Need advise on buying my first Discovery

[silverrr]

Hello guys 1st post here , Im new to Land Rover but not to the 4x4 world ,so Im looking to buy a older Disco 95' 96' , for the money I have they run about 130k to 150k , the use Im going to give it will be normal hwy to 4 , 5 times a year going for a offroading event ,the plan is to install a 2" lift with bigger AT's or M/T tires ,bush guards and a roof rack .
So I start with the questions : how reliable are this older discoverys (Im a previous Jeep owner) considering that some banging around will be giving .
Normal maint. any shop can do it or a trip to the dealer is require ?
How good is the vehicle over all ? and whatever else you guys may advise me in will be great.
You see my biggest concern is that Im going to pay out of my a$$ for any repair ,since is a import SUV .
Well thanks in advance .

 

[Chadster]

Personally, I would look for a 1998 or newer Disco. You can still get a heck of a deal out there. The early models had some teething problems. In fact, in my opinion 95-96 Discoverys may have been the worst years. That opinion is based on my friends vehicles and also a LR mechanic. Things smoothed out considerably after 1997.

 

[MToomey]

You'd be pleasantly suprised by looking on eBay motors. They have a good lot of off-road ready (lift, tires, guards) Discos at good prices.

 

[silverrr]

Personally, I would look for a 1998 or newer Disco. You can still get a heck of a deal out there. The early models had some teething problems. In fact, in my opinion 95-96 Discoverys may have been the worst years. That opinion is based on my friends vehicles and also a LR mechanic. Things smoothed out considerably after 1997.

I dont have the cash for any newer Discovery how about earlier than 95 ?? Im also looking into older Range rover (95' and under) they seem to have a better reputation.