Two Recommendations if you haven't already: #1- swap to a 180° (TD5) thermostat to lower coolant temp by 10° and enhance the longevity of the head gasket and further prevent overheating. #2 - check that you have zerk fittings on the front prop shaft U-Joints. Land Rover did not supply serviceable UJs - and is the cause for the EXPLOSIVE failures that can take out the transmission and cat convertors. If you haven't converted you're just asking for that grenade to go off. The pin is pulled! Just swap out the UJs to ones that have the fittings (or purchase a fully reconned prop from Great Basins Rovers) The Double Carden joint on that front shaft conceals a pin grease fitting that if you don't look for it you'll never see and never service. The pin grease gun fitting is about $10 from NAPA. Grease 'em all every 5K.
I bought one for $1400.00 I was gonna get a Jeep when it died. But it hasn't died, took it from Kings canyon to Mike's sky ranch and back with all the lights on the dash on. It made it there and back no problem. I got it at 165,000miles. It's at 210,000 now. It just won't die. Love it.
Where do Discos tend to leak, is it past the transfer-case driveshaft oil seal? If so I would imagine some aftermarket oil seal mfg wouldve built a retrofit kit, I mean 3 aftermarket companies have kits for the Porsche 996 IMS motor bearing, and that involves not just an aftermarket bearing cap to hold a lubricated plain bearing, but also new oil lubrication lines and tap fittings installed. I guess it would be a straightforward aftermarket solution if the transfter-case seals and bearings are secured by a cap-ring, if they're installed from the inside of the transfer-case with a cap on the inside, aftermarket would require re-machining the transfer-case and that would turn expensive in a hurry.
The BIG secret to Land Rover ownership, is to always have at least 2 or 3 minor things broken. If you try to get it perfect, something else will snap, leak, fall off or catch fire in protest. Least, that has been my experience over the past 25 years of ownership! 😂😂😂
You couldnt be more right, was replacing the head gaskets and broke all three studs from the exhaust manifold on the 2000 disco. Now gatta get that replaced. She was running fine with the head gasket leak but thought I'd go ahead and fix it...
@@kevindiehm7404 You now know better for next time 😂😂 Exhaust studs are always a pig on Land Rovers. The only way I found that they came out without shearing was to heat up the manifold with a gas axe first. But then all the oil in the local area of the engine bay would go up and melt some crucial bit of the wiring loom. 😱😱
Strange thing is I still see my 1986 Ninety D420JRL in Edgbaston that I sold in 1989 with some frustration that I was always underneath it tightening up things falling off and now it's managed to grow a hard top and convert itself from 2.5 petrol to 300 TDI . I'd buy it back in a heartbeat at 3x what I sold it for, but suspect the lucky custodian has it for keeps!
My mom passed away a month ago. She used to drive this truck and she loved it so much. It always makes me think of her when I see it. I've been thinking about getting one in memory of her and I think you just sold me on it. they're so beautiful and cool (she was too). funny enough, my then 16 year old brother totaled hers at the time after they had just put thousands of dollars of repairs into it lol. good times. thanks for this video.
This reminds me of the Top Gear Bolivia Special. Clarkson brings what should be the least reliable vehicle of the three, (Range Rover) then proceeds to run the only car that completes the entire route.
@@trianggaindralukmana2184 SJ not Jimmy and it's took water in its tank making it stall alot and sheered the rear suspension that had to be repaired , range rover did do some over heating at times apart from that it rescued the the other cars a few times and was by far the most comfortable car
@@stagz1358 suzuki indonesia give name sj410 as jimny, i think top gear is scenario show, so not real adventure. RR more comfort because long wheel base compare others. suppose fj60 the rival not fj40
100% correct. See it all the time as a mechanic. Customer drives 19,000 miles on one oil change and 3 quarts low. When it blows up they say its a piece of crap. Happens 3-4 times a week at the dealership.
@@grantmctaggart9942 "worked in a european auto shop" that says it all regarding your ignorant opinion of land rover, most so called land rover 'technicians' wouldn't know their arsehole from their elbow, most of the owners of land rover think they can drop them off a cliff once a week and service them every thirty years and expect them to run perfect ! worked on, owned, and driven, sold, slept in land rovers (as well as toyota ,jeep, etc etc) for over forty years, like the old advert said 'best 4x4 by far' end of.......
Hands down have never loved driving a vehicle as much as my 04 Disco II. I don't know what it is, but it's making me want to pay whatever it takes to keep driving it.
I have had 3. I was going through a divorce and decided to sell. Well I moved out and Christmas time came along. I was like how am I going to get a Christmas tree without a Disco. So I bought another one last year! Still have it! I can't explain it?
@Smitty I've owned my Disc ll for 16 years. Had to replace the engine 6 years ago. On and off trouble with the coolent and oil. Everything was great until 4 days ago. It wouldn't pass inspection because the frame is too rusted, they say. I have another appt. Wed at a good place a friend recommended. Maybe it will pass? I'm stunned. And heartbroken. I enjoy driving that Disco ll so much. I'm not sure what to do. Hubby says sell it. I've had 5 people ask me to sell it to them since September '22. I just hate the idea of not having it. It was supposed to be the last auto I would buy. To last till I couldn't drive anymore. Now I'm not sure I can afford someone to replace the frame. I've got to call Rovers North. Maybe they know something. Yea I get it. I always wanted a Bronco or LR. It just creeping me out right now.
@@dannyeverley7532 it use to pop on every now and then for me but all you need to do is replace the abs module cpu thing with an upgrade one and the problem goes away.
I've owned a 2006 Range Rover Sport for many years and has traveled all over the USA territory. NO PROBLEMS EVER! It is the family's favorite vehicle and has 255,000 miles of rough and tough long drives. It is slightly lifted, tires size 285 on 18" wheels with rack and built in rack lights, matte black wrap with carbon fiber and it looks "bad ass!" Not only does it look great but it has performed extremely well for our family giving us many wonderful memories. 🤠
I have owned 2 discovery’s in Australia av8 petrol and the TDI 300 my second one. They were both totally reliable . The TDI I had 20 years and did outback challenges in Australia finished 25 th and drove it home . In 10 years I had a water pump blow which cost $139 aud and a warm gearbox bearing 5 speed manual . Apart from service tyres etc that was it. Brilliant car and sooooo good of road . Simpson desert 550 klms 57 litres diesel.
Awesome video. Happy to see someone giving these trucks their rightful recognition. Grew up in a 1988 Range Rover Classic SWB. Then my dad bought a 2001 Disco(still has it), I have a 2001 Range Rover(BEAST), and my dad just finally added to his stable a 2010 Range Rover.
Bought a Disco 2 with over 250k on the clock last year. Everyone said we were nuts. Had to do the brakes (rotors and pads all around, calipers in the rear, steel braid lines installed), replaced the ABS modulator, and had to do the power steering pump... and that's it. Dead reliable, starts every time you turn the key, and will go absolutely anywhere we want it to. Paid less than a thousand bucks for it, and it even looks fantastic after I gave it a full detail. People ask us every day if it's for sale. I'm sure it'll need a few things going forward, and I plan to replace the front and rear bumpers with steel. But for the money we paid, this was one of the best investments ever. Absolutely love the truck. Haters gonna hate.
How many replacement engines? Transmissions? power steering pumps? You're only keeping it because its worth more in scrap aluminum than vehicle value. Lol
@@ROBMACDUI Original engine, transmission, power steering, alternator, A/C. Only replaced the Bosch ABS unit. Body and frame in good condition. I repainted it about 5 years ago so it looks great.
Robert McAleer 20 or so comments up you said it was your parents Disco and how it cost them a small fortune, now your talking like it’s your disco... I recon your here to talk rubbish like so many do about land rovers.... I bet you’ve never even owned one!
Yo what grade oil you guys use? Yo, i found success with mobil 1, castrol syn, Pennzoil platinum, motul all 0w40 or 5w40. Engine definitely was quite on my 4.0 v8 D2. You'll only appreciate a rover until you drive one. Best bush trucks. 🤙
Great video! Currently I own two D2"s, an LR2, and an LR3. Wife and I love them all! I once was a hater, but after the first purchase of a D2 we quickly became addicted and couldn't stop lol.
I have daily driven an LR2 (badged as Freelander 2) TD4 manual for four years. My first Land Rover. The only issue I've had was an oxygen sensor that cost $80. It's done 160,000 miles now and I still love it. I also have an old Series 3 88 inch.
