| Author | Message | ||
     Brian Brown (Trashtrampoline) New Member Username: Trashtrampoline Post Number: 1 Registered: 07-2003 |
Jeeper thinkin bout getting a Disco and am not sure what to look for as far as problems. Here is a link to the Disco, it has 46K on the odo. I have checked Alldata and see only a small amount of TSB's/Recalls. What are your thoughts? http://www.scotthonda.com/asp/details.asp?stocknumber=US25965 | ||
| Brian Goodner (Bluewater) Senior Member Username: Bluewater Post Number: 314 Registered: 03-2003 |
thats a nice truck Brian you can search the bulletin board for any questions you may have and they have probably come up before and you can get some great answers...check out bear valley land rover they have the best used trucks out there and at a great price and the service couldn't be any better...when i was looking for my D-1 the helped me out alot i told them what i was looking for and they found the perfect rover for me. Good luck, -Brian G. | ||
| Brian Brown (Trashtrampoline) New Member Username: Trashtrampoline Post Number: 2 Registered: 07-2003 |
Brian: Thanks for the post But it seems kinda far to buy a truck for me in Pa. I was onder if anybody had any check this, check that, kinda stuff. | ||
| John Moore (Jmoore) Senior Member Username: Jmoore Post Number: 763 Registered: 10-2002 |
Here's a check list from a shop I respect: http://www.robisonservice.com/servicedep/rover_advice1.asp | ||
| Bill Howell (Billh13) Member Username: Billh13 Post Number: 136 Registered: 03-2003 |
Brian, I was a jeeper too. Never regretted the change. My list is lifter knock, axel leaks, CV joints (pull drain plugs), sun roofs (don't leak and they work, big money to have drealer fix), look for scrapes and bangs underside. I'm sure alot of the other guys on here will give you other places to look. When I bought mine I took it to the tech school and the kids went through it with a fine tooth comb. Cost me a 12 pack of Mountain Dew and 24 Little Debbies. They found all the leaks (all rovers leak), and that the alt. was about to go. I was able to use that to talk the dealer down another $1000. | ||
| Brian Brown (Trashtrampoline) New Member Username: Trashtrampoline Post Number: 3 Registered: 07-2003 |
uhhhh, I don't know about getting a Disco anymore, these things seem to be a maint. nightmare! And getting parts can take 2 weeks or more? They sound like they will be in the shop more than my driveway. check this thread. . http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=413209 My jeep forum had good things to say, but some sites I check out seem to say they really hit in the wallet. | ||
| Nate Jedinak (Ducati) Member Username: Ducati Post Number: 43 Registered: 12-2002 |
I wouldn't worry about reliability, I've owned several Jeeps and they certainly aren't the pinnacle of reliability either. Rovers seem to be very durable but middling on reliability; that is, little stuff breaks but the vehicle will last very long. They seem to be more durable than Jeeps, although you do have less options for parts when they do break which sometimes requires a longer wait than necessary. Ford is supposedly sorting it out; we'll see. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a Rover to a Jeep owner. I like 'em a whole lot better than my Jeeps.. Much more comfortable and IMO a more durable trail vehicle. You'll have some problems, but most are fairly common and have common solutions. Just like Jeeps, there's lots of owners pushing them every day, and offering good advice on how to fix/improve them  | ||
| Jason Urban (Geflackt) New Member Username: Geflackt Post Number: 33 Registered: 03-2003 |
If you're looking for service places(assuming you do buy a Disco, which you should) in PA, try Main Line LR or West Chester LR. Definitely stay away from Willow Grove LR for service. There is also a place in Easton that can do work. My wife traded her year-old Wrangler for a Disco. No comparison, but she loves the Disco. I traded a Cherokee for a Range Rover. Much better choice for on-road and off. Jason. '00 Disco. '95 Rangie LWB. | ||
| Brian Brown (Trashtrampoline) New Member Username: Trashtrampoline Post Number: 4 Registered: 07-2003 |
