| Author | Message | ||||||
     Chad Anderson (Canderso) New Member Username: Canderso Post Number: 1 Registered: 02-2003 |
I am looking for a used Land Rover Discovery. I feel that somewhere in the mid 1990's would fit the bill. I am planning on spending between $7,000-$10,000. The vehicle will be used as a personal use/after work vehicle. I have a company car, so it does not need to see daily commuting duties. I am planning on using the rover for hunting as well as some off-roading, as time permits. I need to be able to fit 2 dogs in the back and possibly 2 children or other hunting partners in the rear seating area. I feel that the Discovery should fit the bill, however, I am open to suggestions from those more knowledgeable in this regards. 1. Are there certain years that were better than others? 2. Are there certain inherent problems to specifically watch out for? 3. What engine options were available through the mid 90's? 4. Are there any concerns with the electrical systems? 5. Any concerens with the durability of the transmissions? | ||||||
| phil (Powerslide) Member Username: Powerslide Post Number: 44 Registered: 11-2002 |
You should read-up on previous topics and make your own conclusions. Some people have problems some don't, etc, etc. Also the type of use (80% off-road or 90% street, etc) will help and the difficulty. Some define off-roading as gravel / dirt roads and some are hard core extreme off-roading cutting their own trails and fording streams, etc. And lastly, your budget and mechanical know how will also be a factor. Land Rovers are well designed for off road use but build quality depends on the time of day and the hangover of the assembly techs.  but parts can be pricey not to mention if you are not a DIY person, labor is not cheap. You can read on this as well but I am not endorsing this: http://www.robisonservice.com/servicedep/rover_advice2.asp | ||||||
| Perrone Ford (Perroneford) Member Username: Perroneford Post Number: 40 Registered: 02-2003 |
At the risk of angering the masses and the Rover Gods, there are a LOT better hunting vehicles that can be had for a less money, and will cost you less in the long run. Do you have your heart set on a Rover, or are you willing to look at other options? | ||||||
| Chad Anderson (Canderso) New Member Username: Canderso Post Number: 2 Registered: 02-2003 |
I do not have my heart set on a Rover as being the ultimate hunting vehicle. I like the capabilities and the functional nature of the vehicle. I have looked at other vehicles made by Chevy, Ford and Dodge but really haven't been terribly impressed by any of them. Although, I must say that the Durango does not seem to be a bad bet either. I do need the ability to haul 4 people in the vehicle as I would like to utilize it as my weekend hauler for kids or friends as previously mentioned. I am certainly open to other options or suggestions. If you have them, feel free to put them here or email them to me if it will leave a bad taste in others mouths. Some people don't like to here the names of the competition out there. I am not looking for a new vehicle. I am looking at finding something in the midsize range. I am replacing a Chevy Crew cab 4x4. I loved the vehicle but my wife couldn't stand driving it on a daily basis. So I traded it for a (ouch) minivan. Now I miss my truck real bad and need something that I feel may replace that and still provide a moderate amount of room that I have lost in my vehicle. Lastly, I am very mechanically inclined and have been working on cars since I was but a small lad. There were rules in the house you know. If you couldn't fix it, you couldn't drive. So I learned a lot about fixing them, cause I sure wanted to drive them. | ||||||
| Ron Brown (Ron) Member Username: Ron Post Number: 96 Registered: 04-2001 |
You sound like you would be ok with a disco. 7-10 should get you something pretty nice. 95-96 with under 100k. Since it is going to be a hunting/beater ask around with the local dealers and see if they will sell one that the would wholesale due to cosmetic issues or just because it is too old. Tell them you are cool with as is and mean it and I bet you come out with a good deal. Ron | ||||||
| Tbow (Tbow) Member Username: Tbow Post Number: 46 Registered: 12-2002 |
I got a 96 I'm in the process of putting a new engine into that I might be selling after I'm done with it. Email me if your interested and I'll let you know. | ||||||
| Chad Anderson (Canderso) New Member Username: Canderso Post Number: 3 Registered: 02-2003 |
Tbow. I would possibly be interested in your Disco when its done. Would also depend on where you live etc. I read the Robison web page listed above. It was very informative. . . 1. What is the big deal with these vehicles leaking oil like pigs? 2. Is this truly an inherent problem that can't be fixed easily? 3. People obviously use these vehicles as daily drivers, that need to take them to work everyday. What is the true reliability of a Disco I on a daily basis? Thanks for any help or suggestions. | ||||||
