| Author | Message | ||
     Jeff Gallo (Jeffgallo) New Member Username: Jeffgallo Post Number: 1 Registered: 01-2004 |
I looking to buy a used Discovery. After doing research for a few months I have decided on a 2000 or 2001 as I would like to retro-fit a CDL at some point. I am in the Denver area and am looking at the local dealerships because I have a truck I would like to trade in on the purchase. My focus has been to find a Disco that has very low mileage, has some factory waranty remaining, clean carfax, etc. Any advice on what else to look for would be appreciated. | ||
| carl seashore (Drcarl) Member Username: Drcarl Post Number: 97 Registered: 07-2003 |
jeff, the key to finding a good used disco is a responsible ownership history. look for one with good repair and service records and be sure it was well cared for. the usual trouble spots for body rust are the rear door jambs and the cargo space. inspect these for rust, and also look for signs of water ingress around the alpine windows (a bigger problem on older trucks). far and away the service history is paramount. good luck and welcome to the board! cheers, carl | ||
| Billy Deakins (Discodog) New Member Username: Discodog Post Number: 2 Registered: 11-2003 |
Jeff, My understanding was that the '99 Discos can be easily retrofitted with CDL by switching out the transfer case shifter. At least that's what my mechanic had said. He said that in '00 and '01 they changed the T-case. Anybody else know for sure? | ||
| Matt Anderson (Disco01) Member Username: Disco01 Post Number: 109 Registered: 10-2003 |
Get a 2003 S for about 3 grand more. It will have a bigger engine and there are a lot of them out there with less than 10k on them. If you get an older one, look underneath well to make sure it has not been abused off road. Some oil collection on the underside of the engine is ok. Check for vibration around 35-40 and 60-70 felt in the seat. Look at the condition of some of the fluids if you can. Make sure all of the electronics work as they should. Of course, service records are great, but they won't be in there, so you will need to have the dealer check in their computer, although services done at Jiffy Boob wont show up. I would strongly urge the 03 if you can swing it. | ||
| KENT S. WILCOX (Kswilcox) New Member Username: Kswilcox Post Number: 15 Registered: 06-2003 |
I BOUGHT A '00 IN THE DENVER AREA, MAY OF THIS LAST YEAR. IT ALREADY HAD THE CDL INSTALLED BY THE FIRST OWNER, I BELIEVE THE TRANSFER CASE WAS CHANGED 1/2 WAY THRU THE '01 MODEL YEAR TO MAKE THE RETRO HARDER (CHECK OLD POSTS). I THINK YOUR IDEA OF FINDING ONE WITH SOME WARANTY LEFT IS A GOOD ONE, I'VE BEEN ABLE TO GET A FEW THINGS HANDLED ALREADY (NEW SUNROOFS, ABS SENSOR,& HUB). I HAVEN'T HAD ANY OF THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WHICH PLAGUED MY '94. I DID DRIVE AN '03 WITH THE 4.6 ENGINE BEFORE BUYING AND IT WAS NICE, BUT I FELT FOR ME NOT NEEDED, AND QUITE A BIT MORE EXPENSIVE. I SECOND THE CHECKING OF SERVICE RECORDS ON THESE CARS. FOR REFERENCE, SINCE YOUR LOOKING IN THE DENVER AREA ('00, 40K, 5 PASSENGER, SUNROOFS, CDL, ROCK SLIDERS, RAN ME 16K, I THINK I GOT A GREAT DEAL, AT LEAST SO FAR). | ||
| Jeff Gallo (Jeffgallo) New Member Username: Jeffgallo Post Number: 2 Registered: 01-2004 |
My next question is how much should I concern myself with the miles on the Disco. Assuming the service was done properly and documented is there that much difference between 18K & 30K? Basically, should I get one that isn't the color I really want because it has lower mileage? | ||
| Brian Dickens (Bri) Senior Member Username: Bri Post Number: 920 Registered: 08-2002 |
Quit yelling at us Kent. | ||
| Brian Dickens (Bri) Senior Member Username: Bri Post Number: 921 Registered: 08-2002 |
Jeff, The best thing to do will be to sell the vehicle to a private party, then go buy the best Disco you can for at or under private party price. or even wholesale price. It can be done, you must be patient, but it will pay off. Trade, might be OK, but generally not unless you can negotiate private party price or better on the trade in. If you do trade in don't tell them. Negotiate the price of the vehicle first, get them to sign on the sales price and then talk what they will take for the trade. Definitely the best way otherwise the dealer will start fundging numbers back and forth on the two vehicles and will end up taking you for more than if you negotiate the deals separate. If the dealer asks if you have a trade in straight away, say no. If the Disco is a mall crawler (would recommend getting one of those), that has had little problems and has been well maintained, you should be fine. If you do go the dealer route, you might also be able to get not only some warranty but also certification. If you buy it with under 50k miles you might be able to get an extended warranty to pay for the 50-100k miles, you would not believe it if I told you how much my extended warranty has paid on my '95 D1. Brian | ||
| Jeff Gallo (Jeffgallo) New Member Username: Jeffgallo Post Number: 3 Registered: 01-2004 |
