| Author | Message | ||
     Chris Shontz (Cshontz) New Member Username: Cshontz Post Number: 1 Registered: 10-2003 |
My wife and I are strongly considering purchasing a 98 Discovery LE. I know very little about these vehicles, and I'm trying to feel it out mechanically. I want to ensure that it would be a sound investment.  I noticed on the underside, it was a little wet around the area where the engine mates to the transmission. The Disco has 59,000 miles.  Is this a serious issue? Assuming I've described it sufficiently, how much would it cost to fix something like this? How should this affect the dealer's asking price? Also, I'd be interested in hearing general feedback regarding the Land Rover Discovery model. I'm particularly interested in your opinions of its reliability and longevity. Is there any particular part of the vehicle that I should inspect more closely prior to purchase? I realize this forum might be a biased place to ask such questions, but thats okay. I am interested in being swayed in favor of making this purchase, although I'd appreciate honest responses. Thanks!  | ||
| Juan Quintanilla (Landjeep) New Member Username: Landjeep Post Number: 4 Registered: 08-2003 |
Chris What are you going to do with the vehicle? Is this going to be an off roader or just a "family mall crawler" If its just transportation there are many Toyotas, Mitsubishis that would be a better buy. | ||
| Trevor (Daredvl) Member Username: Daredvl Post Number: 104 Registered: 03-2003 |
Discos leak. Discos are expensive to fix. Discos drink fuel like we drink beer. Its a nice truck though. I enjoy driving mine. Its a great poseur SUV too ... ;) | ||
| Timothy Faris Wilkin (Twilkin) New Member Username: Twilkin Post Number: 2 Registered: 11-2003 |
I like my 97 SD 5speed alot. Great crawler in stock condition. 70K and the front window regulators are shot and it leaks, big deal. | ||
| Curtis N (Curtis) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Curtis Post Number: 897 Registered: 05-2002 |
Wow - the two posts above are from sources I would consider suspect at best. The leaks do not seem to be major. Likely a rear main seal and I have seen this on many Rovers and Toyotas alike. Either way this leak appears small, but it id hard to judge since I do not know when it was cleaned last. Will the Disco be as reliable as a Honda or Toyota? Probably not. However, if you actually plan to use this rig for somthing beyond basic transporation, you will probably have a great rig. The miles are low and if everything checks out then it is probably a great truck. Land Rover ownership is a unique experience. They can be much more finicky than other vehicles, but the basic machanics are very sound and can also prove to be very reliable at times. Off road they are hard to beat and require little (f any) modification to keep up with the best of the stockers of any make. The only other rig I would think even comes close is a 1997 or prior Land Cruiser. If this one loooks good, checks out mechanically, and you feel right about it I would go for it. You will probably have a great truck with many years of satisfaction and a few days of frustration. -Curtis | ||
| Chris Browne (Chris_browne) Senior Member Username: Chris_browne Post Number: 430 Registered: 02-2003 |
Chris: There are dozens of Discos in this catagory around....don't jump at the first one... If you need a buyers guide to Discovery its a pretty big book. its possible that leak is from a leahy sump gasket - rare..or the rear main engine seal...common....realistically if you do your own maintenance cost of ownership isn't that bad...if you don't budget on $100 per month....way more than a comparable toyota etc.... | ||
| michael a. kerr (Ethanrover98) New Member Username: Ethanrover98 Post Number: 4 Registered: 11-2003 |
Chris, I have a '98 Disco with 85,000 miles on it (bought it with 25,000) and my wife and I love it. For us owning a Land Rover goes much deeper than "what's the best buy". I feel very secure seeing my wife and 14 month old son driving away in a 6,000 lb. tank!!! My wife actually drives it daily (100 mile/day). I do my own maintenance and repairs and I have found this vehicle to be pretty easy to work on. Belonging to and supporting this web site and vendors will definetly make the whole experience more enjoyable. Great advice from Curtis and Chris "ownership is definetly unique" and by all means "shop around"............ Good luck!!! | ||
| Chris Shontz (Cshontz) New Member Username: Cshontz Post Number: 2 Registered: 10-2003 |
I am an avid off-pavement driving enthusiast. My intention is for the Discovery to be largely pavement-bound, but I prefer to have the option of taking it off-road, and I inevitably will, although I don't currently intend to do so regularly. That may change. Chris, when you say budget $100 per month on maintenance, is that general maintenance such as lube oil filter, or is that special maintenance for a vehicle that is used actively off-pavement? Does anyone know approximately what it would cost to have the rear main seal fixed by a shop? Can I take the Land Rover anywhere for general service, or do I always have to take it to the nearest dealer? I imagine some things will require the dealer, but I'm not sure to what degree this would be true. This would replace a modified Jeep TJ, which just became too impractical and uncomfortable for day-to-day use. I just sold the Jeep this past weekend, and I need to get another vehicle ASAP. I've been interested in Land Rovers for quite some time, but I need to ensure that it is considerably more practical than the TJ. It is certainly more practical in the sense that it can better accomodate my family and our stuff. I appreciate everyone's feedback. You all have been extremely helpful and friendly. I welcome all advice you can give me on this. Thanks! | ||
