| Author | Message | ||
     Justin Randolph Sherfy (Jrsherfy) New Member Username: Jrsherfy Post Number: 1 Registered: 08-2003 |
I bought a used '03 Discovery II S. It has 5k miles on it. I will be picking it up this Saturday. I must admit, right now, I'm very concerned about it's quality as a vehicle. It seems everyone who posts messages on MSN or Yahoo has nothing but complaints about it's continuous need for maintenance. How is it that so many people swear by their Discos, but there seems to be so many maintenance issues with them? Am I just hearing about the worst case scenarios, or do Disco owners put up with the problems because the vehicle performs so well off road? Looking for some encouragement if possible. | ||
| June H. Han (Junehhan) Member Username: Junehhan Post Number: 65 Registered: 04-2003 |
To be honest, when you visit a online forum for a specific vehicle, you will generally hear more people talking about problems than anything else. When people have problems, they generally want to talk about it to blow steam and usually go seeking for communities that allow them to let people know about it. There are also many owners who havn't had problems, or have had minor problems that you don't hear about because people who are content generally don't seek out ways to tell people about it. The Disco however isn't a perfect vehicle, and particularly enthusiasts are generally willing to tolerate some of the common problems with them in order to own such a unique and potentially capable offroader. You really are hearing the worst case scenario's when you visit various message boards, particularly ones that attract more of your "casual" owners than the enthusiast owners. I would like to congradulate you on your purchase of your fine SUV as I bought my 03 Disco not to long as well. With almost 3500 miles on it, it's doing great and havn't had any problems with it. I got a chance to break in my SUV offroad, and while the lack of a CDL hurts a bit, it is still incredibly capable, and much tougher than almost anything in it's class. | ||
| michael burt (Mikeyb) Senior Member Username: Mikeyb Post Number: 392 Registered: 03-2002 |
they can be a little prone to niggling troubles...but there are some reasons for some of the troubles. and it seems that the people who are willing to roll up their shirt sleeves and work on them themselves have the easiest time. some of the earlier ones leaked oil (to the point where if it was not leaking at least some, it was because it was empty of fluids, not that it was fixed). you should not have that particular problem, because you have a different engine. there was a time that sales exceeded production, so the key was on building them fast and not necessarly well. but those days have passed too. so, yeah...discos have had an interesting reputation, but if you hang around on this board, do some reading, and have a willingness to tackle some stuff yourself, then you should be ok...i will not say that your new truck is assured to be trouble free, but i will say i, personally, have found some of the "problems" to be people who may not be well suited to owning a disco. i can't remember where i saw this, but i saw a slam of disco's because the guy did not like the radio volume knob or the central positioning of the window controls. so he thought disco's sucked. i, on the other hand, thought his opinion sucked. welcome to the board and good luck with your new friend. mike | ||
| Alan Yim (Alan) Senior Member Username: Alan Post Number: 695 Registered: 09-2002 |
I think it's a bit of both. If you get bitten by the "bug", you'll swear by these trucks especially if you see/experience them in action. Don't forget though, you'll hear far more complaints than you will praises on BBS's and review sites. Problems get far more "squeeking" as people tend to focus on them more than the good stuff. Or at least, that's been my own experience. But if you did your research and the truck you bought is in good condition, you probably have nothing to worry about. | ||
| Peter J. Kelly (Pjkbrit) New Member Username: Pjkbrit Post Number: 33 Registered: 05-2003 |