Jason, I would go to West chester. I work a few miles from there, My hesitation is in the apparent quality of this vehicle. I have been reading posts and websites and frankly they scare me. "All Rovers Leak" eeks! whats up with that? I expect better for a 30K+ SUV, my 30K+ Jeep don't leak anything. I am not saying Jeep is better, I am just saying these things just seem to break alot. Not that Jeeps don't, we often say Jeep stands for "Just Empty Every Pocket" It looks like LR is the same way only, LR's cost more to fix. Granted all of these forum s WILL have mostly break stories, thats what the forums are for, to discuss how to fix problems. Have you had any problems with your Disco? | ||
| Jay Jagolta (Jjagolta) New Member Username: Jjagolta Post Number: 1 Registered: 07-2003 |
Brian - I have a '99 Disco Series 1 for sale in Northern Virginia with only 41k miles. It's under the L/R factory certified warranty thru next January. I can provide more info if you're interested. | ||
| Brian Brown (Trashtrampoline) New Member Username: Trashtrampoline Post Number: 5 Registered: 07-2003 |
Jay thanks for the offer, But I am looking at a series 2 and I have a trade. Thanks again. | ||
| Brian Brown (Trashtrampoline) New Member Username: Trashtrampoline Post Number: 6 Registered: 07-2003 |
Nate: Thanks for the words, I agree Jeeps have their problems to, no agument there! I hope Ford does work it out. I took the Rover out for a test beat, It was a more comfortable! But I guess its gonna boil down to dollars and cents. I just got of teh Phone with the local Rover dealer and they did sell the car as new, they also pulled the service history for me, and the prev owner did ALL scheduled maint, with no problems reported other than some seals which I am told is one of Rover's weak areas(leaking). we'll just have to see what happens at the dealing table. Does anybody know if that is a good price? $20500.00 | ||
| Michael Noe (Noee) Senior Member Username: Noee Post Number: 692 Registered: 03-2002 |
Brian, what will you use the truck for mostly? Daily driver? Mostly road? Mostly trail? For a daily driver that doesn't see the trail that often, this would be a great truck, but to me, the price is on the high side, but then it might still have some warranty left. I'd play it hard and just walk out if you can't get your number. If this is gonna be trail truck, I'd go with a 99 D1. It'll be cheaper all-around to get it set up for the trail. | ||
| Chris Browne (Chris_browne) Member Username: Chris_browne Post Number: 225 Registered: 02-2003 |
No mileage mention from what I can see..no interior shots...no shots of the other sides of the vehicle...wouldn't touch it for now and I'd say its overpriced. Up here in Boston 99myd2 can be had for under $15k 00 for not much more. Betcha it was traded for a Honda Pilot | ||
| Corey (Discobro) Member Username: Discobro Post Number: 243 Registered: 12-2002 |
Hey Brian, all European cars leak, not just Rovers. I's very common to see BMW, Merc, Volvo all have oil leaks under the car. I think it has something to do with the cork material the Euro manufacturers use universally. As far as reliability, the things you need to watch for are common among LR's but easy to fix. Example: O2 sensors: go out around 80k - 100k miles and common among all vehicles with them. Electrical gremlins: not sure about the '02 (Ithink it has Bosch elec.) but D1's have Lucas elec. and are known for mishaps. An '02 should not have these problems if they are Bosch. Body leaks: misc leaks (water) in sunroofs and window seals. Again '02 should not have as many or any problems. The sunroof was redesigned and the windows that were prone to leaking (safari and rear) were redesigned also. Engine leaks: Much less in the '02-'03 because of redesign but still there. They really aren't a big deal and are easy to fix if done right. Hope this clears up some myths. I own a 96 D1 and an 88 Jeep Cherokee. The Jeep I used off-road for years and never any mech. problems except for the usual problems with lifting and off roading like bad ball joints. The same goes for my D1. A few elec problems but nothing mechanical. By far the Disco is superior off road except for a high center of gravity. Not sure if the '02 you're looking at has Center Diff Lock, but that is what makes these very good off road trucks. One thing to note is that mechanics are afraid of LR's. Because of lack of knowledge (there haven't been a lot of Rover's around until recently) and LR dealership's ripping owners off they've gotton a bad rap. They really are very sound mechanically and if you're looking at an '02 there shouldn't be much to be afraid of. Keep in mind that these vehicles are made to go off road and were not designed like the typical import with independent suspension. they look, drive and feel like a truck, so don't buy one if you're looking for lush freeway or city driving. Well that's my ¢.02. Hope it helps... | ||
