I found a few discovery I for really low prices, which I'm aware comes with its downsides, though most of them look really good.

I am pretty mechanically inclined.

Is there anything I should look at or plan for on a Discovery I with 110-160k on it?

 

What year? ('96 - 99.5 were virtually the same)

As we all do when buying an unknown.

Too clean under oil filler cap? oil looks ok? Idiot light goes out promptly?

As soon as you start it (b/4 warmup), flip thu' the gears & check the trans fluid (cold)

Let it sit and idle 'til it gets good and warm, check for coolnt leaks (all around the heads including backside), waterpump( not hard to replace) Heater/AC work?

Are the radiator hoses excessively hard, hot? (indicates blown head gasket blowing exh into cooling sys)

Leaks around front axle swivel *****?(pain in the butt, not dealbreaker, tho')

Does it feel like a $40k suv?

Drive it slowly next to a building with the window down - any squeeking, grinding?

Does the hi/lo transfer case work (can stick from lack of use.)
Does the difflock work? (same)

All the electrics work?


That's a few

luck,greg

 

Thanks!

Yes I will defiantly check the oil and coolant for blown headgasket. Also will check transmission fluid, do these ever have the problem of transmission fluid mixing with radiator fluid or no?

Also one more I should check is rust.

So.
Rust
Fluids
Gear Oil Leaks
Leaks Around Heads
Radiator Hoses
Squeaks
Transfercase

 

You got it.
Alot of them rusted (mine is) rear door jamb below the striker plate (I patched mine & undercoated)

I'm not aware of trans oil/coolant mixing problems

Remember, it's common for these to leak, as most owners did little maint. themselves and
didn't want to pay the dealer after warr ran out.

To see how popular these are getting, glance thru' the forums and count the number of DI threads compared to other lr's.

Parts are getting easier, too. (I think)

A decent DI is worth $3 - $5k the high being well cared for with receipts in great shape.
You can find them as low as $1500, but be prepared to work alot on it 'til it's right.

If you repair it with good parts, it'll last a long time.

luck,greg

 

https://landroverforums.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=21328

Read through the write up section on the top of the Disco page.

 

Don't fall for the "no rust" claim of the seller! crawl under the thing, because the inner fenders, frame, the floor board, the chassis & the roof are not aluminum like most of the exterior body panels & they rust badly! