Cosd Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 Going to look at a 2.5 TD5 GS 7 SEAT 5DR AUTO, got 103k on the clock, comprehensive history, car looks very clean, auto box. Dealer said the car has had the air suspension replaced with springs, is that a good thing? What do I need to look out for? Am I looking at a can of worms or are these decent cars? Reviews seem good on them for what I need, 40 mile round motorway trip to work and driving to the hide. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chr15j Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 As far as I know replacement of air susp with springs is good! Less to go wrong, heard of it before Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bakerboy Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 Going to look at a 2.5 TD5 GS 7 SEAT 5DR AUTO, got 103k on the clock, comprehensive history, car looks very clean, auto box. Dealer said the car has had the air suspension replaced with springs, is that a good thing? What do I need to look out for? Am I looking at a can of worms or are these decent cars? Reviews seem good on them for what I need, 40 mile round motorway trip to work and driving to the hide. Hi Cos Give philr a nudge he is pretty clued up on these cars. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosd Posted April 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 Hi Cos Give philr a nudge he is pretty clued up on these cars. Good luck Thanks Terry Sent Phil a message, he's just setting up at WF so we'll have a chat later Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aga man Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 hello mate, i have a discovery td5 2003 model, i have owned it for almost three years now and can't complain too much. spring suspension is far better than the air types as they have rubber air bag as i understand which normally fail. the engine has a timing chain instead of rubber belt, so thats one less concern. the engine has proved very reliable to me so far and min has 11800 miles on it. don' t know too much about the auto box as mine is manual, but my mate had one with no problems. expect around 29 miles to the gallon and mine is £260 a year to tax :blink: . hight be worth asking if the injector seals have been done although this isn't a major job. not an expert but hopefully these pointers will help. i love mine but the wife is sqeezing me to get rid because of the running costs atb aga man. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moors Man Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 With regard to the suspension I was advised that the main issue with the conversion is that the 7 seat was never made with with anything but air suspension. Therefore was never crash tested and as a result is classed as a modified car !!! I would suggest it would be worth you need to discuss that with your insurer. I have a 2001 TD5 with autobox. The ratio's are not great a round town, I am still having a few electrical problems. Howver they are cheaper that the Japanese cars. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrwabbits Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 (edited) With regard to the suspension I was advised that the main issue with the conversion is that the 7 seat was never made with with anything but air suspension :no: . Therefore was never crash tested and as a result is classed as a modified car !!! I would suggest it would be worth you need to discuss that with your insurer. I have a 2001 TD5 with autobox. The ratio's are not great a round town, I am still having a few electrical problems. Howver they are cheaper that the Japanese cars. With due regards, Then you were advised incorrectly, I have owned and ran a `97 `R-reg'300 7 seater for the past 8 years -- declared and not modified + standard insurance --- but check your own policy/insurer anyway to be sure. This vehicle was built on `springs' as standard from factory as were 1000`s more. The 7 seat arrangement came as factory fitment option too. The 2 rear seats being sideways on foldaway with lap-belts. Whomever advised you is wrong too. Quote: `The Discovery was introduced into the United Kingdom in 1989. The company code-named the vehicle "Project Jay". The new model was based on the chassis and drivetrain of the more upmarket Range Rover, but with a lower price aimed at a larger market segment and intended to compete with Japanese offerings. This was the only Discovery generation with four-cylinder engines. The Discovery was initially available only as a three-door version and the five-door became available the following year. Both were fitted with five seats, with the option to have two further seats fitted in the boot.' Source : (have a read folks, it will enlighten the none aware of L/R history http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_Rover_Discovery'>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_Rover_Discovery http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_Rover Ive owned/own and repaired and worked on personally + professionally, LandRovers ranging from early series models/range rovers / defenders/ disco`s etc to current date. Having retired from the `game' professionally , (carefull how you read + digest that one ), i now persue other routes . So I am somewhat biased I stand to be corrected , we all learn something new everyday . Edited April 12, 2012 by mrwabbits Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fib new Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 Check for oil in the injector wiring harness. Is a common problem with td5's and causes misfiring. Easily repaired by replacing the damaged bit... