BF Exclusive: 2003 Land Rover Discovery II SE

• Seller: David B rill (Contact)
• Location: Middletown, Connecticut
• Mileage: 157000 Shown
• Chassis #: SALTY16413A778496
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: 4.6-Liter V8
• Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic

Some vehicles come with a paper trail. Others come with a story. This 2003 Land Rover Discovery II SE, listed as a Barn Finds Classified in Middletown, Connecticut, with an $8,000 asking price, offers a bit of both. It’s not presented as perfect, but it’s clearly been used, maintained, and enjoyed over time—and that’s part of what makes it interesting.

According to the seller, the story starts back in late 2002 when the original owner purchased the truck new from Land Rover Darien. It remained with her until 2020, with regular maintenance handled both at home and through the dealership. The current owner acquired it in early 2021 and has added roughly 12,000 miles since, bringing the odometer to 157,000 miles.

Mechanically, there’s been some meaningful work done. The listing notes that a 60,000-mile short block was installed after an issue with the original engine, and that work was paired with updates like a new MagnaFlow 3-inch stainless exhaust, oil pump, water pump, O2 sensors, and ignition components including coils and a relocation kit. The seller mentions that the well-known Land Rover “tick” is still present intermittently once the engine is at operating temperature, even after those efforts. It’s described as inconsistent, sometimes noticeable and sometimes not.

Beyond that, the truck is said to start reliably, idle properly, and drive well. The seller describes it as comfortable on the road, which lines up with what many people appreciate about the Discovery platform. Brake pads have been replaced, and newer BFGoodrich All-Terrain K02 tires are fitted.

There are a few quirks, and the seller doesn’t shy away from them. An intermittent emissions leak code can appear, the sunroofs don’t always operate consistently, and the familiar “Three Amigos” warning lights show up occasionally despite prior attention. The listing also notes that the truck does not have a locking center differential.

Cosmetically, the seller describes the black paint as presenting well overall, with some clear coat issues on the hood and a few minor imperfections. Inside, the black leather interior is described as being in very good condition with light wear, though the headliner has a few sagging areas and some trim pieces show age. Many features are said to function as intended, including climate control, heated elements, and various power accessories.

Underneath, there is noted corrosion typical of the region, along with a small hole in the right rear frame rail that the seller says appeared recently and should be repairable.

This Discovery feels like an honest, used example that hasn’t been hidden behind vague descriptions. It’s been driven, worked on, and lived with—and it’s still in service. For someone looking for a capable SUV with personality and documented ownership history, it offers a lot to consider at the asking price.