| Greg French (Gregfrench) Senior Member Username: Gregfrench Post Number: 648 Registered: 11-2002 |
Stay away from the dealer unless you feel you have too much money and nothing to do with it. | ||
| Christopher Boese (Christopher) Member Username: Christopher Post Number: 226 Registered: 10-2002 |
Chris, that oil seepage is no doubt the main seal - on my '95 it was replaced under warranty after 20k or 30k miles. Probably not even worth fixing unless you're losing a lot of oil. More relevant would be leaking swivel ball seals - that's very common too. If you're replacing a Jeep with a Land Rover, you're probably right on target. You already know what a competent offroad vehicle feels like, and the maintenance involved (my understanding is that both Jeeps and Land Rovers take some care.) | ||
| Greg Hirst (Gregh) Senior Member Username: Gregh Post Number: 361 Registered: 10-2002 |
Take it to a mechanic you trust to check out first and if it's the rear main, use that info to negotiate discounting the price (it probably is). The seal itself is cheap, the labor is what costs. One of the unique ironies of Rover ownership is that many people think you must be $$ to own one but most owner/enthusiasts enjoy doing their own wrenching in addition to actually offroading. With a little driver knowledge, a stock Disco will amaze you offroad and you'll be hooked! Good luck! | ||
| Joey (Joey4420) Senior Member Username: Joey4420 Post Number: 392 Registered: 04-2003 |
Chris here is a place to look for buying advise: http://www.robisonservice.com/servicedep/rover_advice1.asp#disco I would also check the CDL (Center Differential Lock) to make sure it works. http://www.people.cornell.edu/pages/efe4/images/rover/difflock/discodifflock.htm I would also call the local Dealer and ask as nicely as you can if the would be kind enough to provide you with a warrenty history on the vehicle you are looking at. It also never hurts to run the Vin at carfax.com and check for issue. Hope this helps. | ||
| Victor Biro (Vabiro) New Member Username: Vabiro Post Number: 9 Registered: 10-2003 |
I have had a '98 LE for the past year. I purchased it with 65k km and now have 96k km. While all vehicles have their own history, I think I might be able to offer my experience as one persons. Out of the gate, the diff lock switch had to be fixed. While it does move forward and back like many 4x4s, it should also move from side to side to engage the diff lock. This is a common problem with Discoveries that haven't been used off road. I was fortunate that we were able to un-stick it after removal and a bath in cleaner. It can some times require parts. Have this checked. Maintainance has been the usual oil changes, however a trip into some deep water on my first time off road necessitated a change of oil, diff fluid and transfer case. This might be something that you should do as soon as you get it, ideally before you decide to buy. My Disco had had the diff fluid changed with the front end raised. as a result the front diff didn't have enough fluid, and the back had too much. Neither is good, and you my find that you will be able to spot problems early by doing this inexpensive thing. Since then, a swivelball seal and ball joint, the result of some off-road mishap, but not uncommon. All this might sould like a lot, but in total it fell below the $100/mo guide provided, and all work was performed by a mechanic. The key seems to be stay away from the dealers. They seem to have a odd concept of what is an acceptable price for maintainance. Also, check the date that the first owner took posession. You might have some time left on the corrosion warantee (6years from original purchase). On the subject of which, check the top of the wheel well, at the bottom of the rear door for corrosion. The the bottom corner towards the back of the vehicle is where the aluminium meets the steel and is a frequent point of rusting due to galvanic action, especially where there is significant salt due to winters or salt water. I don't want to give you the impression that this vehicle is a pain or expensive. My father has a '98 Pathfinder with similar milage, and he has had to put about the same amount into his in the same period. He paid almost exactly the same ammount as I did at purchase. On the subject of which, I drove his Pathfinder to the test drive of the Discovery, and the experience was like night and day. The Disco was much more comfortable for me, but again that is an opinion some may not share. Overall I think the excessively poor resale value of Land Rover products represents a great value, and I wouldn't hesitate to purchase another. In fact, I might just own a Land Rover product for the rest of my life (unless Ford really messes things up). Victor | ||
| Timothy Faris Wilkin (Twilkin) New Member Username: Twilkin Post Number: 3 Registered: 11-2003 |
(The bottom corner towards the back of the vehicle is where the aluminium meets the steel and is a frequent point of rusting due to galvanic action, especially where there is significant salt due to winters or salt water.) I have this rust problem and am wondering what the best way to repairing the damage is. Thanks, Tim | ||
| Jaime Crusellas (Jaime) Member Username: Jaime Post Number: 160 Registered: 05-2003 |