| Brian Brown (Trashtrampoline) New Member Username: Trashtrampoline Post Number: 7 Registered: 07-2003 |
Questions answered. . . 46k on the odo Traded for an Oddyssy Mostly road, some trail astetically its tight, I took it for test beat and its fine. I have a bad feeling about this and don't know why, every time I don't trust myself I make a mistake. I think I going to back off this. Maybe look for another. | ||
| Chris Browne (Chris_browne) Member Username: Chris_browne Post Number: 226 Registered: 02-2003 |
Corey thanks for your o2 but its not an 02 rather a 00 s2 (!). So lets keep your comments to the vehicle in question not a S1. I think you'll find that this vehicle Brian still has a year of LR warranty. Have you looked/driven any other Series 2? How does it compare? Engine leaks etc are easy to spot from underneath. Apart from the overprice ( www.kbb.com and compare trade in to retail) If you get a good one at this mileage, and no plans for off roading, I would suggest you swap out shocks to Bilsteins for a great improvement. and The tires will probably be well worn if not already replaced. You can tell alot about the prior owners service mentality by the tires they buy. All the initial factory problems should debugged by now. There are lots of these vehicles out there right now, take your time, don't jump at the first one. | ||
| Peter Matusov (Pmatusov) Senior Member Username: Pmatusov Post Number: 891 Registered: 09-2002 |
Chris, how the 0_2 sensors are different between D1 and whatever year D2? Corey, I might be tempting my fate by saying it, but I have three rovers with about 450 kmi on them total, and they have original O_2 sensors. | ||
| Mark & Bev Preston (Markp) Member Username: Markp Post Number: 213 Registered: 02-2002 |
Brian, Just remember that you will hear about all the issues here, never my truck ran great this week! A friend with two new jeeps has had both leave them stranded. Finally got rid of one because of rear end problems. Sure the dealer replaced the rear end but he was still not comfortable with it. My 98' Disco has carried me all over the West and Mid-West and now has 77K miles on it. No major problems. My perception of Jeeps is low quality and cheap while LR's are solid and reliable. My previous vehicle was a IH Scout. Now that is a bullet proof vehicle. LR's are much closer to Scouts than Jeeps. - Mark | ||
| Brian Brown (Trashtrampoline) New Member Username: Trashtrampoline Post Number: 8 Registered: 07-2003 |
Guy's thanks again for all the GREAT input, but please understand Mark, Jeeps are not low quality, they rock in alot of ways. My opinion of ALL cars is that they are all JUNK, Each one has its positives and negatives. I am just trying to understand Rovers. I could spin yarns for hours about the Jeep problems, I have owned 4 so far, You guys could probably do the same for Rovers. People ask me at work which wheels better a Jeep or a Rover, I reply "If you ask a Jeep Dealer they will say Jeep wheels best, If you ask a Rover dealer they will say they wheel best, IMHO the truth between THESE 2 is that the deciding factor is probably in the driver NOT in the truck." I expect a little flaming for that one, but I stand by it. when it comes to 4 wheeling stock these are the top 2 with nobody (that I am aware of) even coming close. I will continue on my quest, but another problem is what the dealer is going to give me on a 98ZJ Limited 5.2 ltr. They dropped bigtime in value but they have all the creature comforts as the Rover. Eh, whats a mother to do? | ||
| Mark & Bev Preston (Markp) Member Username: Markp Post Number: 214 Registered: 02-2002 |