This is the first positive video about Land Rover that I've seen since I moved to the US. In the UK, where I'm from, practically every single farmer has a Land Rover and they have a reputation for being reliable work horses (as long as you maintain them properly). Maintenance isn't that expensive there, due to the mass availability of parts and the fact that most mechanics are used to working on them. That said, since I came to the US, I own an '06 Toyota Tundra 4wd. :P
@@jlimbac0You make an excellent point, alas, the reason foreign automakers don't make the smaller diesel engines in the US is because of the strict US emissions criteria. I would posit that it's because of some sort of lobby, but maybe I'm just cynical.
Cool but very cramped and spartan. Perfect true off roader but not as nice and need to be 25 years old to import to US or 15 years for Canada@@estebanamador7601
@G Fisher Airbag compatible bumpers attached to the Discovery 2 utilise "Crush Cans" to activate the airbags in an accident. The bumper is not designed to crumple.
My friend donated her Dads 2003 Range Rover to my organization. She had it for about six years. It needed a few repairs, bur it is so great for going up into the mountains. I love it. Thanks
I love my 06 supercharged sport. I have owned it 5 year and it just had to go to the dealer for its first repair some new ride hight sensors. in that time it has driven out of a flood, pulled trucks and a tractor out of the mud, and taken the family on road trips racking up around 70k miles.
"absolutely no issues with this Land Rover . . . Well, except for all the light bulbs . . . oh and all the suspension is shot . . . oh and the leaking fluids . . . head gaskets are leaking . . . windshield heater doesn't work . . ."
@@jr15wa lol I have a 14 year old Pajero with none of those problems, and I'm sure there are a bunch of guys with 25 year old Land Cruisers that don't either.
@@jihadjoe Cool... I know of a few Discovery's as well...show me some photos of it doing hard core stuff for those 14 years.... Mate hes talking about light bulbs and clagged suspension....youve never changed a light bulb or a shock?..seriously?
$1500 on rear brakes😖 in the UK that would be less than $100 , your prices for Landys are mad $1500 would buy you another decent disco in the UK lol Having had many myself I have to say landys aren't "unreliable", yes they let fluid in and out in the direction they shouldn't, yes things come loose, yes rust RUST is the normal killer 😢but they are rarely not moving under their own steam, they soldier on. In the UK there are more left on the road in relation to numbers produced than any other car which says a lot. I love my disco too but prefer the MK1 300tdis (rover v8s can be sketchy) They will never be a mad rock bouncer like a jk on big old Danas but that's not what they are about, slow as possible fast as necessary and they will get you there. Glad you love yours and thanks for showing its positive sides .
We get raked over the coals with parts and service when maintaining any European car. It’s the reason that only luxury manufacturers survived in the US market and most are leased.
@@LlyleHunter Are import taxes really high in the US or something? Its not like ordering parts from the UK is really any harder than getting them from a US supplier, but nobdy seems to want to do it? Exchange rate isn't too bad nowadays either. Used to make me wonder the same thing when US guys would fork out $$$'s for 'super rare JDM RHD yo!' parts from Japan. UK scrapyards are full of RHD 90's japanese cars, and its never sunny here so the dahboards are always mint! haha
I think the reason Rovers are more reliable in Europe is they all have diesel engines. Nobody would option that gas sucking, 13mpg, head gasket blowing 215hp pos under the hood of this truck.
Tommy, very happy with the videos that feature you. They are real, and we share a common stance towards mods. Well done. I'd out wheel you and laugh at you over a beer any day lol
I own a 96 Discovery 1 ( fairly similar but a little more tough and less electronics ) and it outdrives every vehicle I have ever gone off roading with. They are incredible vehicles and I’m a proud owner!
I have a discovery 2, and am slowly suiting it up for an off-road trip out to Utah. Right now it is basically stock, minus tires and a recently installed ladder, but it is still the best off road truck I've been in. Its luxurious and really can do just about anything you ask for off road, even as a (basically) stock vehicle. Can't wait to see what it can do with a few more bells and whistles added!
Tommy, I love your videos. Your passion comes through strong! I'm an old guy who loves vehicles of all kinds and by the way, I don't drive like an old man!
Tommy, great video, and one thing I can say is that old Landies actually like being used - they hate being an occasional shopping trolley - Things you can do - if you ever hear a little chirping sound when you start to move off, or if you feel a metallic clunk when going from reverse to drive, then the front prop UJ's are starting to fail and you MUST replace them ASAP! When they fail the flailing propshaft destroys the gearbox. Other things you can do - fit a Freelander thermostat - this is rated a few degrees cooler than standard D2 spec - so will help prolong the life of that engine. Replace the MAF sensor with a genuine one, check the fault codes and ensure all O2 sensors are working. Will help a bit with fuel consumption. Also do oil change to gearbox (they are NOT sealed for life!) diffs and transfer case. If you don't have lockers then also use some friction reducer in the axles and the engine to help give smoother running and fuel consumption.
Love the Land Rovers. Living in Australia everyone thinks Toyota's are the bee's knees. But I will happily keep my $4500 Td5 Disco with 500,000km on it, chugging away up the beach or on the mountain trails while my mate rebuilds his 79 series landcruiser after having injector problems. It might have the power on the highway but when we get to the rough tracks I will go around him.
I was so tempted to buy one. There's one for sale near where i live just north of sydney for 8 grand. I told people i wanted to get it but they all talked me out of it. It would be perfect with the high back, i wanted to make some shelves in it for my tools. Yes i own a 4litre prado that costs a fortune in petrol.
You run the Landrover as it should be run! Good on you. I have had 4 and their all good vehicles, no worse than many others, but if you give a dog a bad name! I love them.
Honestly Land Rovers aren't as bad as they are made out to be. Most of the horror stories we hear of sky high repairs and expenses is from idiots who never maintained their Land Rover, and it gave them back what it got. I personally have owned a 2006 Discovery 3 - 2.7 TDV6, and in 13 years, only 2 things have gone wrong: EGR Valve, and a cracked intake hose (£400 total in repairs). That's because I always check the car for any problems, and deal with them before they can develop. These cars will refuse to die if you take care of them.
My Land Rover Discovery II: Bought messed up, really messed up, like headed to the junk yard messed up. Fixed it up. Fought me a lot. Made my brother hate it. (He's the real builder.) Made my brother fall in love with it. Carried me half-way across the country to save my dad from dying with every place saying don't take this across the country. The hood was stuck closed then; the guy at the service station got the hood open, I checked the oil and ignored him. Drove cross-country four more times. May it never leave me. It's super reliable. Best car, truck, friend, whatever it is, ever! Yes, friend. It's a friend.
I have a 2003 and you got it right. I love mine. If something terminal happens to it I will buy another. For the haters who have never owned one maybe you should try one instead of parroting everything you hear on the net.
I love my Discovery. I got so many dirty looks when I brought it home. Hasn't let me down yet. Of course it has it's issues. But its mine and I have fun with it.
I love seeing the Discovery on your channels, such a cool rig. I too own a truck that the internet loves to crap on, a Nissan Frontier Pro-4x with the 4.0L and 6spd. It's now a decade old and going very strong, I wouldn't have kept it this long if I didn't enjoy it!
The coolant leak is the timing chain cover gasket. It will blow out on the upper left side. It’s just cracked now but when it lets go fully it will pour out like crazy. The gasket is the weak point. It is an utter pain to replace, you basically have to take the whole front of the engine apart to replace a $5 gasket. Other than that I had absolutely no problems with mine and still have it. Love my disco. Bought new in 03 with 4 miles on it now 165k normal were and tear items have been replaced. Buy a spare now I have a feeling these will be the new fj40’s in the next couple decades.
We've got a 1999 Disco 1 with ~140k miles on it. 7 seater now. Warn winch (never needed it), ARB bumper, 7 added Hella lights, Detroit Truetrac by Eaton LSD front and rear, modest lift and larger tires as well as some under body armor and snorkel. Upgraded to a remanufactured 4.6 with better oiling and cylinder liners for a bump in power to make up for the added weight. Modern radio w/ bluetooth for cell phones. My wife loves the truck and so I rarely get to drive it :-) lol... off-road its a gentle giant. Not made for rock crawling but nothing has stopped me so far with Firestone Destination MT2s. We love it. Great video. People complain about these trucks but don't realize the engine is based off of a GM 3.5l V8 from the 60s Buick Skylark and has been developed for decades.
