Thinking of buying a used Land Rover, I had BAD problems out of last Rover. Help

[Pawpower1995]

I am currently looking for a "new" Used vehicle. I currently have a 1997 Jeep TJ 6cyl, and have three kids. I do not have enough room for all of my family, plus travel gear. The Jeep is nice, just not enough room.

I owned a 1997 Disco I, (purchased it used) ,that I sold. I had multiple problems out of this vehicle. The four wheel drive "AWD" did not work, I had the motor rebuilt, due to a "knock" and multiple oil and fluid leaks fixed. But still had very little power, as in trying to pass someone, medium hills, etc. I had to replace the power steering pump, pulleys, belts, hoses. The transmission also acted very strangely. The vehicle had right at 80,000 miles one it.

Is this normal, or did I just end up with a lemon. I loved the interior, and the space for my wife and kids. I would like to get another used Disco 1 or 2, or Range Rover. But, I am very wary of them right now, due to my past experience, and reading some of the post on this board, about their problems.

I guess I just need some assurances on looking at another Land Rover product. My requirments are: Room for my family of 5, oldest is 11, youngest is 4. Room for camping equipment. Power in an engine, hills, passing, etc. Off road ability. I do not plan to attack the Moab or Tellico, but would like to be able to go most places, and snow when needed. This will also be my daily driver to work, kids at school, etc. I am not looking to spend over $10,000. for a used vehicle for my purpose.


Please give me some vehicle ideas...years of the vehicles, benifits, problems, etc. Off road capabilities. I will also be wanting to add aftermarket equipment. ie lights, roof rack, larger tires, etc

Thanks for your help.

 

[fbrems]

Most of Disco's are Lemons, not just yours if you go over the threads. If you're budged limit is $10,000. you will end up with the same Lemon. Purchasing a 4x4 second hand is always a risky business as you are never sure about the car history. Personally I find the Disco a bit crimpy when I go camping, depend how much stuff you are taking. (Ref.to picture) I had just enough space to stuff my mother in law and luckily she is not a big version.

This is a Rover Club, so we are not suppose to talk about other trucks, but frankly speaking, comparing quality/price, the older models are sweating hard as they are seriously under powered for a big V8 block as it is a very old designed engine. To assure reliability you have to look more at the newer Versions with less English Engineering if you are selecting one of the Land Rover family.

 

[whiskeynipple]

I dont completely agree with the last post. I too have seen the problems on the forums - I also spent 3 months researching this vehicle. I was in the same position (I owned a Jeep 98') I considered buying a Jeep Cherokee - glad I didnt - everyone I know that has one has issues. My honest opinion is that it depends on your lifestyle - I think most people on this forum love there cars eventhough they can be a little high maintainance. I for one can do most of the work/maintainance on my 98' disco so if something goes bad I can preform most of the work myself its just an inconvience more than a financial burden. If you have no mechanical skills and are not well off you may want to look at other smaller suv's that are not know around the world as the bad ass of offroad vehicles like the disco. When I was looking I looked at Kia and Jeep and Toyota - the only one worth comparing was the toyota but it was easy 5k more with 40k more miles. I purchase my 98' for 7300.00 and have put 3k miles on it and have not had any issues at all. Yes they leak - keep the fluids filled and check them regularly.
Also remember that the D1 can be serviced by most any mechanic the D2 is strickly dealer (from what I understand) - this is what really made me want a D1. Also I was told (on this forum) that BMW managed the quaility controll for 98 and 99 b/c of all of the issues with the 94 to 96 models- 2 points for D1 - so I specifically looked for a 98 or 99 D1 and eventually found one with low miles.
maybe I got lucky - time will tell

also my mother has a 2000 D2 with 82000 miles and had it since it had 30k and has only had to replace the plug wire (common on the D2) and normal maintainance. - she loves it.

good luck

 

[Schattenjager]

Yeah - gotta love Land Rovers and their capabilities. Remember that good things do not need attention, and very few posts here are about the good stuff - we are here looking for solutions to problems that others have probably already encountered and cured. In looking back on the tremendous number of cars I have had - most of them odd ball & quirky but lovable - I have learned the difference between repair and maintenance. All of my Land Rovers have been great! But of course I stay on top of their care and feeding. I have driven both coasts, through Canada to Alaska (soon to be back in Colorado!!!) and have NEVER questioned the reliability of my Rover. Soooo all that said, be very picky in your selection - get one that has been well cared for by a dealer (believe no one!) and have the service history checked at the dealer. Pay the $200.00 to have it looked over by the dealer. Then you can move forward with enthusiasm and a sense of adventure as opposed to holding your breath every time you need to go further than the grocery store! I think most people here look at their Rovers like a pet - the ever present companion ready for adventures. Remember that you have to be a friend to have one! Great Luck to you! Let us know what you get!