JourneyMan Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 Hi, New to the Discovery so excuse my ignorance (P38 and Classic Fuel Bills too much to swallow). I'm looking at buying a TD5 Disco 2 Auto (Facelift), any advice and pointers on what to look for? Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JourneyMan Posted January 22, 2010 Author Share Posted January 22, 2010 And another thing, why do most owners want shut of them around 55-60K miles, looked at Autotrader and LR web site and theres loads, some reason for this???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StuB Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 And another thing, why do most owners want shut of them around 55-60K miles, looked at Autotrader and LR web site and theres loads, some reason for this???? I have just purchased one with 186000miles!!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MartinK Posted January 23, 2010 Share Posted January 23, 2010 And another thing, why do most owners want shut of them around 55-60K miles, looked at Autotrader and LR web site and theres loads, some reason for this???? Hmm, interesting thought! I bought my Discovery TD5 new, 8 years ago, now over 160,000 miles, I thought you may be interested in sharing my experiences of long term ownership? The first 24,000 miles were completely faultless, other than a cracked windscreen, caused by an airborne stone. However, just after the 24k service (April 03), the vehicle developed a gearshift problem. Just when cold for the first few miles, it was almost impossible to select 2nd gear, but once warmed-up worked fine. I suggest the garage had serviced the car and put in EP90 rather than MTF94. The garages response was to change the whole gearbox! I suggest the garage is to blame, rather than a Land Rover fault. Again another period of total reliability from 24000 miles to 60000 miles. At its 60,000 mile service (and the last service by a main dealer after this, once the vehicle was out of warranty servicing was done by a local independent LR specialist, and by me), the rubber bushes on the front shock absorbers were replaced under warranty. Since then, another pile of repair-free miles until 70,000, when the originally Michelin 4x4 tyres (road bias) were replaced with BFG All Terrain. These BFG's lasted till over 150000 miles (i.e. ran them for 80000 miles). Now Grabber AT2. At about 70,000 miles, I also had the car fully waxoyled underneath at a local garage. The job was OK, but not as good as a professional would do. I top-up the waxoyl myself at least once a year where required. As a result the chassis is still in great shape with no real rust yet. Then, all hell broke loose at 94,000 miles. A long list of problems: injector harness change (the oil ingress problem) rear nearside ABS sensor failed upper ACE accelerometer sensor replacement rear diff oil seal weeping (replaced) transfer box weeping oil (re-sealed) All this, then the starter motor failed a week later. Both front rumbling hubs (when cornering) were also replaced at a cost of £560 inc vat. Also around this time, I experienced a clutch "judder" - turned out I needed a new flywheel, so popped a new clutch in at the same time. Another period of reliable running ensued. At 102000 miles, the rear brake pads and disks were replaced for the first (and still the only time) time (I did this myself). At 107000 miles, the front brake pads & disks were replaced for the first (and still the only) time again I did this myself. 142000 miles I noticed oil under the front of the car it turned out that the power steering pipe had been hit by something, rusted though and was weeping. Replaced. 144000 miles the fuel pump failed - but the car did get me home (with a top speed of 45mph up hill! 148000 miles (7 years) - the MOT inspector was concerned about some rust on the rear brake pipes. These were replaced with copper pipes whilst the car was in for a service. 150000 miles - One of the ACE pipes started leaking after an off-road session - I removed the whole ACE system (well I got a garage to do it), now got standard anti-roll bars, and is a lot simpler. There have been a few other things of interest: The MPG has averaged 30.92 across many tank fills since new (not checked every time, just random). I can get 34 mpg on a run, and under 30 mpg when towing, commuting or light off-roading. It still uses hardly any oil, approx. 1 litre between 12,000 mile services - I always use good quality oils (Mobil 1 just now). Overall wear and tear is minimal, a few stone chips on paintwork, and the drivers seat is looking tired (thinking of recovering the front seats - next time I'll get leather from new), otherwise still looks and drives as new. Front hubs are grumbling again, and will need replaced soon. All in all it's been an excellent experience. Since the vehicles getting older there have been a few more niggly problems you should expect of a car this age, such as the fuel pump failing, and odd bits of pipework corrosion. I haven't done the maths yet, but the £ per mile must be exceptional with such great brake/tyre wear, the overall cost of ownership will be minimal. A top vehicle glad I bought it. Look after your TD5, and it'll serve you well! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JourneyMan Posted January 23, 2010 Author Share Posted January 23, 2010 Hi Martin, Thanks for taking the time to put that together, it made interesting reading, so all in all, sounds like a good car. Does anyone have any advice on what to look for or are these cars no as weak as say a P38 or a Classic with stock faults? