| Author | Message | ||
     Justin Myers (Jmyerz) New Member Username: Jmyerz Post Number: 1 Registered: 02-2004 |
Hey everyone, I'm looking at two rovers right now, one is a '96 that has been maintained by the local dealer all its life and the other is a '95 which has been maintained by the owner who sounds very very knowladgeable about these vehicles. The '96 has 89k and the '95 has 115k both around the same price. My question is what are the best and worst about each vehicle? I can bend a wrench pretty well and I am coming from lots and lots of experience with building Jeeps. Thanks! Justin | ||
| Leigh Mikolajczyk (Leigh_m) Member Username: Leigh_m Post Number: 45 Registered: 01-2004 |
mods? | ||
| Phil (Discoanywhere) Member Username: Discoanywhere Post Number: 148 Registered: 06-2003 |
have you checked out the post -what year best d1? The 95 is a good year... I have one 200,000 +k not a problem yet.. | ||
| Andrew Homan (Andy) New Member Username: Andy Post Number: 26 Registered: 01-2004 |
Justin, use your instincts and ask lots of question on this web site. I'm new so I won't say which is best, but if it feels right go with it. Interview the owner/s and ask yourself what you need the vehicle for. In my case I went with a 95 cause I got a good deal and a little old lady owned it. It left me some extra money for mods such as lift, winch etc. The people on this site are awesome and will tell you everything they know. Cheers, Andy | ||
| Justin Myers (Jmyerz) New Member Username: Jmyerz Post Number: 2 Registered: 02-2004 |
Thanks. I did read that post and left confused as ever. I hear '96s are bad yet I see a lot of sucesses, I also hear '95 are good but see failures. So I guess it comes to feelings, overall condition. Right now, I need it to get me to school and back. A couple trips to the MT and once summer hits I'll be throwing all sorts of crazy plans at all which include custom TOY FJ60 Axles, 33s, etc etc. But overall, needs to get me where I want to be and carry all my outdoor and photogear plus a few models. Justin | ||
| Felix Gumbiner (Felixthecat) New Member Username: Felixthecat Post Number: 3 Registered: 02-2004 |
The '96 won Motor Trend 4x4 Of The Year, so take that as you will. I have a '96 and I love it. | ||
| Big Ed (Sandman) New Member Username: Sandman Post Number: 40 Registered: 02-2004 |
I can't compare my '96 to any of yours (maybe if Nadim had one) but it's a champ. Never had a major problem but I take care of the little things whenever they come up. It's a real grab bag in the used market anyway you slice it. Good Luck and I hope you get a keeper! SandMan | ||
| Justin V. Nevitt (What_rd) New Member Username: What_rd Post Number: 2 Registered: 02-2004 |
Working in an independent LR shop, I'd have to say I'd stay away from the '96. We fix many more '96's than any other year. We see fewer '95's, but it seems like there are less of them around. If I went looking for one tommorrow, I'd look for a '97 or '98. They seem to hold up a little bit better. (notice I said "little bit") When looking @ trucks with higher milage, check to see if the head gaskets have been replaced recently, check for a new power steering box, and make sure the wheel bearings are tight. Those are some of the more common problems. The also all have problems with oil cooler hoses and t-case leaks. If you are unsure about any of these things, have it checked out by a qualified shop. It's better to spend $75-80 to find out a truck is falling apart then to buy one that needs $4500 of repairs to get it back to good condition. (The latter is more common than most realize.) | ||
| Felix Gumbiner (Felixthecat) New Member Username: Felixthecat Post Number: 4 Registered: 02-2004 |
Justin brings up a good point, one that I am finding out to be true enough... Understand that while Rovers are high-performance, they're a real fickle car. I got my '96 for $8500 with 86k on the clock, it's immaculate inside and out, but already little things are going wrong. Nothing to break the wallet yet, but know what you're getting into with a Rover.. When I test drove my Disco, the ABS seem really sensitive. I took it to LR, and it needed $600 for a new wheel bearing and new ABS sensor. I spent $90 to have them look at it, but I made the dealer pay for the repair. Saved me a cool $500. If it's high mileage, pay the $100 to get a compression test, too. | ||
| tomish lan para hindoola (Mca) New Member Username: Mca Post Number: 7 Registered: 02-2004 |
n this is true and all points are good but look for rust! pull up the carpets the best you can and see if there is any corrosion under them. check in the rear cargo ares for rust. check the foot wheels for rust. you wouls be surprised at what you will find. check out the article on FLOOR REPAIR its here some where and that will give you a good idea of how she starts to rust out. | ||
| Tom Fioretti (Tom_in_md) Member Username: Tom_in_md Post Number: 143 Registered: 02-2003 |
I think many folks who own a well running 96 are reluctant to chime in and jinx their good luck  . On this board, it seems the 96 is the Rodney Dangerfield of Discos. Knock on wood, I've been lucky with mine. Difference between the two, the 95 has a distributor, the 96 is an OBD-II system. You're in the right place for info if you take your time and do your homework. It's all here.. | ||
| Paul Kennington (P_kennington) Member Username: P_kennington Post Number: 68 Registered: 12-2002 |
Justin, I have a '96 SD (which is for sale- 93k miles and stick shift, silver w/no mods, $6500) and I've been pretty lucky, but there have been more little things go wrong than I was hoping for. The biggest fix was a speed sensor (VSS) which caused the rig to run like it had bad gas in the tank. Other than that, I've always heard buy the newest you can afford- though I've also heard otherwise. I would go for the LR dealer maintained '96- would you tell us the price? Cheers, Paul. | ||
| Tony Zuniga (Tony23007) Senior Member Username: Tony23007 Post Number: 301 Registered: 05-2003 |
If you can afford the 96 from the dealer get it and ask for a warranty!! The warranty at least will give you a bit of a cushion to get used to the quirks the Rovers have. I own a 95 Disco and love it, but have to spend time taking care of it and fixing things that are just bothersome. One things for sure make sure on both cars, make sure the Transfer case engages the CDL and Hi to Lo and back with no major problems. This units if not used regularly freeze up and are a pain to fix. Also make sure all doors work correctly and that the headliner is not caving in already, that alone will cost you $300 min. to fix. Check for rust, major leaks in the power steering box and on the transfer case, also check that the oil is not leaking too much. Other than that do the basic check ups, dings, rust, tire wear, aphostry wear. I love my 95D1 I just wished it was still under warranty!!!!! | ||
| RAYMOND SANTOS (Mokie) Member Username: Mokie Post Number: 69 Registered: 09-2003 |
I have a 96 and very pleased despite a couple of maintenance work. The maintenance work for these cars can be quite expensive, especially the brakes. Hence, compare the vehicle by looking for any maintenace work it needs. Rotors and brake pad replacement can run approx.$800. I got my VSS replaced just like Paul and a few others from this site. Little bits and pieces like the 75k engine service etc. Just trust your instinct. My brother has a 95, and, as a comparison, the difference between the two: perks on the inside--the 96 has more electronic features more classy while the 95 has the rugged feature. The engine--96 has a bit more power and a bit more advanced, I think. But, keep in mind that with advancement comes complexities and chances of failure. Try to choose the vehicle that identify you and your needs. That is all! |
