| Author | Message | ||
     D. Howell (Blackandtan) New Member Username: Blackandtan Post Number: 1 Registered: 04-2003 |
Hi - new poster here, about to buy a Discovery. I have two questions, the first being what the major automotive changes were between about '94 and '97 (not interior nor package options)? Secondly, what is the minimum you would do in preparation to buy an older Land Rover Discovery with about 75,000 miles on it? Assuming it sounded and handled absolutely fine, and had what sounds like a plausibly safe history. Which jives with a squeaky clean CarFax report? It looks like I'll be able to see maintenance records on it, and a recent smog. If they reasonably jive with the recommended Land Rover maintenance schedule, how set would you be on having an engine compression test and all that? Private party that sounds reputable, not a used dealer. Second owner but one that did a lot of research before buying (from a couple in a high-end, sedate area of town), who due to plausible circumstances wound up not needing the vehicle and has newer nice ones in their driveway. Of several Discos I've driven, it drives the most soundly. Newish tires too. | ||
| Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) Senior Member Username: Leslie Post Number: 2114 Registered: 02-2002 |
In brief: '94-'95 Disco is a 3.9L engine w/ a distributor and OBD-I. '96-'99 Disco (Series I) is a 4.0L distributorless engine with OBD-II. All the other differences are minimal. Biggest single heartache with Discos is the valve-issue that affects the 4.0 engine. For the '97, check its history and see if it has had valve work done under warranty. Leaks: most Rovers have 'em, just make sure they're not too bad. Dash curls up on early Discos (not enough glue). Some have rust troubles in door-wheelwell areas, or around the alpine windows. -L | ||
| Joseph Bilyk (Denverrover) Member Username: Denverrover Post Number: 49 Registered: 02-2003 |
Sounds like this vehicle has not been off-road at all. Still with that mileage would need shocks. Engine compression test may not be necessary. Start the vehicle up when cold & listen for valve noise. Drive the vehicle on the highway after it is good & warmed up. That mileage is pretty good for a Discovery...but I'll tell you my 96 has 69,000 and I have had a wealth of problems. Now...mine haven't been that expensive; more annoying then anything. However, read the large majority of these posts & you will see that these vehicles w/ that amount of mileage can be money pits. Look for leaks!! Around the rear main seal, transmission, axles, transfer case. Park it on a clean cement driveway after crusing around for a while and I'll bet you $100 that you see some type of oil-like substance. Not many changes between 94-97. Definitely don't but 94-95...those years get a Rangie. My take. Joe | ||
| D. Howell (Blackandtan) New Member Username: Blackandtan Post Number: 2 Registered: 04-2003 |
Joseph, what would keep you away from a '94? The price is certainly right. This would be at or slightly below the applicable Kelley Blue Book 'private seller' suggested price, being sold by a seller whose statements thus far suggest thoroughness and fairness. Seller describes oil leaks (gaskets) as the notable issue and has described usual procedure and cost for dealing with them. (and having driven some Discos, as I mentioned, this one feels very solid). | ||
| Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) Senior Member Username: Leslie Post Number: 2117 Registered: 02-2002 |
The '94 more-than-likely won't have valve issues that the 4.0 would. Prices have dropped, and are continuing such: several folks here have bought ~'99 Discos in the ~$7k range recently. Don't overpay.... BlueBook is a bit high. But, a clean truck would be worth it.... Make sure that the CDL isn't frozen up from non-use... Sunroofs? Rover sunroofs tend to leak. If one didn't have 'em, I'd lean toward it, all other things being equal. But, not all.... some of them don't leak... go figure... Good luck! -L | ||
| D. Howell (Blackandtan) New Member Username: Blackandtan Post Number: 3 Registered: 04-2003 |
Thanks all. Out of curiosity, where are folks finding the $7k-ish 99s? I've checked Recycler.com, AutoTrader.com and the print editions for private-seller vehicles, but am finding more like $9-10k and of course higher prices. The lower-priced ones seem to have much higher mileage. But then I've been looking for white or black specifically. |
