advice on buying a td5 discovery ( td5 buying guide)

Hi im pritty new to 4x4s and looking at a td5 on wednesday and just wanting advice what to look at....

its 2000 but done 160K + miles but im only getting it as a fun offroader and for taking the dogs out and towing my jetski 4 miles to the beach....

i have tried searching for advice on these and found this about them so far....


Check Chassis and box sections for rust and accident repairs..

Check for Leaking sunroofs (this ones been sealed which does not bother me)

Check for Water getting in above the rear door.

Check Air suspension, Is it sitting level?
Does the air compressor come on at start-up?
Check for leaks at the bottom of the suspension air bags

Check for Smoke, Look for blue oil smoke, black diesel smoke (overfueling), heavy black diesel smoke (failing turbocharger) or white smoke on starting (water in the bores)

check steering (bushes tend to wear out)

Check for Coolant leaks, Td5 water pumps can leak, causing coolant level to drop, then overheating occurs....

Check ACE (Active Cornering Enhancement) pipes for corrosion. Can be seen behind the off-side front wheel (very costly to put right)


Also the guy said sometimes he gets the abs/hdc/tc lights on the dash sometimes coming on could this be the hub sensors..

im not to bothered about some problems as is very cheap and to be honest is will just get throwen about offroad and get dirty inside due to the dogs...

it would be great if you have anymore info on what to check??

what about the gearbox/difflock/hi-low range

thanks in advanced

All of the above. Also check Fuel Pressure Regulator. Its on offside rear of engine just below rocker cover. These leak. To be honest, unless you are getting it really cheap, i would look at sumthin else. It can be a labour of love lookin after and maintaining an older Disco. If its to be used as you say, its not worth it. What about an older Disco1?

well im getting it cheaper than most disco 1s at £1400, its my dads mate thats got it doing me a favor...
hes not used much over 6 months and just went through an mot last week which passed first time with no advisories
its never been offroad only used for school run for his wife but they got a new range rover hse....
it has full service history from land rover edinburgh...
so i thought it was a great buy..