Help needed on buying an older Discovery

New member needing help. My son wants a Discovery and has about £5k to spend. I am thinking facelift Series 2 about 2002, does that sound right?
What do we need to be aware of, faults, pitfalls etc. We have looked at a 1999 and a 2002 model but first one had mouldy seats from a leaking sunroof and the second one has no service record at all.

Yes 5k should just about cover the insurance

The service issue is obviously quite a big thing for anyone but you would have to see if a seller could assure you that servicing been done. For example I do all my own servicing and most repairs and I keep receipts for everything so if I ever sell on I can convince the buyer that all is in order. Common repairs which someone has owned the vehicle for some time and may be aware of is oil pump sprocket securing bolt/ injector harness/ ACE system pipes if fitted. Obviously check all electrical equipment operates. Best if you can to look underneath the car and check for oil leaks and any ares of corrosion particularly on chassis. It would be worthwhile to take camera and if theres anything you are not sure of or happy with, take a pic and post back here and I sure youl get advice. You will definetly be able to get a good td5 for 5k. Good luck.

There are some simple things to look out for:

• Leaking sunroof: Mould, as you mentioned, and also rust under the carpet in the boot. (Usually the cargo net hoops will show signs of corrosion also)

• Rust on the chassis

• Low range: Does it go into low range relatively easily?

• Rear airbags: Do they inflate? Should take 20-30 seconds

Once inflated you should check the airbags to see if they are in good nick, do they have any scratches from stones getting stuck when they deflate.

• Does HDC (Hill Descent Control) turn on properly (You'll need to be in low for that) Test if at all possible.
• When you drive and accelerate does the car vibrate excessively? Could be oil in injector loom.
• Check track rod and drag link for play

Other than those fairly easy checks its a case of scrutinising the service history and other paperwork.


I wouldn't be fooled by the facelift model too much, in my opinion you are better off getting a non facelift with lower mileage.


I paid just under £6k for my 51 plate about 3 years ago, 72k miles and 2 owners... it's been pretty good so far (touch wood) aside from some woman stuffing her Merc into the back earlier today!

Oh, and one bit of advice i was given by my local LR independent specialist... if it ain't leaking oil it doesn't have any left in it!

Good luck