| Robert Sublett (Rubisco98) Senior Member Username: Rubisco98 Post Number: 660 Registered: 04-2002 |
Chad, I've been driving my '96 about 3000-4000 miles/month on the road for the past 6-7 months. There have been a few small issues that have occured not having to do with my beating it up off-road; ignition switch had to be replaced, heater control assembly(fan speed switch thingamabob), alternator replaced, serpentine belt replaced, transmission mount replaced, drivers side window regulator replaced, cruise control vaccuum line replaced, and I'm sure a couple other small things. All in all, the alternator was the most expensive thing to do. All of the other stuff wasn't that bad and was all done by myself and/or with the help of a friend. The only dealer visit I've had for anything major was I exploded my front differential off road, but was doing stuff I shouldn't have been doing. I'd say go for it.. I paid around 10k about a year and a half ago and it had right at 90k miles on it. I'm at 139k now. Later.. RS | ||||||
| Kevin Howell (Kevinhowell) New Member Username: Kevinhowell Post Number: 13 Registered: 02-2003 |
i've had my '94 for about 6 or 7 months. mine's a daily driver (i have an f150 for backup). had 90k then, has 103k now. no major probs at all. i've only done routine maintenance, except for the bitch heater core. oh, and the peeling dash that plagues that year. only other issue i currently have to deal with is the mysterious left rear brake light that doesn't light, but i've still got time until the next inspection. | ||||||
| Chad Anderson (Canderso) New Member Username: Canderso Post Number: 4 Registered: 02-2003 |
I have talked to some others that discourage the purchase of a Disco I and others that recommend them very highly. There has to be something that causes people to buy them and then RANT and RAVE over them. Tell me in your own words, what makes a Rover or Disco I worth it? Why did you buy yours? (This should be interesting) Oh, lastly, I just looked at a 1994 Range Rover County LWB w/28,000 miles on it. What do you think of that vehicle? | ||||||
| John Moore (Jmoore) Senior Member Username: Jmoore Post Number: 422 Registered: 10-2002 |
I've had a 88 Range Rover which I later sold for and a 99D2. That 94 LWB sounds appealing especially with the low miles. LWB is not prefered for off road use. Also, make sure it doesn't have air springs. They can be costly to maintain. In regards to Rovers, I got hooked with my 88 Range Rover. I have owned many trucks and 4x4 and there is nothing else like them. They have much character and can really take a beating. Yet, they are fairly simple to work on and repair. Yes, they do require work and parts can be somewhat scarces and pricey; I think that's what turns most people off. If that doesn't scare you and you enjoy turning a wrench, consider a Rover. They have a rich heritage and are fun and unique vehicles. | ||||||
| John Moore (Jmoore) Senior Member Username: Jmoore Post Number: 423 Registered: 10-2002 |
Side note, a 87-95 Range Rover "Classic" is a great trail rig! I don't think anybody here will disagree despite the site being called "DISCOweb". -John | ||||||
| Land Rover Certified Used A**hole (Jason) Senior Member Username: Jason Post Number: 298 Registered: 04-2002 |
Agreed John! Our '95 was too nice for us to risk beating the crap out of (hey...we're young; it's the nicest care we've ever owned). The Disco stays stock and we take the RRC out for floggin'. | ||||||
| John Davies (John_davies2) New Member Username: John_davies2 Post Number: 4 Registered: 02-2003 |
Check this out: http://www.robisonservice.com/servicedep/rover_advice1.asp#discoII | ||||||
| J E Robison Service Co (Robisonservice) Member Username: Robisonservice Post Number: 46 Registered: 10-2002 |
The Disco II is way way better than the Disco I. I would venture to say a high mile DII would give better service than a "cherry" DI for the same price. I stand by what I wrote in terms of leaks, etc. The 1996-7 trucks simply do not stay fixed. Also, there are lots of 1999-2000 DII units coming off lease. You can find them cheap if you buy a base model, some dings, or high miles. John www.robisonservice.com | ||||||
| Land Rover Certified Used A**hole (Jason) Senior Member Username: Jason Post Number: 302 Registered: 04-2002 |
Not to rain on John's advice, which has merit, but for this guys needs and price range, look for a D1. It appears some people are not too fond of the 94-95 D1's, but they can be found in decent shape for cheap, they use the older Lucas 14CUX injection system which has a large parts base ('90 through '95? RRCs used this EFI), and they are very easy to work on. 94-95 D1 will fit your price range, they've got the LT230 transfer case with CDL instead of the complicated traction control on the D2's, and being "not as nice" as the D2's may make them a better hunting vehicle. I just don't think you'll find a '99-00 D2 under $10k. | ||||||
