Looking at 1996 Discovery

[tex599]

Currently own 2 2003 discovery's but am interested in getting an older one for my hunting vehicle. I am looking at a 1996 SD, with 106K miles on it. Very clean looking, only issue is the rear bumper was damaged on the corner. They have owned it for 6 years and have not had any major issues with it. No rust Texas car. They have put in a new headliner, catalytic convertor and tires. Asking $3,600, is this a good price? I would suspect that they have the same issues of the DII, but just less electronics. I guess my one concern is the GEMS engine, I have not worked on one before. Does the 4.0 suffer from Headgasket failure like the 4.6? Any opinion on this year vehicle
Thanks

 

[4Runner]

I would pay that if it was a clean example. They do have the same head gasket trouble as the rest. I've got 167k on mine with few problems. I am going to do the heads sooner than not. Can you work on it yourself? Good luck.

 

[KevLar]

I have a '96 and bought it used from a Mitsubishi dealer outside of Toronto. Got an "extended" warranty from the dealer which I would not recommend unless you want to fight tooth and nail for any coverage.
Anyway, the main issue I had was that not long after purchasing the truck (about 80,000 Km), I started to get engine codes. I'm not sure if the dealer knew about it and hid the fact or not. The LR dealer here changed the plug cables and the code returned. It ended up being the valves... The warranty company said it was covered, so I authorized the work, but then the warranty company reneged and I was stuck footing the bill for a valve job at the stealership. If I had known I would have to pay, I would have done the work myself.
Turns out the bloody valves were poorly designed and would accumulate carbon. LR redesigned the valves and apparently the valve job was covered under warranty. So if the previous or current owners haven't had the valves done, that's one thing you can expect to have problems with. I also had to replace the rear wheel bearings at around 100,000 km... They said it was water that caused the damage, and I found that very odd for a vehicle that's supposed to be able to go anywhere...
Kev

 

[tex599]

Thanks guys for your input. I am now trying to decide if I want this Disco or a 99 Range Rover I found.

 

[d1driver]

I have researched head gasket issues for the past couple of months. 96 Disco's were by far the most common D1's with headgasket issues.

 

[Tom in MD]

My daily driver is a '96 which I bought new.

Fuel pump should be about dead by now. Window lift motors probably ok.. Swap out the roto-flex for a U-joint.. Dashboard falling apart yet? ABS sensors may need replaced or just pull the ABS fuse when they go. rust around rear door sill..

Best of luck with the '96

 

[Timmy!!!!!!!]

3600 is way to much for a 96. You can pick up a 97-99 for that price all day long with the carbon cutting valves.

 

[tex599]

thanks guys, I found a 97 with a rebuilt motor with 155K for $2,500. Also had new paint job, tires and headliner. Seems to be in real good shape, going to drive it for awhile tomorrow.

 

[robertf]

I agree with timmy, thats high for a 96 in Texas. I'd hold out for a 95 if this is going to be a toy.

 

[tex599]

Is 3K a good deal for a 97 with 154K miles. The motor has been rebuilt, good tires, interior is about an 8, front seats have some wear on them. Runs good and the outside is in great shape.

 

[DISCODOWN]

I own two 96d1's.....NO offense to your d2's but surely expect no more troubles and most likely less than your 03 d2's....shop around and keep an eye out...lotsa really super great deals out there on these and they are hardy little trucks! Most issues are well known and easy fixes or do not affect driveability. Head gakets an issue w all disco's...thats hit or miss.Mine both well over 150,000....Working on a 4.0 same as a 4.6...except a breeze to change plug wires over your d2's for sure.
If ya can keep two d2's going ...You'll love the d1!!!!!!

 

[DISCODOWN]

Let me clarify my above post so i dont get attacked on...hg issues all the "earlier" disco's....and 4.o vs 4.6 working on "same" in manner that its every bit as much a bitch.........lol
Grab a d1 and we'll all help ya keep her going and ya smiling.......

 

[tex599]

Yeah, I am going to go ahead and buy the 1997. It is in pretty good shape for being 11 years old and 154K miles. I will get it for $2,500 and he is putting a new fuel pump, trans cooler lines. It had a slight leak. The motor runs good, Headgaskets were replaced about 20K miles ago and lower engine was resealed as well. Has new master cylinder, power steering pump and gear, new rotors and calipers. One owner vehicle, transmission has been serviced every 15K miles. Now I just need new springs, bigger tires and new bumpers. How hard is to put the springs on?

 

[d1driver]

Springs are a piece of cake. Consider longer shocks as well though.

$2500 sounds more and more of a great deal with all the maintenance that has been done.