My dad has a 1989 Range Rover classic County. I'm from Costa Rica and the car was imported from California in 1997, 22 years later, the big problems that it had were : Head gasket (15 years ago) and it needed a transmission rebuilt (not reman) 10 years ago. The other things were just maintenance. Oh, and ignition modules, but they cost $18.
Agreed! Our 2004 DII (similar to yours) has been nothing less but great! Did the 100 miles of the white rim, stock, no problems. Many stories, many trips but still running solid. Although you suffer the quirks of having a Land Rover. It just leaks, everything, if it is liquid at certain point it will leak. BTW, in a very land rover style, the other day we were not able to get into the car, the driver door lock just failed after locking the truck. I think you can picture by yourself the nightmare .....
From South Africa. Hear the same complaints/jokes about them all the time. Funny thing is you see the Disco 1's and 2's around every 2nd corner over here.... and boet I'll tell you, they go! I am talking 'bout vehicles 30 to 35 yrs old driven on rough African terrain.
I was told by a Landy dealer in South Africa that Land Rover outsells Toyota 6:1. You see plenty of dead Toyotas sitting around on properties .... not worth the cost of repairing ... but the Landy's, even with a few problems, just keep going and going.
@@aussiedeplorable8670 over 90% hey? Reckon it was the other way round in the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's & 00's. After that, can agree more Toys, however, 90% much exaggerated....
I had a 1996 that I wish I still owned . Had it four years . Hardly gave me any issues. 196,000 miles . Still running with a young lady that goes to ECU in NC. Best vehicle I have driven .
My brother did the head gaskets on his disco 2. Most car work he's done was coilovers on a Honda. And he got the proper tools and followed videos on TH-cam. It still runs months later.
An oil leak is just the British way of ensuring new oil is introduced to the engine frequently. Bit like what Audi does when burning some off, but less complicated and more assuring it's happening thanks to drive way spots.
Thank you for making this video, man. I've been really indecisive about buying this 2003 Discovery by my house after my father telling me it's too high cost maintenance, but you convinced me otherwise. Thank you.
@@real_attilathehung oh well thats unfortunate:/ but im glad your enjoying your pathfinder ive been actually considering this or a pathfinder, how has your experience with your pathfinder been?
With the hill descent control, you should be able to slow it right down by pressing the minus button on the cruise control on the steering wheel. If I remember rightly just pressing the HDC button sets it to 5mph, then you can use the plus and minus buttons on the cruise control to adjust the speed
@@dishsoap1 sorry that's not clear to me: D2 Cruise control has two buttons: + and RES (Reset). At the best of my knowledge (have it since 4 years now) you cannot decrease the speed of the HDC with them (just checked on my user manual). HDC speed depends on the gear and throttle. That's all
Early discovery don't have this cruise control buttons for hill des. The hill descent speed is auto controlled based on the gear you're in. And you need to be in low range
Just checked, it's the late model D2's that had this and the D3's. It's also fitted on the freelanders, they all have the plus/ minus buttons on the cruise control that you can control the HDC speed with.
I have three, Discover 3/LR3, Range Rover Sport Supercharged, and the latest addition of Velar. All have been fantastic and no issues. My LR3 is my dedicated off-roader. Has been as reliable as it can be. No issues, no problems. Just regular maintenance like any other car.
I'd love to see you guys do a GX470 build. The cars are becoming super popular with the off-road guys and its super capable. I absolutely love mine, and I think it would be something a little more unique. Nobody expects to see a lifted Lexus on the trails.
did a 400 mile round trip to santa cruz in mine this week. i have a gauge plugged into the OBD that reads the coolant temp in real time and not once did it go over 221F in the 90 degree heat. without a doubt my favorite car ever (edit: and nice video! keep letting the world know and let’s get these blue book values back up!)
My favorite series!! I’d just replace the headgaskets or buy a 4L and do those and swap it. The 4L is known for slipping liners much less than the 4.6. Smaller the displacement the less they do for some reason.
Tires. K02s. I love the 2 sets that I have had. I would say it has been a good year for a Land Rover.....if leaks, lights and shocks are normal. 🤪 Great video as usual. Keep’em rolling.
Needs about $8000 dollars of repairs. TFL: We're not gonna do any of that. Love it! That's a fine attitude to have, as long as you have 8 other vehicles to drive. :)
Steve Means and barely drive it either! That’s the TFL way. Tommy thinks it cool not to perform ANY maintenance. I’d love to see them really take it on a road trip. I can’t even drive to and from Boulder from my home in Wisconsin in 1500 miles! Coolant disappears but that ain’t no big deal either. And they’re definitely not reliable compared the Japanese SUV’s.
@@JeepCherokeeful All Marken have Probleme, even mighty Toyota, drive what makes you happy and maintain it properly, it will last. Andrew St. Pierre-White reviews all Off-Roaders, and is big Name in Overlanding. Even he had pathetic excuse from Toyota when his 2017 Troop-Carrier (J70) rotors failed >Red Dust
Like he said just buy a spare vehicle... I've got a $900 ZJ I can swap the insurance through the Geico app any time and swap the plate and give the SOS $8...Last time I did that was when the rear leaf springs on my XJ broke all the way through and I just installed a 5.5" IRO 3 link.
@@nerhu59 Yes, all vehicles have problems but not all problems are of the same magnitude or rate of occurrence. ;) Of course maintain your rig, know the common problems and plan ahead accordingly. Plenty of people like the Disco including myself. FWIW I think many of the Discos of that era still on the road have had most problems sorted or otherwise replaced with aftermarket and that rather than initial reliability is why TFL and others like Wes from Outside Mag are busy making content about how those well known problems are myths.
the nice thing about the LR. Most everything on the truck is rebuildable. Even the power steering pump, ordinarily a pull and replace item, comes apart easily so new seals and gaskets can be installed. Certainly makes it easier to pack spares when going "out back" or on safari.
Relieved to hear this review... Just bought my Disco 2003 2.5 for £3000 ($3.257.55) Not entirely without its problems but, seemingly as yet, nothing serious. Thanks for giving me a little confidence, although, still questioning my sanity. 🤞
So I’ve owned 4 D2’s (02, 03, 03, 04)and have 1 with the engine out right now and one with the engine completely disassembled. If you want to know exactly how to do the head gasket job Atlantic British has a great step by step video and these engines are relatively simple, almost like putting legos together. Where I’m from in Georgia, you can find rough examples of these for under/around 1000 about 2 or 3 times a month. The 4.0 is supposedly less likely to slip liners as the 4.6 but the drop in power of the average 4.0 is undesirable to me. You can take a 4.0 block and put 4.6 internals in it for a “more reliable” but more powerful engine but that would be a completely rebuild and thousands of specialized work. TopHat liners are about the best thing for these engines and once installed increase the value of the vehicle. For your case I don’t really think a parts truck is necessary and since you don’t really work on your truck anyways it doesn’t really seem the most viable.
I had an '04 Disco II and I loved it! When it started over heating I sold it with full disclosure and got more than I paid for it. It's replacement was an LR3. A couple of weeks back I blew an airshock in the white mountains of New Hampshire 250 miles from home. I found some leak tape and a can of fix-a-flat in a compartment up back, not only did I make it home, but it drove great until the new shocks came in. This thing goes anywhere! (except for parking garages because of my RTT)
Just bought a 2012 LR2 yesterday. This is really encouraging. Thanks for posting this. I sold a 2009 Chevy Silverado Z71 that I brought brand new that has been the most unreliable and worst vehicle by far I have ever owned. Two days in I'm glad I did it and I'm loving my LR2.
Land Rover is a great car problem is the maintenance on them is done poorly by most owners thus problems occur. I absolutely love my Range Rover P38 it's a beast
I have a 2000 and so far it has kept up with the Defenders in my club. I believe I am only the second owner and that it has been well maintained. Doesn't even leak oil.
Nope sorry. You just got lucky. I had that exact same vehicle for a year. It left me stranded without warning about 8 different times in 1 year. I never trusted it. Now I will never own a Land Rover again. Worse vehicle I have ever owned. However it was absolutely fantastic off-road and surprised me everytime I did take it off-road and it stayed running. Extremely capable machine. I’d just tear the engine out and the entire electrical system and it’s be a fantastic setup. Now I sold it to a lady in town that liked the “Jurassic park” look and she’s had it for over 2 years now. I asked them if they had any problems with it and they said not one.