Chris, I have a 97 discovery that I had since new. It now has 100,000 miles. Did oil changes every 5 - 7 k miles. Other than scheduled service (filters, fluids, brake pads, etc.) I've had to replace a water pump, the exhaust system (not the catalytic converters, and I just replaced the wheel bearings on my front passenger wheel. I don't baby this truck. I drive 120 miles a day to work for the past year, and I've been offroad 5 times since the summer. Lots of mud, headlight high water, sand, rocks, etc. The amazing thing to me about these trucks is that bone stock they are incredibly capable offroad, and as soon as you hit the pavement, they ride as smooth as any mall crawler. If you do your own wrenching, you'll find that this is an easy truck to work on. The only thing that you have to use a mechanic/dealer for is anything having to do with the ECU (computer) where they need to use the diagnostic system. Otherwise, this site is a wealth of information and good addvice that can be of tremendous help when you do your own work on the truck. I'd be happy if my Disco lasted me for the rest of my life. I like it that much. | ||
| Chris W. (Dcwhybrew) Member Username: Dcwhybrew Post Number: 111 Registered: 05-2003 |
Chris, definitely check out the Robison Service website mentioned above. As stated the D1s seep at the rear main seal. My 96 with 94k does as well. The quote I have is for $1400. That should give you an idea of how much it costs. Though with a dealer it will obviously cost more for labor. As long as I have a drip or two on the ground I'll leave it alone. I don't notice any change in oil level when I check it weekly. $100-150/month for service is about right. Of course you wont spend that every month, but you do need to put it away for when repairs do come up. By the way, don't you think it's funny when people refer to buying a car as an "investment". Rapidly depreciating assets don't come close to being an investment. Just my opinion. Chris | ||
| Shawn McKenzie (Shawn) Member Username: Shawn Post Number: 136 Registered: 10-2002 |
As for the computer diagnostic question, Auto Value here in Canada has an OBD code reader that they'll plug into your vehicle while you wait and give you all your error codes and clear them for free. I assume there is a parts chain store in the US that does the same? | ||
| Nick A. (Nick) New Member Username: Nick Post Number: 31 Registered: 03-2003 |
Don't buy a Disco if you are tall and drive long distance often,very uncomfortable since you can't stretch your legs especially right one. Feels like you are sitting on a dining room chair not a seat,this vehicle not too comfy for us large people. | ||
| Anton Parker (Anton) New Member Username: Anton Post Number: 6 Registered: 03-2003 |
In reply to Nick A, I wonder (and agree)about the leg room. I drive a 94 2 door which lets me put the seat right back and is the roomiest ride I've ever had. However my wife's '02 4 door TD5 feels extremly cramped for me. I'm 6'4". Just an observation Anton | ||
| Stephen Hawkins (Madmole) New Member Username: Madmole Post Number: 21 Registered: 07-2003 |
There are seat extension rails available in the UK for the taller amongst you for the D2's. They allow the drvers seat to go back another 4 inches or so. Apparently they work great (I'm a short arse and so I find the thing comfy standard while doing an 8 hour journey twice a week). | ||
| Joey (Joey4420) Senior Member Username: Joey4420 Post Number: 394 Registered: 04-2003 |
Hmmm Tim mentioned rust, you will want to check the following places for rust on a DI, Alpine Windows (tend to rust on bottom) Rear doors in the V below the door latch (rust very noticable) and under the Door Sills (under the plastic, it can rust and not noticed) and the bottom edge of all doors. | ||
| Timothy Faris Wilkin (Twilkin) New Member Username: Twilkin Post Number: 4 Registered: 11-2003 |
Does anyone know about AntiRust Wax named "Waxoyl" or "Rustol" and how would I treat the bottom corner towards the back where the aluminium meets the steel. Is there a place to pour a "AntiRust Wax" in? Thanks, Tim | ||
| eric johnson (Eric2) Member Username: Eric2 Post Number: 149 Registered: 05-2003 |
For a quick engine condition check, get a flashlight and open the oil filler cap. Shine the light into the opening and check the color on the bits you can see, i.e. rockers, springs, etc. It should be clean, and a light golden brown patina. If you see chunks of gunk, carbon and dirt...replace the cap, close the hood, and run! A sure sign of a poorly maintained vehicle, or no maintainance at all. | ||
| Trevor (Daredvl) Member Username: Daredvl Post Number: 109 Registered: 03-2003 |
Even though my comments are considered suspect by some (ahem!) ... If you do not have a local Land Rover dealer, many places will not want to look at them, or roll their eyes when you bring it in. Our local auto parts places up here, Napa and Lordco, carry very little in the way of replacements parts. You may have to order stuff yourself and then find a shop that will install parts you bring in (as opposed to the ones they order), most won't ... Get used to bad gas mileage and get used to a few leaks. Some parts are silly expensive, like O2 sensors, but in turn if you can turn a wrench, a lot of things are pretty easy to replace yourself. What you save on labor charges can sometimes make up for additional parts costs. Proper maintenance is the key ... though that applies to just about any vehicle you buy nowadays. | ||
| Bruce Potier (Brucep) Member Username: Brucep Post Number: 93 Registered: 06-2003 |
So Chris, you have lots of advice on what to do, what to check, what to review before you buy. Do a good job now, becuase the picture of that same vehicle sitting in your mecahnic's lot is a lot less exciting. |