problems yes....but actually I know PLENTY of folks with other cars and there own problems; example, the friend of mine with a new Porsche Boxster...oil on the clutch at 18000 miles and Porsche refused to warranty it...'wear and tear'...yet the clutch failed cos the crank oil seal blew letting oil to the clutch!!!! My 99 D2 has 60K...has had stupid electrical things...had to have the radio repaired recently, the HVAC system ain't working right...but to drive.....it's the best. Oh ....and last weekend I got to drive a friends new Chevy Suburban!!!!! It felt loose and drove really poorly compared to the Rover....in fact I thought it a real dissapointment....didn't think they were that cheap & nasty. | ||
| Christopher Boese (Christopher) Member Username: Christopher Post Number: 126 Registered: 10-2002 |
Yeah, mixed feelings, mixed answers. I had a '95 DI and it was nothing but trouble, but I just loved that truck. I now have an '02 with about 6500 miles on it, and it's been trouble-free except for a creaking noise in the suspension/steering that some lubrication was able to fix. It does seem as if Land Rover got it together with the introduction of the Series II Discoveries. Still, you also have to keep in mind that DI owners who post here use their trucks offroad and in poor conditions, so some problems are inevitable. The thing is that I wouldn't trust any other truck (except maybe a Hummer H1 or Mercedes G500) to do the things a Land Rover can do offroad. | ||
| Kenny Bissett (Jetson) New Member Username: Jetson Post Number: 25 Registered: 07-2003 |
FWIW - I started out enthusiastic, then after my engine had to be replaced, I became angry that such an expensive vehicle could have such problems. However, they (the dealers) were quick to fix everything and they usually knew about the problem in advance. Nowadays - I've done another 180 - and I've become quite the enthusiast. The truck has 80k on it and it's running very well. I just added new tires and removed the front bumper in preparation for an off road bumber. I'm very excited again! Also - this board has given me a new sense of hope and enthusiasm about the truck and what it's capable of. In short - I've finally been bitten by the LR off-road bug. Kenny | ||
| Chris Browne (Chris_browne) Senior Member Username: Chris_browne Post Number: 265 Registered: 02-2003 |
I was looking at Alldata's tsb section...land rover nothing nothing nothing..Toyota brakes/fuel tank etc etc etc. EG Sequoia owners before they installed bigger brakes were going through pads in under 7k, and rotors before 20k........ Honda just took a quarterly hit on Transmissions for the Odessey which have failed.... Everyone can mess up, I suspect your new truck might have been a dealer loaner and while with any vehicle a little fine tuning may be needed here and there, enjoy the super performance from that 4.6 and a long life | ||
| Eric Olsen (Eric_olsen) Member Username: Eric_olsen Post Number: 59 Registered: 02-2003 |
Justin, just know one thing. If you don't mind working on your rig and want a tough ass truck, this is the one to own. If you want reliability and a trouble free rig "DO NOT BUY A LAND ROVER". I love my 2000 DII, I am at 62k miles and have had the following things replaced at my cost. Three differentials (one under warranty), a radiator, a starter, a flywheel, front driveshaft, and an engine rebuild (actully replacement of the head gaskets), not even mentioning the little problems that could be fixed within a day and without down time. I still do not want any other vehicle. Just do not be fooled, a Land Rover is a hobby. | ||
| Ross Thoma (Rossthoma) Member Username: Rossthoma Post Number: 181 Registered: 08-2002 |
I have an 03 with 19000ish miles on it and nothing but oil changes. No leaks drips or nothing, well just the light knock of the •••••• shifting into reverse. Knock on wood... Ross Thoma | ||
| Kyle (Tweaked) New Member Username: Tweaked Post Number: 8 Registered: 03-2003 |
ross- speaking of that light knock, I too own a 03 and have heard that same thing. What's the noise and is it something to get checked out? | ||
| Justin Randolph Sherfy (Jrsherfy) New Member Username: Jrsherfy Post Number: 2 Registered: 08-2003 |