It leaks... Not like the Exxon Valdez. Lmao Oil.. Cause. Land Rover. Coolant... Cause. Land Rover. You have turned into a fantastic member of the team and I look forward to your videos and your dry sense of humor.
Had a 98 disco... 60,000 miles leaked oil, speed sensors went out, window switches broken, key fob/4x4 sometimes worked, 16 mpg no matter what. Sold it 2000 under bluebook just to get rid of it.
I have a friend that drives Land Rovers. He had that exact same year Discovery and put more than 200K on it and it gave him no more trouble than any other car he has driven.
For head gasket problems in the Disco try TITAN polymer based sealant. I bought my '04 Discovery 3 years ago for $1200. Beautiful truck but leaking head gasket. Previous owner thought repairs would be prohibitive. I did some sleuthing and found this product online. No probs with it since and said to last 5 years! It's pricy ($139) but it works! (NOT A PAID AD)
I replaced all 4 rotors, calipers, and all new pads for less than a thousand dollars. delivered to my door from Atlantic British. Great products and even better people!!! And, not to be that guy...you really should keep clean oil in it, I have had 4 Disco 2's...oil change every 3k is key. loved the vid guys! I am still driving a 2000 D2...have a parts rig too just in case LOL!!!
kjs insaino that’s where I get all my stuff the whole brake kit that includes everything is only $429, my new 3.5 inch lift suspension was $1200 and their “how to” videos are great!
I am in love with my '02 series II. Been doing some light resto work and have saved boatloads by doing so. Recommend Atlantic Rover Supply for parts and how-tos. Your recovery vehicle is where I hope to be with it.
I work with an NGO in rural Romania. The Ngo buys old Discovery's from England and then ship them to Romania. They buy old Discoverys because they get them cheap and they are reliable, yes reliable. Everytime i ride in one while im Romania i am always impressed with the combination of rugged durabilty while off road and incredible regular road manners. Not surprised at all the TFL is doing as well as it is..cheers
I own a 4.0l 2000 DISCO 2 and I live in Costa Rica, it cost me around $300 to make the windshield replace... BTW is not the OEM windshield but who needs that anyway...
Have a 2003 disco 2 same shape, same lights but a diesel.Everyone has laughed at me when I purchased it.We all went 4wdriving on a beach, 2014 Jeep Wrangler overheated and got bogged in sand, 2018 ford wildtrac got bogged and blew a gearbox, so I pulled him out in the most unrealiable 4wd ever. I love this rig, though it's standard, she does rough and gnarled tracks easily......
I've always had a soft spot for Discos, especially Disco II's. They're like the poor man's G Wagon. That thing does a pretty damn impressive job off road for what is essentially a worn out, stock vehicle... even with that lame engine.
I bought a 2000 model Discovery (TD5, Manual transmission) from Sydney Australia, and I bought it... sight unseen... from Brisbane (about 500 miles from where I live). The day I picked it up I drove it back to Brisbane. The total number of issues I have had with my Amelia (named after Amelia Earhart)... the clutch, for over two years and a window that a 7' kangaroo smashed when I hit that on a 3000 mile rural road trip in Australia (drove through every state and territory in Australia) with a three day luxurious retreat at the Uluru resort for Christmas 2018. I have ABSOLUTELY loved this truck, in the last week I have had to replace the crank pulley and seal, and now third gear is a little sketchy, but for a truck that has 280,000 miles (over 400,000 Kilometres) I am absolutely astonished at how reliable Amelia has been, the places she has taken me (not to mention the other 4x4's she has pulled out of some seriously sticky situations). I am so happy with my purchase and I could not begin to think of buying another vehicle for several years to come. And I do all of the work on her. I love my Landy, next stop 2020 Landy Defender
Great short quality video. You do a good presentation. Glad to see you enjoying a beautiful rig! My favorite looking off road SUV. I have a 95' Grand Cherokee I bought for $1700 (high mileage but in great shape mechanically and overall). Can't believe what it travels through stock. Solid axles are fantastic. As you know it's SO fun to off road an inexpensive rig not being concerned of longevity or damage. Keep up the good work with the vids Tommy!!!
One of the guys at Rovers North told me that 90% of the Land Rovers ever made are still on the road. The other 10% made it home!
I think that 90% figure refers to the Defender and it earlier incarnations . Don't think it applies to Discos and Range Rovers .
@@cheshirecat9081 swing and a miss bud. Reread that comment a couple times.
@@zachc1297 Very good . Just got it . I'm a bit slow today . Most days really .
That was Funny!
@@cheshirecat9081 might have bern a joke^^?
Two Recommendations if you haven't already:
#1- swap to a 180° (TD5) thermostat to lower coolant temp by 10° and enhance the longevity of the head gasket and further prevent overheating.
#2 - check that you have zerk fittings on the front prop shaft U-Joints. Land Rover did not supply serviceable UJs - and is the cause for the EXPLOSIVE failures that can take out the transmission and cat convertors. If you haven't converted you're just asking for that grenade to go off. The pin is pulled! Just swap out the UJs to ones that have the fittings (or purchase a fully reconned prop from Great Basins Rovers) The Double Carden joint on that front shaft conceals a pin grease fitting that if you don't look for it you'll never see and never service. The pin grease gun fitting is about $10 from NAPA. Grease 'em all every 5K.
I bought one for $1400.00 I was gonna get a Jeep when it died. But it hasn't died, took it from Kings canyon to Mike's sky ranch and back with all the lights on the dash on. It made it there and back no problem. I got it at 165,000miles. It's at 210,000 now. It just won't die. Love it.
My 03 just turned 188k and running strong
Same situation with me! Currently at 167000!
Really great to hear! Just bought a 2012 LR2. Looking forward to many great years with it.
Amen to that !!!
Live the Land Rover Life...
LNDRVR4X4.COM
bill glueck Totally different vehicle. The only reliable ones were the 90’s discoveries
Old Brittish Cars - "if there ain't no oil under them, there ain't no oil in them!"
like u mum
So true , gives them character!😂
They are just marking their territory..!
If it ain’t leaking it’s empty. 👍👍
Where do Discos tend to leak, is it past the transfer-case driveshaft oil seal?
If so I would imagine some aftermarket oil seal mfg wouldve built a retrofit kit, I mean 3 aftermarket companies have kits for the Porsche 996 IMS motor bearing, and that involves not just an aftermarket bearing cap to hold a lubricated plain bearing, but also new oil lubrication lines and tap fittings installed.
I guess it would be a straightforward aftermarket solution if the transfter-case seals and bearings are secured by a cap-ring, if they're installed from the inside of the transfer-case with a cap on the inside, aftermarket would require re-machining the transfer-case and that would turn expensive in a hurry.
The BIG secret to Land Rover ownership, is to always have at least 2 or 3 minor things broken. If you try to get it perfect, something else will snap, leak, fall off or catch fire in protest. Least, that has been my experience over the past 25 years of ownership! 😂😂😂
You couldnt be more right, was replacing the head gaskets and broke all three studs from the exhaust manifold on the 2000 disco. Now gatta get that replaced. She was running fine with the head gasket leak but thought I'd go ahead and fix it...
@@kevindiehm7404 You now know better for next time 😂😂 Exhaust studs are always a pig on Land Rovers. The only way I found that they came out without shearing was to heat up the manifold with a gas axe first. But then all the oil in the local area of the engine bay would go up and melt some crucial bit of the wiring loom. 😱😱
Sounds like my Jeeps 😂
@@jeepinbanditrider well they are closely related on a DNA level. So I guess it must be something in the genes. 😉
Strange thing is I still see my 1986 Ninety D420JRL in Edgbaston that I sold in 1989 with some frustration that I was always underneath it tightening up things falling off and now it's managed to grow a hard top and convert itself from 2.5 petrol to 300 TDI . I'd buy it back in a heartbeat at 3x what I sold it for, but suspect the lucky custodian has it for keeps!
Tommy -- your dad must be proud -- you're really an excellent on-air personality.
My mom passed away a month ago. She used to drive this truck and she loved it so much. It always makes me think of her when I see it. I've been thinking about getting one in memory of her and I think you just sold me on it. they're so beautiful and cool (she was too). funny enough, my then 16 year old brother totaled hers at the time after they had just put thousands of dollars of repairs into it lol. good times. thanks for this video.