I wouldn't go so far as to call all cars junk. There is a difference in design robustness and component quality between manufacturers. I've had Jeeps, Scouts and Rovers. Still have the Scouts and Rovers. As for the drivers ability I completely agree. Let them flame both of us. As for trade-in value every vehicle has taken a big hit. The combination of economic recession, deep dealer discounts on new vehicles, zero financing and manufacturing overcapacity has killed the used vehicle prices. But look at it this way, while your trade-in value is low so should the price of the vehicle your looking at. Sounds good but still hurts. Good luck. | ||
| Dan Armbruster (Dan_armbruster) Member Username: Dan_armbruster Post Number: 229 Registered: 04-2003 |
Don't let anyone tell you that rovers are super reliable, and will not have problems because they will. I have a 98' D1, and I am lucky to have no major problems. It's the small nagging problems that persist. They leak all over the place, water leaks inside the sunroofs and rear door, and some electronics just decide not to work sometimes. I'm glad that I am selling it and I bought a new BMW. Whoever said that bimmers and mb's leak is just talking out of their ass. Don't get me wrong, I love my disco and it has served me well. The overall deciding factor was the 11 mpg of gas I was getting on premium octane gas with only 182 horses. That itself is a joke, but if you have the money and time for repairs and maintenance then you should go for it. Also, the prices some of these people tell you can be off for some disco's. When I was trying to sell my loaded 98' with 37k miles they told me it was only worth $9,000 dollars! Too bad i'm selling it for $17k this week. Good luck with your decision, and make sure you wait to pick the exact one you want! | ||
| Silly_me (Silly_me) New Member Username: Silly_me Post Number: 6 Registered: 07-2003 |
>>>Whoever said that bimmers and mb's leak is just talking out of their ass.<<< It's all realitive. My old E36 325is had a cabin made from the cheapest bits munich could find and I was always plagued by poor engineering problems (like a waterpump prone to failure at 30K miles). Most new mercs are no longer as reliable as they once were (they were the pinnacle of 'carved from a solid block of iron' reliability back in the good ole days). I've had people tell me that the 96-99 E klasse cars were prone to sturt tower rust that could send the assembly through the hood. I think it all boils down to character. Autos with character tend to be troublesome beasts while appliances such as toyota tend to be a bit more reliable. Of course there are always exceptions to every rule | ||
| Jason Urban (Geflackt) New Member Username: Geflackt Post Number: 34 Registered: 03-2003 |
Brian- Our '00 Disco has been holding up pretty well! We got it used(from a LR dealer and certified) with about 14k miles and have about 36k now. The biggest issue has been the ABS sensors, but this work has been done under warranty. Everything else has been pretty good on it. Definitely better than her first Disco which was a '96. If you're serious about getting the Disco(and hopefully you still are!), it's worth taking to West Chester and have them check it over. If it's still under warranty, it's not too much of a concern, but have them at least check for accident damage unless you're good at spotting that. Jason. | ||
| Phil (Discoanywhere) Member Username: Discoanywhere Post Number: 54 Registered: 06-2003 |
My 95 Disco won't die! 200,000km and I pound it pretty hard...its never leaked always seems oily underneath but no puddles.. I use to Jeep and still have a YJ which is waiting for its 3rd axle!!ARG!.. Jeeps are disposible play toys to me... I like my jeep cause theres no pw, pm, pdl, cruise, air and all the other city slicker buttons..but its just an off roader.. Although that new RUBICON is another story.. VERY NICE!! I like my Disco cause its never broke down, it really works off road, and I was really suprised how simple it is to work on.. The disco has minor electrical problems but these don't bother me as long as the truck runs good..and my lights work when its dark and the wipers when it rains... I've had my share of wheelers and euro autos and have found if they don't leave small puddles of oil on your driveway then they will at least look oily.. My Bimmer motor was always needin a cleaning but no puddles, I know 911's leak, My friends