| Author | Message | ||
     Raf usher (Zonamaya) Member Username: Zonamaya Post Number: 62 Registered: 05-2003 |
i have read all the 95 D1 issues here in the tech. Are they that bad of vehicles because of NORMAL use.. or are they that bad b/c of you guys taking them through hell on the off-roads? if thse trucks are not reliable.. then MINE IS FOR SALE! i dont want to risk being broke down on the side of the road. tell me more about this LUCAS issue. and craftmanship? is it possible to switch out the lucas stuff with something else? i am sure another motor can be modified to fit. any inputs? no sassy stuff. serious talkers only! | ||
| Raf usher (Zonamaya) Member Username: Zonamaya Post Number: 63 Registered: 05-2003 |
how long will a 95 last? mine has 145k... is it going to die soon? | ||
| Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) Senior Member Username: Leslie Post Number: 2265 Registered: 02-2002 |
Raf, It just depends.... Do you keep up with maintenance on your Disco? Keep the oil changed, replace things as they need? Or are you on a "deferred maintenance plan"? All British vehicles seem to have some pretty consistent niggling issues, like oil leaks and Lucas electrics. But, you can live with 'em, too. '95 is known for a lack of glue in the dash, causing the "potato chip curl". The 3.9 engine usually has less issues than the 4.0 of the '96-on Discos. Sure, you can swap out some of the Lucas things, like plug wires, etc. But, you don't realistically want to wholly rewire the vehicle... If it's a good truck, if you like it, then just keep it. Either it's more than just a truck, ie, it's a hobby too, or a part of the family, or, it's not. If it's not, then maybe you'd be happier with a Toyota..... FWIW, we're not planning on letting our '95 go, and it's at 140k now.... -L | ||
| Brendan Kearns (Howboucha) Member Username: Howboucha Post Number: 71 Registered: 01-2003 |
My 95 has about 134K on it. I use it to play off-road and as a daily driver for a 90 mile commute (RT). The dash has curled, a few goofy things here and there, but no major issues. I don't really maintain mine like I should. I have heard that the 95 is the way to go, less problems. Brendan 95 Disco | ||
| Chris Marcel (Gumarcel) Senior Member Username: Gumarcel Post Number: 471 Registered: 11-2002 |
Less electrics to go wrong like on the newer ones. Just maintain it well and it should be fine! I would say 95 is a good bet. | ||
| Roland Kutasi (Disco1) Member Username: Disco1 Post Number: 233 Registered: 10-2002 |
I have a 95 and simply love it. What some of the other posters have stated regarding maintainence holds true with any vehicle, and after all, every 95 even if maintained properly will have it's own personality. You cannot expect ANY mechanical device to be a perpetual motion device, if it moves, it will at some stage need oiling, repairing or replacing. With regards to the electricals, you have to live with it, after all, you only get what you pay for.If you want something better, that will cost extra $$$. BTW, you didn't mention if you read the 96-2002 'issues' as a comparision? | ||
| Christopher Boese (Christopher) Member Username: Christopher Post Number: 68 Registered: 10-2002 |
I think I can speak to this, since I drove a '95 for several years, and had 60000 on it when I traded it. Most of the problems I had were build-quality things that were resolved under warranty. In fact, I'm not sure I ever paid for any defects to be fixed - by the time the warranty was up, there was little left to be done. And the big problem that made me sell the truck (the failure of the exhaust system) was, I now think, my fault for doing too much wading and bashing around on rocks. I don't know if "unreliable" is the right word for the '95s; maybe "build-quality issues" would be better. BTW, I never had one electrical problem - just leaks and trim stuff. | ||
| Norm Orschnorschki (Norm) Member Username: Norm Post Number: 56 Registered: 02-2003 |
I think the "build quality" on my '95 is pretty damn good -- that it, it's put together very well and plenty tough. The steering box is a weak point and should be replaced with a rebuilt Meridian unit as soon as the need arises. There have been some niggling electrical issues (SRS and ABS lights). The solution is to pull the fuse on these contrivances and carry on. As long as you maintain it, the '95 should do well. ---Norm | ||
| Scott Hayes (Scott_h) Member Username: Scott_h Post Number: 56 Registered: 02-2002 |