Eric, Please tell me that some of the things you replaced were your own fault due to rigorous off-roading. It's hard for me to believe three differentials failed without being put to the test. JRS | ||
| Hill Mainor (Gahill2) New Member Username: Gahill2 Post Number: 28 Registered: 06-2003 |
I also have an 03. The knock is present on mine as well. I have 13,000 miles and no trouble as of yet. My nav screen did black out once because it got too hot. That is all that has happened so far. Hope all stays well.... | ||
| Luis Constantin (Luisc) Member Username: Luisc Post Number: 119 Registered: 02-2003 |
If the 03's are a big improvement over a 98 D1, then maybe I should consider an 04 when the CDL makes a comeback. Just having a hard time thinking of getting rid of the 98, we've been through so much together. | ||
| Eric Olsen (Eric_olsen) Member Username: Eric_olsen Post Number: 60 Registered: 02-2003 |
Justin, Nothing more than small hills and some muddy fields. The first one to fail was replaced early under warranty, so I never had a chance to inspect the unit. At around 58k miles I bagan to hear noise from the rear again. I decided to install ARB lockers in both diffs to replace the stock gears, in hopes of a stronger diff. If you are familiar with the ETC, you know it puts great stress on the spider gears, IMO. I will try and post a pic of the damaged gears. I was shocked when I removed thee diffs, I really do not go offroad much. | ||
| eric johnson (Eric2) Member Username: Eric2 Post Number: 83 Registered: 05-2003 |
Eric O, Going thru three diff's that fast is very unusual. I wonder if your axel case was damaged, either at the factory or in shipping. The diff. housing may not be in alignment with the axels or and/or driveline. If it's still under warrenty, get a new axel housing. If it's out of warrenty, I'd prolly get a good used one. Did you buy it new? | ||
| Eric Olsen (Eric_olsen) Member Username: Eric_olsen Post Number: 64 Registered: 02-2003 |
Eric, I did buy it new and everything else is fine with the housing. I think over time people will see a common problem with the spider gears of DII's that are taken offroad. I will go and take a pic of the diff and post it. | ||
| Eric Olsen (Eric_olsen) Member Username: Eric_olsen Post Number: 65 Registered: 02-2003 |
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| Eric Olsen (Eric_olsen) Member Username: Eric_olsen Post Number: 66 Registered: 02-2003 |
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| Eric Olsen (Eric_olsen) Member Username: Eric_olsen Post Number: 67 Registered: 02-2003 |
The first pic is the rear, it was by far the worst with cracks and missing pieces throughout the gears. The second is the front, It only has damage to a couple teeth. | ||
| Ross Thoma (Rossthoma) Member Username: Rossthoma Post Number: 182 Registered: 08-2002 |
Kyle From what I've read and heard It's quite common on the rover's ZF ••••••. I found that if I shift with my foot on the brake the sound is less, but I will find out at the Land-Ho's next appointment. Ross Thoma | ||
| eric johnson (Eric2) Member Username: Eric2 Post Number: 84 Registered: 05-2003 |
Eric O, Well, hmmm, harrumph, um, errr, etc. And what does the dealer say? Gee, nice 35" meats. Rover does/did make a 4 pin diff., usually for military, but maybe used in 110's. | ||
| Tonym (Tonym) New Member Username: Tonym Post Number: 24 Registered: 03-2002 |
I've owned a Disco '02 since March 2002. With 27k miles on it I have had zero problems. I tow a small boat fairly regularly and don't really baby the truck. | ||
| Eric Olsen (Eric_olsen) Member Username: Eric_olsen Post Number: 68 Registered: 02-2003 |
Eric, I am out of warranty. The dealer is out of the picture. I installed ARB's to make the diff's stronger. 35" meats?? I think you may be looking at someone elses truck, I only run 265/75. | ||
| Jaime Crusellas (Jaime) Member Username: Jaime Post Number: 80 Registered: 05-2003 |
