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I've read some recently posted messages re: buying a Disco so I thought I would offer some suggestions from my experience. Some of this pertains to used vehicles, so use what you can. It seems to be pretty common to have engine leaks, and we confirmed through LR that our car had all of it's service done through them and had the "usual" leaky spots fixed. I can honestly say that the leaks were a concern going in. I would make sure any LR has excellent maintenance records and/or comes with a decent warranty. I'm pretty certain that the car we have is mechanically sound, but to be sure, we purchased a 12 mo/12k warranty that covers just about everything.
The most important thing I can think of is to research and gather as much information as possible. We test drove some, went to a couple auto shows to compare and really shopped around. Overall, it took a little over a year before we found one we liked and felt well enough informed to feel confident the purchase was a wise one.
She's white and absolutely loaded and I just love her. (called her Lizzie). It's fascinating to drive down the road and see other SUV drivers stop and gawk at your Kick Butt disco. I love it.
I hope this is helpful, and if anyone has info about the VIN, I would really appreciate any help you can offer.
Kim and "Lizzie"
to his astonishment the oil was NOT leaking, the power steering hoses, once properly attached were NOT leaking and after the radiator cap was replaced the coolant was NOT leaking! I'm keeping my fingers crossed!(It's been over 6 months and no leaks). GOOD LUCK
Just as an observation, have you noticed we humans give names to the things with which we have relationships? I haven't named my toaster or refrigerator... but I have named my Rover ("Anuqa") my motorcycle ("Scooter") and my guitars. Lots of SUVs are simply automotive appliances: perfect, flawless, utterly devoid of character. People don't name those trucks.
Just an observation, -Bob
I feel pretty confident about all the other items on the 30K checklist, but the tranny filter seems to be a bit more of a challenge.
The local dealer want $520 for the 30K service and $325 to just service the transmission.
Thanks for any help!
Mick
http://www.edmunds.com/chat/freewaychat.html
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards
Remove bolts holding the cross member beneath the trans. Use hydraulic jack with 2x4 blocks to spread frame rails, remove cross member.
Drain sump, then undo filler/dipstick tube. Undo 3 bolts each for both exhaust manifolds... be careful not to shear these bolts! Unhook exhaust from catalyst if you see you can't work around it. Make sure you unhook O2 sensors as you remove y-pipes.
Drop sump pan, remove gasket. Keep track of where the bolts and clips came from on the sump.
Replace filter, wipe any accumulated gunk from all visible surfaces inside the trans. Look inside the pickup tube, make sure no gunk has built up in there.
Replace sump gasket, reattach sump pan with clips and bolts. Make sure not to overtighten, you WILL split the gasket lengthwise and it will blow your ATF all over the highway (I know from experience).
Reattach everything, thinking about new exhaust manifold studs or at least using antiseize on their threads so you don't shear one off. Smear Vaseline on the frame rails before you put the cross member back in, to reduce rust in this area.
Refill with good quality ATF (oil is cheaper than metal), double check to ensure all connections are torqued and )2 sensors are connected.
Drive your truck! Enjoy, -Bob
Bainbridge Island - how interesting! I'm going over there today to take a look at a 1973 Series III! Whereabouts on the island did you live?
Today is the quality check/inspection. If all goes well and it seems mechanically sound, I'll be taking my wife and son next weekend to get their buyoff (don't worry, I'm not going to have to 'convince' my wife I'm getting a SIII - just gotta make sure she doesn't mind it in the driveway ). Then I just have to wait for my house to sell in MI to sell and I'll be all set.
Thanks - wasko
Where on the Island is the Series? Man, I wonder if I know the guy selling it... what's the name?
When you're done, drive along Rockaway Beach. There's a house with a red railcar in the yard right by the road, we came *that* close to buying a lot about 100 yards south of him. What a view!
When it's all said and done and you're riding the ferry back to Seattle, if you're on the Walla Walla then walk up topside and look thru the foreward windows of the wheelhouse. See if there's a salt-and-pepper grey gent driving the boat, got a glint in the eye and a grey beard. That's Steve, and he's let me drive that thing a few times. Wave for me!
Enjoy the ride, -Bob
Thanks
Ramana
This coming weekend (I love the old Rover), I'm taking my wife and son out to the island, and we're going to explore a bit of the island in the old Rover. I'll definitely check out your old area, stop by Walt's, and grab lunch at Ruby's - sounds like a great place!
If at all possible, I'll avoid the big hills (at first)! The thoughts of clutching, braking, and accelerating with 2 feet and an emergency brake in a vehicle I'm not comfortable with definitely isn't appealing to me yet Which beckons the question of how I'll get it off the island if I do buy it Maybe we'll meet at Key Arena again...
Thanks, wasko
Oooooo, just thought of something. Go south from Walts, go thru the stop sign and turn right at the perpendicular that goes across the head of Port Blakely (the water). 200 yards, turn right up a really steep windy road. Follow that until it finally comes out level and straight... go along until it SUDDENLY drops over a hill right at a brick officer's house. Go left there. It's a tough corner. Follow about 100 yards, and go left again, I believe this is Virginia Court. It winds uphill to the right, dirt road. My adopted Gramma Sonya lives up there, I take care of her. You'll see a "Y", up the left side then it splits again... go up the middle of that "Y" and you come out in a meadow... straight thru a nasty rusted gate. Ahead is a steep hill with a reservoir on top, and a little fun 4-wheeling. Go slow and have fun!
