By Adrien on Monday, September 24, 2001 - 12:58 pm: Edit

I am interested in purchasing a 1995-98 used Disco in near future. After doing so research on different message boards on the web, I have become somewhat hesitant. I have looked at three, and so far have seen none that where up to par. Two of the three had obviously been hit at some time. I have a pretty good eye as far as that goes, but know nothing about these vehicles mechanically. I would appreciate any advice as far as what problems are related to what years and whatnot along with anything else I should be looking for. I live in the northwest, so rust is not as big of a problem as some areas. Am I guaranteed to be taking on a project by purchasing one of these vehicles? I do not consider myself terribly mechanical, but am not afraid to change parts or what every after I have talked someone into troubleshooting it for me ļ I have owned many Saabs in the past, so I am somewhat aware of what it is like to own a vehicle because you are passionate about it and not just because it is the most reliable vehicle possible to purchase. I am going to look at a 95 this afternoon with 69,000 miles, and have seen many right ups on this year, although it looks like the early years where more problematic. Also what mileages are the big service overhauls?

Thanks for you time,

Adrien

By MTB on Monday, September 24, 2001 - 10:21 pm: Edit

Adrien
Look for 97-98 more reliable.
What are you plannig on doing with the vehicle.
All of the Mfgr's have thier problems some more than others. I have a 96 Disco and it has been very good to me. If you want a mallcrawler you have alot of more reliable options out there.
If you want to offroad you have only one option. that is Land Rover. Some will say Cheep is another option for offroading, not in my book.
Good luck on your search.

Michael B

By Adrien on Tuesday, September 25, 2001 - 06:06 am: Edit

I would defiantly be getting this thing dirty. Don’t do the mall thing… I have not been in the dirt for a while and the big PU 4x4s now look like giant kids toys to me. I must be getting old.

What is considered high miles on these things? You seldom see 100K + Disco’s for sale.

The 95 I went and look at yesterday was very clean, but I am going to try and look a little more. The last couple I have looked at did not have the dual roofs. I was not even aware that was an option. Although it may have nothing to do with the functionality of these vehicles, it is an important feature to me.

By Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) on Tuesday, September 25, 2001 - 06:50 am: Edit

IMHO...

At first someone might get a Disco, then sell/trade it next year for a new one or for something else. That's fine, there are those folks out there.

But then there are those of us who are Rover nuts. Once we get our hands on one, we keep it. We modify it, kick and cuss at it when it breaks and then fix it and drive it some more. We literally drive the wheels off of them, then bring it back for more.

IMO, that's why you don't see the high-miles ones for sale. By that point, we've sorted out their problems, and realize that we have a keeper.

Plus, we're probably into it so far over our heads, we couldn't afford to see it for what it would bring...

-L

'99 Disco w/ 66k on it already, and not sellin'

By gp (Garrett) on Tuesday, September 25, 2001 - 09:24 am: Edit

if you can get one from someone that was a rover fanatic that is a plus. but like the previous messages said that would be hard, because once you become a rover freak rarely do they let them go.
be aware that vavles on these trucks were an issue for many years.....right up til '99 i believe. my '96 with 60K never had it and runs great. but then again i don't give my truck much time to build up any carbon on the valves. i run the thing damn hard every day. it seems that the ones that are pampered and primped are the ones that will give you issues. the more you use these trucks for their intended uses the better they will treat you.......so it seems.
if you can run the VIN of a truck you like and see what had been done or if the service was taken care of at a LR dealer. this will help you understand its history a little better.
don't settle for one that you are not in love with. there are so many out there for sale and the prices are great on them.
i have the dual sunroofs and like you said they only serve the purpose of getting more light into the truck. personally i like them. there have been plenty of people that have had issues with them.....not closing or just not working all the time. but mine have been fine, as they were on my '94 as well.
there were basically three models: the base SD with cloth interior and no sunroofs or rear a/c or seats. the SE which usually had leather and other options and the SE7 which added the rear jumpseats over the SE. this is not in detail at all, but gives you a slight idea.
i like the leather as it is easy to clean with dogs and if you have kids. and i like the roofs with the added light.
certainly consider getting an aftermarket warranty. gives you great piece of mind at the least.
try searching the archieves on this site as this question is posted a lot and you will find some good info.
post here once you decide to buy one and of course start saving for all the goodies. you will not regret it.......only that you should have done it sooner.

By Todd tippin on Wednesday, September 26, 2001 - 07:03 am: Edit

Series 1 ...which yrs are the most reliable? should I look at 95s w/ the 3.9 or 96,97 4.0 (valve probs?) I have a 94 D90 that I am parting with. The rig will be used for long distance camping trips and off road fairly regularly.

regards,
Todd

By gp (Garrett) on Wednesday, September 26, 2001 - 08:43 am: Edit

you are going to find people that say 'this and that' about what year they like. some people like the 3.9's with distributors and some like the 4.0's without. i have had both trucks and honestly had no issues with either or felt there was really any significant differences. i would just say the newer the one you can afford the better. the D1 was made til midyear '99 i believe. my current disco is a '96 and people say that was a 'bad' year. whatever......has been treating me well except for the usual things like window gaskets, exhaust gaskets and that's about it. has 60K and no valve issues. pretty common even for trucks with very low milage.
i would say at least get a '97-98 since the prices are so low on these trucks as it is. and i like having that antenna in the glass and not an actual mast antenna that breaks.
i would say don't be so concerned with the year so much......just find a truck with a good background and that has been checked over well by a dealer or LR mechanic. check for rust on the C pillar areas as well. very common and as you will find out LRNA can be a pain with issues such as these. like me!!!