| Author |
Message |
    
phil clubb
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 04, 2002 - 11:09 pm: | 
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Hello everyone,
I'm considering purchasing a '96 Discovery SE and had a few questions. First off, the vehicle only has ~55k miles and seems to be in pretty good condition. The asking price is $12,800 which seems to be very fair. There are a few cosmetic problems: the driver's side running board rubber has detached from the metal, which is beginning to rust, the engine seems to be very dirty, but there doesn't seem to be any leaks, and the interior seems to be falling apart in a few places probably due to cracks and missing tabs in the plastic pieces. Is the asking price fair, low, or high? According to Blue Book, it's a good price, but those prices seem to vary quite a bit.
Next, I have a few questions about things I'm really not sure are problems or just characteristic of Discoverys. The brake pedal is very mushy and not too responsive. I'm guessing the pads/rotors need to be replaced, but is this something that is the case even w/ new brakes? Also, the acceleration seems very slow, which is understandable for an 185 hp SUV. Is there anything I should check for that could be hindering acceleration and what options do I have for aftermarket performance upgrades?
Basically, I have 3 questions: 1. Is it worth the selling price? 2. What should I have an independent mechanic look for? (I don't have a dealer nearby and would have to go to an independent shop) 3. What kind of problems can I expect down the road?
As you've already guessed, I'm a newbie when it comes to Discoverys and just want to know if this would be a smart and wise investment. Any information would be extremely helpful. Thanks in advance.
phil |
Jeremy Katka (Jkatka)
| | Posted on Thursday, September 05, 2002 - 12:01 am: |
|
Hey Phil,
1st off KBB prices are diffrent from area to area. I think this price is a little high. Prices are dropping on the Discovery. What are you going to use this truck for? If you are going to do offroading you will probly ditch the running boards for a set of sliders. The plastic in the discovery does seem to crack alot.
The break pedal may be mushy because of the ABS. What are you comparing it to? New breaks and rotors are helpfull though. Before you spend the money have the mechanic check out the breaking system.
Acceleration is kinda slow on the Disco. You will get use to it. I wouldn't do to much to the engine. If you have cash to burn have a 4.6 dropped in 
well to your numbered questions
1. Depends on what the truck is really worth to you.
2. Have the mechanic check everything. Pay the extra money to have a compression check. Ask the previous owner about past matinence that is probly the most helpful thing you can do. You are comming up on the 60k matinence which is fairly envolved and a bit pricy http://www.d-90.com/~daveg/Maintenance/Schedule.JPG that should be helpfull on what is going to need to be done. Alot of this you can do yourself if you are so inclined.
3. Problems you could have in the future.... stearing box leaking, rotoflex wearing out, seals on the engine leaking, and the big one Valves gumming up. This is a known problem and LR has a newer valve design.... All expensive but I haven't come to the worse part I mean if you offroad the truck you could have the problem of needing body protection or a nagging feeling that you need bigger or better this or that
My recommendation Offroad the truck and have fun
JK |
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