'96 and '97 disco differences

[stecz]

What are the major differences between '96 and '97 discos? The only one I really know about is the external antenna. What about body structure differences? Suspension? more OBDII problems than '97 or '98s?

I found a '96 SE-7 (I want an SE-7) that seems to be in pretty good shape. I'm going to go test drive it tomorrow.

My main worries are:

The rear window seals (cargo area windows) are very cracked. How big of an issue is to replace the seals. I'm sure the windows have to come out to do it, is it feasible?

I think the driver's side wiper is broken (like disconnected from motor), but I'll have them fix that before I buy it.

Other than that it looks good, very clean body, no evidence of paintwork, althought there is a dent on the back of the roof where it looks like they forgot how tall the disco was when backing up, not too bad and up high, so people won't see it much.

the dent may just force me to put a roof rack on it to hide the dent.

 

[Tom in MD]

Some info

Sorry I can't offer any comparitive info, but I can share my 96 experiance. I'm the original owner. Fuel pump started to go around 120K mi. Plenty of warning. Easy fix. Look for rust at the body seam in the rear door sill, up by the latch on top of the rear wheel well. ABS sensors gone a little squirely ~125K. Some rust on rear door hinges. Leaky radiator replaced ~ 125K. Rotors were toast by then too. Cats gone at 130K. Still driving with these, will replace soon. YMMV. Still enjoying my 96. Good luck with your purchase !

 

[Jaime]

I know that my 97 has the advanced EVAPS (emission) system and not all 97s have that so I'm sure thats a difference, but I don't believe there are major differences since both the 96 and 97 are OBDII compliant.

 

[Ho]

rotoflex.

 

[stecz]

So at some point, I'll want to swap out the drive shaft for one with CV joints instead of the rotoflex?

 

[CurtisP]

The first Disco I owned was a '97. I remeber there being a lot of changes from '96 to '97. They were all minor changes, but there were a lot. One of the changes is the switch to upgraded Bosch engine control which (in my opinion) is very valuable. I think '97 is the first year when BMW's influence started to take effect on the production side. Everything I have heard says that the '97's and up are a much better choice than '96 and older.

 

[adi]

I have had my 96 since May, has ~74k on it. So far I have replaced drivers side cv/axleshaf, cats, and had one window that got stuck 1/2 way down. Other minor issues are the above mentioned rust/bubbled paint on the rear door sill. My window gaskets are also cracked, but they are not leaking so I am looking the other way on those for now. I was able to get a 2 year warranty on it as well, so I am very happy with it.

 

[discoverover]

I believe 97's have tinted rear windows as well. 98's and 99's have had small engine improvements to help the carbon fouling of valves on the early 1996-97 GEMS 4.0 models.

 

[Ho]

i'd leave the rotoflex. i like it.

 

[bri]

>> i'd leave the rotoflex. i like it.

Is there something prestigious about having a rotoflex, that I am unaware of.

Crap. I hope I did not get rid of mine, I may have to put it back on.

Brian

 

[p m]

yes, I had one, now I have two.

 

[Alexa]

With in a month of purchasing my 96 it had 89k I had to replace: powersteering pump, transfer case, exhaust,alternator, a whole bunch of fuses, some big belt and many other little parts, I drew the line at new diffs. Now with 120k it runs great but has all sorts of strange leaks from the windows, strange tapping noises in the engine but overall is a happy rover. I should have gotten the warranty.

 

[stecz]

Ok, I test drove again...

the good - '96; 71k miles; red; very good paint/body, very good interior

the bad - needs new tires (like I don't want to drive it back home to Texas from LA); the drivers side wiper doesn't work, but the sales guy says they will fix that; the front sunroof sticks, but will pop open if you push it. The drivers side seat won't go up and down, it does slide back and forth and the recline works.

Is $9k a fair price? I really want to get it for $8500....

thougths?

 

[Steve]

I wouldn't pay that much for it. I got a 96 SE7 a couple of years ago with 80K on the clock for $6500 with less issues.

 

[bri]

Is it a LR dealer? Any kind of certification or warrany? Price is high.

Last time I spent around 10k on a vehicle, I took it to an independent mechanic to pick it to pieces. Then negotiated on the price and for a couple hundred bucks, I either saved myself a nightmare (so far the vehicle is doing well) or learned what little things needed to be addressed (yep learned that to). They will in do a very nice checklist that you may or may not have done. Plus the usually check all kinds of pressures and things you may not have done.

The dealer is asking book price. A vehicle that someone is asking book for should not have a single problem and should be prestine-- including tires. Good tires can run you $750 or so. The sun roof, wipers and seals should be fixed, especially if it is a rover dealer and are a majhor negotiating point.

It is lower mileage, but some higher mileage comparable vehicles seem to be going for MUCH lower on dweb. There are some out their right now that are 4k-6k.

 

[Leslie]

Ok, I test drove again...

the good - '96; 71k miles; red; very good paint/body, very good interior

the bad - needs new tires (like I don't want to drive it back home to Texas from LA); the drivers side wiper doesn't work, but the sales guy says they will fix that; the front sunroof sticks, but will pop open if you push it. The drivers side seat won't go up and down, it does slide back and forth and the recline works.

Is $9k a fair price? I really want to get it for $8500....

thougths?

$8k would have been a fair price two years ago, not today. $9k, that's way high. Especially if it has any problems like the seat, sunroof, wiper & tire issues.

$6500, or less, would be closer to reasonable. If they won't come down to that, keep shopping.



-L