By Richard on Wednesday, October 03, 2001 - 06:07 am: Edit

Actually a lady at work wants to buy a used Discovery and could use some help. Are there any problem years? Also any good mechanics in the San Fernando area where she can take the truck for a prepurchase checkout?
thanks!

By sg on Wednesday, October 03, 2001 - 11:03 am: Edit

She has some homework to do. I personally would avoid anything pre-97. If the warranty is expired she should consider- no, definitely buy one - an after-market warranty. They pay for themselves quickly.

Then, i would get the VIN # and get a Land Rover dealer to print out a list of everything that's been done to the truck. There are lots of things to look out for but a biggie is valve problems - an expensive item to repair. She should see if the truck has ever had them replaced.

Some of the trucks don't need squat done to them others suck. Mine is a 2000 Disco II and I haven't had any problems yet - but it only has 18K. I do love it and i am a firm believer in them but you have to be realistic.

Good luck and you should be able to get a lot of suppport here. Rover on.

By Norm Hebert on Thursday, October 04, 2001 - 10:58 am: Edit

Richard, I Just bought a brand new 2001. Was told by more than one LR mechanic that pre-99 lots of problems going in, not to mention the abuse a used one may have taken from the owner. To be honest, my 2001 has had lots of little problems new..like needing new brake rotors (front and back) a totally new heated windshield (which still isn't working properly and must go in again) , problems with short in radio, leaky cargo door, and sunroof "clank" still to be addressed. I have been told it is not unusual for even the brand new Land Rovers to have a number of small problems in the beginning (although mine are admittedly excessive), wish I had known that before I purchased. Sooooo buying new does not guarranty no problems. Tell your friend to do her homework, maybe someone out there can tell you what telltale signs to look for which might indicate big potential for problems...Tell your friend good luck on the search.