Newby or maybe

[davejohn]

This is probably a loaded question! i have been toying with selling my Explorer Sport for a mid 90"s Disco. What catastrophes am I walking into or for the right price and some TLC will I be able to get some years (and mileage) out of a Disco. Questions would be/ Unlike my old Saab 900 that had 230,000 on it running strong when I sold it, can this type of mileage be normal or rarity. Is 100,000 on a mid 90's alot in the Disco world, and last what should I be looking for when buying used with that kind of mileage. I'm all ears. I look forward to any war stories. Thanks, Dave(Naples Florida)

 

[cmondieyoung]

I've seen RRCs will 200k+ miles on 'em. My buddies' Disco is a 94 with about 175k on it, still doing strong.

 

[koby]

Also keep in mind that while some Rovers will reach the 200K mark, those 200K miles certainly won't be the same 200K miles you would get out of a Honda or Toyota.

Bottom line: Don't expect your Rover ownership to be problem free.

 

[scubaman99]

95 DI 155K miles... Mostly pain free miles... no real big head aches (knock on wood)...

but since i got my P38 with a LR warranty.... i'm feeling 100% better

with regards to LR's either you get a good one, or one that has problem after problem after problem...

 

[kennith]

I've driven a faultless early seventies Range Rover V8 with over 300,000 miles that's spent it's whole life in Africa with only routine maintanance, and I've also driven an 89 Range Rover NAS with 119,000 miles that's a constant nightmare. It's like any car, if you are going to push it, baby it and it will follow you anywhere.

Cheers,

Kennith

 

[nosivad_bor]

don't get lulled by the cheapest rover you can find. It's likely to have had poor maintence. Poorly maintained rovers are going to cost you more in the long run. They will demand the maintence be done or quit running to prove it.

depending on what you are looking to use it for i'd pick a differnt truck.

think 1999 disco 1

or 1995 RRC

 

[Robert Godshall]

Definitly don't just jump the pool with out testing the water first. Its the same as buying any used car some are going to be solid machines others will be pieces of shit with 4 wheels it really depends on wha the right price is in your eyes. When you look at the rover you want to buy go over it with a fine tooth comb and and take some else with you to get second opinons. And when you buy one tke care of it and it will take care of you.

This concludes my current stament
Robert Godshall

 

[utahdog2003]

Make the jump, you're on borrowed time with that POS Explorer anyway.

 

[Steve]

My 2 cents. Stay away from '96 and '97 D1s. They seem to be more prone to problems. You can't beat a '99 D1. I waited until I could find the right one, that was babied right and jumped all over it. The difference between mine and my wife's is night and day. That said (sorry Honey), I spend more of my time dealing with her onroad issues than my offroad ones.

 

[cmondieyoung]

Just as a counter to that, and to reinforce the point that Rovers are a fickle make, my '96 D1 sees heavy and abusive off-road use with little maintenance.

I'd say the year isn't as important as how the previous owner treated the truck. Although definitely stay away from the 3.9s...

 

[rover4x4]

why the 3.9?

 

[NVRover]

Well, I did exactly as you are considering. In Sept of '02 traded my 99 Ford Explorer Sport for my current 96 D1. My Explorer was a 2 door and 2wd w/ 59K mi and I wanted a 4 dr SUV with solid axels and excellent off road capabilities. So that left me with the typical 3 options: Jeep, Toyota Land Cruiser, and Land Rovers. If you really want the LR, my advice is (if you want it):

1. As some one else said, buy as new a LR (in as best condition) as you can afford with the lowest miles
2. Bonus points if you can get detailed records detailing excellent care from previous owner
3. Get a certified truck if possible
4. Definitely get an extended warranty - so you may have to buy from a dealer.

If you can only afford a disco with around 100k miles look for the following repairs/needed repairs (this is what I have done)

1. oil leaks, especially rear main oil seal (or any other oil seals for that matter)
2. suspension (shocks, bushings and springs) shocks are usually replaced around 70k miles
3. Ancillary engine components (alternator, starter, water pump, etc.)
4. Radiator repairs (ie: rodded)
5. Steering box leaking replaced or is leaking
6. Exhaust system (at about 100k cats fall apart and clog up the exhaust, and therefore you lose performance)
7. Any signs of rust/corrosion
8. The over all general condition of the truck, both inside and out. You can tell if the previous owner kept it clean and in good repair or not. If it's in good condition aesthetically chances are good that it probably has been well maintained mechanically too.

You might also check out robisonservice.com and look under the service departments/land rovers/buying advice section. Some good info there too. And hey, while you're at it...call a LR mechanic and ask their opinion.

I wish I had known all of this when I bought my truck. I have spent enough money repairing my 96 (now with 108k miles) that I could have bought a 2nd disco just like mine. It's a love hate relationship. I haven't had to repair it lately so right now I love it. Seriously though, considering all of the faults mine possesses - I do enjoy it though it has been much more expensive to maintain. But it is that much more capable than the Explorer.

These are just my personal opinions and experiences