| Author | Message | ||
     Steve Kemerling (Stevek) New Member Username: Stevek Post Number: 1 Registered: 08-2003 |
Hello all! The girlfriend and I are officially in the market for a Disco. I am not new to 'cult status' vehicles that will have thier own personality as I have owned many Fj40/60 Cruisers in my life, so I have both feet firmly planted. My question is--is it unrealistic to expect a 94-99 Disco to be dependable as a daily driver? Eventual plans call for it to be a w/e trail runner, but that will be next summer at best depending on fundage. Anyone have advice? Pointers? Concerns? Anyone know of good, decent trucks under 10K? Thx...Steve | ||
| M. K. Watson (Lrover94) Senior Member Username: Lrover94 Post Number: 995 Registered: 02-2002 |
i drive mine everyday! mike w | ||
| Joey (Joey4420) Member Username: Joey4420 Post Number: 144 Registered: 04-2003 |
I bought a '97 Disco SE7 in April for $9200.00 and it is my Daily driver, I bought it with 79k and it now has 88k on it. All I have done is change the oil/Filter, Change "S" Belt, and air filter. Not other issues runs great starts first time every time. Minor rust starting around rear doors and the Seam and near both Alpine windows... oh and I changed a rear parking light. Love mine. Check Archives and the Tech section. | ||
| Chris Whybrew (Dcwhybrew) Member Username: Dcwhybrew Post Number: 70 Registered: 05-2003 |
I have had a 96 Disco for 11 months and I drive it daily. I have 90k on it and it's definitely reliable. I follow the service schedules, and I haven't had any major problems. Follow this guy's buying advice: http://www.robisonservice.com/servicedep/rover_advice1.asp Just my advice. | ||
| Stuart Scantlebury (Paavscan) New Member Username: Paavscan Post Number: 4 Registered: 07-2003 |
I Have A D1 97 SE7 used as a daily driver for the last 16 months, only problem was a relay for the abs light. Have 90k, on ths XPC tires will be looking for new in the fall, 90% road use. Just changed the spark plugs, very easy. Brakes are next. Enjoy the ride. | ||
| Mark (Mrroverman) Member Username: Mrroverman Post Number: 57 Registered: 02-2003 |
I have a 95 Disco. Bullet proof truck. I drive the truck everyday. Easy to work on. | ||
| jimmy l hicks jr (Dirtyjim) New Member Username: Dirtyjim Post Number: 1 Registered: 07-2003 |
just make sure it was well maintained ,if you get stuck with a abused or neglected disco you will regret it.if you find one at a used car lot that doesn't deal with rovers very often you should be able to use some of its quirks to your advantage.such as oil,trans and p/s leaks.the leaks on mine put an extra $900 in my pocket and the dealer didn't know any better. | ||
| carl seashore (Drcarl) New Member Username: Drcarl Post Number: 16 Registered: 07-2003 |
96 5 speed drives daily; no major probs so far. ditto to chris' comment about robison's page-helped me a lot. look in the rear door wells and under the carpet in the rear cargo for rust-be wary if you can push through it. also shift the transfer case in the lot to make sure it moves. happy hunting-you'll love the truck! cheers, carl | ||
| Bill Howell (Billh13) Member Username: Billh13 Post Number: 143 Registered: 03-2003 |
You just got to check fluids every so often. The only thing that has broke on me is the cv joint. The only reason that happen was I was gone with the national guard for 6 months and the wife never had the cv's checked and one went dry. | ||
| eric johnson (Eric2) Member Username: Eric2 Post Number: 94 Registered: 05-2003 |
Build quality of the 1996-7 Discoveries is the lowest of any modern Land Rover product. Avoid these years if possible. - From the JE Robison website. If you have a product made during this time frame, and it's been a good one - count your blessings. Or go to Vegas. | ||
| Jacquelyne Davis (Jmdavis) New Member Username: Jmdavis Post Number: 25 Registered: 06-2003 |
Sticky valves, shot suspension, power steering leaks, non-functioning cruise control, lazy wiper syndrome...All of these symptoms seem to be pretty common with '96 models. All of these symptoms are curable. My husband has a '96 SD/ 105,000 mi and it now purrs like a kitten. He absolutely adores his Rover; but he also does 99% of his own work on it, too. But he likes to do it...I've got a loaded '96 SE7 5 speed/ 85,000 mi. My suspension was shot when I bought it(at 72,000mi), but I knew that otherwise it had been well taken care of. (I found a pacifier under the seat so I knew right away it had probably not been used off-road). Rear sunroof is busted, but won't matter once I put the rack on it anyway. My cc doesn't work, either, but I have a steady foot and don't like cc anyway...They both leak oil, a sure sign of a healthy, living Rover. I love these vehicles; they are totally unique. Yes, the '96 year does have issues, but good ones can be found for a good price. The disco looks like no other stupid plastic SUV around. Classic coutry elegance with simple mechanics and superior off-road potential...I heard yesterday the reason the English like their beer at room temperature is because they have Lucas refridgerators!! Good Luck and have fun on your search. Cheers, Jacquelyne | ||
| Donald Box (Roverheadtx) New Member Username: Roverheadtx Post Number: 15 Registered: 08-2003 |
steve, all i can say is if you get the lr fever like most of us have, you will have two girlfriends and both will be expensive, not that there's anything wrong with that! just plan to spend time with both, ones in the garage and the other location is up to you! best 4x4xfar | ||
| Tony Zuniga (Tony23007) Member Username: Tony23007 Post Number: 149 Registered: 05-2003 |
Disco's have major quirks, they range from non functional Cruise Controls, to Engine Overheating to Electric Gremlins (Lucas). If your somewhat mechanically inclined buy the machine, it is easy to work on and a great off road vehicle. If your not mechanically inclined get a warranty one that last as long as possible. |