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matt32 Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 The auto boxes are meant to be very reliable on them. My father has an 04 plate auto and he was getting around 21MPG. Since having it remapped he's getting 23-24 and it's made the truck much better in terms of gear changes and for the extra power when over-taking. Remapping it would definately be something to consider and can soon pay for itself by the MPG gains. The mileage shouldn't be a concern and the springs, although not as comfy as air, will be problem free. My father changed his air suspension 2 years ago and its starting to play up again now. Regards, Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hoggysreels Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 the inclusion of a Land Rover-branded cloth fabric holdall in the front centre console for oddments storage that could be removed from the vehicle and worn as a 'handbag' using a supplied shoulder strap (relatively few of these bags have survived, making them collectable items). I've got a very nice one of these ... me thinks it might be going on eBay asap When they first came out, its true they were only in 3 door format, and they were only in manual transmission and petrol models ... I worked for a Rover/LandRover main agents (for many years) and they were a nightmare when they were released ... the problems they had were varied and numerous ... It's claim was that it was the fastest vehicle from conception to public release ... circa 2 years and boy did it show .... I can remember being in the Land rover factory and saw people with scaffolding poles bolted together to fabricate a frame for a block and tackle and they were lifting V8 engines out of Range Rovers due to there being a problem with them (V8 engine, well overated). Round the back of the factory there was a military section, that was interesting, they had loads of "special Landrovers" for the Aussies, they were like no other Land Rover's sold to anyone else worldwide .... I also had a good look at the Judge Dredd adapted vehicle for the film Land Rover had made ... anyhow enough waffle ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spanj Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 As far as I know replacement of air susp with springs is good! Less to go wrong, heard of it before But may well invalidate your insurance so check before doing this. The 7 seater doesnt have type approval for springs. Airbags cost about £150 frm paddock and can be fitted in about an hour Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosd Posted April 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 Cheers guys Had more time to got through the net and looks like I'll be looking for a later car with facelift. Got a couple to call tomorrow, so fingers crossed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cockermax Posted April 13, 2012 Report Share Posted April 13, 2012 Had a 300Tdi for 4 Years and have now has my TD5 for about 6 Years. Think the Discovery is a great car but they do have their niggles. Sunroofs Leak. Abs sensor faults (You get your Hill decent, Abs & Traction Control lights stay on)Power Steering Box can leak & a few other things as well. When you have a look at your prospective Discovery try every electronic switch to make sure it works. If you are not sure what that switch is supposed to do, take a mate who does. If you test drive it take it somewhere you can test the hill descent. Have heard of owners rewiring the above 3 warning lights into the handbrake so that when you take the handbrake off the go out rather than fix it. Also believe that fault lights are soon to become part of the MOT, ie if on it's a failure. (someone may know better) Just my humble opinion, but above all don't be afraid to walk away, there are hundreds of Disco 2's out there for sale. Good Luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moors Man Posted April 13, 2012 Report Share Posted April 13, 2012 With due regards, Then you were advised incorrectly, I have owned and ran a `97 `R-reg'300 7 seater for the past 8 years -- declared and not modified + standard insurance --- but check your own policy/insurer anyway to be sure. This vehicle was built on `springs' as standard from factory as were 1000`s more. The 7 seat arrangement came as factory fitment option too. The 2 rear seats being sideways on foldaway with lap-belts. Whomever advised you is wrong too. Quote: `The Discovery was introduced into the United Kingdom in 1989. The company code-named the vehicle "Project Jay". The new model was based on the chassis and drivetrain of the more upmarket Range Rover, but with a lower price aimed at a larger market segment and intended to compete with Japanese offerings. This was the only Discovery generation with four-cylinder engines. The Discovery was initially available only as a three-door version and the