Good luck, -Bob
When:
Tues, March 13th (Tonight) at 5-6pm Pacific/9-10pm Eastern
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http://www.edmunds.com/chat/chiricochat031301.html
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards
I love the car look, but reading about it, fell a little desapoint regard its big engine/poor performance/lot of gas, very havy all together (a good reason for his low performance), lots of 4x4 stuff developed-needless for me in traffic (where I will spend 99% of the driving time). How reliable is this SUV?
On ather hand, I fell sick abot all Japanies, Jeep and Ford Explorer, wich are intoxicated our streets!
I like Disco Series II apearance and distinctive elegance. Bun not sure if this is the best choice for me.
Any advice welcome. Thanks.
I've been reading a lot about some very happy and some very unhappy Land Rover owners. I'm trading in a Jeep Wrangler and looking at a Certified Per Owned 1999 Discovery I from a dealer. It has 31,000 miles and the asking price is $25k. I'd assume there is some room for negotiation.
I've never owned anything other than an SUV and I'm familiar with the gas guzzler problems and handling inherent in the breed. It's not a car, doesn't ride like a car, and I think too many people think that SUV's are just big cars. I know that there are lemons with any make or model car, but it seems the Land Rovers have more than their fair share.
My question is: is this model Discovery more or less reliable than other model LR's (should I hold out for a 2000, 2001 or look older and cheaper)??
Is $23K-$25K an acceptable price (according to Edmunds it is)??
Bottom line: Is buying a Discovery too much of a pain in the [non-permissible content removed]???
Like always, take a look at the VIN history - it will provide tell-tale information and the dealer will print it for you.
Thanks, wasko
Thanks, wasko
I appreciate the help. the last 8 digits are VA725653.
Thanks again.
Kim
Good luck!
Has low performance after all. How is the engine after few years? Is only 4.0. The BMW 4.4, is geting 18 mpg-city!
This XXL mpg (13 mpg-city!), is make me ask myself what's all about this SUV. Is only the british flavor? What else?
I love the design inside/ourside, and unmistakeble apearance, but. .who is going to pay for gas?
Here is the answer via e-mail: "Land Rover retailers provide their vehicles at a price they determine internally based on market and region. The sales feature of the retailer is not monitered by Land Rover North America, as we are a distributer for vehicles manufactured by Land Rover United Kingdom. All pricing and sales tools used are independent policies designed and implemented at the retailer management. We would recommend contacting another Land Rover retailer in your area for a more comprehensive pricing comparison. Land Rover retailers can be found by searching our online database at www.LandRover.com, or by contacting our Owner Care department at (800) 637-6837 weekdays from 8am-8pm EST" All I wanted was a simple yes or no!
I think you got a pretty good answer from LRNA. If you reduce the verbage, you get a "Yes". However, many LR dealers are owned by LRNA itself, which might impose limits on discounts. Dealers not owned by LRNA always seem to find more latitude to deal.
If you are ready to buy, go in on the last day of the month and you'll probably strike a decent deal. In my case, I checked out the inventory once a week for a month before I bought. I got to know what day of the week the new trucks came in. At the end of the month, a truck configured how I wanted was unspoken for, and I drove away at just above 7% off list. That was April of '99 when D-IIs were very new and still pretty scarce.
Moving units off the lot can at times be as important as the margin on the car itself. Most dealers make a mint on service, especially warranty work ;-). If you have a great buying experience and get a good deal, they'll get it all back (plus more) over the next few years.
Also, at 15,000 miles, I've not yet had even one problem to complain about, aside from the minor, occasional body or suspension noise you hear when the road is rough.
I went to the Int'l. auto show two days ago, and planted my butt in every SUV there - there is nothing that compares to the land rover in style, comfort, seating position, and I'm sure, off-road ability. Most of these damn "carified" SUV's all look the same, and your [non-permissible content removed] is way down in the seat , just like a stupid car. I thank god I was smart enough to get a square, box like, real truck before FORD ruins it and turns it into a mamamobile.
- EJ
Everything was replaced/restored under warranty by an extremely courteous service department. When She runs there is nothing better. When problems happen, I can't wait to get her out of the shop.
My Toyota pickup is as reliable as my Seiko watch but there is no emotional attachment. The Seiko resides in my bureau, the Toyota spends most of the time at the deer lease. The Discovery that I drive, like the Omega that I wear, was hand-built by craftsmen that were focused with the task of building the best product that they could make (hopefully not just before or after a soccer weekend).
Are there vehicles with better build records? No argument there, yes. Would I own them? Why bother, I already have one of the best purpose-built, fun, luxurious, vehicles made.
Last note, I have nothing against the gas mileage. I just wish that it was regular fuel that it burned. And, judging from previous posts it looks like how the Dealership handles your "challenges" makes all the difference in how your come to appreciate your truck.
