| Author | Message | ||
     Andrew Homan (Andy) New Member Username: Andy Post Number: 13 Registered: 01-2004 |
Ok I bought a 97 it left me stranded so I got money back from the seller (great guy) Now I'm back in the market and am looking at both 98s and 96s but I am open to any year as long as it's a good deal and taken care of. Plan on mods such as 2" lift tires winch etc. I will use the rig for daily driver and toy. I have a mechanical background (former Prosche/BMW factory mech) and will do most if not all the work needed. Any thoughts suggestions? | ||
| Kristopher March (Apexdisco) Senior Member Username: Apexdisco Post Number: 308 Registered: 02-2002 |
Go for the 99's! It's the year they fixed quite a few things from earlier models. | ||
| Gordon Turner (Gordo) Member Username: Gordo Post Number: 62 Registered: 07-2003 |
I personally like the early ones. 94-95 with the 3.9 motor. But that is because I have an 89 RR with nearly 250k on it. The 3.9 is tried and true. (nothing against the 4.0 as it is basically the same). I bought a 94 with records and it has been a great truck. Gordo | ||
| Brett A. Naquin (Bnaquin) Member Username: Bnaquin Post Number: 66 Registered: 09-2003 |
You know, I’ve seen a lot of opinions on this board about what are the best years. I was told by several people that the later model Disco I’s were the best choice yet I’ve not had near the trouble with my 1995 D1 that they’ve had with theirs. I think it really comes down to how well the vehicle was maintained AND a little luck of the draw. I really like the 3.9 engines and find them very easy to maintain so I’d recommend my 1995 model. Good hunting, Brett | ||
| Andrew Homan (Andy) New Member Username: Andy Post Number: 14 Registered: 01-2004 |
Can you get a 99 d1? or are they talking about a d2? also I like the idea of a 94/95 because they are less money and that leaves me a bigger budget for add ons. | ||
| Jack Leitch (Liveattheedge) Member Username: Liveattheedge Post Number: 141 Registered: 12-2003 |
you can get a 99 d1, damn nice ones as well. The LSE from that year is the best looking d1 of the lot. If i didn't limit myself to an xd i would've gone for a 99 D1. Cheers Jack | ||
| Ho Chung (Thediscoho) Moderator Username: Thediscoho Post Number: 634 Registered: 02-2002 |
i like the 97s.  Ho Chung | ||
| Jack Quinlan (Jsq) Senior Member Username: Jsq Post Number: 580 Registered: 10-2002 |
i'm with Ho. 97s are where it's at. | ||
| john heath (Whatmud) New Member Username: Whatmud Post Number: 10 Registered: 02-2004 |
97 is the golden year i am with ho and jack mine has 108000 and sounds like new but i do take care of the little things before they get big | ||
| Jess Loban (Corovin1) New Member Username: Corovin1 Post Number: 5 Registered: 10-2003 |
I love my '95, it is tried and true, I am guilty of abusing it, and she has come through. The only time I start having problems is when I start causing them!!! like lifts and rotors and stuff.... that has no bearing on the truck, its a champ!!! -Jess '95 all the way | ||
| Jay Reeves (Jay) Member Username: Jay Post Number: 59 Registered: 10-2003 |
97 with 113K on it and no problems...where's some wood? Just got that little bird chirp under the bonnet when cold - either the tensioner pully or water pump. | ||
| Kyle Van Tassel (Kyle) Moderator Username: Kyle Post Number: 790 Registered: 11-2002 |
94-5 are hands down the best years available to us. From 95 on they just got too reliant on electronics.. "Blow me" | ||
| thom mathie (Muskyman) Senior Member Username: Muskyman Post Number: 612 Registered: 11-2002 |
I agree 100% my 94 has 110k now and runs like new, with a little retarding of the spark it runs on 87 octane all the time and never a ping. simple wins 94-95 | ||
| Phil (Discoanywhere) Member Username: Discoanywhere Post Number: 127 Registered: 06-2003 |
