Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Options
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
The wind played a huge factor on towing ability and mileage. If the truck had to go head into any wind above 10mph or even a wind coming at her from the side, we drove in 3rd at around 55-60 mph. Mileage was then lower...around 5.5-7 mpg. If no wind and flat to hilly terrain, we kept her in drive and she would do anything from 65-75 mph with no problem. Mileage would range from 7-9.5 mpg which we thought was okay. We were pleased with this performance being that the trailer weighs 5,000 plus pounds. Probably towing would be best if the trailer would be under 4,500 lbs.
We towed the trailer up and down some pretty serious elevations and grades and although she did 'okay' we and the truck were fairly stressed out by the time we were done and think we might buy a used Rangey with more towing capacity for the next big trip. By saying she did 'okay' I mean that she made up every 9,000 ft mountain and the lowest speed we came to was 25 mph. We were just happy to make it.
Before we left we tried to acquire an extra trans cooler but were told that LR doesn't make one and no one we talked to was quite sure what to do with a Disco that needed one. Ultimately it was decided that it wouldn't be needed. WRONG. Our trans oil light came on during one of our toughest climbs, so we had to park it for a while on the side of the mountain waiting for everything to cool off. We will now have the trans flushed and filter replaced and will be looking to have an additional cooler installed.
In an earlier message Nanuq, you mentioned that the brakes shouldn't squeal. Mine didn't til toward the end of the trip. Now when they are used enough to get warm, they squeal at stops. During the trip, I felt the rotors to make sure there was no uneven wear and found them smooth except for the outer edge which is higher than the rest of the rotor, as if it's not getting touched by the pads. Is that normal, or have the pads been installed incorrectly? (They've been on for about 12,000 mi.) What type/brand of pad should I replace them with and how many miles are they good for? What goo are you talking about?
All in all, we thought the truck did well with what she had to deal with. I really enjoyed the looks from other LR owners and campers pulling their trailers. Too cool!!! The scenery was beautiful and we knew that we could go just about anywhere we wanted to in the truck to look for wildlife and less accessible treasures in Montana and Wyoming.
Hopefully some will find this info useful.
Kim
Try looking at the True Market Value and the Incentives and Rebates pages while waiting for feedback from the owners here. Good luck!
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Brakes were just really glazed, all better now. Thanks anyway.
Truck has 'acquired' some leaks, (power steering and oil) looking into how bad & the fix it bill. If it's going to be extensive, may sell it & buy either 03 Disco or a used Rangey. Would like to have one of everything LR in the drive, so it's hard to decide.
Kim
Let me know how it comes along! And it's nice hearing about your trip. Yeah! Too bad you didn't come just a wee bit further north.
-Bob
I am picking up my '03 Disco next week. I was able to get a discount of $1000 below MSRP. Silver with Black interior and Cold Climate. I was lucky to get a discount on the '03. Most dealerships are staying at MSRP.
Kevin
I am in Northen California (San Francisco Bay Area), but I am driving 3 1/2 hours south to get this deal, because they have the price and color and equipment I am looking for. When I first started working with this dealer, he was going to do $1,500 back of MSRP for a 2002. I suspect he will do $1,500 back of MSRP in a few months. This really upsets some of the other dealers in California. But at the end of the day, I need to take care of my wallet first.
There is definitely a difference in the braking and suspension improvements with the '03. Sharper braking and a smoother ride. Not that the older models were rough or anything. I test drove an '02 right after and it was noticible. The bigger engine had "get up & go" and was great on the freeway for passing juice.
It's too bad they don't offer the Bahama Beige interior anymore. That black/cream combination is a little on the light side. Looks like a a little too much cleaning time involved with that color. The black interior is nice. The very light gray from above the door line on up helps open it up. It's not as claustrophobic as most black interiors.
Enjoy!
If it was me, I'd pull the pads and paint on some of that goo that you get at auto parts stores. If that didn't do it, I'd suspect the pads are just not "right" for your style of driving. Maybe they're too hard and you don't wear them fast enough with your driving style?