i have 115k on my 95 and the only thing that stopped me was a blown overflow tank. Get a new one and replace it. I have had several odd things happened, the ps pump leaks, the engine leaks, the transfer case leaks...everything leaks. But it keeps going, just replace your hoses, follow maintnance and replace that overflow tank. That will leave ya dead in the water....so to speak. | ||
| Chris Browne (Chris_browne) Member Username: Chris_browne Post Number: 134 Registered: 02-2003 |
mine has 129k on it. Maintain them as scheduled by LR, but use 5k oil changes max not their 7500 and you should be a happy camper. I'm in the northeast and rust on the steel sections is now appearing....so I know how I'm spending some of the summer..... | ||
| Raf usher (Zonamaya) Member Username: Zonamaya Post Number: 74 Registered: 05-2003 |
what and where is the over flow tank? where can i find a meridian steering box? how much? | ||
| Raf usher (Zonamaya) Member Username: Zonamaya Post Number: 75 Registered: 05-2003 |
oh.. how do i know when the steering box is going bad? | ||
| John Cronin (Jec) Member Username: Jec Post Number: 59 Registered: 02-2003 |
www.meridianautoparts.com, about $300 I believe. Overflow tank is the about 10x8x6-inch black plastic tank on the passenger side near the battery that is connected underneath by hoses to the radiator and has the pressure cap on top into which you add coolant to the cooling system. Black ones are factory original and seem to eventually burst their seams. The current replacements are beige or white and reportedly are more stout. I agree with Blue's response - steering box only needs replacement when the leaks from the box are intolerable and you don't have power steering any more. Until then, just check the power steering resevoir as often as needed and keep the ATF level in it up to the upper line when cold (we're at the weekly check and add interval ourselves right now). John | ||
| Jim H. (Victor_mature) Member Username: Victor_mature Post Number: 59 Registered: 02-2003 |
"what and where is the over flow tank?" "where can i find a meridian steering box? how much?" "oh.. how do i know when the steering box is going bad?" Raf, no offense intended but you sound like an automotive hypochondriac. | ||
| Jack Edwards (Olered) Senior Member Username: Olered Post Number: 347 Registered: 04-2002 |
Now Jim, cut him some slack. We all did the same. This site is under-utilized as the great reference/research site that it is. Remember members: SEARCH THE ARCHIVES<---(said in a God-like voice) I based my purchase decision based on the archives. With that said, never be afraid to ask! | ||
| Raf usher (Zonamaya) Member Username: Zonamaya Post Number: 84 Registered: 05-2003 |
do i need to take my rig to "Rover" clinic? (Trover Clinic) i think i need a rover-atrical diagnosis.. OR maybe i need to be on RO-zac... Ro-kay reorge! (astro's the jetsons) or maybe i should roll on rOVER to your house and maybe we can DISCOs it rOVER tea? gee..maybe i aam a rover-CON-driac. | ||
| Jim H. (Victor_mature) Member Username: Victor_mature Post Number: 61 Registered: 02-2003 |
That's it. The vapors have gotten to him.  | ||
| Mike Cox (Mike_cox) New Member Username: Mike_cox Post Number: 33 Registered: 02-2003 |
I have 130,000 on my 95', a "hobby"? hmmmm! thats' the first time I've heard it called that, but it does pretty well describe it. At least it beats drinking... at least during the daylight hours! Mike | ||
| Jay Martin (Blue_jay) New Member Username: Blue_jay Post Number: 8 Registered: 02-2003 |
I have a '95 with almost 150K. I say it's the car you hate to love! Lots, and lots and lots of leaks and electrical bugs. I love it though. It's was born in Utah and lived in MI, OH and now CA. I just spent about 8 hours waxing every mm of the thing and it looks like new! Right now only my front sunroof (needs a new motor), AC/heater fam switch (needs a new motor) and front door does not open w/o holding key in open position are the only issues! Hey that's not much! I get those fixed and .... I also have a new Freelander SE3 for fun! The washer nozzel has already popped off! Luv it! Yes, a Honda Pilot would be more reliable. But not loved! | ||
| Federico (Fede) New Member Username: Fede Post Number: 23 Registered: 05-2003 |
Hey Jay- Are you planning on getting the front door fixed? I'm having the same problem with my rear cargo latch-can only open while holding the key in the unlatched position. If you get it fixed or know what the problem might be I'd love to find out-trying to avoid opening the rear panel. Thanks. | ||
| Lionel (Fromage) New Member Username: Fromage Post Number: 40 Registered: 02-2003 |