you guys all have new trucks!! lol I'm with the 95's mines got over 250,000 never a problem! And I beat it hard .. Heres a few things to look for on the D1's Starting at the front check the headlights, make sure the tabs taht hold them in are not broken and the lights are properly secure, Signal lights check for water, radiator and vacumm hoses check for cracks, cdl (make sure you can get it on and the light on the dash comes on), Cruise Control (ussually a vacumm line) Digital Clock, Signs of water leaks in sunroofs and windsheild, Dash curling, drivers seat seams, rust in door jam of rear side doors, lift carpet in back and check floor for rust near rear door, check around rear door for rust, steering damper might be bashed in, hydralics in rear step, oil leaks ... Theres lots I'm missing but these hot spots seem to come up from time to time on D1's I see.. The newer ones seem to have more electrical and valve problems... but it really depends on the maintenance and if your Landy likes you! | ||
| Robin Cooper (Cooper1) Member Username: Cooper1 Post Number: 46 Registered: 12-2003 |
97' SE no question. Don't fall for the 3.9L trick, you'll be sowwy | ||
| Aaron Richardet (Draaronr) Senior Member Username: Draaronr Post Number: 444 Registered: 09-2002 |
Love my 97 | ||
| Leigh Mikolajczyk (Leigh_m) New Member Username: Leigh_m Post Number: 34 Registered: 01-2004 |
1994 125k Still a great truck | ||
| Nadim Samara (Discodino) Senior Member Username: Discodino Post Number: 278 Registered: 02-2003 |
i went for 92 and 98... I think it depends on what you want...high end luxury, then go 98-99, if you want to build a trail rig, then go for early ones. | ||
| eric johnson (Eric2) Senior Member Username: Eric2 Post Number: 276 Registered: 05-2003 |
From Robison Service websire - www.robisonservice.com Build quality of the 1996-7 Discoveries is the lowest of any modern Land Rover product. Avoid these years if possible. But, obviously, many people will have relatively trouble-free rigs. Just that the odds are not too good. 1996 to 1998 4.0 engines are terrible oil leakers. These are the common leaks: cylinder head gaskets, intake gaskets, front seals, oil cooler lines, oil pans, rear main seals and valve cover gaskets. Pre 1998 4.0 engines are prone to develop carbon buildup on the exhaust valve stems. Symptoms are intermittent missing or staggering of the engine, usually on long drives and at high speed. So, looks like '94's, '95's, and '99's are the best bet. With the '94's and 95's cheaper price, you could swap in a 4.6 (or Chevy) and prolly come out ahead over buying a later model. For some folks, the early models just lacked some H.P. | ||
| sam (Dent) New Member Username: Dent Post Number: 11 Registered: 01-2004 |
96 ... last year they made a stick love my manual | ||
| gil stevens (Gil) Senior Member Username: Gil Post Number: 411 Registered: 02-2002 |
"96 ... last year they made a stick love my manual " then why is my 97 a stick?? re: that robison service site do you believe everything you read on the internet?? not only has my 97 never had any major issue, it has never thrown a code in my 60,000 miles of ownership, nor does it leak a single drop, its actually drier than a new 04. I know a number of 97s that have been trouble free, 96s cant say the same.. | ||
| Sean Rhodes (Seanrh) New Member Username: Seanrh Post Number: 2 Registered: 02-2004 |
I've had my '94 for a year and no problems. It was a one owner car before I got it and was very well taken care of. 170,000 miles and going strong. | ||
| sam (Dent) New Member Username: Dent Post Number: 12 Registered: 01-2004 |
doh.. guess i was mistaken with 96 being last year they made stick.. sorry... sam | ||
| Jack Quinlan (Jsq) Senior Member Username: Jsq Post Number: 582 Registered: 10-2002 |
distributor shmibutor. | ||
| eric johnson (Eric2) Senior Member Username: Eric2 Post Number: 281 Registered: 05-2003 |
