Thinking of getting a D1 as a 2nd vehicle

[twestrope]

I was searching for a used vehicle for my daughter and was searching options and came upon the Discovery that I want to get for myself. My wife and I drove on the other day and she fell in love with it. I am in the midst of changing vehicles and will probably get a rwd sports car that I will not want or be able to drive all the time especially in the snow. I also need a vehicle I can haul my Newfie and St Bernard without being too worried about all the hair left behind. So I am thinking of getting a 1995-1997 D1 which will probably have 70-120k miles and be priced between $4k-$8k. I know, quite a range. I am going to all the LR forums and trying to read up on the vehicle and do my homework.

* Are there any model years to avoid?
* Max I want to spend is $10K and I would prefer $6-$7K. I will do a painful search to get the best vehicle, best miles at the best price but it will still be a 7-10 yo vehicle. Am I stupid to think this will be anything but a headache?
* any special details on the vehicle to make sure it has been addressed?
* any places to search other than autotrader, cars.com and maybe ebay (with caution)?
* Is oil leakage a typical problem you just live with?
* Does the DII add anything that is so beneficial that I should change my choice of model years?
* Dependability is important to me and I know proper maintenance is the key but will a vehicle with 100k miles on it leave me wondering if i will make it home from the mtns (Colorado)?

Sorry for the rambling questions and thanks for your help.

 

[disco1]

Here's my answers to your questions.

Q1. Answer = No.
Q2. Answer = Yes.
Q3. Answer = No.
Q4. I don't live in the USA so I don't know but it sounds like your've got it covered pretty well.
Q5. Answer = Yes.
Q6. Answer = No.
Q7. Answer = No.

 

[Moose]

I guess I diverge a bit from the other post, but here is my input, for what it's worth. I've owned a 1996 D1 for 3 1/2 years with only maintenance as a problem (knock wood)

* Are there any model years to avoid?

I have heard that the best D1 years to get are the 1998 and 1999, due to the influence of BMW quality control. I'd suggest 1996 or newer, since you get the 4.0 engine and GEMS ignition rather than a distributor.

* Max I want to spend is $10K and I would prefer $6-$7K. I will do a painful search to get the best vehicle, best miles at the best price but it will still be a 7-10 yo vehicle. Am I stupid to think this will be anything but a headache?

No, you're not stupid. You'll get in searching for a vehicle what you put into it, and a longer look may lead to a nicer, more reliable, less frustrating vehicle.

* any special details on the vehicle to make sure it has been addressed?

Make sure that the CDL lever moves and engages (search on here for what that means).

Make sure the low-range engages.

Check ALL electrics and make sure they are functional (turn signals, windows, radio, defroster, etc.)

* any places to search other than autotrader, cars.com and maybe ebay (with caution)?

Try the following:

www.lrx.com
www.discoweb.org
www.landroverworld.org classifieds

A local LR club might be of assistance too.

* Is oil leakage a typical problem you just live with?

Yes. If it ain't leaking it's empty, and empty is bad.

* Does the DII add anything that is so beneficial that I should change my choice of model years?

No. DII is longer, uglier, and less reliable. 'Course, I'm biased so the last two of those three are probably debatable.

* Dependability is important to me and I know proper maintenance is the key but will a vehicle with 100k miles on it leave me wondering if i will make it home from the mtns (Colorado)?

No. Properly maintained these trucks will go forever. Provided, of course, you're wealthy enough to afford parts that are shipped from the UK

All that said, welcome to the insanity.


Andy

 

[Mainedog]

Buying a Disco

I'm not yet qualified to answer all of your experience questions on a Disco I, but I can give you a little bit of input on buying one.

I'm a partner in a used car dealership out in New England and I recently took a 1995 Disco I with 114k on it in trade. Because it was for a car that I needed to get rid of bad, I needed to put top dollar into it ($4600). I've got it advertised for $5995 and would take $5,000 for it. Very little interest yet however though. The asking prices range locally from $6,000 - $7,000, so your expectations are pretty on the money.

That all being said, there is a good chance that I might just end up with it myself. I have a few of the same concerns as you...basically reliability and cost of parts. I'm a little nervous and aprehensive as this point.

My thoughts on driving it about 750 miles so far is that I am very impressed with the way that this vehicle is put together. In quality, it is a step above the typical Blazer, Explorer, Grand Cherokee class of SUVs. It is great in the snow and has a very good ride for a short SUV. Fuel mileage isn't great, but neither are many vehicles in this category. I have had some wierd electrical problems, but for a ten year old vehicle I'm impressed.

Check your local ads, autotrader.com and even eBay. I sell most of my stuff on eBay and if you use your head and common sense, there are some great deals to be had. Just don't fall in love with one and get carried away. Do your homework whether local or online.

Tips for eBay - Ask lots of questions, read both the feedback of the seller and the feedback that they have left for others...a good way to judge character. Look for photos and also see what they list that is wrong with a vehicle. These are 10 year old vehicles, they won't be perfect. I list all of my flaws and seeing other dealers that do that builds credibility in my book. Don't Western Union any money because that could be the sign of a scam (it is virtually untraceable).

And if you are interested in something on eBay, spend the money to get a third party inspection. Better spending a few pennies now than lots of dollars later.

 

[tirewall]

Thinking of a D1

I was getting my aging Cherokee fixed by my local backyard mechanic and he asked me if I wanted a '97 Disco with 165K for $2,500 (engine has a tick, by the way). Since I trust this guy AND drove the vehicle, I grabbed it. Throwing caution to the wind, we took it that same night 120 miles up to Vermont. I have put 2000 miles on her in the last 3 weeks looking for trouble and all is well. The wife, kids, and I have really taken to this truck. I changed the fluids and now have two 4wd's for the Winter. I found a replacement ignition on Ebay for $2.50! New is $440. I plan to have a friend look at the lifters next week. Long of the short is I am hooked. Will buy another if this one ever gives me a reason to part with it.

 

[kasperking]

Buying a D1

TWESTROPE,

Hi I have had a 300tdi 1994 model for two years, prior to this I was a committed 90/Defender man, aside from having a rear wheel bearing replaced (ware and tear) I have had, touch wood, no problems at all.
I have it serviced every 11 - 12 K and I get 29 to the gallon (GB) on average just going to and from work and about 35mpg on a run. I go to the very north of Scotland to see friends and she just glides along with plenty of power left over if I need it.
As for towing, I once forgot I was towing a mate of mine and was doing 70 mph on the motorway with him attached to the back. He said, after, that it was not the speed he minded it was being so close to my rear end the dismayed him.
I have driven Rang Rovers both the Vouge and the basic, but I did not feel right.
It was if the Disco had been made for me.
If you do get one I hope you have as much fun in it as I do in mine.