Advice on purchasing a disco

[emurray]

I've lurked here awhile. This is my first post.

After doing lots of research, I have decided that a Disco is for me. I found one locally, and wanted some advice.

The car is a 2000 Disco SE with 73,000 miles.

The dealer (land rover dealer in indianapolis) wants $11,995 for it, with a few catches:

The salesman had their head technician look over the vehicle (they have been using it as a loaner and have not prepped it for sale yet) and give it a general assessment. This is what they said needs to be done and the prices:

1. Brakes, Front pads, Rear pads and rotors - $873.00
2. Left Front Tie Rod - $248.00
3. Power Steering leaks - $204.00
4. Left Front Head light is chipped (moisture inside) - $136.00
5. Cooling System Clamps and Head Gasket Leaks - $1470.00
6. Oil Leaks from Front Crank Seal and Rear manifolds - $1381.00

The technician claims that only the first three items are essential. The rest are fairly typical and still in the beginning stages and can wait. However, if I were to have all repairs done, the car would be considered "Certified Pre-Owned."

In addition to this, they are offering me a $1,000 credit to use at the dealership on any of the above repairs.

While test driving it, I never noticed any brake noise, however they did seem a bit "mushy." The power steering did make a bit of noise after turning hard, which the salesman pointed out as being abnormal... I probably wouldn't have noticed it if he hadn't said anything. I would guess that the car could even go another year or two without any of the "repairs", again this is coming from a land rover dealer. Granted, I only drove the car for about 20 minutes, but it felt really nice.

The truck is super clean and has a clean title. No wrecks. It even has the hill descent and a towing package, which I've heard is not standard on the 2000 SE

So, what would you guys do? Would you pull the trigger? Would you take it to another mechanic? Would you pass? Are these problems typical for a disco of this age and mileage?

Thanks in advance for the advice.

-eric

 

[discomike]

Eric,
So how handy are you with tools? What are you planning to do with the truck? Are you planning to modify it?
On top of everything you have mentioned it is probably safe to say the truck will need a major service to go along with everything else. I don't want to turn you off the truck I just want you to realize it is going to need alot of work sooner then later, alot of which you could probably do yourself if you want to safe some serious money.
All in all it is probably a good deal considering the price and the credit.
Mike J.
99 D2

 

[dmoore1200]

Id tell them youll give them $13k for the disco IF they fix 5 and 6...the rest you can do yourself.......

Just my 2 cents though.
Dave

 

[emurray]

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

To answer your questions, I know next to nothing when it comes to turning a wrench. I doubt I could do any of these repairs, with the exception of replacing the headlight assembly. I mean, I would like to think that I am a pretty intelligent guy and can follow directions well, but I can also say that I have never done this before, who knows what could happen. I also don't plan to modify this vehcile at all. Basically, I wanted a vehicle that could brave Indiana Winters and take me a bit further on my camping trips than my honda can. I also plan to take it to some of the local 4x4 parks. But, in all honesty, 90% of the time this thing is going to get me back and forth from work. I just fell in love with the disco style and philosophy.

In regards to the head gasket and the the rear manifold leaks, how serious would you consider these problems? I have read here that these parts will leak no matter what... Would you say that could be put off for awhile? Basically, I was considering doing the brakes, power steering and front tie rod (what the hell is that? I assume it belongs to the suspension) at the time of purchase with my credit, and then making the other repairs over the course of a year or so.

The saleman said that doing all the repairs would make this the "perfect" car, but not all of them are necessary. The three necessary ones are the first three on my list.

By the way, what do you mean by "major service?" Ignition system and Fluid flush?

Thanks again.
Eric