five-door became available the following year. Both were fitted with five seats, with the option to have two further seats fitted in the boot.' Source : (have a read folks, it will enlighten the none aware of L/R history http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_Rover_Discovery'>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_Rover_Discovery http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_Rover Ive owned/own and repaired and worked on personally + professionally, LandRovers ranging from early series models/range rovers / defenders/ disco`s etc to current date. Having retired from the `game' professionally , (carefull how you read + digest that one ), i now persue other routes . So I am somewhat biased I stand to be corrected , we all learn something new everyday . Thanks for your comments and links. I do admit that I am a long way from a Land Rover expect or enthusiast however your vehicle is a Series 1 not 2. In your links the section on the Serice II states : "Self-levelling air springs were fitted to some models and European type-approval for seven-seat vehicles was only given for air-sprung cars." Which from a point of ignorance would tend to support what I was told. And would strongly recommend checking before buying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosd Posted April 13, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 13, 2012 From what I understand the air springs aren't that expensive, so why get rid of a more comfy ride? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al4x Posted April 13, 2012 Report Share Posted April 13, 2012 indeed they aren't expensive my other halfs parents have one and its had 2 go which they've replaced. I have to say personally I don't like driving it though its a mint 60k vehicle its just the way it wallows round corners isn't for me. Compared to my L200 its slower, handles like a barge and doesn't tow anywhere near as well. But fully loaded people do seem to like them, I'd put another grand on the budget and go for an 06 onwards L200 much like the shogun inside better on juice and far more fun to drive Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosd Posted April 14, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2012 (edited) Guys thanks for all the advice, just bought myself my first 4x4. 190 mile round trip and picked up a lovely condition 2003 Discovery in gunmetal grey and full service history. It's got an auto box with just 95k on the clock and with all the toys. Can't wait to get out to the fields being I've been without a car for three weeks and no shooting. I must remember to take the gun too !!!! Cheers guys, a very happy man indeed. Edited April 14, 2012 by Cosd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aga man Posted April 14, 2012 Report Share Posted April 14, 2012 (edited) Guys thanks for all the advice, just bought myself my first 4x4. 190 mile round trip and picked up a lovely condition 2003 Discovery in gunmetal grey and full service history. It's got an auto box with just 95k on the clock and with all the toys. Can't wait to get out to the fields being I've been without a car for three weeks and no shooting. I must remember to take the gun too !!!! Cheers guys, a very happy man indeed. congratulations fella, doubt that you will regret it. a lot of vehicle for the money in my opinion. the facelift fronts look very smart aswell Edited April 14, 2012 by aga man Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosd Posted April 14, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2012 congratulations fella, doubt that you will regret it. a lot of vehicle for the money in my opinion. the facelift fronts look very smart aswell Cheers mate, I'm over the moon with it. I considered so many cars and am so pleased I ended up with this :good: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosd Posted April 15, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 15, 2012 My first 4x4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bakerboy Posted April 15, 2012 Report Share Posted April 15, 2012 Smart motor you have there Cos, I look forward to helping you get it dirty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosd Posted April 15, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 15, 2012 Cheers Terry, all going well I'll be out in it this week, hopefully it's dry and no mud :o) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aga man Posted April 15, 2012 Report Share Posted April 15, 2012 lovely looking truck fella :good: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deny essex Posted April 16, 2012 Report Share Posted April 16, 2012 (edited) Way toooooo clean for shooting Got to have 2 year old mud welded to it to be a proper shooters motor Ok only saying that because mines always muddy and coverd in user minor improvised body customiseing marks Edited April 16, 2012 by deny essex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catamong Posted April 16, 2012 Report Share Posted April 16, 2012 Nice motor Cos, your local filling station owner must be over the moon, he'll be seeing a lot more of you from now on, I'll bet he'll even be sending you a Christmas card. Cat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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