By Bill on Friday, June 08, 2001 - 10:44 pm: Edit

Hi Gil, I gather from your posts that you are a LR dealer? If so I have some questions I hope you can and will answer. I am planning on buying a used (99 - 01 series II) Disco in about 5 months. However, today I found a used 99 at a (non LR) dealership that has everything I want my truck to have, and seems to be in very good shape.

Here's the rub...I go to school in Chicago, but will be in my home state of Washington all winter to complete one quarter of school. Then I am back to Chicago for the spring, then graduation in May, then back to WA to stay.

So here's my question....should I wait until the winter to get my DSII and keep that many more miles off of it (driving b/w WA and IL)? Can I have the LR dealer I plan on dealing with in WA find me the exact used truck I want, or are they limited to their stock on hand?

Should I jump on this one I found today?

If I bought one in Chicago, it would mean 3 trips b/w Chicago and WA versus 2 trips otherwise. Are the Discos best kept from doing long distance trips like I would be doing?

You opinion and advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for reading this.

By Kyle Van Tassel (Kyle) on Friday, June 08, 2001 - 10:57 pm: Edit

I feel that long distance is what they do best....


Kyle

By Bill on Friday, June 08, 2001 - 11:42 pm: Edit

Any other thoughts on my situation Kyle....as to getting the exact used one from a dealer or not? How can I check on where she's been....the VIN? Please understand I am a newbie and am trying to make an informed decision....

Thanks for your thoughts on this....

By Gil Stevens (Gil) on Friday, June 08, 2001 - 11:48 pm: Edit

I cant argue with Kyle about long distance, I feel they only get better when driven distances, and it gives you a chance to get to know them. Im not so sure that I can help you on this one. Do you have the money to buy one now? If you want one now, then hell, I say buy one now, and dont worry about having to drive it far. The thing only I might suggest, is that you do buy it from a dealer, not because i happen to be affiliated with one, but because there are advantages. You will get an extra 12k on your warranty. Doing that kind of driving that can only help. Yes, your dealer can find you a truck, especially given 5 months lead time. Get to know somebody there. Have them keep their eyes open for you. I would be weary of a low mileage Series II at a non-Rover dealer. That may suggest that it was dumped by the original owner possibly due to some unexpected roverisms. There were some touchy 99s. I hope this helped a little bit. good luck.

By Gil Stevens (Gil) on Friday, June 08, 2001 - 11:49 pm: Edit

email the vin, i can run it in the morning..

By Bill on Saturday, June 09, 2001 - 12:23 am: Edit

Thanks for the info Gil. I didn't get the VIN, but will get it tomorrow if I go test drive. The 99 has "a bit over 20,000 miles" on it according to the sales guy. I hear you loud and clear on getting it at a LR dealer....that is definitely a consideration. BTW, it is at a Jeep dealership....bad juju?? LOL.

By Bill on Saturday, June 09, 2001 - 12:48 am: Edit

Gil: yes I can afford one now...I was thinking new until I saw how much they depreciate after 1 -2 years. What sort of "roverisms" should I look out for with the 99's? Anything I can pick out by looking or driving? Again, thanks very much for you help.

By Gil Stevens (Gil) on Saturday, June 09, 2001 - 09:41 am: Edit

..some of the 99 Series IIs were perfect, no problems at all. Others were not. Some issues were Electrical problems, Bad Radaiators, Carbon Fouling, Pourous Blocks, ACE Lines, but most were on an individual basis, there was no epidemic like pulleys on Range Rovers. For the most part, most were very good. Check under the hood for the recall plates, they should be attached to the the radiator support, so that you see them as soon as you open the hood. Is this an ACE car? If so, MAKE SURE the ACE recall was done. I cant imagine any sane-minded person turning in a DII for a Jeep unless it had some issues. Get the VIN, thats the best way to tell.

By Bill on Saturday, June 09, 2001 - 04:29 pm: Edit

No ACE for me, and no SLS either (not sure if this is available on 99's). I am getting a call back in a few minutes from the dealer with the VIN....

By Bill on Saturday, June 09, 2001 - 04:40 pm: Edit

Gil, the VIN is: salty1244xa206754

Thanks very much! I have leads on 2 others' and the VINs. Do you mind if I post those as well?

By Bill on Saturday, June 09, 2001 - 05:03 pm: Edit

Gil, the other 2 Vins are as follows....if you don't want to do the lookup on these additional ones, I understand.

--SALTY1243XA215722
--SALTL12471A297508

Thanks so much for your help this far!

By Gil Stevens (Gil) on Saturday, June 09, 2001 - 05:12 pm: Edit

I wont be able to do it now unitl Monday, but no problem. is the 2001 (3rd VIN) pre-owned?

By Bill on Saturday, June 09, 2001 - 09:40 pm: Edit

Yes, as a service loaner. They told me the title is in the dealerships name.....do I even need to have that one checked?

By Bill on Monday, June 11, 2001 - 11:04 am: Edit

ttt for Gil.....going to test drive all of them now.

By Gil Stevens (Gil) on Monday, June 11, 2001 - 11:58 am: Edit

the first one had a new Water Pump, New Radiator, all new Gaskets, new idler pulleys, new throttle body, new intake seals and gaskets, probably enough for the original owner to say adios, but it looks like its all been taken care of now.

the second one had new idler pulleys, new radiator, new alternator, new ABS realys, new power seat controls, new rear cupholders(very important), nothing to bad.

the third, the 2001, is spotless, as it should be. the service loaners are a good buy as they have less than 10,000 miles, are current model year and you can save like 5 grand. id go with that one.