Rest in peace to your mother 💐
This reminds me of the Top Gear Bolivia Special. Clarkson brings what should be the least reliable vehicle of the three, (Range Rover) then proceeds to run the only car that completes the entire route.
Edward Peters the most unreliable car in the world is the most reliable car in the world- Jeremy Clarkson
And also a got a machete in his face from Captain Slowly
Actually jimny also survive. The cruiser diff break seems like lost all fluid, they install big tyre but doesnt fill diff oil?
@@trianggaindralukmana2184 SJ not Jimmy and it's took water in its tank making it stall alot and sheered the rear suspension that had to be repaired , range rover did do some over heating at times apart from that it rescued the the other cars a few times and was by far the most comfortable car
@@stagz1358 suzuki indonesia give name sj410 as jimny, i think top gear is scenario show, so not real adventure. RR more comfort because long wheel base compare others. suppose fj60 the rival not fj40
Most people complaining about land rover reliability never drove them or dont know how to maintain them...
Also a lot of "my mates, mate had one stories which are usually total BS.
100% correct. See it all the time as a mechanic. Customer drives 19,000 miles on one oil change and 3 quarts low. When it blows up they say its a piece of crap. Happens 3-4 times a week at the dealership.
Worked in a European auto shop. Drove plenty hated them all. Seriously don’t understand how these shut boxes are able to sell.
@@grantmctaggart9942 "worked in a european auto shop" that says it all regarding your ignorant opinion of land rover, most so called land rover 'technicians' wouldn't know their arsehole from their elbow, most of the owners of land rover think they can drop them off a cliff once a week and service them every thirty years and expect them to run perfect ! worked on, owned, and driven, sold, slept in land rovers (as well as toyota ,jeep, etc etc) for over forty years, like the old advert said 'best 4x4 by far' end of.......
You really should change the fluids regularly. Most trucks will run decades with maintenance.
Well if it leaks and they’re always adding fresh fluids, they’re always changing the fluids... 😉
Not really a mechanic will tell you that some cars are I'll designed
That’s about all you can do wrong, besides not reving it to the moon when cold.
Land Rovers are delicate beasts, it's a careful balance between maintenance and ignorance
@@americansniper1641 Actually vintage vehicles sure, discos shouldn't leak.
Hands down have never loved driving a vehicle as much as my 04 Disco II. I don't know what it is, but it's making me want to pay whatever it takes to keep driving it.
@Usty I hear you there. The old throttle body needs another change, and I'm losing oil somewhere per the usual. Yet...it can do no wrong haha.
I have had 3. I was going through a divorce and decided to sell. Well I moved out and Christmas time came along. I was like how am I going to get a Christmas tree without a Disco. So I bought another one last year! Still have it! I can't explain it?
@Smitty
I've owned my Disc ll for 16 years. Had to replace the engine 6 years ago. On and off trouble with the coolent and oil. Everything was great until 4 days ago. It wouldn't pass inspection because the frame is too rusted, they say. I have another appt. Wed at a good place a friend recommended. Maybe it will pass? I'm stunned. And heartbroken. I enjoy driving that Disco ll so much. I'm not sure what to do. Hubby says sell it. I've had 5 people ask me to sell it to them since September '22. I just hate the idea of not having it. It was supposed to be the last auto I would buy. To last till I couldn't drive anymore. Now I'm not sure I can afford someone to replace the frame. I've got to call Rovers North. Maybe they know something.
Yea I get it. I always wanted a Bronco or LR. It just creeping me out right now.
@@wildrabbit1095discos are notorious for rotting in the chassis, especially in the boot area and rear chassis mounts
I love my Discovery 2 best car ever , sad that everyone judge's them ... land rovers rock
Have you had any 3 amigo problems ? Got a 300tdi was thinking of upgrading to a series 2 td5.
@@dannyeverley7532 it use to pop on every now and then for me but all you need to do is replace the abs module cpu thing with an upgrade one and the problem goes away.
@@dannyeverley7532 ...my buddy is ex-SA Army tiffy....300tdi has less power but more reliable.
Ya I agree
I own one myself and I just can't break it no matter how high I rev the rpms or anything it's the best toaster ever
I've owned a 2006 Range Rover Sport for many years and has traveled all over the USA territory. NO PROBLEMS EVER! It is the family's favorite vehicle and has 255,000 miles of rough and tough long drives. It is slightly lifted, tires size 285 on 18" wheels with rack and built in rack lights, matte black wrap with carbon fiber and it looks "bad ass!" Not only does it look great but it has performed extremely well for our family giving us many wonderful memories. 🤠
I love them but I'm scary because electronics, did you have any problem?
Esteban, no electronic problems. 🤠
I have owned 2 discovery’s in Australia av8 petrol and the TDI 300 my second one. They were both totally reliable . The TDI I had 20 years and did outback challenges in Australia finished 25 th and drove it home . In 10 years I had a water pump blow which cost $139 aud and a warm gearbox bearing 5 speed manual . Apart from service tyres etc that was it. Brilliant car and sooooo good of road . Simpson desert 550 klms 57 litres diesel.
nice, i am looking at V8 petrol 2004 to buy , good choice?'
@@Amritbhangallikewise did you buy it?
Awesome video. Happy to see someone giving these trucks their rightful recognition. Grew up in a 1988 Range Rover Classic SWB. Then my dad bought a 2001 Disco(still has it), I have a 2001 Range Rover(BEAST), and my dad just finally added to his stable a 2010 Range Rover.
Bought a Disco 2 with over 250k on the clock last year. Everyone said we were nuts. Had to do the brakes (rotors and pads all around, calipers in the rear, steel braid lines installed), replaced the ABS modulator, and had to do the power steering pump... and that's it. Dead reliable, starts every time you turn the key, and will go absolutely anywhere we want it to. Paid less than a thousand bucks for it, and it even looks fantastic after I gave it a full detail. People ask us every day if it's for sale.
I'm sure it'll need a few things going forward, and I plan to replace the front and rear bumpers with steel. But for the money we paid, this was one of the best investments ever. Absolutely love the truck. Haters gonna hate.
You understand🤗 Keep on the grass.....
LNDRVR4X4.COM
Had mine 32 years, Still going
Love my 2000 Disco with 190,000 miles. Best car ever. I'll never sell it. (No leaks)
How many replacement engines? Transmissions? power steering pumps? You're only keeping it because its worth more in scrap aluminum than vehicle value. Lol
@@ROBMACDUI Original engine, transmission, power steering, alternator, A/C. Only replaced the Bosch ABS unit. Body and frame in good condition. I repainted it about 5 years ago so it looks great.
@@MarkSpohr I'm impressed. Unfortunately my only experience with a Disco was a horrible one.
Robert McAleer 20 or so comments up you said it was your parents Disco and how it cost them a small fortune, now your talking like it’s your disco... I recon your here to talk rubbish like so many do about land rovers.... I bet you’ve never even owned one!
@@PillSharks I never said it was mine sherlock Holmes, but I drove it quite a bit which is is why I got to experience the regular failures.
Land Rovers don't leak, they just mark their territory 😂
its a feature...the car keeps waterproofing its own frame, haha. I miss my D2
😂😂😂😂😂
Yo what grade oil you guys use? Yo, i found success with mobil 1, castrol syn, Pennzoil platinum, motul all 0w40 or 5w40. Engine definitely was quite on my 4.0 v8 D2. You'll only appreciate a rover until you drive one. Best bush trucks. 🤙
Oh YEEEEEESSSSS!!!
It's known as Landy Sweat
Great video! Currently I own two D2"s, an LR2, and an LR3. Wife and I love them all! I once was a hater, but after the first purchase of a D2 we quickly became addicted and couldn't stop lol.
CapeFearPepperCompany Ive been considering an LR3, whatre the common problems and things to look out for?
LNDRVR4X4.COM
THE PLEASANT PATH OF LIFE
LAND ROVER___________>>>>>>
I have daily driven an LR2 (badged as Freelander 2) TD4 manual for four years. My first Land Rover. The only issue I've had was an oxygen sensor that cost $80. It's done 160,000 miles now and I still love it. I also have an old Series 3 88 inch.
