Looking at getting a d1, got ??'s

[NateDiggity]

First of all I would like to say this seems to be a great forum with good people, so congrats on that

Now on to my reason for coming

I love the looks of the d1s and they just happen to be in my price range.

What are the pros and cons of the d1? Ive done some research, but am having trouble finding a ton general info like I would like to find. What makes these such a desirable out-of-the-box 4x4? Also, whats the reliability like? Also, what are the parts/labor costs like? I do most of my own work on my vehicles but the big tasks (clutch/head gaskets thus far) I let the pro's do it... Are the disco parts pretty spendy? i have a 93 isuzu rodeo right now and I really enjoy it, but it is getting higher miles and would like something different. The downside of the Isuzu is that parts and labor are expensive, ie a 300+ dollar alternator a while back (thats not including labor, i did labor myself).... am I gonna get into the same boat if I go with a disco??

Anything else I should know?

THANKS ALL!
-nate

 

[Apexdisco]

If you can do the mechanical stuff on your own, then you're a good candidate for a Rover owner.

Look at the 99's. Parts can get pricey depending on what needs to be replaced. If you're planning to do moderate off-roading, find something with some mods already on it.

Lift - aftermarket bumper(s) - tires, etc.

 

[D Chapman]

A used vehicle is just that, it's going to need work no matter what it is. A D1 is a good truck, but it will need it's own TLC. Parts can be found very reasonable if you shop around, and overall maintenance is very easy, don't let the computers scare you. It's not a bad "out of the box" 4x4, but with very little money it can be very capable. The Disco is not going to carry any wicked Horse Power, and the gas mileage sucks, but the ride, safety and comfort makes up for it.

Test drive the truck and get it up to interstate speed before considering buying it. The older disco's have had problems with carbon build up on the valves and may cause a "stutter" at higher speeds/RPM's. Oil leaks are common, and so it the "clunk" when shifting from D to R. Also, check the Diff Lock lever...If it's stuck, jew the price down, it's an easy fix.

 

[bri]

Everything said is true, good advice. However the real benefit of a disco is that they just plain KICK ASS. Doesn't matter if they are stock, near stock or highly modified a good driver can do amazing shit in a Disco.

 

[Andrew Homan]

My experience is that they are fairly easy to work on and havn't noticed their parts to be any more than other rigs I've owned. They grow on you and pretty soon all you think about is what your going to do next to make it even better

 

[DiscoJen]

Me+Disco=Luv@1stSite

Discos really aren't that hard to work on. There are several of us gals on here that do a large amount of our own work. As said earlier, shop around for prices online and you can keep expenses down. I have a 2nd vehicle to drive if mine has to be down a few days while saving money waiting for online ordered parts and while doing repairs. Mine is totally stock and I have been offroad a few time with no problems, and I'm going again friday, so you can have plenty of fun until you are ready to start upgrading. You can also start checking around for independant repair shops near you and that will help keep labor rates down when you have to take it in for repair. Good luck and hope to see ya on here permanently when you get one!

Jen

 

[rpm2429]

Welcome! I have a "96 SE-7, I got it with 73K and now have over 115k and it has been great. You will read on this forum that the more you run them hard the better they perform, within reason of course, and I can attest to that. My wife drives like John Force in the Dakar Rally and the truck never misses a beat. You have to keep up on the maintenance, of course, but what rig does not. When we first got it for her I really did not like driving it, but after a couple of days it really began to sink in why people are devoted to Land Rover. I got myself a Freelander for commuting and love it and we will probably never get anything but rovers in the future. They really are the ultimate 4X4. I have done all the maintenance myself and have found that it is really a very simple machine. But now that I said that something terrible is probably going to happen. This web site is a life saver when you have a problem and eveyone that posts is very knowledgeable. Again, welcome and find a color that looks good with mud on it and just buy it. Ron

 

[NateDiggity]

Wow, an active board, cool!

Thanks for the replies thus far. Seems to fit the bill pretty well...

How are these on towing? I dont plan to tow extremely heavy loads, but I do have a 4-wheeler to haul around, which alone even with trailer will be under a 1000 pounds, but I may occasionally be towing a car hauler with 3-4 quads on it 2000-3000 pounds... Like I said this will be rare as my buddy has a fullsize truck and he will be hauling it most of the time.

Anything thats prone to failure on these, or maybe likes to act up? Also what should i really keep an eye out for on a test drive??

Thanks again!
Nate

 

[Ho]

nate, did you drive one yet?

 

[NVRover]

Nate, as previously stated they're great trucks off road. Some can be maintenance hogs, just depends on how well they've been maintained. Some on this board spend around $1-2k per year on their truck and some (probably only me) could have bought a 2nd D1 for the total maintenance costs I've spent over the 2 years I've owned mine. So the bottom line is that your costs depend on 1) the previous owner(s) and 2) how much you can do yourself.

I can't figure out how to link to another thread so I have to point you to it, but about four pages back there is a poll and discussion about annual maintenance costs on their disco. Maybe helpful to you. Also you might want to visit the following site:

http://www.robisonservice.com/servicedep/rover_advice1.asp

That site may be helpful as well. I had a 91 Isuzu Trooper with the 4 cylinder engine and sold it with 160k miles. I rarely did the preventive maintenance that I do on my rover. Yes your parts are somewhat pricey, but honestly in my experience you don't seem to have to buy them as often.

Oh, one other thing...Rovers are an addiction, they get into your blood, and it's a love hate relationship.

 

[marc olivares]

98/99 D1....last of the best

and getting cheaper by the day

 

[NateDiggity]

Thanks again, and no, i havent had a chance to drive one yet, i wanted to go prepared and realistically I wont be buying for a few months at least....

 

[bri]

Yes, go drive one. If you tow, you will have to make a judgement call there, how you drive and how well you handle the twitchyness of towing with a Disco are important. I have and know others that tow, but not all have good experiences. I do not enjoy how my Disco towed anything over 1200 lbs. But I travel in the Mountains a lot on curvy steep roads. I might guess that the later model years might be better at towing especially due to the engine size, at least you would have power. If you are talking rare and over easier roads, it should not be an issue, but I would think that 2-3k lbs would be quite a bit.

 

[Ho]

nate, key is feeling the love. go drive one. notice the tall sitting position. the mud flaps... the dual sunroof, the smooth V8.... see if you feel the magic.

then we should worry about the rest.

for towing... i think you'll end up selling the toys that go on that trailer. disco alone is plenty fun.

 

[CRASH05]

Just a little word of advice. When you go to look at a potential car. Check the alpine windows (the small upper windows in the back) Check for rust there as well as in the rear door jams. These tend to be the spots where rust will show up.