civic engine is bone dry?, My mothers Volvo is a leaker.. I think you should choose the vehicle you really like and want... Don't worry about what you hear too much as every manufacture has lemons and jewels... I have a solid 95 while someone else may have had one which constantly broke down. You just never know... Look at the vehicles history and previous owner...make sure its been taken care of..and make sure you like it. If you like it enuf you'll pay attention to it and service it on time and possibly be motivated enuf to learn how to maintain and repair it yourself.. No one likes to work or spend money on a truck they don't really like ... Not me anyway.. Just My 2 cents.. | ||
| Jason Wagner (Wagnerjc) New Member Username: Wagnerjc Post Number: 40 Registered: 03-2002 |
Brian, I've been prowling this forum for a couple of years and recently pulled the trigger on a Disco to replace my Jeep Cherokee. You need to understand that the members here are very honest. Unlike other fanboy sites the members here will tell it to you straight. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. After asking enough questions or reading enough posts you will go into your Disco purchase with an educated mind. I am in absolute love with my Disco. Yest. while driving it I got a spontaneous smile on my face (just Cause). If purchasing a Disco has you a little nervous find one that has a year or so of warrantly left on it. The LR factory warranty is outstanding. I just picked up a fully loaded 2001 with ACE, 17 K miles, and 2 yrs. of warranty for $23,500. Hunt around long enough and you'll find a soccer-mom selling for a steal. This is another thing to think about when you hear about reliability. The vast majority of Discos are driven by suburbanites on streets only. They do not use them for what they are designed to do; go off-road. I think many disgruntled owners were looking for sports cars in an SUV package. I've jumped ships from Jeep to LR and will never look back. Jason | ||
| Brian Brown (Trashtrampoline) New Member Username: Trashtrampoline Post Number: 9 Registered: 07-2003 |
Thanks to all, I think I will keep looking! I still like my ZJ, it wheels well and has power to spare, so I'm in no hurry. I think I'll keep lookin for y2k-D2. wait till end of the month when the dealers are trying to make thier numbers. | ||
| Love Jones (The_tool_man) Member Username: The_tool_man Post Number: 54 Registered: 06-2003 |
well, i would for sure NOT get a d1!...get a montero sr or a land cruiser. it will save your rump in the long run. i have my 95 d1 for sale for months, and no one wants to touch it.. and i even got it sold BELOW auction value. they suck! | ||
| Andrew Maier (Newman) Member Username: Newman Post Number: 63 Registered: 04-2003 |
Love, why not describe what went wrong, rather than saying "they suck!" and leaving it at that. Geez, two posts after Jason talks about how honest people are about issues with Discos, someone's input is "they suck!" That said, I call my 1996 D1 "Newman" for a reason: He's fat, ungainly, frustrating, and pasty white (okay, okay, it's Alpine White). I've had two years of minor problems, most of them related to (1) age and/or mileage and (2) the prior owner never using the thing for it's designed purpose. Make sure you test the CDL lever if looking at a CDL rig -- mine was so rusted it had to be replaced, because the prior owner, like The Tool Man I presume, never used it except to go to the mall and soccer practice (and, from his profile, work at the jail). Good luck, and I hope you get one, because they are the best of the best right out of the box... Andy | ||
| Love Jones (The_tool_man) Member Username: The_tool_man Post Number: 55 Registered: 06-2003 |
ha.. drew, if you only knew the truth. i have driven that thing places that you will never go. but i still say they are not worth the heart ache! the montero does the same stuff, and if HIGHLY reliable. the BIG issue with my disco is that idle issue. no one on this site has been any help in regards to a final solution. (no offense guys).. i have read and talked and prayed.. and everyone seems to have this issue with the disco. did i ever mention i have leaks? did i ever mention my cdl doesnt work?? did i ever mention that i have had any other problems?? NO! all i want is this idle FIXED, or this darn thing sold! and once it is fixed or sold, i will vanish into the sunset. hopefully with a montero underfoot. | ||
