Too many miles?

[Throne]

Hi I'm the newest kid on the block here, hope this question dosnt get asked to often but I would like know before I buy my first ever Land Rover Disco. I am curently considering a 1996 with 145,000 miles on the clock. The price is around $4,000, includes 2" OME lift ant 50% M/T tires on defender wheels. Known issues- cracking on the rubber rear drive shaft coupling, leaks from stearing box, transfer case and front pinion flange seal.

Thanks in advance for your opinions,

Philip

 

[jhmover]

Do a search on this (been discussed many times), but for example I have 231k on my 96 which IMHO doesn't mean squat to base a decision on buying one. It really comes down to how well it's been taken care of and whether it's had the shit driven out of it or not. Mine with 231K is probably in better shape then some with 100k that haven't been properly taken care of. Unless you know your stuff I'd suggest no matter what miles are on one, you take it to a competent mechanic and have him give it the once over. Cheaper to spend $100 or so and find out it's a POS before you buy it, than it is to buy a POS and find out a month later you have to dump 3 grand in it to keep it running. Ask to see all the service records, too. If they don't have them they probably haven't done much.

 

[BaldEagle]

x2

 

[lowwill]

I also agree. I would rather buy a well maintained 231k mile rig with service history than a 100k mile mall hopper with none. Disco's are a dime a dozen so take your time. Once you find it enjoy it and dont look back......:victory:

 

[EJB90]

145k is a lot., but it doesn't matter as long as its taken care of. You will find that most used rovers are in rough shape. They cost a lot to maintain, they're not known to the most reliable cars, and owners probably find a point where they think its not worth dumping more money into the car. I looked at 3 or 4 discos before I bought my D1 and 8 rovers before I got my DII.

The rear rubber coupling is common and I think most people replace it with a U-Joint which is probably not that expensive. Steering box leaks are very common and there is some additive you can put in there that stops leaks and people generally seem to like it. If you were to pay for all that stuff to get fixed it wouldn't be worth it. If you're doing all your own work thats another story.

In the condition its in with the milage I think $4000 is too much.

Be patient with Disco shopping. There's a good amount out there and eventually you'll stumble upon the right one. Its very rare that you'll find a mint one with everything working, but you just have to find a happy cost condition medium.