Happy Rovering,
Pat
Is this something that is a real world issue ???
I have 2 small kids. The oldest has no problem scampering in and out without getting dirty as long he does not rub up or (more typically) lean on the tires (an issue for any car). My youngest has to be put into a child seat by hand. The height of the car can make it awkward for less-than-tall people to maneuver a small child into the car seat. But that's not usually a door-size issue.
The rear arch can get dusty after off-roading, but not so much from regular use. I live in a dry climate so someone else might have to comment on how wet the arch gets in rainy weather. In any case, I can't recall a problem getting clothes messed up by the wheel arch.
Hope this helps,
- EJ
which is it ?
Please try to be fair.
Also - TMV for an SD is quoted by Edmunds at 31,720, which seems reasonable. Does anyone know if LR is offering special financing or leasing on this vehicle or what the forecast resuidual is at 3 years / 36K miles ?
Based on several of the negative posts on this site, we were somewhat skeptical to proceed, but based on comparison test drives of Jeep Grand Cherokee, BMW X5, Toyota 4Runner and the likes, the Discovery met our needs the best - real off-road capability, 7 passenger capacity, and a luxury feel. Fit and finish was the best, quality feel/toughness was by far the best, the ACE suspension gave the best road feel and confidence, versatility was best, ride height and panaromic viewing was the best, and looks were unique and attractive.
We were able to negotiate $2000 off list.
To date, we've accumulated approximately 7000 miles, all of which have been trouble free. The ride is tight, the engine, though relatively low on power compared to other SUV's, is adequate, the fuel economy ranges between 14 and 17 (city/highway). There haven't been any squeaks and rattles to speak of.
We've had it off-road numerous times and the vehicle is amazing. Recently during a blizzard while skiing at Big Bear, we were comfortably passing all the other 4X4's, (Big Chevy's pick-ups, other SUV's,). You could tell they were frustrated in that they could not catch up. The Discovery was absolutely stable and confident at speeds the others wouldn't dare - and we didn't have chains! During another outing in the Cuymaca's, a driver in a Toyota pick-up approached us and ask if were having any difficulties - naturally, we weren't, but he was getting stuck everywhere in the deep snow and mud!
Anyway, in summary, the vehicle is delightful to own and drive, has been as reliable as anything else I've owned, and to date, though limited, the dealer experience has been solid.
Paul
My experience followed the 2nd route, though with not quite as much trouble as others have had. My service folks went the distance (Land Rover Anchorage... GREAT guys) and I'm happy as a clam at high tide. I wouldn't own any other truck. But when I'd owned it for 3 or 4 months I was ready to GIVE the !#@$%#!^ truck back to them and be done with it.
These are hand-built trucks. There is nothing "magic" about them, they are simply trucks but there are complex systems and parts are expensive. They are supremely capable offroad and in poor conditions... which is why I own one. I won't trust my family with anything less.
I work on my own vehicles, and these are easy to work on. There are many excellent discussion groups on the web and they'll bend over backward to answer your questions. But you've got to be proactive, and do the maintenance. You'll get your hands very dirty, very often... but before 6 months are out, you'll be driving a truck you've named... not just "bought". People name the things that matter to them, not their appliances.
That's what this boils down to... your high expectations, the way the truck more than meets these expectations, and the violation of trust you will feel when she lets you down. If you do your work, then she probably won't ever strand you or break in the bush. If you don't, then you're gambling.
Take your time, pick out a good year-old truck with service history. Let someone else take the first-owner bath and produce service visits for you. Investigate everything, then make your decision. If you're lucky you might find one that someone HAD to part with unwillingly, with few service visits. She's your baby.
Regards, -Bob
'96 Disco "Anuqa"
What years are best? What years or models to avoid?
Live in Melbourne Australia, own a 1995 Disco Dual Fuel(Petrol & LPG),BFG M/T 245/75r16's. looking at trading in on a DII at end of year. Love getting out anywhere in the aussie bush and exploring. Lots of scratches = lots of fun.
I have an initial question. Recently lost one of the end rubber caps off the right front axle, along with some diff oil while out bush. Replaced the cap, about a week later the left one goes but no oil lost...hmmmmm
Anyway good to be here.... Lester
For those interested in seeing the 02 Rover's,just go to LR's web page and click on the South Africa site. There you will find the info.
Thanks in advance.:)
I have a 2000 Discovery, built in March 2000, shipped to Baltimore in April, I picked it up in Maine in October with 5 miles on the odo. Only problems was a defective transmission control module which the computer didnt like and all but killed the engine. Dealer fixed promptly after having it towed to Maine (from southern NH). Otherwise battery had bad cell, again able to drive and replaced OK. Small leak in sun roof but with the bad roads around here its a glass alignment thing and they fixed it. (Still I carry a towell until spring.) Had the "brake" warning light come on, but turned out the sensor in the fluid tank was crooked. They replaced it anyway.
I love it overall, just hope being an early on car, and sitting in ocean climates for 7 months and not being driven it doesnt have any lurking problems. Only other complaint is trying to keep it clean here in New England. Muddy Oval is right.
Pip pip