Gil, I posted But, obviously, many people will have relatively trouble-free rigs. Just that the odds are not too good. Maybe 96 and 97's are 15% more trouble prone than others. I should have said in my original post that the odds are not as good in those years. You got a good one and I'm glad for it. As to RobisonService.com and what he posts. He or his shop works on these vehicles on a daily basis, and sees all the years of the Disco. I would put more credibility in what he posts, in regards to vehicle reliability, than anyone else I've seen on the web. If there is a reason to doubt his credibility, I don't know of it. I don't think he posts enough, but he has a business to run. | ||
| Kyle Van Tassel (Kyle) Moderator Username: Kyle Post Number: 802 Registered: 11-2002 |
You dont need to do anything more then read this board for a few years and you will see exactly what the good years are... "Blow me" | ||
| Aaron Richardet (Draaronr) Senior Member Username: Draaronr Post Number: 447 Registered: 09-2002 |
Damn Kyle that sounds like homework for the new guys. | ||
| J E Robison Service Co (Robisonservice) Member Username: Robisonservice Post Number: 154 Registered: 10-2002 |
I would suggest the 99s are the most evolved and possibly the most trouble free. | ||
| Andrew Homan (Andy) New Member Username: Andy Post Number: 16 Registered: 01-2004 |
Well I just got back with a 95 I bought from a 50 year old ladie. recent service new brakes, alt, tires (to small though),and exhaust system. body is straight couldn't find any door dings interiors good except for split drivers seat. 102k on got it for under 6k. she got rid of it because she bought a 03 DII and wanted to sell it fast. | ||
| Steve Rupp (Steve_rupp) Member Username: Steve_rupp Post Number: 63 Registered: 03-2003 |
I think the earlier years (94 and 95) are the best. However it is hard to find one of those that have few miles and are well maintained. I think if you find a well maintained car no matter what year you have it will be good. What am I talking about. You are a Porche mechanic, you know what to look for. | ||
| Ho Chung (Thediscoho) Moderator Username: Thediscoho Post Number: 653 Registered: 02-2002 |
yeah steve, dump that old bitch! Ho Chung | ||
| Butch Santiago (Butchs) New Member Username: Butchs Post Number: 9 Registered: 01-2004 |
I have a 95 with 3.9 engine and running excellent. I am planning to get a 4.6 and wondering the pros and cons? My Beluga Black Disco is a keeper. Proud to own it despite leaks and mechanical problems. Thanks Disco Web for tech tips. 4.6 . . . | ||
| Steve Rupp (Steve_rupp) Member Username: Steve_rupp Post Number: 64 Registered: 03-2003 |
Ho, I don't want to call it "dumping". It was a great truck. I just like fixing them up so much, I thought I would do it again. This time with a white one. Hopefully with less pin striping. | ||
| John S. Bleazard (Injun) New Member Username: Injun Post Number: 26 Registered: 12-2003 |
I dont see many votes for the 98 models. What is the difference between the 98 and 99 D1s | ||
| Ho Chung (Thediscoho) Moderator Username: Thediscoho Post Number: 656 Registered: 02-2002 |
oops, steve, i didnt' mean that kind of "dumping" Ho Chung | ||
| Steve Rupp (Steve_rupp) Member Username: Steve_rupp Post Number: 65 Registered: 03-2003 |
Ho, I'm sure it will be in good hands. | ||
| Kyle Van Tassel (Kyle) Moderator Username: Kyle Post Number: 803 Registered: 11-2002 |
Steve , Ho has some pain over a certain 95 that went East.... "Blow me" | ||
| Steve Rupp (Steve_rupp) Member Username: Steve_rupp Post Number: 68 Registered: 03-2003 |
let me guess, his? | ||
| Kyle Van Tassel (Kyle) Moderator Username: Kyle Post Number: 804 Registered: 11-2002 |
He knows deep down that Yellow 97 doesnt have the same "Value""Blow me" | ||
| Steve Rupp (Steve_rupp) Member Username: Steve_rupp Post Number: 69 Registered: 03-2003 |
Ho, aren't you going to chime in on this? | ||
| Ho Chung (Thediscoho) Moderator Username: Thediscoho Post Number: 659 Registered: 02-2002 |
 Ho Chung | ||
| David Huddleson (Dhuddleson) New Member Username: Dhuddleson Post Number: 27 Registered: 09-2003 |