This is the first positive video about Land Rover that I've seen since I moved to the US. In the UK, where I'm from, practically every single farmer has a Land Rover and they have a reputation for being reliable work horses (as long as you maintain them properly). Maintenance isn't that expensive there, due to the mass availability of parts and the fact that most mechanics are used to working on them. That said, since I came to the US, I own an '06 Toyota Tundra 4wd. :P
Tell Land Rover to import the good diesel engines.
@@jlimbac0You make an excellent point, alas, the reason foreign automakers don't make the smaller diesel engines in the US is because of the strict US emissions criteria. I would posit that it's because of some sort of lobby, but maybe I'm just cynical.
I agree. My 04 D2 is the best vehicle I’ve ever owned. Unbelievable off road.
Nothing beats a 90s or early 2000s suv. Good to see cliffhanger 1. 0 (aka "Subaru killer")!!
A new Jimny...
The Jimny doesn't beats them, but it compares to them.
@@estebanamador7601 + if we could get it in the states, I'd jump all over that. It's a cool little suv!
Cool but very cramped and spartan. Perfect true off roader but not as nice and need to be 25 years old to import to US or 15 years for Canada@@estebanamador7601
Tommy with the uncharacteristic cockiness, usually reserved for Roman! 😂
Excellent
Would the ARB rear bumper pass the reverse 'Tommy test'?
@G Fisher Airbag compatible bumpers attached to the Discovery 2 utilise "Crush Cans" to activate the airbags in an accident. The bumper is not designed to crumple.
Lmao🤣
My friend donated her Dads 2003 Range Rover to my organization. She had it for about six years. It needed a few repairs, bur it is so great for going up into the mountains. I love it. Thanks
I love my 06 supercharged sport. I have owned it 5 year and it just had to go to the dealer for its first repair some new ride hight sensors. in that time it has driven out of a flood, pulled trucks and a tractor out of the mud, and taken the family on road trips racking up around 70k miles.
"absolutely no issues with this Land Rover . . . Well, except for all the light bulbs . . . oh and all the suspension is shot . . . oh and the leaking fluids . . . head gaskets are leaking . . . windshield heater doesn't work . . ."
14yr old truck....
@@jr15wa lol I have a 14 year old Pajero with none of those problems, and I'm sure there are a bunch of guys with 25 year old Land Cruisers that don't either.
@@jihadjoe Cool... I know of a few Discovery's as well...show me some photos of it doing hard core stuff for those 14 years....
Mate hes talking about light bulbs and clagged suspension....youve never changed a light bulb or a shock?..seriously?
plus that air bag light thats on the dash
@@jr15wa he's talking about leaking gaskets. That's a big problem.
$1500 on rear brakes😖 in the UK that would be less than $100 , your prices for Landys are mad $1500 would buy you another decent disco in the UK lol
Having had many myself I have to say landys aren't "unreliable", yes they let fluid in and out in the direction they shouldn't, yes things come loose, yes rust RUST is the normal killer 😢but they are rarely not moving under their own steam, they soldier on. In the UK there are more left on the road in relation to numbers produced than any other car which says a lot.
I love my disco too but prefer the MK1 300tdis (rover v8s can be sketchy)
They will never be a mad rock bouncer like a jk on big old Danas but that's not what they are about, slow as possible fast as necessary and they will get you there.
Glad you love yours and thanks for showing its positive sides .
Yep, did all 4 discs with pads for not much more than £100 on my 2003 Disco, and that was upgrading to drilled/grooved fronts!
We get raked over the coals with parts and service when maintaining any European car. It’s the reason that only luxury manufacturers survived in the US market and most are leased.
@@LlyleHunter Are import taxes really high in the US or something? Its not like ordering parts from the UK is really any harder than getting them from a US supplier, but nobdy seems to want to do it? Exchange rate isn't too bad nowadays either.
Used to make me wonder the same thing when US guys would fork out $$$'s for 'super rare JDM RHD yo!' parts from Japan. UK scrapyards are full of RHD 90's japanese cars, and its never sunny here so the dahboards are always mint! haha
I think the reason Rovers are more reliable in Europe is they all have diesel engines. Nobody would option that gas sucking, 13mpg, head gasket blowing 215hp pos under the hood of this truck.
that was probably "labor"
Tommy, very happy with the videos that feature you. They are real, and we share a common stance towards mods. Well done. I'd out wheel you and laugh at you over a beer any day lol
I own a 96 Discovery 1 ( fairly similar but a little more tough and less electronics ) and it outdrives every vehicle I have ever gone off roading with. They are incredible vehicles and I’m a proud owner!
I have a discovery 2, and am slowly suiting it up for an off-road trip out to Utah. Right now it is basically stock, minus tires and a recently installed ladder, but it is still the best off road truck I've been in. Its luxurious and really can do just about anything you ask for off road, even as a (basically) stock vehicle. Can't wait to see what it can do with a few more bells and whistles added!
Tommy, I love your videos. Your passion comes through strong! I'm an old guy who loves vehicles of all kinds and by the way, I don't drive like an old man!
Tommy, great video, and one thing I can say is that old Landies actually like being used - they hate being an occasional shopping trolley - Things you can do - if you ever hear a little chirping sound when you start to move off, or if you feel a metallic clunk when going from reverse to drive, then the front prop UJ's are starting to fail and you MUST replace them ASAP! When they fail the flailing propshaft destroys the gearbox. Other things you can do - fit a Freelander thermostat - this is rated a few degrees cooler than standard D2 spec - so will help prolong the life of that engine. Replace the MAF sensor with a genuine one, check the fault codes and ensure all O2 sensors are working. Will help a bit with fuel consumption. Also do oil change to gearbox (they are NOT sealed for life!) diffs and transfer case. If you don't have lockers then also use some friction reducer in the axles and the engine to help give smoother running and fuel consumption.
For tires; the Milestar Patagonia's are a great M/T. They are affordable and work great off-road. You should give them a try.
Tommy, Land Rovers don't leak oil - they just mark their territory..!!
Love the Land Rovers. Living in Australia everyone thinks Toyota's are the bee's knees. But I will happily keep my $4500 Td5 Disco with 500,000km on it, chugging away up the beach or on the mountain trails while my mate rebuilds his 79 series landcruiser after having injector problems. It might have the power on the highway but when we get to the rough tracks I will go around him.
Great engine great noise
I was so tempted to buy one. There's one for sale near where i live just north of sydney for 8 grand. I told people i wanted to get it but they all talked me out of it. It would be perfect with the high back, i wanted to make some shelves in it for my tools. Yes i own a 4litre prado that costs a fortune in petrol.
What I love about the traction control of the Disco is that it does not reduce engine power at all, just distributes the power where it is needed.
I should add that I own a 2004 Discovery and I love it!
I have had my Disco 2 for 20 years, bought from new. Absolutely reliable.
You run the Landrover as it should be run! Good on you. I have had 4 and their all good vehicles, no worse than many others, but if you give a dog a bad name!
I love them.
Honestly Land Rovers aren't as bad as they are made out to be. Most of the horror stories we hear of sky high repairs and expenses is from idiots who never maintained their Land Rover, and it gave them back what it got. I personally have owned a 2006 Discovery 3 - 2.7 TDV6, and in 13 years, only 2 things have gone wrong: EGR Valve, and a cracked intake hose (£400 total in repairs). That's because I always check the car for any problems, and deal with them before they can develop. These cars will refuse to die if you take care of them.
Leaks are designed by a LR in order to prevent any rust. It's just that simple)
Great video and good to see someone point out what a great vehicle the Disco is. I have a 96 D1 and love it, not plans to ever get rid of it.
You are a very gifted young man , keep up the good work.
My Land Rover Discovery II: Bought messed up, really messed up, like headed to the junk yard messed up. Fixed it up. Fought me a lot. Made my brother hate it. (He's the real builder.) Made my brother fall in love with it. Carried me half-way across the country to save my dad from dying with every place saying don't take this across the country. The hood was stuck closed then; the guy at the service station got the hood open, I checked the oil and ignored him. Drove cross-country four more times. May it never leave me. It's super reliable. Best car, truck, friend, whatever it is, ever! Yes, friend. It's a friend.
I enjoy seeing the old Landy keep going.
I have a 2003 and you got it right. I love mine. If something terminal happens to it I will buy another. For the haters who have never owned one maybe you should try one instead of parroting everything you hear on the net.
