Ultimate Owner's and Buyers Guide: Land Rover Discovery 2

Today we talk about what to look for as a prospective buyer and a new owner of the Land Rover Discovery II (1999-2004). This video is a compilation of common issues with the platform; knowledge of which may save you time, money, and headaches if you address or are aware of these potential problems early in your ownership.

[ForgottenWaypoints]

CONTENTS:
0:00 Intro
0:55 Front Driveshaft
4:59 Engine
16:36 ABS/Traction Control (3 Amigos)
19:54 Brake Fluid Reservoir
20:56 Crankshaft Position Sensor
23:32 Oil Pump (especially 2003 model year)
24:39 Frame Rust
26:24 Rear Driveshaft
28:49 Headliner
30:16 Center Differential Lock
35:35 Oil Leaks
38:06 Factory Service Manuals and Community Help
39:30 Final Thoughts

If you haven't seen it, check out our more traditional vehicle review here:

[Willby]

The best part about the Disco 2's shortcomings is that you can get them for dirt cheap. I grabbed a clean '99 with a blown headgasket for $700 bucks. $300 in parts and a few late nights in the garage later and I have a $1000 Discovery that is a blast to drive!

[UKSCIENCEORG]

Your advice about adding ZDDP rich oil to reduce camshaft wear is spot on. Here in the UK the Rover V8 was used in lots of cars and zinc additives really help.

[Joe-rxht]

I have a hand me down 2003 Disco 2 that belonged to my sister. In the last 5 years I’ve been through every single thing just listed in this video. Except for the transmission disintegration episode. I managed to change my driveshaft U-joints just in time.

Thank you for this informative video. I’ll make sure to save it in my Discovery 2 file folder. Cheers!

[macutan]

Great vid!
Over the past few years, I encountered:
- crankshaft position sensor (RESOLVED it myself)
- leaky sunroofs + saggy headliner (WIP by myself, taking a bit longer since I have no covered garage)
- Blown Head gasket (Used a cooling system sealer to temporary fix this, will bite the bullet soon enough and have the repair done at wherever reputable/honest mechanic I find nearby (Westchester, NY); this was diagnosed by observing white smoke out of the exhaust, losing coolant inexplicably and missfires in cylinder #7)
- Passenger window regulator (REPAIRED it myself)
- Upgraded cigar plug and hotwired it myself.

Other than the above, it is an AWESOME vehicle. Let's hope the Head Gasket repair doesn't bankrupt me...

[adda]

This is the best Landrover Discovery 2 owners guide/ summary I have ever seen, bar none! Great work! I am a 2001 D2 V8 (4.0) owner in Australia (owned for 3 years) - most of the things you discussed have happened to me. Head gasket! Yes I paid for a new install, after blowing one, and immediately after i did an in-line thermostat conversion to an 83 degrees C (181deg F) t/stat and haven’t looked back. Australia doesn’t have a cold weather problem it’s heat we have to worry about here. Penrith HPR30 is the oil of choice here, Oil leaks are everywhere- keep it topped up. Three amigos are a part of life, but don’t cause any issues. Ashcroft CDL linkage, Rock sliders, heavy duty prop shaft are all future purchases at $1000 each. Parts are expensive but the car is worth it!! Keep up the great videos!

[weldakota]

Wonderful breakdown for somebody that has no clue about Land Rovers. Helped me a lot, thank you!

[murraylynn-tpvm]

Thank you. I have a 2003 with 200, 000 klms. I put in Castro classic oil with zinc and the correct coolant, but when I checked the clutch fan and the condenser fan they were not good. After doing a hour long run the clutch fan turn easily and the condenser fan was seized. The engine works great on a nice cool day in Alberta, but when there are things that are not working the way they should they show up on a very hot day in a traffic jam. That is when everything in the disco needs to be right, thermostat, fans and coolant

[gmeyer]

I own an 04HSE..one of the best videos I have seen on the Discos! You have nailed most issues. Here in AZ..plastic fails. I have split 2 over flow bottles (now Aluminum) and the “T” on top, replaced with all aluminum fittings. I believe the cooling system is the weak link on these cars. I relocated the thermostat to on top of the motor and have a hi-performance water pump! Use Mobil 1 Synthetic hi-mileage 5w/30 with only Maher filter & full bottle of Lucas breakin additive. 165, 00 & going strong!!

[rickylane]

I have a 2004 Land Rover Discovery with about 164k miles and live in the southeast of the USA. I use Mobil1 15w-50 ( has 1, 800 ppm of zinc ) with Mobil1 oil filter and Dura Lube engine treatment. I have already replaced the head gaskets ( with non torque to yield bolts - used in the 1993 Range Rover 3.9 liter), intake gaskets, valve cover gaskets, spark plug coils ( with wires and Denso spark plugs ), water pump, 180°f thermostat, coolant, coolant hoses ( even changed the plastic lines to rubber hoses ), camshaft, lifers, rocker arm assemblies, timing gears, timing chain, oil pump, front main seal, camshaft sensor, crankshaft sensor, drive belt, idler pulleys, auto tensioner ( with metal pulley ), all four ball joints, front driveshaft, both CV axles, all four wheel bearing assemblies, rear driveshaft rubber part, windshield post covers, plactic trim for the rear doors, sunroof ecu, driver's door lock bar ( updated part ), AC compressor, fuel sending unit assembly, both leather boots ( for parking brake and transfer shifter), gas cap, battery ( redtop ), brakes ( all pads and rotors ), tires ( Nitto NT 421Q ). I resealed both differentials, transfer case assembly, and throttle coolant plate. I repaired the sunroof drain lines. Flushed the engine with automatic transmission fluid ( before replacing the camshaft and lifers ), coolant system ( with distilled water and dex cool ), brake fluid system ( DOT 4 ), and power steering fluid system. Cleaned the fuel injectors, throttle body, and intake system. I have also put dielectric grease on all the wire connectors and grounds.

[robbennett]

Just bought a 01 disco. This video was part of the reason I bought it. Thanks

[rhyslegge]

I'd like to add, that in addition to rotella t6 5w-40, I use a MANN 950-4 filter. It's a Ford f150 spec filter, it's approx. double size for capacity, and has a hex on the end for easy removal. Also very heavy duty.

[petemathiesen]

As a 7 year owner of a daily use, and off-road 2003 in Alaska, this is excellent info. Th.ank you for posting.

[andyginterblues]

Just purchased an '01 Disco II. REALLY GLAD that I found this video. Looks like I will be crawling under mine tomorrow to check on all of the potential issues that were covered here. THANK YOU!!!

[playsforfun]

Thank you for taking the time to do this. I am purchasing a disco soon and wanted some more info before I go into the deep end with a blindfold on.

[roberttoserrano]

I'M BUYING A D2 2003 HERE IN BRAZIL, THANKS FOR THE CLASS, I'LL OBSERVE EVERYTHING YOU SAID, A BIG HUG AND STAY WITH GOD.

[pablocespedes]

With my 2002 Discovery I remember that I did not have any issues with the a/c or the automatic transmission.
Besides those two, everything else had problems. I am not kidding!

[garviere]

Excellent video. I’m actually UK based and gave the TD5 version but still found this very helpful and interesting. Many thanks.
Guy.

[bradcomis]

I'm considering buying a Land Rover and I gotta say this video is awesome! Good work.

[joshyddog]

Awesome video!! Some people dont know how useful forums can be!!