Thanks for the advice. I have been and am trying to sell my current truck (99 F150 SuperCab). But there are a million of them for sale in the Denver area. Plus everyone wants either a Crew Cab or an 04 F150. I understand the tricks of buying a car. My biggest concern is just getting a Disco in the best condition. I am considering 2 specific Disco's both 2000 models. One is red w/ 18K and the other is white w/ 33k. I really want white but I am pulled toward the red one because it has 15K less miles. I put on 400 miles a week commuting to work, so it adds up. I have also found a white Disco in Tulsa that has 27K. Not sure if the 6K difference is worth a 1,400 trip. Again thanks for everyone's advice. | ||
| Brian Dickens (Bri) Senior Member Username: Bri Post Number: 924 Registered: 08-2002 |
There might still be a black 00 over at denver south with OME already on there. Might want to call and ask. It was well taken care of. Yes on the crew cab, just got a 350 CC PSD a week ago, man is it fun. In general I have found that the used LR at LR dealers are in pretty good shape and many if not all are certified. They just cost more because the dealer has likely invested in some things that needed work. LR Co. Sprgs. is also a good dealership that I hvae had good experiences with. In fact I have heard good things about east and flatirons as well. My opinion is that if you are spending over 5k on a vehicle it will pay off for you to have a thorough inspection by a mechanic, they can test a lot of stuff in an hour or two that could save you thousands in the end. To have a full look-see and diag on the 350 mentioned above was about $250. They also gave me some negotiating points. Good Luck, Brian | ||
| Justin Sherfy (Jrsherfy) New Member Username: Jrsherfy Post Number: 30 Registered: 08-2003 |
Jeff, IMHO I would definately go with a low mileage Disco. However, don't settle on color either. Discoverys are plentiful, especially in CO. I think if you can just hold out, you'll find exactly what you want. I would settle on small things. For example, if it didn't have a cd changer or if it didn't have a lift on it. These can be done yourself at not to high a price. JRS | ||
| Brian Dickens (Bri) Senior Member Username: Bri Post Number: 933 Registered: 08-2002 |
Some things to think about if you are looking at used discos. You can also find used car check lists, so that you do not forget something. Maybe get a list like this as a start and if a vehicle passes, then take it in for a serious look. -Leaks on hoses, engine, transmission and pinions -Smooth shifting transmission -Bad Clunks/Play in drive line (some is normal) -Color/Quantity of fluids -Condition of air filter -Do lights and lighting systems work? -Auto windows and lock operation -Sunroof operation -Doors all operate -Do 4wd and CDL engage/operate properly -Do cats/muffler rattle -Underbody condition, been used off-road? -Drive shaft and ujoints OK? -Trailing arms, draglink, trackrod OK -Condition of shocks/springs -Is steering wheel on center -Play, wandering or veer in steering, at speed -Do brakes operate OK? -Any vibes during braking? -Any smoke coming from vehicle? -Any strange odors? -Condition of brake pads -Vibration on steering wheel? -Vibration in driveline and various speeds -Condition of tires and matching size spare -If rotoflex, check condition -Any rust? Underneath? Around windows? -Been in accident? -Carfax or equiv? -Where is title? -Service records available? -Do odometer readings match up? -New pedal rubber? -Has it been detailed? | ||
| Jeff Gallo (Jeffgallo) New Member Username: Jeffgallo Post Number: 4 Registered: 01-2004 |
I looked at a few today. I found a 2000 loaded with only 18k miles. Of all the used Disco at the Colorado dealerships this has the lowest miles by 15K. This particular Disco has the Performance Package. What is that? | ||
| Dean Chrismon (Chrismonda) Member Username: Chrismonda Post Number: 155 Registered: 12-2002 |
Brian forgot to tell him about sludge in the valve cover. By checking when you open the oil cap. Used Discos can have problems with crappy oil service. | ||
| Richard Grayson III (Skaramunga) New Member Username: Skaramunga Post Number: 40 Registered: 02-2003 |
make sure you get the color you want, and the package you want. and the miles you want..the biggest mistake people make is not waiting for the best deal...get black because it's pimp, and if your buying a new disco, get as many non-power item as you can. when you own it for a while you'll understand, unlsee your one of those leaser mo-fo's then your on your own... | ||
| Jeff Gallo (Jeffgallo) New Member Username: Jeffgallo Post Number: 5 Registered: 01-2004 |
What is the Performance Package? | ||
| Tim '92 RR (Snowman) Senior Member Username: Snowman Post Number: 642 Registered: 12-2002 |
Jeff I believe it's the Active Cornering Enhancement, also known as ACE. Also the 18X8 inch "Proline" wheels and the big honking 255/55HR18 tires. | ||
| Brett A. Naquin (Bnaquin) New Member Username: Bnaquin Post Number: 34 Registered: 09-2003 |
Service history, Service history, Service history. Pay a dealer or good Rover mechanic an hour or two of labor to go over it before you buy it. | ||
| Jeff Gallo (Jeffgallo) New Member Username: Jeffgallo Post Number: 7 Registered: 01-2004 |
So what would be acceptable mileage for a 2000 Disco? 25K? 30K? |
