| Author |
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Sanderskog
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 12:11 am: | 
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I'm still lurking and trying to learn as much as I can to finalize my decision on whether I am ready to pick up a Discovery.
From reading the board it sounds like these things are always breaking. Although in all reality you don't normally post when things are going great so this should be expected.
So my question is, how is the reliability? Believe me, I don't expect a Honda (boring but reliable). Nor do I want to be under the truck every weekend (unless it is by my choice... mods that is). Maintenance doesn't bother me at all. All cars/trucks need it, very few people stay on top of it.
I'm looking at '96-'98 D1 with 35-60K on them.
As it stands I drive a Dodge pick-up so really it's only a matter of time before it explodes on me (crappy quality... the thing is a '99 and paint is already bubbling from rust and they don't salt roads here).
Any input appreciated.
Thanks,
Todd |
Michael Noe (Noee)
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 07:12 am: |
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Todd, it's a loaded question that begs more questions. How often will you go offroad? Do you enjoy/mind working on your rig? Are you diligent about maintenance? Do you have any plans for modifications? Do minor little issues bother you? Granted our Mazda Protege has had fewer "issues" at 3 times the mileage, but it's apples and oranges IMO.
I'm having a weird problem now (dealer is not sure what to do) but I can't wait to get back into the rig. I drove my brother-in-law's F250 PowerStroke (chipped) and his friend's F550 monster this past weekend. I can't believe how solid the D2 feels in comparison; ride, control, fit and finish and quality of components is far superior. Those fords have some monster suspensions, however, hugh axles and running gear, obviously designed for pulling.
Sorry, I'm rambling, but my point is if you want a Disco, you'll have to deal with issues...so how bad do you really want one? |
Sanderskog
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 09:15 am: |
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In all honesty I want a D90 or D110 REALLY bad. Price unfortunately restricts me to the Disco. I really like it though and have always wanted to get into a Land Rover. I've always liked the old Series vehicles as well.
I guess I am looking for more insight on what I am really getting in to.
Off-road - yes, on occasion.
Skiing/snow - tons
Pulling a tent trailer camping - on occasion
Commuting - yes
Maintenance - I stay on top of it.
Thanks.
Todd |
Leslie N. Bright (Leslie)
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 09:24 am: |
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IMHO,
Get a commuter (a Honda, a Toyota, a SUBARU, etc.) and a Series Land Rover.... 
lol...
-L |
jay caragay (Jcaragay)
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 10:27 am: |
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Todd-
Owning a Disco is pain and pleasure. The Disco you are considering has been around for quite some time now, so hopefully the previous owners have ironed out most of the problems. Make sure you look into it's history/service records and even do a VIN check. There may be some issues for concern and if you have questions regarding incidents or repairs in the vehicle's history, you can ask them here because someone knowledgeable in that area will offer their expertise.
My D1 has about 140K miles on it and is still running well. I love it and use it practically everyday. Other than low gas mileage, loose AC switch and that damn "Check Engine" "ABS" light, things roll along smoothly now. Keep in mind that 30,000 mile scheduled maintenance runs in the range of $600 and you need to double-check your fluids once a week and you should be fine.
I equate Disco ownership to passion. You have to love it and most people on Dweb love their Discos that inspite of the various odd problems, it is still a very rewarding experience. And that is what it is all about. |
Sanderskog
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 11:12 am: |
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Jay - I am assuming that is $600 for parts, correct?
Thanks for the insight.
L - I thought about that route but I already have one toy. 1968 BMW 2002 Track Rat. Now I need something to play off road (and commute in).
My Toy
Todd |
Michael Noe (Noee)
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 11:36 am: |
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Todd:
Awesome Bimmer! My first car was a '69 Datsun 510 with a 200Sx engine, dropped right in. I used to race in college and piss off those guys in Omni GLHs and 944 turbos!
Sounds like you _need_ a Disco, I'd go with a 99 D1, it'll meet all of your requirements and most of the issues would probably be handled by now. Plus, there's tons of them coming off lease.... |
Al Oliveira (Offroaddisco)
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 11:47 am: |
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My 1999 D2 (first year produced) was getting something done every 3 months for the first year and a half. But with age it's actually been better. It's been a year since the last unplanned visit to a shop. Only things I've needed have been normal stuff like oil change and brakes and one recall but it wasn't one of those that needed to get done right away. It's compared about as well as my two neighbors Jeeps (TJ and XJ) but it wont touch either of my bimmers. |
Jeremy Katka (Jkatka)
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 12:16 pm: |
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Todd,
Get the Disco or a RRC, they are awesome rigs. The LR community in WA is great. There are lots of trips and things to do. Check out the All British Field Meet in two weeks http://abfm.com You will get the chance to see alot of Land Rovers. There is also a club in the PNW http://pcrc.net or just go out with discowebbers like Matt Moe who sets up trips pretty regularly. Once you get your rig you will have ample chances to use it. If you are worrying about up-keep on the truck get it checked out by a mechanic before you buy so you know what you are getting into. They are really easy trucks to work on. I have done most of the work on my truck myself. Bought the shop manual and just had at it. You have one of the best support groups here. Discoweb has always helped me when I was in a bind or had a stupid question.
JK |
Greg French
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 02:12 pm: |
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Like I said in the othe post on the Tech section...I will sell you mine.
If you go with a newer one (30-60K miles like you said) you may end up having "2nd owner syndrome"
Let me explain...The 1st owner buys it new. The dealer fixes things while it is under warranty, but then little things start to go wrong. Pretty soon, they are sick of dealing with the dealer and let the little things go unfixed. Then, the little things start to turn into bigger things, then bigger things, until it becomes too much for them to handle and they just decide to unload it onto some poor unsuspecting schmuck who ends up buying what he thinks is a great truck, only to end up blowing all of his money getting it so it runs right again. His wife is always complaining about the truck because "She has had her Honda for 5 years and there is nothing wrong with it" and so on...
To make matters worse, when it ISN'T broken, you spend all of your extra money trying to modify it, which REALLY pisses her off!
Anyway...that is what happened to me. I sold a Toyota truck that I had for 11 years and bought my 97 disco with 59K miles on it. It seemed that it was just one problem after another for the first few years. Now I am finally caught up, and it is better than new. I am ready for the next 200K miles! (Unless I get my D-90)
Check out my pics if you are interested.
I can email you all of the problems it has had and how/when it was fixed. |
James M. Eaglesome (Jme)
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 04:54 pm: |
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Todd,
I have a 1998 Disco I with 40K miles, I do not go off road every weekend so maybe that is why I have had no problems with my Disco. Besides scheduled maintenance and goodies I purchased for my baby, its been great. However I would recomend that you purchase a used vehicle that still had factory warranty for at least one year on it. You will pay more for the vehicle but it's good insurance.
Best of luck to you.
James |
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