I've tried many different brands on my DI and the aftermarket Wagners were great: no squeal and they worked great in the rain.
Factory pads have these bizarre little spring steel biscuits that press into the caliper pistons to hold the pads from squealing; other brands have a soft coating on the back. Look around and see what's available.
How fast are your pads wearing? I'm on my 4th set at 70k miles. Perhaps mine wear so quickly they never have time to glaze? Maybe you need to do some good hard stops at offramps and things to scrub 'em yourself.
These trucks thrive on regular hard use... take her out and give her hell once in awhile, she'll thank you for it.
Good luck, -Bob
During winter I use Castrol Syntec 5-50w and love how it lets me start in way cold temps. I had been using Castrol 10-40w GTX for Fall/Spring and had never had trouble with it; but I had that persistent knock.
I tried Castrol 10-30w and Pennzoil 10-30w this summer and my knock is gone using both, good riddance! Note also I *never* use oil additives and she runs like a scalded cat without them.
FWIW, I've kept using the same filter for consistency's sake: Purolator Premium One. Wix 51515 is also a good one.
Regards, -Bob
Thanks,
Kim
I purchased a 2003 Discovery SE on the 9th. VERY nice vehicle. Here in Anaheim Hills, Ca., MSRP for it is $39,095. With the X-plan, it is $37,400. That is $1,695 discounted. Also, you'll get 15% off of accesories with the X-plan (you might need it, the accessories' prices have increased!).
Charlie2K2
P.S. Almost forgot, I got the Zambezi Siver with the Black Leather interior. I believe the black exterior paint job will run you another $300 onto the MSRP. Also, in California there is a $100 emissions fee, so if your state doesn't have this type of fee, you should be able to deduct that. FYI
tincup,
When I mentioned the console seeming smaller, I was referring to the width compared to my series 1. My husband and I noticed it right off, maybe we were mistaken. How do you like the new look?
nanuq,
changed the plugs yesterday trying to get the truck to run better. She's been running a bit rough since we got back from the trip. They were toast.... really corroded. We're going to check the source of the leaks and will try the things you suggested. I think she might have a valve cover leak, and that gasket looks to be original. I don't think the oil leak is from anywhere further down than that. I'm crossing my fingers. How often do you clean your injectors? Do you do it?
Thanks guys,
Kim
Kim, I never have cleaned my injectors. To soothe my feelings of guilt (grin) I switch back and forth between Chevron and Texaco supreme; they have different additive packages and the two seem to do a good job of keeping things clean topside. My truck idles just slightly rough too, but I don't worry about it.
Has anyone noticed the BAD idling/running after a hard climb, then you leave her parked for awhile? I start back up and she refuses to idle for half a minute... I have to keep the revs up until she settles down. The shop here says it's because the fuel line lives in the valley of the "vee" and it gets hot enough to vaporize the fuel. When you restart it pushes fuel thru the lines and cools them, turning the vapor back to liquid again. Simple and logical!
Best regards, -Bob
Kevin
The $39,095 is the base SE price here in my area. It does not have the ACE. I'm not sure what you mean by "Cold Climate". If you mean the Dual Zone Climate Control System, then yes, it does have that. If instead you mean rear air conditioning controls, then no, it does not have that. The rear AC controls come with the Occasional Seating (third-row seats) option. I purchased the standard seating SE (I think those little third-row seats are somewhat silly. They are WAY too small for humans, even little ones! I would have got them if they were still facing sideways.) and have the extra cargo space containers in place of the occasional seats.
I don't know what limitations have been placed on the seven-seat models. Perhaps someone here can shed more light on the matter. Also, I believe Kkone provided some figures from a dealership in post #1991. (?)
By "accessories" I mean not "options". Accessories include rubber floor mats, Adventure roof rack, waterproof seat covers, etc. I believe the other things such as ACE, SLS, etc. are referred to as options --- but I could easily be mistaken, it wouldn't be the first time!