I love my Discovery. I got so many dirty looks when I brought it home. Hasn't let me down yet. Of course it has it's issues. But its mine and I have fun with it.
I love seeing the Discovery on your channels, such a cool rig. I too own a truck that the internet loves to crap on, a Nissan Frontier Pro-4x with the 4.0L and 6spd. It's now a decade old and going very strong, I wouldn't have kept it this long if I didn't enjoy it!
The coolant leak is the timing chain cover gasket. It will blow out on the upper left side. It’s just cracked now but when it lets go fully it will pour out like crazy. The gasket is the weak point. It is an utter pain to replace, you basically have to take the whole front of the engine apart to replace a $5 gasket. Other than that I had absolutely no problems with mine and still have it. Love my disco. Bought new in 03 with 4 miles on it now 165k normal were and tear items have been replaced. Buy a spare now I have a feeling these will be the new fj40’s in the next couple decades.
We've got a 1999 Disco 1 with ~140k miles on it. 7 seater now. Warn winch (never needed it), ARB bumper, 7 added Hella lights, Detroit Truetrac by Eaton LSD front and rear, modest lift and larger tires as well as some under body armor and snorkel. Upgraded to a remanufactured 4.6 with better oiling and cylinder liners for a bump in power to make up for the added weight. Modern radio w/ bluetooth for cell phones. My wife loves the truck and so I rarely get to drive it :-) lol... off-road its a gentle giant. Not made for rock crawling but nothing has stopped me so far with Firestone Destination MT2s. We love it. Great video. People complain about these trucks but don't realize the engine is based off of a GM 3.5l V8 from the 60s Buick Skylark and has been developed for decades.
My dad has a 1989 Range Rover classic County. I'm from Costa Rica and the car was imported from California in 1997, 22 years later, the big problems that it had were : Head gasket (15 years ago) and it needed a transmission rebuilt (not reman) 10 years ago. The other things were just maintenance. Oh, and ignition modules, but they cost $18.
Agreed! Our 2004 DII (similar to yours) has been nothing less but great! Did the 100 miles of the white rim, stock, no problems. Many stories, many trips but still running solid. Although you suffer the quirks of having a Land Rover. It just leaks, everything, if it is liquid at certain point it will leak. BTW, in a very land rover style, the other day we were not able to get into the car, the driver door lock just failed after locking the truck. I think you can picture by yourself the nightmare .....
From South Africa. Hear the same complaints/jokes about them all the time. Funny thing is you see the Disco 1's and 2's around every 2nd corner over here.... and boet I'll tell you, they go! I am talking 'bout vehicles 30 to 35 yrs old driven on rough African terrain.
I was told by a Landy dealer in South Africa that Land Rover outsells Toyota 6:1. You see plenty of dead Toyotas sitting around on properties .... not worth the cost of repairing ... but the Landy's, even with a few problems, just keep going and going.
Smirre S, over 90% of the safari 4WD vehicles in Africa, are Toyota Landcruisers, must be a reason!
@@aussiedeplorable8670 over 90% hey? Reckon it was the other way round in the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's & 00's. After that, can agree more Toys, however, 90% much exaggerated....
I had a 1996 that I wish I still owned . Had it four years . Hardly gave me any issues. 196,000 miles . Still running with a young lady that goes to ECU in NC.
Best vehicle I have driven .
Enjoyable to watch an old and 'unreliable' vehicle playing where it lives!
Reg Sparkes It has been very reliable. Did you not watch the movie?
Feeling the LR love shining out from this video. I'm afraid there's no turning back for you Tommy!
Legend has it Roman disconnected reverse so Tommy wouldn't destroy the Disco
This rig has a rear BUMPER. Not the chintzy plastic stuff as the "iPad driven" car. :-D
Bought my ‘02 discovery 2 td5 less than a month ago in the UK, loving every minute of it
Wish we could find that in the US.
You must remap it, it will become a total diferent car ;) ...
Just make sure you look after her, abs and frequent oil changes are the key, they go on forever.
Hello mate. After a year of having it do you regret it? Im gonna get one this week. Cheers
Need to move the low range shifter to the left to engage diff lock on an 04 after you put it in low
My brother did the head gaskets on his disco 2. Most car work he's done was coilovers on a Honda. And he got the proper tools and followed videos on TH-cam. It still runs months later.
An oil leak is just the British way of ensuring new oil is introduced to the engine frequently. Bit like what Audi does when burning some off, but less complicated and more assuring it's happening thanks to drive way spots.
Thank you for making this video, man. I've been really indecisive about buying this 2003 Discovery by my house after my father telling me it's too high cost maintenance, but you convinced me otherwise. Thank you.
hows it been??
@@mushroomroom2976 Sadly it was already sold. But I've been trying out this 2001 Nissan Pathfinder, and it runs fantastic.
@@real_attilathehung oh well thats unfortunate:/ but im glad your enjoying your pathfinder ive been actually considering this or a pathfinder, how has your experience with your pathfinder been?
With the hill descent control, you should be able to slow it right down by pressing the minus button on the cruise control on the steering wheel. If I remember rightly just pressing the HDC button sets it to 5mph, then you can use the plus and minus buttons on the cruise control to adjust the speed
No minus button on D2 cruise control
You are correct. You use the Cruise buttons to increase or decrease the speed.
@@dishsoap1 sorry that's not clear to me: D2 Cruise control has two buttons: + and RES (Reset). At the best of my knowledge (have it since 4 years now) you cannot decrease the speed of the HDC with them (just checked on my user manual). HDC speed depends on the gear and throttle. That's all
Early discovery don't have this cruise control buttons for hill des. The hill descent speed is auto controlled based on the gear you're in.
And you need to be in low range
Just checked, it's the late model D2's that had this and the D3's. It's also fitted on the freelanders, they all have the plus/ minus buttons on the cruise control that you can control the HDC speed with.
I have three, Discover 3/LR3, Range Rover Sport Supercharged, and the latest addition of Velar. All have been fantastic and no issues. My LR3 is my dedicated off-roader. Has been as reliable as it can be. No issues, no problems. Just regular maintenance like any other car.
I'd love to see you guys do a GX470 build. The cars are becoming super popular with the off-road guys and its super capable. I absolutely love mine, and I think it would be something a little more unique. Nobody expects to see a lifted Lexus on the trails.
And look at the GX470 now!
did a 400 mile round trip to santa cruz in mine this week. i have a gauge plugged into the OBD that reads the coolant temp in real time and not once did it go over 221F in the 90 degree heat.
without a doubt my favorite car ever
(edit: and nice video! keep letting the world know and let’s get these blue book values back up!)
There is a mod you can do where you put in a thermostat from one of the freelanders which will open the radiator loop up and keep it even cooler.
My favorite series!! I’d just replace the headgaskets or buy a 4L and do those and swap it. The 4L is known for slipping liners much less than the 4.6. Smaller the displacement the less they do for some reason.
Tires. K02s. I love the 2 sets that I have had.
I would say it has been a good year for a Land Rover.....if leaks, lights and shocks are normal. 🤪
Great video as usual. Keep’em rolling.
Needs about $8000 dollars of repairs.
TFL: We're not gonna do any of that.
Love it! That's a fine attitude to have, as long as you have 8 other vehicles to drive. :)
Steve Means and barely drive it either! That’s the TFL way. Tommy thinks it cool not to perform ANY maintenance. I’d love to see them really take it on a road trip. I can’t even drive to and from Boulder from my home in Wisconsin in 1500 miles! Coolant disappears but that ain’t no big deal either. And they’re definitely not reliable compared the Japanese SUV’s.
@@JeepCherokeeful All Marken have Probleme, even mighty Toyota, drive what makes you happy and maintain it properly, it will last. Andrew St. Pierre-White reviews all Off-Roaders, and is big Name in Overlanding. Even he had pathetic excuse from Toyota when his 2017 Troop-Carrier (J70) rotors failed >Red Dust
Like he said just buy a spare vehicle... I've got a $900 ZJ I can swap the insurance through the Geico app any time and swap the plate and give the SOS $8...Last time I did that was when the rear leaf springs on my XJ broke all the way through and I just installed a 5.5" IRO 3 link.