| Jack Edwards (Olered) Senior Member Username: Olered Post Number: 376 Registered: 04-2002 |
Not trying to lite the flame but: Hey Tool man, no one wants to help b/c you come on this site ranting and raving about how bad your LR sucks and that how great your Mitsubshity Montero is. Why would we want to help you? You post and post needing help only to post about your Montero later on. What gives? | ||
| Jaime Crusellas (Jaime) New Member Username: Jaime Post Number: 35 Registered: 05-2003 |
For what its worth... My wife and I both own 97 discos bought when brand new. they have both been serviced relgularly according to the recommended service intervals. Hers has 65k miles, never been off road, absolutely no problems. Mine has 88k miles, been off road, and the only 'major' item has been the replacement of the water pump. Oh yeah, I also have to change the rear diff pinion seal. Now, as far as oil leaks, my motor is dirty, but no marks in the driveway. Her side of the driveway has a black smudge that is always dry. I also keep a 92 Montero in Ecuador, that is a great vehicle as well but does not have the range of capabilities that the discos have. | ||
| Brian Brown (Trashtrampoline) New Member Username: Trashtrampoline Post Number: 10 Registered: 07-2003 |
LoveJones: I appreciate your warning! I have to ask, I don't know squat about Rovers yet!! But I do know wheeling and I know what it is to own a truck. Are you this upset over a single problem (idle)? Not to downsize your concern, but WOW, you are at war with your Rover over a single problem. I don't know how you will ever be happy with ANY vehicle. They all have a problem or 2! Thats why I said before "Cars are Crap" Goodluck with your Montero. My friend had a an SR and it rocked! Regards Brian | ||
| Alan Yim (Alan) Senior Member Username: Alan Post Number: 669 Registered: 09-2002 |
Brian, I wouldn't pay a lot of attention to Love Jones. He's a guy that got banned under and different name and has come back on to complain. Half the stuff he said above isn't even accurate. He didn't do his research and ended up buying a 95 D1 with all kinds of problems despite some of the folks telling him to avoid the vehicle. If he had done his research he would have avoided that truck and found a better one so he's a bit bitter now. | ||
| Brian Brown (Trashtrampoline) New Member Username: Trashtrampoline Post Number: 11 Registered: 07-2003 |
I looked at the Disco above again on sunday, I think it DOES have the disc changer under the pass seat and the dealer missed it. When I look down I see an access door, there is a gap behind the facia because the seat is far back, I can just see a Light grey looking box in there. Maybe I will give it more consideration, I have also noticed it is priced decently for this area. Alan, Thanks for the heads up! | ||
| Chad Meyer (Ccdm3) Member Username: Ccdm3 Post Number: 127 Registered: 07-2002 |
Brian, I have a 98 D1 and it has been a pain in my ass! I have a cooling problem, new alternator, ps pump, rocker assemblies, fuel pump, and enough rattles to drive a man crazy. I also have a 00 CR-V and it has 64k with no probs. That said...I love my truck. It is a blast to drive. They are easy to work on and parts are VERY easy to get. A person can't describe the feeling you get when you own a Rover. My only regret is not getting the extended warranty. Granted there is not a large market for aftermarket accessories for them, but what is available is quality product. As for this horsepower crap...it is an off-road vehicle not a street rod. It has a ton of low end torque. It is a full floating axel truck with CDL and a real frame. It is a great off road vehicle.... also...check out www.lrx.com. | ||
| Jack Edwards (Olered) Senior Member Username: Olered Post Number: 382 Registered: 04-2002 |
"Granted there is not a large market for aftermarket accessories for them, but what is available is quality product"...WHAT?  Maybe there's not a large LR section at Walmart or Pepboys. One word for you: GOOGLE Remember folks, this is an enthusiast site and not a bash board. If you want ZERO problems, buy a Honda. Even then, you could get a lemon. |