$40,492 for an SE with extra options (ACE, SLS, Java Black, etc.) doesn't sound too bad to me, but almost everything in my area seems to cost a bit more than many other areas in the nation so my opinion should probably be taken "with a grain of salt". If they won't come down on the price, try to get them to throw in something extra like wheel locks (those lug nut thingys) or something. Like you say, it's worth a try!
Charlie2K2
P.S. The Java Black is nice!
Another good trick is to find a nice downhill and let it slow you with compression braking frequently during break-in; that lets the oil wash the particles from the upper cylinder walls better.
In the winter you want to follow similar advice: when it's below freezing, don't take her over 2k RPMs until you feel warmth from the heaters. That gets the oil thin enough to lube well before you rev her up.
Enjoy your new truck! -Bob
ps: similar break-in schedules apply for the trans, xfer box, diffs, etc. Just remember "Oil is cheaper than metal".
Good info on break-in too! Take care of these suckers and they run forever. I was at the auction last night and saw a VERY clean loaded 95 5-speed with 157K miles. It purred like a kitten. Had the seller been even remotely reasonable, I might have bought it. It was that nice.
I'm certainly not afraid of miles on a well-maintained Disco. But a poorly maintained one is a nightmare.
Bill
I also find the rear seat access to be a bit narrow. The doors don't open wide enough I think.
I didn't notice much difference in the drivability and comfort between the 02' and 03.
As far as X-Plan goes, it's for Ford Motor Company suppliers (And their employees). It is 104% of the Employee price. Members of the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Assoc) also get it after 1 full year of membership.
Now, whether or not they would even do X-Plan deals on '03 discos is another thing..
Bill
Thanks again...
PS
The Java Black is beautiful...
But too hot for here in Florida. We mainly sell White Gold, White, Silver, etc...
Bill
Just to torment everyone, I had Anuqa out again last night in the goo, it's been raining for a week and the trails are axle deep in water and mud in places. I had a blast! Time for a bath again... (the truck too)
Anyway, I drove a 2001 recently and it was snug, and the seatbelt kept hitting the power seat switch... unceremoniously slideing me into the wheel. The guide told me the D1's were even narrower, but I've since read on many boards that the D1's actually have MORE driver space, particularly leg room. Also, I would avoid power seats as the switches mount in prime "spare tire" space.
That's my "fat guy" perspective anyway.
I just bought an '89 Trooper ($789 eBay!) to hold me over for about 3 years. By then, my Protege5 will be paid off and I can find a nice, used Disco to replace the Trooper.
Anyone on here attending the Killington Expedition? (formerly Roverfest) lot's of Discoweb.org guys going, and I'll be up there too.
http://www.vermontexpeditionsociety.com/kx/kxframes.htm
Una inuq aaniqtuq, -Bob
I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. I drove 200 miles to get the color I wanted, but also paid less than MSRP for my 2003 SE Disco.
KKone
Lazy me, since it I rarely use cruise in the mountains, I never replaced it.
The hunting has gotten worse and now the tach bounces like a windshiel wiper. Is it the same problem or am I into a computer thing now?
Tis time I will fix it.
Thanks
KW
Could you tell me where you bought your 2003 Discovery SE ? I also live in San Francisco Bay Area.
Thx.
When discussing the price with a Land Rover sales person, I was told," Land Rover sells its vehicles at MSRP. There is no haggling and makes the buying experince easier for the consumer." I shared with the salesperson that there was another Land Rover dealer who was selling cheaper than MSRP (based on that dealer's webpage advertised prices) than the MSRP that was quoted. To that, I received the response...."Well, Land Rover tries to get all their dealers to sell at MSRP." Morever, I was told that if I did not buy from that dealer I would not be eligible for a loaner vehicle if I chose to have my vehicle serviced at that particular dealership nor other niceties which I thought was an amenity for ALL Land Rover owners regardless of where the vhicle was purchased. Any advice???
Is there any way to get an RDR Date/info faxed to me on LRNA Letterhead?
I just sold a 95 County to a guy in York, England and the first reg date is 8-1-95 which would qualify it for a year newer license plate...
Thanks!
Bill