Thinking about buying one.

[Rob]

I've been looking at some very nice "97 - '98 Discovery's and am thinking about buying one, but a friend said they are unreliable and another said it would be a "Big mistake". What do you guys think, I'd of course like to have one but don't want any head aches!

 

[joey]

I guess this will depend on who you talk to.... my '97 Disco has ran great since I bought it 4 years ago. In the last four years, other than upgrades and tires I haven't spent more than $500 total in 4 years... this includes mobil one oil and diff/xfer case oil changes and brakes s-belt, plugs and wires...

 

[Rob]

Thanks Joey. I went to a mechanic I know who works on them & he said they are not a lot of trouble. The only down fall is waiting for parts (NO Land Rover dealer near me), other than that they are ok. Is there anything I should look for when I take it to him to be looked over? Also, the "check engine" light is on! Although it runs just fine. Is that a common thing with them?

 

[joey]

You say the check engine, not the service engine soon light... I ask because the SES light on the D1 is for emissions testing, it comes on automatically around 86k miles. As far as what to look for, try looking here: http://www.landroverworld.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=43 Lots of what should I look for posts. Either way check the air filter, if it is real dirty (one of the cheaper tune up items) then I would be concerned that the rest of the items may have been lacking in Maintenance. Also check for rust around the Alpine windows (the small side windows at the top back of Rover)

 

[DedNBuried]

I've only had my 97 D1 for about 2 months now, but I love it.

thanx...Ded N. Buried

 

[skyguy]

get a warranty!

My 95 was babied in Beverly hills and had 74,000 miles on it when I bought it.
Everything worked.

To date in 10,000 miles I have had the following problems:

1. Broken Ground wire to Fuel pump
2. failed oil cooler line
3. rear windows stopped working
4. cruise control stopped working
5. Sunroofs just decided to only sorta open and close.
6. Headlight control stalk broke.
7. ECM developed a short to the fuel system.
8. All the usual oil leaks.
9. Shifter plastic gear indicator ripped out.

At the moment I have to say I am not very happy with my purchase. Great truck when it works though.

 

[97rover]

As with any cars/trucks you come across one that isn't good. I've had my 97 dico se7 for 7 or 8 years and put 150000 miles on it with little maint. Now my disco 1 has 190000. My 94 Range Rover also with minor issues and it has 165000 miles . Remember they are only machines. They will break down but with the older rovers you can still work on them yourself and save LOOOOOOTS.