Eric, I thought that Lockers and Electronic Traction Control don't mix. Your experience certainly seems to point in that direction. The ETC decides to put the brakes on a wheel, and the locker still wants to turn it. Something has to give and it looks like its the diff. Justin, I have 2 97 discos since new. 65k and 90k miles. The most involved repair was a water pump at 80k miles. I would never give these vehicles up. They are great on the road, and fantastic off road. I think the '03 has to have better on road performance than the 97, and statistically better build quality. I think you're experiencing buyers anxiety. Relax, you made a good decision, enjoy the truck, and if you have problems, we'll help you. | ||
| Bill Collett (Bcollett) New Member Username: Bcollett Post Number: 2 Registered: 07-2003 |
I have an 03 with 12,000 miles and I love it. If I had known that they were bringing back the cdl in 04, I would have waited. AS far as problems, I have just had a bunch of interior crap like the sun roof tracks go out, and the ACE had a bad valve block. I also here the noise going into reverse. | ||
| Justin Randolph Sherfy (Jrsherfy) New Member Username: Jrsherfy Post Number: 3 Registered: 08-2003 |
Jaime, Thanks for the encouragement. I picked up my new Disco on Saturday. It's awesome. I drove it from Springfield, Missouri to San Antonio, Texas and had no problems. Actually, my friend drove it for 10 hours of the 12 hour trip. Once I let him take it in Big Cabin, Oklahoma, he wouldn't give it back. I followed him in my little pickup. I can't wait to take it on another road trip. Hopefully, on the next trip mud or snow will be involved. JRS | ||
| June H. Han (Junehhan) Member Username: Junehhan Post Number: 76 Registered: 04-2003 |
That noise you guys sometimes hear when shifting into reverse is actually pretty normal. Mine does it, and many other SUV's do it as well. Bill, what happened when the moonroof tracks went bad? | ||
| Bill Collett (Bcollett) New Member Username: Bcollett Post Number: 4 Registered: 07-2003 |
The first sign will be a popping noise when you open them. So far just my front sun roof has gone bad, the rear is still ok. | ||
| Eric Olsen (Eric_olsen) Member Username: Eric_olsen Post Number: 71 Registered: 02-2003 |
Jaime, I installed the ARB's after the last diff problem. The lockers and ETC have no conflict, they work fine together. (actually the ETC does not come on while the lockers are engaged) Eric 2000 DII | ||
| Tom J (Tom_j) New Member Username: Tom_j Post Number: 1 Registered: 08-2003 |
I have an 03 with 22,000 miles. So far I've had the stereo and power steering pump replaced. No leaks or anything yet. | ||
| June H. Han (Junehhan) Member Username: Junehhan Post Number: 78 Registered: 04-2003 |
Tom, and those of you with higher mileage 03's so far, how are certain wear items doing at the time? How are the Goodyear Wrangler HP's wearing, and how is brake pad life doing? | ||
| Luis Constantin (Luisc) Member Username: Luisc Post Number: 136 Registered: 02-2003 |
I've been wondering about rust/corrosion issues with the D2. I've been entertaining the idea of getting a 2004. But I'm having a hard time parting with my 98 D1. I haven't had problems yet. But I keep hearing about them. I can deal with mechanical issues, but I can't put up with a car with leprosy. | ||
| Jamil Abbasy (Jamooche) Member Username: Jamooche Post Number: 52 Registered: 05-2003 |
Maybe this will help... These brand new vehicles all left me stranded: Volvo 850R MB ML430 (Dozens of times stranded) Lexus RX300 (Stranded twice) Granted I've had my 1999 Disco II for 1 month, but so far so good. | ||
| Justin Randolph Sherfy (Jrsherfy) New Member Username: Jrsherfy Post Number: 4 Registered: 08-2003 |
Tom, What happened with your stereo? Justin | ||
| Tom J (Tom_j) New Member Username: Tom_j Post Number: 3 Registered: 08-2003 |
Justin, the speakers on the drivers side of the truck wouldn't work. June, tires look to have about 10,000 miles left on them and the front brakes look to be about half gone. I drive a lot of highway miles so my brakes will likely last a lot longer than normal. | ||
| June H. Han (Junehhan) Member Username: Junehhan Post Number: 84 Registered: 04-2003 |
Thanks for the response Tom. I do mostly rush hour city driving, so i'm cringing at the thought of how short my brake pad life might be. |