| Chad Anderson (Canderso) New Member Username: Canderso Post Number: 5 Registered: 02-2003 |
I test drove a '96 Disco I. About 90k in miles, but was a 5spd with cloth interior. The ride was nice. The interior was a little cramped. The manual trans certainly made it drive like a truck. Overall it wasn't bad shape. There were things that need attended to, but most of them were cosmetic or easy fixess mechanically. The guy wanted $10k for the truck. Well, that is what he told me to my face, however, I know that it is advertised on the net for $9k. Interesting how prices change like that. For that money, I think the Disco should have had leather seats and an auto trans. 1. How much of a difference is there between the ride and driving of the auto and manual trans? 2. Is one know to be better than the other? 3. Do any of you see advantages to either? | ||||||
| gp (Garrett) Senior Member Username: Garrett Post Number: 1876 Registered: 10-2001 |
like i have said in other threads i don't see that one year is better than another. i have had a '94 and a '96. my girlfriend had a '95 for 3 years and has a '00 now. of all of them the '00 D2 has had the most issues, then my '94. it just depends. my '96 has been a very reliable daily driver for the past 3 years. does not ride as nice as her D2 and all that, but then again it is heavily modified and has twice as many miles. personally i would look for a nice '97 or '98 or the newest D1 you can find. you won't be touching a D2 for $10K. | ||||||
| BJ Turner (Wturner) Member Username: Wturner Post Number: 186 Registered: 02-2002 |
../2/19139.html"#444444"> | Chad Anderson (Canderso) New Member Username: Canderso Post Number: 6 Registered: 02-2003 |
Are there advantages to using an automatic trans versus the manual trans in off road situations? In my frame of mind I think it would be an advantage? Can anyone share their beliefs on this matter? | ||||
| Land Rover Certified Used A**hole (Jason) Senior Member Username: Jason Post Number: 316 Registered: 04-2002 |
Automatic and a cautious foot can add longevity to your axles compared to a manual (plus no clutch replacement...). A manual can be push-started should the battery die whereas an auto cannot. Personally, I'd like a manual just because on an auto, reverse is so far away from 1st gear...unfortunately I have 2 autos, so I have to live with it. | ||||||
| J E Robison Service Co (Robisonservice) Member Username: Robisonservice Post Number: 50 Registered: 10-2002 |
Looking at this fellow's original budget I agree that a DII is out of his range. It is better but too much money. Given that I suggest a 95 Disco also for these reasons: 1 - 95s do not have the carbon fouling valves like 96s 2 - the 14cux motor is a little less powerful but more reliable 3 - the quality at the factory hit its low ebb in 1996-7. 95 is better That's provided you can get a good rust free exmaple. In some parts of the US 95s are just beat to death. John www.robisonservice.com | ||||||
| Ron Brown (Ron) Member Username: Ron Post Number: 113 Registered: 04-2001 |
Chad, I purchased a 96 5 speed 7 seater cloth for 5k 80k miles. I think you would be well served with something similar or a 95. "I stand by what I wrote in terms of leaks, etc. The 1996-7 trucks simply do not stay fixed." I am really suprised that John would say this. first there is no difference between a 96 and a 99 as far as components to reseal, second, if done properly an engine reseal will last a very long time. I don't know what kind of issues John is having but I have seen no similar issues. sure the earlier trucks leak more but once updated with new seals there are no more leaks than anything else. Likewise, although valves are an issue it has been my experience that once a proper valve job has been done you can forget about it for a long time. Ron | ||||||
| matt averett (Fishinfetish) New Member Username: Fishinfetish Post Number: 23 Registered: 11-2002 |
Chad, I have a 97 sd with 54k. I use it for backup transportation, so I am in no hurry to get rid of it. It is in great shape but I would consider selling it for around 13k. It also comes with a Warn 9000 winch I have mounted for the reciever hitch. email me if you can squeeze this in your budget mattaverett@yahoo.com I am in the Atlanta area. Will consider selling without the winch too???  | ||||||
| Land Rover Certified Used A**hole (Jason) Senior Member Username: Jason Post Number: 326 Registered: 04-2002 |