Regarding John's (Injun) comment about 98's and 99's, really we should consider the 99 model D1's as "leftover" 98's. When there were production line delays on the launch for North American DII Discovery's, the Disco I's were continued/carried over into early 1999. So really, I would think that comments on the quality of the late Disco I's would extend back into the 1998 model year also... The 98's are supposed to have the "carbon-cutting" exhaust valves, that are supposed to help prevent/reduce the sticking valve problem inherent in 96-98 NAS Disco V8's, so this is one area these may be considered as "better". As too oil leaking... well I think it's hit-n-miss throughout the years!!! | ||
| Tony Zuniga (Tony23007) Senior Member Username: Tony23007 Post Number: 296 Registered: 05-2003 |
95-D1 with lots of little problems but no big issues!!! 125K and still running good. I think with all D1 models you will have problems, problems that you can read about on this board!! But mainly look for a car with good previous owner, that way you'll know if it was taken care off. | ||
| Kevin Hans (Kmhans) New Member Username: Kmhans Post Number: 20 Registered: 01-2004 |
I agree with tony. I have a 96 5spd, maybe one of the worst years to get one, not to mention I picked it up on ebay, but it has been well maintained and still has all the original driveline parts including the clutch! At 115K the engine makes some tapping noises and the oil pressure takes a few seconds to build, but nothing that most of the other owners on here aren't experiencing. I will note though that I have a friend with a 98 (really loud valvetrain) and a friend with a 99 (missing roof support members so sounds like a big tin can when you close the doors and missing supports in the hood, you can watch it wobble in the wind).....just some observations I've had Thanks | ||
| John S. Bleazard (Injun) New Member Username: Injun Post Number: 27 Registered: 12-2003 |
Thanks David, I was under the impression that there was essentially no difference between the 98s and 99s, other than maybe the wheels. I just bought my 98 about 3 weeks ago and like it. It had meticulous records with LR and Im the first one to change the oil other than LR. Ive been real impressed with it thusfar and havent had it offroad yet. That should come real soon. I researched this board for about a year and found that if you want a reliable rover, the D2s are the better choice. The D1s seemed to be the favorite for the offroader and also seemed to be easier to fix. My conclusions were to find a 98 or 99 D1. I almost bought a 97 SD w/100K+ mi, but decided to hold off since it had the ABS light. My best advice is to hold out for the right one. Wether a 96 or a 2001 | ||
| peter ziesmann (Peterz) New Member Username: Peterz Post Number: 17 Registered: 03-2003 |
I just got the "bird chirp" 97- 78k- what's the cause or fix? thanks | ||
| Chris Nuzum (Cnuzum) Member Username: Cnuzum Post Number: 104 Registered: 02-2003 |
I have a 97 with just over 110,000 miles. I've put 50,000 of those on in the past 3 1/4 years. No problems other than a break job right when I got it, and the Tensioner pulley froze up on my while driving home.. oh and that damn cargo door which is getting fixed this week. I love my car and wouldnt get rid of it for anything, (well, maybe a 110). It does leak but whats the saying for british cars, "It it's not leaking, it's empty!" | ||
| Phil (Discoanywhere) Member Username: Discoanywhere Post Number: 150 Registered: 06-2003 |
Well that settles it then we all seem to agree ... the 95's are the best!! | ||
| Scott Hayes (Scott_h) Member Username: Scott_h Post Number: 84 Registered: 02-2002 |
Had my 95 for 6 years. I love it. My wife keeps telling me to sell it an get a new one, but there is no way. It has 117k on it, and has left me stranded once, when the expansion tank blew up. Other then that its been reletivly trouble free. Of course the rear door won't open. Is it suppose to? |
