| Author | Message | ||
     alexander (Kazik) New Member Username: Kazik Post Number: 1 Registered: 06-2003 |
Hi all! So I'm finally breaking the bank and getting a used Disco. I'd like any advise about whether or not I'm looking at the right year/mileage combination for what I need. My budget is at $10K. I've been searching for about 3 months now and it seems that I could get a 1995-1997 Disco with under 100K for about $7K. Another $3K for basic upgrades should do it. What I'm wondering is whether or not a Disco of this age with that many miles is a smart decision to go with? I'm going to drive this vehicle primarily for pleasure off road, but some in-town driving will also be required. How old are your Discos and what's a reasonable amount of mileage I should accept to have a reliable vehicle? Are there any year/model combinations that I should stay away from? Any help would be appreciated!!! Alexander | ||
| dareDVL (Daredvl) Member Username: Daredvl Post Number: 46 Registered: 03-2003 |
If you can get a complete list of repairs done to the vehicle, its possible a lot of problems have been already taken care of and you will end up with a great vehicle. If you have no service records of any sort ••••••• of the major catastrophes you've read about on here are a possility. Its tough buying a Disco, I just bought one not long ago, I haven't regretted it yet, but I'm just a little paranoid. The gas mileage is CRAP ... you'll have to be prepared for that. 13MPG on Premium is !FUN. If you are at all paranoid, make sure you get the service records and all repairs done. If its had "lots of work" done to it, its actually a good thing. ;) In the end though, you're getting a vehicle that has depreciated a lot. I bought my Disco with 73,000kms (45k miles or so?) for 1/5th of what the original purchaser paid... If I have to put some money in to it ... its still probably a good deal from that perspective. My brother bought a Mallrunner of the same year, similar mileage. His will probably not require much maintenance, but he also paid DOUBLE what I paid for my Disco even though the Disco cost more new. | ||
| Chris Whybrew (Dcwhybrew) New Member Username: Dcwhybrew Post Number: 23 Registered: 05-2003 |
I bought a 96 with 72k miles from the dealer in Vegas back in Sept. With in 30 days they had to replace the alternator (Tach would quit working - not the alternator itself). In December had to replace the shocks (put Bilsteins on) which was due to normal wear and tear. Nothing has had to be done until recently, I had to replace 2 ABS sensors and my bushings. Other than that I wash it and change the oil regularly. Understand that those models have a tendency to suffer from fouled valves...which eventually requires an expensive valve job. A good website that I recommend to persons considering a Rover is http://www.robisonservice.com/servicedep/rover_advice1.asp. You'll find some indepth information here as well as searching this site. There has been several threads on purchasing used Discos and plusses and negatives of these vehicles. If you can find one with all of the records and in good shape, I say buy it. I love mine. You'll just have to get used to constantly checking it over and doing minor things to it. | ||
| Nate Jedinak (Ducati) New Member Username: Ducati Post Number: 14 Registered: 12-2002 |
I hadn't seen that robisonservice like before, Thanks... Good info there. | ||
| Zach Jaggers (Mountenn) Member Username: Mountenn Post Number: 150 Registered: 03-2003 |
Buying a rover is always a good investment, but remember: it is just that--an investment. Time AND money...blood, sweat, tears...but it's all worth it. I've got a '95 Disco with 96k, and it runs like a top. Other than off-road mod's and the occasional breakage (that I cause from off-roading), I have had no real problems. Springs and shocks were replaced when I put on the lift, I'm about to do the alternator and p.s. gearbox...other than that, only things are regular maintenance and a serpentine belt. Enjoy! | ||
| Land Rover Certified Used A**hole (Jason) Senior Member Username: Jason Post Number: 482 Registered: 04-2002 |
Bought a '95 Disco with 78K on it. OBD1 a bit more user friendly than OBD2. Nothing wrong with a distributor on the pre-96 vehicles. Only things replaced so far were the radiator hoses and expansion tank. Recently the OBD1 coded for the stepper motor (idle control) but so far no problems with idle. Most of everything is easy to fix and diagnose, and if you are internet savvy, you should be able to find domestic cross-references to the more expensive Rover parts (check the tech info on the website). It's no worse than any other vehicle around the same year. Do your maintenance and treat it right. | ||
| Steve Andrews (Sillybus) Member Username: Sillybus Post Number: 242 Registered: 08-2002 |
I bought a 96 with 103K on the clock. Other than a few minor fixes that I've been able to do myself, she has been great... except for a bad wheel bearing that went out while 100 miles from home. | ||
| DARRELL (Puppywhopper) New Member Username: Puppywhopper Post Number: 20 Registered: 06-2003 |
i would factor out reliable at that age..bet the ball joints are shot and the driveshafts...folks dont sellem when they work ya know..i got mine cuz electrical gremilins drove previuse owner nuts ...but it didnt leak anywhere and it still dont after 90000...if it dont leak get it | ||
| Brian Goodner (Bluewater) Member Username: Bluewater Post Number: 113 Registered: 03-2003 |
I have a 96 disco with 94k and it runs great, but problems are to be expected but it's worth all the ups and downs |