Ron, the probs as John mentioned with the 96-97's could be build quality. Casting defects in the 'new' 4.0 blocks can prevent anything from sealing right. Original build quality, such as the torque on the heads, timing cover, etc., could warp those components enough that resealing, with or without decking/milling the block or heads, would help any. I'm not saying any of the above ARE the case, but rather there are a lot of factors besides the parts themselves that may contribute to the problems John mentioned during those years. You have to think, "why is this leaking?" Well, why does a seal fail? Otherwise, I say go for it...if a 96 or 97 fits the bill and meets the needs, buy it. It's not like a '95 (or any other year for that matter) isn't gonna leak something | ||||||
| Chad Anderson (Canderso) New Member Username: Canderso Post Number: 7 Registered: 02-2003 |
The question I have is a comparison between the Range Rover and the Disco I. Is there actually more interior space within the Range over the Disco? I have read a few more articles in regards to the Range Rover and like what I read. Are there performance differences between the two models or is it more a matter of preference? I don't want to start any major debates here but I am curious to have a few opinions or facts. matt averett-thanks for the offer. It would be a little hard for me to squeeze that into the budget. I will keep your info on hand in case I run into an extra some of money in my travels. I have been reconsidering my original range of 7-10k and have been giving a lot more consideration to the 6-8k range and maybe take a few more chances on the age/reliability factor. However, as you all know, it does amount to how the vehicle was maintained to determine whether it is a smart buy. | ||||||
| Dave Crall (Discoverover) New Member Username: Discoverover Post Number: 13 Registered: 11-2002 |
My father has a 95' range rover swb and I drive a 96' discovery. The range rover was converted to regular 2" lift springs and drives just like my discovery. It has more comfortable seats (longer seat bottom) and the tail gate is more useful sometimes, but the high roof of the disco will give dogs more space in the rear. Personally I think that range rovers will be more reliable/ or better built and can be found in that price range. I would consider them as strongly as the disco. Also, all old style range rover's (92-mid 95) have distributor ignition along with 94 and 95 disco's, but 96 and newer disco's are 4.0l with computer controled ignition timing. The wheelbase is the same on both and the interior space seems similar, but the RR has a bigger rear seat and the Disco has a larger (taller) rear cargo area. If I didn't want the 5 speed I would have went with the RR. | ||||||
| Alyssa Brown (Alyssa) Member Username: Alyssa Post Number: 43 Registered: 01-2003 |
Chad, where are you located? I think we might have a truck for you. Leather, sunroofs, etc... Cosmetically not tip-top, but runs very well. Mileage in the 70-90k range, 1996. | ||||||
| Britt Easterly (Britt) New Member Username: Britt Post Number: 32 Registered: 09-2002 |
Chad, if your still looking for a Disco 1 look at this one. I know the owner wink wink. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6294&item=2405 953151&rd=1 First $13,000 takes it home. Britt | ||||||
| Chad Anderson (Canderso) New Member Username: Canderso Post Number: 8 Registered: 02-2003 |
alyssa- I am located in the Lancaster area of Pennsylvania. I don't know if that puts the truck in my neck of the woods or not. Let me know. You didn't mention if we are talking a Disco I or the Range Rover. I assume were are talking Disco primarily because of my message title. Let me know this as well. If you wish to email me, please do at seventygldfsh@yahoo.com This page has been a blessing as far as gather useful information in my search for an older Rover. Thanks a bunch. | ||||||
| Corey (Discobro) Member Username: Discobro Post Number: 85 Registered: 12-2002 |
Wow - i really didn't know that the 96-7 model D1s had so many problems. Guess that's why i'm on here so much... | ||||||
| Jeffrey Pinson (Jeffro0502) New Member Username: Jeffro0502 Post Number: 11 Registered: 02-2003 |
When you do find one you want, take it on about a 2 hour test drive. You can discover a lot of things in two hours of driving that you can't figure out in 10 or 20 minutes of driving. Hit the interestate, go down a little trail, do it all if the truck has problems you will be very happy you took the time. | ||||||
| Todd Nash (Nash) New Member Username: Nash Post Number: 1 Registered: 02-2003 |
Think Ebay for a cheap Discovery. The one listed above is pretty typical... Of course, you might have to be half-crazy to use Ebay for a major purchase, usually sight unseen. I bought my 99 Disco I on Ebay last month. So far, I've spent $24 on major repairs. New thermostat, clock light and can of WD 40. (Car wasn't getting warm during our ice storm, the seats weren't moving, clock wasn't visible at night, and CDL was stuck. All now fixed courtesty of DiscoWeb info.) You could always pay for a inspection, or get one of the local guys to take a look. Alot of good late model Disco's are now off-lease and looking for a home. Anyway, just a thought. Thought it was time for a first post, after 2 months of lurking. |
