stop?

Any advice you guys might have would be great, TM

 

[flyfisher11]

The '03 has no CDL. In order to retro it you would need to do a lot to the transfer case. The '04 has the CDL. The '00, '01s have the CDL nipple you just have to install a shifter or solenoid in order to use it properly. You can also move it with a wrench from underneath. With that all said, is a CDL important to you? Will you be offroading with the disco? If not no big deal but if you are the CDL is invaluable.

The brakes on these things are not the best. I have DBAs and still have to get down hard on mine, especially in the mountains.

Best of luck,

Mike

 

[rcshauger]

the 03 is not a bad truck. The CDL thing is a bit of a touchy topic on this forum, but if your wheeling is light duty and you want a good solid truck it sounds good. There was a oil pump recall (can blow the engine when it goes) and the brakes on the 03 are better than the 00-02. The 03 should have the 4.6 and some of the late production 03s have a CDL. I have done snow, mud, water, and rough two track off roading without needing to engage the CDL, so if you are not going to use this as a rock crawler, if the price is right and the maintenance is clear and the recalls have been done, etc. go for it. If you are going to be scratching up that 03 with some rocks and limbs off road, get a disco 1 with a clear history. If you want a bit more reliable and comfortable ride, go for it. The 03-04 are pretty and still very functional without the CDL engaged.


Short of it:
1. get it checked out!
2. make sure all recall work has been done. It could cost you an engine
3. know how you will use the truck and get one that fits your use and tollerance for quirks

 

[Black_and_Blue]

Great replies, thanks. CDL is great, but I'd be lying if it was in my 'need to have category.' 95 percent of my driving these days is on roads, envision the most fun I'd have in the Disco would be hitting a few trails when I'm back home in Southern VA, and that barely happens any more.

Good to know about the brakes and the oil pump, recall issues. If I pull the trigger expect to see the ST up on the for sale section. I'll have my mechanic take a look at it this week, fill you in. TM

 

[JPA]

READ THE FINE PRINT ON THE WARRANTY.

Unlimited warranty sounds a little fishy to me. Some folks on here have been burned by their "warranty" because the fine print read something like, "we don't cover non-machanical failures".

If you know a lawyer, get him to look at it as well. As a rule of thumb, extended warranties are shite for any vehicle other than a Disco. Just make sure you know exactly what is covered, then you won't have any bad surprises when repairs come up!

 

[Black_and_Blue]

Thanks I am and read it when I met with seller. He bought it from LR when he purchased it last year, cost 4k. Covers everything 'cept for the usual (brake pads, wipers, etc) BUT there is a $200 deductible for each visit. Seeing as how the going rate for labor at most of the stealerships around here is $125 an hour that isn't a deal killer.

 

[JPA]

does it transfer to new ownership? YOu might want to call your local dealership to verify...

 

[Black_and_Blue]

Yes it does.

While the old adage about things being too good to be true doesn't apply to the warranty the advice you guys have given me on what to look for has been great. Will make sure all the recall work has been done and have the mechanic look it over.

 

[JPA]

you can never be too careful! I bought a house and was told that the original home warranty would transfer w/ ownership...it didn't!

Good luck, Rovers are addictive!