About to buy a D2

Hi guys

I'm about to buy a Disco 2 (2004, 100k miles) and need a bit of expert guidance...

From what I've read it seems that two things to watch for are the air suspension and chassis rust. So...

1) when I check the car out, how quickly should the air suspension rise if everything is good?

2) how much rust is "OK" on the chassis? Assuming that it won't be completely rust free...

3) should I get the chassis waxoyled from day 1?

4) should I get the airsprings replaced from day 1?

Thank you

Hi Stu,
I looked out for these when i bought my D2 last year.
My rear suspension rises in about 20 seconds id say, remember you need to have the doors closed to get it to inflate.
My car was Waxoyled when it was 5 years old and its all the better for it so id recommend doing that before the winter sets in. I saw a couple of D2's that were really rusted out across the back of the chassis and its pretty easy to come to a decision as to whether its too much or not.

I'd check that the air suspension doesnt have any leaks, ie. listen out best you can, and depending on whether you look at a manual or not check the gear box for a grind... especially going into 2nd.

Check that it goes into Low Range easily and id have a good look at the Diffs for oil.

The last thing to check is that you have a nice deep wallet

Have fun


Jim

london stu said:

Hi guys

I'm about to buy a Disco 2 (2004, 100k miles) and need a bit of expert guidance...

From what I've read it seems that two things to watch for are the air suspension and chassis rust. So...

1) when I check the car out, how quickly should the air suspension rise if everything is good?

2) how much rust is "OK" on the chassis? Assuming that it won't be completely rust free...

3) should I get the chassis waxoyled from day 1?

4) should I get the airsprings replaced from day 1?

Thank you

Click to expand...

Hi Stu from London:

1. With the engine running, all doors and bonnet shut - press the ORM (Off Road Mode button) on the dash and it should take 20-ish seconds to top out. With the engine turned off, look around the car to ensure it sit's level.

2. Rust on the chassis that looks like it can be sanded off - no problem. Rust that has turned into a hole, big problem. However new galvy chassis are now available.

3. Yes, inside and out.

4. It depends, they may have already been replaced, but certainly have money available for the air spring & ride height sensor replacement.

Check to ensure that ALL warning lights go out when you start the engine.

On the test drive ensure you drive it long enough so it is thoroughly warmed through. Watch the temp gauge for over-heating. Check that the heat actually gives out heat in abundance. Check very carefully for over pressuring of the coolant, by slowly releasing the header tank cap and look for bubbles whilst the engine is running.

If you do a search you find other things such as oil in the ECU red plug etc etc.

Dave

Thanks guys - that's all very useful. It's great to have so many knowledgeable people sharing their experience.

The only thing that would really put me off one would be serious chassis rust. Problems with SLS can all be fixed - OK it can cost a few £100 but that's the end of it for a long time.

Best to look at when it's been stood overninght then you can see if it has dropped at all. Otherwise what Biglad says.