95 with 190k. Just returned from a 1300 miles trip (1/3 on gravel roads in Utah and Colorado)with no problems what so ever. Car climbs 10% slopes at 10,000 ft in 4th gear!!! (it is a manual). Yes, clutch was replaced, steering box too and doors open only after a little dance in front of the car. No electrical issue. A bit of a tractor smell and a brand new OME steering damper for perfect handling. To me that is a sign of a reliable car... Lionel Forgot to mentioned being pulled over for doing 70 instead of 55 mph and that the cop laughed when she heard my story about picking up speed to make it up the hill. She gave me her business card (?!?) and let me go with a verbal warning. I love cute blonde female cops... | ||
| Raf usher (Zonamaya) Member Username: Zonamaya Post Number: 90 Registered: 05-2003 |
if you want to repair your front door, i have a simple modification that works on my d1. you have to go to the girlie section of wal-mart where they sell the decorative rubber head bands. these rubber bands are 6in diam. and are surrounded by thread. buy one for 50cents. and cut it. take off the door panel.. tie on end to the upper lach mechanism INSIDE the door. and pull on it till you find enough tention for the lock to work. then tie the other end to one of the extra holes in the door (being sure to keep the same tension). and put your panell on. and that is all. mine works like new. dont ask for a diagram b/c i dont have one. | ||
| Hao Pang (Haohao) New Member Username: Haohao Post Number: 5 Registered: 06-2003 |
95 DI with 85K, you post really broken my heart. ) The only thing I don't like of my DI puppy is the leaking and noise. hao | ||
| Lionel (Fromage) Member Username: Fromage Post Number: 41 Registered: 02-2003 |
I fixed my passenger door exactly the same way as Raf except I used a regular rubber band. Works fine and cost me about an hour of my time. I quickly understood it wasn't worth playing with a worn door mechanism... Lionel | ||
| Tej Patel (Fldisco) New Member Username: Fldisco Post Number: 2 Registered: 05-2003 |
As the owner of both a 1995 Disco 1 and a 1999 Disco 2, stay with the 95. Although there are problems specific to that year, the vehicle as a whole is well laid out. I have had multiple problems (curling dash, abs relay, ps leaks, transmission clunk, valvetrain click, door lock failure, alternator short, idle stepper motor failure, etc...) but I love this vehicle! It certainly does not have the realiability of a Honda or Toyota, but it wins hands down in a character and enthusiasm contest! (But then again, I did have a Honda that cost me thousands in repairs before it even had 80k mi on it....) | ||
| Tony Zuniga (Tony23007) Member Username: Tony23007 Post Number: 56 Registered: 05-2003 |
I have a 95 Gold Discovery that I love it, I wash it, clean it, wax it even when it rains, why? Because it looks so good when it all nice and shinny, yes I've had problems with it, some that cost me more than I care to spend on it, and yes it seems like every time I fix one thing another one goes bad, it infuriates me but then I think the car just wants my attention. Be good to your car and the car will be good to you. In my opinion the Land Rover Discoery is no SUV but an Off-Road Utility Vehicle, true and true it is the best off-roader I've ever driven. | ||
| Raf usher (Zonamaya) Member Username: Zonamaya Post Number: 96 Registered: 05-2003 |
the reason why i told you to get the girlie band was because the threaded material surrounding the rubber protects the rubber from friction, cracking and exposure. a regular rubberband will last a few weeks. | ||
| Tomo (Tomorover) New Member Username: Tomorover Post Number: 29 Registered: 04-2002 |
Man, I think you oughto sell it. I had a '95 Disco for 4 years and then sold it, and I can't get it out of my mind. Just the fact that I'm posting here should tell you how much I miss it. In my experience, I found the LR Discovery to be the most user-friendly, workable, easy-to-understand vehicle I have ever owned. You can do a vast majority of any work that needs done yourself, and there is lots of room to do it. I have never before owned a vehicle where you could change the oil, differential fluid, and transmission fluid without lifting the truck! I didn't do alot of mods or a lot of offroading, but this truck took everything I threw at it and just kept on going, happy as a pig in sh**. I would buy another one in a minute, and will again soon. Unfortunately, my wife has taken a liking to convertibles, I need a "sensible" car for work, and we can only afford 2 vehicles. In summary, if you love logic and the satisfaction of doing something yourself, keep your Disco, learn a few things abut it, and have fun! |
