Newb needs opinons on used Disco..

[p8nt]

My fiance's lease is coming to an end soon, putting us in the market for another ride. She really likes the Disco's and after reading up I know its going to be either an 03 or 04. I am well aware of the bad vin's on the 03, the head gaskets, front drive shafts, ect ect. I know this is a maintence heavy item, but i dont my time in the garage either. Correct me if Im wrong, but it seems like most of these problems come up by the 75k mile mark. Would I be crazy to look for a higher mileage vehicle in the hope these issues may have allready been dealt with? Im accepting a certain amount of time and money allocated to this truck, just wondering if going the with the higher milage would get the major headaches out of the way, reduceing downtime.

Thanks for listening.

 

[SafariDave]

Make sure the seller has the info on what has been done, make a check list and have the LR computer do a check on how everything is running. Also if any codes.
Good luck,
Dave

 

[jeffro0502]

I would rather get a low mileage one that hasn't had the head gaskets done. Plus when it's time to take care of all the things you mention I'd rather do them myself that way I know they are done right. Time for head gaskets...alteast you'll know it didn't get hot.

 

[p8nt]

Do Rover Dealers network their maintanence records? Im wondering if I can call any Rover dealer and get a maintance history regardless of what dealer did the work?

Any one ever do head gaskets before they go bad? Im just thinking out loud, but doing it this way would allow for it to be done on your own time, and not risk any warping of the head by overheating.

BTW: Jeff, I had a 84 944, one of the best cars I ever owned. Geat fun to drive.

 

[agbuckle98]

also search for local non-dealer Rover mechs in your area, they can usualy give you some good tips on searching for a car. I know mine has pointed me in the right direction numerous times.

 

[jeffro0502]

If you don't let it over heat you shouldn't have a problem with heads warping. Keep coolant system in good shape. If you change your coolant at least every two years even the head gaskets should still go a long time. I'm hoping for at least 150K on mine.

I've had my 944 since graduating from HS, engine has never been apart.

 

[p8nt]

One more question...

I was just on Autozones website and i saw they had availible some parts (waterpump, alternator, ect) available in store. I guess I was under the impression everything had to be ordered from a rover source.

 

[mbrummal]

you can get some stuff from local auto parts stores, but don't rely on them.

 

[jeffro0502]

If the cost was a lot lower I might try an altenator....but you are right! Never something like a water pump.

you can get some stuff from local auto parts stores, but don't rely on them.

 

[mbrummal]

If the cost was a lot lower I might try an altenator....but you are right! Never something like a water pump.

well, I actually meant don't rely on them to have all the parts you need.

 

[RoverDII]

IMO LR sources for parts is the best way to go. If you're gonna do some work on your truck, you want a quality part that's going to last and perform so that you don't have to do the same work on it twiice because of an inferior and cheaper part that gave out too soon. Thats why those autozone parts come with a lifetime warranty because they know your gonna need to exchange it when it goes out.
Just my :twocents: .
OH yeah, and I'd go with the 2004...best of the DIIs!

 

[jeffro0502]

I'd still not buy critical parts unless it was a known good supplier of quality parts. I used to work at advance auto - part time and even then there was some things I'd buy for my cars and quite a few things I wouldn't.

 

[stu454]

For the trouble I'd go with an '04.

CDL if you ever plan to wheel would be nice to have.

If my '01 got totaled, I'd replace it with an '04.

Good hunting!

 

[slug slaughter]

For the trouble I'd go with an '04.

CDL if you ever plan to wheel would be nice to have.

If my '01 got totaled, I'd replace it with an '04.

Good hunting!

"If my '02 got totaled, I'd replace it w/ something other than a LR!!"
I'm so over fixing this beast, you just don't hear of American made trucks and engine tear downs in the first 5 or so years, it's ridiculous! Great looking rigs, all of them, well excepot for the freelander's, but what a price to pay for cosmetics!!

 

[wazazzle]

if you're getting a disco you'd better get familiar with wrench'n or have deep pockets for the dealer. ask yourself if it's going to be your daily driver and/or how far you got to drive to work. at best you'll be getting 14mpg hwy!!! :banghead: as much as i love my disco i'm selling it when i move to LA in a few weeks.

 

[Andrew Homan]

For the trouble I'd go with an '04.

CDL if you ever plan to wheel would be nice to have.

If my '01 got totaled, I'd replace it with an '04.

Good hunting!

Good advice. From what I've seen the price difference isn't much.

 

[Andrew Homan]

"If my '02 got totaled, I'd replace it w/ something other than a LR!!"
I'm so over fixing this beast, you just don't hear of American made trucks and engine tear downs in the first 5 or so years, it's ridiculous! Great looking rigs, all of them, well excepot for the freelander's, but what a price to pay for cosmetics!!

Not an American car but was at a dealer today(non LR) and was told Toyota had to replace 3 million engines in various vehichles. Didn't ask why cause I don't own a Toyota but thought it was a interesting tid bit. It could be BS though

 

[p8nt]

if you're getting a disco you'd better get familiar with wrench'n or have deep pockets for the dealer. ask yourself if it's going to be your daily driver and/or how far you got to drive to work. at best you'll be getting 14mpg hwy!!! :banghead: as much as i love my disco i'm selling it when i move to LA in a few weeks.

Hehe, I dont mind wrenching at all. In fact, (wait for it..here it comes) I own a Land Cruiser and since it never breaks down I wouldnt mind a reason for some garage time.

Im well aware of what these vehicle are and have a fully outfitted garage with which to work on them. This will be a thrid vehicle for us so there will allways be an option if one goes down.

Thanks for all the insight though, this all helps me get prepared.

 

[p8nt]

Im resurecting this thread as I still need your help. Were getting close to turning in her lease.

Talk me out of a 01 or 02. It will never be wheeled and she drives about ~15 miles one way to work, and only works a few days a week. I know the 03-04 made some nice improvments, but the price differance of the earlier ones is hard to ignore.

Soooo.....

 

[Justin_Sherfy]

Don't get the years without diff lock ('02 & '03). Maybe some day when it's old and the wife is tired of it you'll want to wheel around. You'll be glad you have difflock. There's nothing wrong with the '99 and '00. However, I still prefer a D1 to a D2.