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orange Posted January 25, 2010 Share Posted January 25, 2010 I would seriously consider whether you need a lot of toys on it. Of course, we only hear stories about the horrors of problems that people experience, but the less gadgetery there is to go wrong, the better in my book! I have owned my Disco 2 Serengetti (read as base spec + climate control and CD changer) for nearly 5 years. It's covered approx. 65000 miles and is a pre-facelift (just) model on an 02 plate. To note the issues I've had: Fuel pressure regulator - apparently a common problem and will cost you about £100 in parts to fix. Flywheel & clutch - started to develop some clutch slip, then soon after the tell-tale judder of the flywheel, so had them both done at the same time. Didn't get much change from £1000, but it's all under LR warranty at the moment!! I found cheaper quotes, but no-where near the 1 year warranty that LR gave me... Brakes - pads all round, but that's just general service items... Gear change - it is developing the clunky gear change when cold, but it's due an oil change, so hopefully that'll help. I did suspect that oil had gotten into the injector harness at some stage as it developed a slight misfire and some lumpy running, but it turned out to be an absolutely shocking batch of fuel from Tesco and the problem soon disappeared after a refill with decent brand fuel! Even after 1 year with a 'performance' upgrade, it's still faultless! It does make it a lot nicer to drive, too!! Long may the problem free motoring continue!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MartinK Posted January 28, 2010 Share Posted January 28, 2010 I would seriously consider whether you need a lot of toys on it. Of course, we only hear stories about the horrors of problems that people experience, but the less gadgetery there is to go wrong, the better in my book! Couldn't agree more. It's always the complex things that run-up the maintenance costs in later life. If you have springs (not air suspension) I would certainly remove ACE when/if it plays-up. The sunroofs leak occasionally on all Discos. If I had purchased an S instead of a GS, these two of my issues would never have occurred! Just found out that my other car (Volvo xc70) has an electric handbrake (yes I did know that bit), but that means that it's a trickiy DIY job to replace rear brake pads/disks - you need a computermabob to reset the alarm created by winding-back the calipers! Bolox! What was wrong with "proper" handbrakes anyway? Rant over Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JourneyMan Posted January 30, 2010 Author Share Posted January 30, 2010 Ok, driven my first TD5 today and to be honest I wasn't impressed. Found it to be noisy and boomey at low revs and quite sluggish. Was this just this car???? It had no proper LR Service History despite the Dealer wanting well over the odss and there was a load of niggly little things, steering wheel off centre, discs all round had big lips at the outer edge of the discs and the gear change (auto) seemed very jerky (compared to my 16 yo RRC). I really think its just this car but I'd be keen to hear peoples views. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
big ives Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 Hi, New to the Discovery so excuse my ignorance (P38 and Classic Fuel Bills too much to swallow). I'm looking at buying a TD5 Disco 2 Auto (Facelift), any advice and pointers on what to look for? Cheers i bought a 2004 auto face lift last June 67k on the clock, full history my advice look around before buying i looked at about 7 discos before i found one right for me and bought private, local (ie money verus spec) since i bought it i have changed the following doing all the work myself, i have her for towing my caravan so i like everything to be right fuel pressure regulator (it started to weep) the camshaft seal (about a fiver to repalce) removed the ERG (about 40 quid) again this made a BIG difference fitted a new ITG air filter (about 36 quid) this air filter made a BIG difference full fluid replacement (only because i like to know that they are all new oils) replaced the light bulbs with a set of 90% brighter bulbs (these are great) for me she drives beautifully check out this web site for information www.discovery2.co.uk hope this helps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milliejasper1111 Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 My "old chap" has a Td5, 2001 all singing all dancing, and is always having problems with air suspention, 2x injector looms!! fuel system playing up, its only done 63,000 miles, and you right they are noisy. I picked him up in my 300 tdi and he kept saying how quiet it was compared to his! Also he took me and her indoors out once and we both nearly threw up sitting in the back i thought the ride comfort was shocking, really hard, you felt every bump in the road. Hes had enough of it now, and looking to get a new 110. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanS Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 Well, I bought my 2000 TD5 ES auto in November and have been very pleased with it so far. It is very gruff when it's cold (especially in the recent temperatures) and feels a bit sluggish but only for a mile or so. Once warm, it feels and sounds quite refined to me even after my last V8, and far faster than I had been led to believe. It's easy to lead everyone else off the traffic lights. I did try half a dozen or so beefore I bought this one and there was a lot of variation. My local independent specialist has driven it and said "that's one of the good ones" - so I'd keep looking and trying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orange Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 Ok, driven my first TD5 today and to be honest I wasn't impressed. Found it to be noisy and boomey at low revs and quite sluggish. Was this just this car???? Not really!! Remember that they are a heavy compromise between comfort and ability/agility. I find mine to be quite tedious to drive at motorway speeds, even with the stereo turned up, and so spend most of the time on smaller roads, or cruising at 60-65mph. However, it's one of the most comfortable cars I drive (in terms of the seats). A quick trip to one of the many companies offering performance upgrades (JE Engineering, Twisted Performance, IRB Developments etc etc) will see a smile on your face, but you need to make sure the vehicle can cope with the extra ooomph... If the engine is tired or the injectors are unhealthy it can lead to a big repair bill... Also worth mentioning (as others have above) is the removal of the EGR valve and the replacement of the catalytic converter (you won't need it for the MoT) with a straight through down pipe. Although this will make slightly more boom in the cabin, the responsiveness of the engine is greatly improved and the benefits by far outweigh the 'issues'. It had no proper LR Service History despite the Dealer wanting well over the odss and there was a load of niggly little things, steering wheel off centre, discs all round had big lips at the outer edge of the discs and the gear change (auto) seemed very jerky (compared to my 16 yo RRC). I really think its just this car but I'd be keen to hear peoples views. Thanks I never got on with the automatics that I drove. Some had obvious problems, but others just seemed to be bad. My RRC was also much better (apart from the clunk into reverse!!) so I chose to stick with the manual. It's a decision I regret in some ways and stand by in others. I find that first gear on my manual is just a bit too short and find I am grabbing for 2nd gear in the middle of a junction... Walk away. Simple as that. There are plenty around that will be a whole lot better by the sounds of it, even if you do have to travel a bit and invest a bit of time to find the right one. It'll be worth it in the end as the good ones appear to be good for a long time... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milliejasper1111 Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 Dont get me wrong though, his is still a nice disco, i would have it over mine any day!! at the end of the day you just have to have a good look around a few (took me six months to find mine) there are so many out there, some some im sure you will find the right one in time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JourneyMan Posted February 1, 2010 Author Share Posted February 1, 2010 Cheers Guys, I'd like to stick with LR, I've got 3 RR's and a Def and they get under your skin, so I've made up my mind to go for a D2 TD5. I know the standard performance is fine, enough of them go past me on the motorway going like stink so I know they're quick, it was just getting out of my 16 yo RR and getting into a D2 was a bit of a revelation, I was expecting it to be more refined than it was, kickdown just made more noise and no action and there's more room in my RR which surprised me. Thanks for your thoughts and feedback, I think its down to more searching, that particular car was a pup for the money and the warranty offered especially considering it was a Jag Main Stealer. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gunner29 Posted February 1, 2010 Share Posted February 1, 2010 had my td5 disco for 3yrs now without anything major going wrong. could someone explain what the job egr valve do,s,and why do some people remove it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlosbeldia Posted April 1, 2010 Share Posted April 1, 2010 Hello.... I have a dumb question. When you talk about MPG you use imperial gallons, right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MartinK Posted April 1, 2010 Share Posted April 1, 2010 Hello.... I have a dumb question. When you talk about MPG you use imperial gallons, right? Yes, 1 Imperial Gallon - 4.546 litres Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlosbeldia Posted April 1, 2010 Share Posted April 1, 2010 My 110 give me 24MPG in a city and off road (low range) basis, about 70% and 30% ratio. I'm about 2600 msnm, is this normal? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nicks90 Posted April 1, 2010 Share Posted April 1, 2010 td5 noisey? maybe on the outside or with the windows down... our 2000 td5 manual is nice and quiet. You can just hear the engine is a diesel in the cabin with the stereo off at 60mph. Certainly not intrusive though. Wind noise and tyre noise is much more prominant than the diesel rattle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingdong2 Posted April 1, 2010 Share Posted April 1, 2010 yeh i have seen a video on youtube of a disco td5 auto green laning with the video camara filming from the inside now as a past video camara user i know the mic on the camara will pick anything up and you can just hear the engine even when the box was in low so i would think in general the td5s are pretty quiet. graham ____________________ 1997 disco 1 300 tdi. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlosbeldia Posted April 2, 2010 Share Posted April 2, 2010 Even my Defender is really quiet (sound, vibrations feel all the frame), TD5 is really a low noise wngine, even compared with Nissan and Ford engines here in Colombia. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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