Buying Used: Land Rover Discovery II V8, 1999-2002

Aside from a significantly refreshed interior and exterior and the addition of traction control (and no centre diff-lock operation), the major news when Land Rover released its Discovery II (DII) in Australia in 1999 was up the back: an extended tail section to accommodate forward-facing third-row seats.

There was a newer version of the 4.0-litre, all-alloy V8 (with new inlet runners) and a new Td5 turbodiesel. However, we’re concentrating on the V8, because while used Td5 prices have come down, they haven’t become quite as cheap as the V8.

HOW'S IT TOW?

Limited in its long-distance towing range (about 350km minimum with a standard tank), the DII can work well with a dual-fuel LPG conversion, although a sequential system costing about $6000 (not taking rebates into account) is a must.

The relatively small displacement V8 doesn’t have abundant torque but is adequate for caravans weighing about two tonnes. A Range Rover 4.6-litre V8 conversion would be the pick for heavy-duty towing – if you can find one.

The seven-seat model had air-spring self-levelling rear suspension (SLS) and the five-seater had coils (though some came optioned with air suspension). Each has its fans for towing.

The safest bet for heavy towing appears to be a coil-spring model with Hayman Reese towbar and load levellers – although many DII SLS owners are quite happy with their setup.

CHECKLIST

The DII has more than its fair share of problems, but if you buy one that has been sorted out you’ll find it one of the best-value, most capable used 4WDs on and off the road. Get a bad one, though, and it can be a very expensive lesson.

So choose a DII with a service history and get a Land Rover specialist to inspect it. A major problem is slipped cylinder liners caused by faulty castings or by overheating, and that requires an engine overhaul to fix – costing about $8000 or more. An engine overhaul using top-hat liners will remedy this, so don’t overlook a DII with it done.

The five-speed manual can have weak second-gear synchromesh but is generally problem-free, while the smooth four-speed auto does not often fail, but costs around $5000 to overhaul if it does.

Other issues include head gasket failure, ABS sensor or ABS block failure, airflow sensor failure, front driveshaft joint failure and radiator blockages. Engine oil leaks are common.

Expect to pay about $7000 for a tired, early DII five-seater, but you’d be better off spending $10k-$12k to get a good 1999 to 2000 five-seat model, while $15k should get you an excellent, low-mileage, seven-seat 2002 model.

LAND ROVER DISCOVERY II V8
(FEB 1999-JAN 2003)

Engine: 4.0-litre V8 petrol
Power/torque: 136kW @ 4750rpm/ 340Nm @ 2600rpm
Fuel consumption: 14.5L/100km (solo), 22.0L/100km (towing)
Max braked towing capacity: 3500kg  (max 250kg ball load)
Used prices: $7000 (high-km 1999 model) to $15,000 (low-km 2002 model)