@@nerhu59 Yes, all vehicles have problems but not all problems are of the same magnitude or rate of occurrence. ;)
Of course maintain your rig, know the common problems and plan ahead accordingly. Plenty of people like the Disco including myself. FWIW I think many of the Discos of that era still on the road have had most problems sorted or otherwise replaced with aftermarket and that rather than initial reliability is why TFL and others like Wes from Outside Mag are busy making content about how those well known problems are myths.
the nice thing about the LR. Most everything on the truck is rebuildable. Even the power steering pump, ordinarily a pull and replace item, comes apart easily so new seals and gaskets can be installed. Certainly makes it easier to pack spares when going "out back" or on safari.
Relieved to hear this review... Just bought my Disco 2003 2.5 for £3000 ($3.257.55) Not entirely without its problems but, seemingly as yet, nothing serious. Thanks for giving me a little confidence, although, still questioning my sanity. 🤞
Just inherited it and I'm gonna have to start from scratch, curious how yours turned out
Just inherited one, gonna start from scratch, curious how yours turned out
So I’ve owned 4 D2’s (02, 03, 03, 04)and have 1 with the engine out right now and one with the engine completely disassembled. If you want to know exactly how to do the head gasket job Atlantic British has a great step by step video and these engines are relatively simple, almost like putting legos together. Where I’m from in Georgia, you can find rough examples of these for under/around 1000 about 2 or 3 times a month. The 4.0 is supposedly less likely to slip liners as the 4.6 but the drop in power of the average 4.0 is undesirable to me. You can take a 4.0 block and put 4.6 internals in it for a “more reliable” but more powerful engine but that would be a completely rebuild and thousands of specialized work. TopHat liners are about the best thing for these engines and once installed increase the value of the vehicle. For your case I don’t really think a parts truck is necessary and since you don’t really work on your truck anyways it doesn’t really seem the most viable.
I had an '04 Disco II and I loved it! When it started over heating I sold it with full disclosure and got more than I paid for it. It's replacement was an LR3. A couple of weeks back I blew an airshock in the white mountains of New Hampshire 250 miles from home. I found some leak tape and a can of fix-a-flat in a compartment up back, not only did I make it home, but it drove great until the new shocks came in. This thing goes anywhere! (except for parking garages because of my RTT)
The problem with a Disco is that they have too much personality, you're going to live with all the flaws because of what it does.
Just bought a 2012 LR2 yesterday. This is really encouraging. Thanks for posting this. I sold a 2009 Chevy Silverado Z71 that I brought brand new that has been the most unreliable and worst vehicle by far I have ever owned. Two days in I'm glad I did it and I'm loving my LR2.
Land Rover is a great car problem is the maintenance on them is done poorly by most owners thus problems occur. I absolutely love my Range Rover P38 it's a beast
I have a 2000 and so far it has had no trouble keeping up with the Defenders in my club.
I have a 2000 and so far it has kept up with the Defenders in my club. I believe I am only the second owner and that it has been well maintained. Doesn't even leak oil.
Nope sorry. You just got lucky. I had that exact same vehicle for a year. It left me stranded without warning about 8 different times in 1 year. I never trusted it. Now I will never own a Land Rover again. Worse vehicle I have ever owned. However it was absolutely fantastic off-road and surprised me everytime I did take it off-road and it stayed running. Extremely capable machine. I’d just tear the engine out and the entire electrical system and it’s be a fantastic setup. Now I sold it to a lady in town that liked the “Jurassic park” look and she’s had it for over 2 years now. I asked them if they had any problems with it and they said not one.
It leaks... Not like the Exxon Valdez. Lmao
Oil.. Cause. Land Rover. Coolant... Cause. Land Rover.
You have turned into a fantastic member of the team and I look forward to your videos and your dry sense of humor.
Just wait until you drive an 18-wheeler with a Detroit 8-71 engine. Pull into the Truck Stop and say “Check the fuel and fill up the oil.”
Had a 98 disco... 60,000 miles leaked oil, speed sensors went out, window switches broken, key fob/4x4 sometimes worked, 16 mpg no matter what. Sold it 2000 under bluebook just to get rid of it.
l agree..change the fluids regularly..other than that you guys have been lucky and bleesd with this truck.
I have a friend that drives Land Rovers. He had that exact same year Discovery and put more than 200K on it and it gave him no more trouble than any other car he has driven.
Have you considered an LS engine conversion?
Proud 03 Discovery owner and daily driver here.
I like Tommy’s idgaf attitude in this video 👍
For head gasket problems in the Disco try TITAN polymer based sealant. I bought my '04 Discovery 3 years ago for $1200. Beautiful truck but leaking head gasket. Previous owner thought repairs would be prohibitive. I did some sleuthing and found this product online. No probs with it since and said to last 5 years! It's pricy ($139) but it works! (NOT A PAID AD)
I replaced all 4 rotors, calipers, and all new pads for less than a thousand dollars. delivered to my door from Atlantic British. Great products and even better people!!! And, not to be that guy...you really should keep clean oil in it, I have had 4 Disco 2's...oil change every 3k is key. loved the vid guys! I am still driving a 2000 D2...have a parts rig too just in case LOL!!!
kjs insaino that’s where I get all my stuff the whole brake kit that includes everything is only $429, my new 3.5 inch lift suspension was $1200 and their “how to” videos are great!
I am in love with my '02 series II. Been doing some light resto work and have saved boatloads by doing so. Recommend Atlantic Rover Supply for parts and how-tos. Your recovery vehicle is where I hope to be with it.
Land Rover: Turning every driver into a mechanic!
I work with an NGO in rural Romania. The Ngo buys old Discovery's from England and then ship them to Romania. They buy old Discoverys because they get them cheap and they are reliable, yes reliable. Everytime i ride in one while im Romania i am always impressed with the combination of rugged durabilty while off road and incredible regular road manners. Not surprised at all the TFL is doing as well as it is..cheers
I own a 4.0l 2000 DISCO 2 and I live in Costa Rica, it cost me around $300 to make the windshield replace...
BTW is not the OEM windshield but who needs that anyway...
Have a 2003 disco 2 same shape, same lights but a diesel.Everyone has laughed at me when I purchased it.We all went 4wdriving on a beach, 2014 Jeep Wrangler overheated and got bogged in sand, 2018 ford wildtrac got bogged and blew a gearbox, so I pulled him out in the most unrealiable 4wd ever. I love this rig, though it's standard, she does rough and gnarled tracks easily......
Love my '99 Disco 1....wouldn't trade it for anything!
Currently have an 04. Probably needs $8000 in work. Wont do any of it. Best car Ive ever owned. Owned a couple D2's. Incredibly good rigs.
Tommy now the D2's proven itself, don't you think it deserves some TLC (especially if you're gonna keep it)?
I have been in love with that LR ever since you guys bought it. Glad to hear that it is still a reliable vehicle and so off road worthy.
I've always had a soft spot for Discos, especially Disco II's. They're like the poor man's G Wagon. That thing does a pretty damn impressive job off road for what is essentially a worn out, stock vehicle... even with that lame engine.
I bought a 2000 model Discovery (TD5, Manual transmission) from Sydney Australia, and I bought it... sight unseen... from Brisbane (about 500 miles from where I live). The day I picked it up I drove it back to Brisbane. The total number of issues I have had with my Amelia (named after Amelia Earhart)... the clutch, for over two years and a window that a 7' kangaroo smashed when I hit that on a 3000 mile rural road trip in Australia (drove through every state and territory in Australia) with a three day luxurious retreat at the Uluru resort for Christmas 2018. I have ABSOLUTELY loved this truck, in the last week I have had to replace the crank pulley and seal, and now third gear is a little sketchy, but for a truck that has 280,000 miles (over 400,000 Kilometres) I am absolutely astonished at how reliable Amelia has been, the places she has taken me (not to mention the other 4x4's she has pulled out of some seriously sticky situations). I am so happy with my purchase and I could not begin to think of buying another vehicle for several years to come. And I do all of the work on her.
I love my Landy, next stop 2020 Landy Defender
The Vehicle is perfectly reliable... but everything on it is breaking?????? = Future Used Car Salesman in the Waiting.
Great short quality video. You do a good presentation. Glad to see you enjoying a beautiful rig! My favorite looking off road SUV. I have a 95' Grand Cherokee I bought for $1700 (high mileage but in great shape mechanically and overall). Can't believe what it travels through stock. Solid axles are fantastic. As you know it's SO fun to off road an inexpensive rig not being concerned of longevity or damage. Keep up the good work with the vids Tommy!!!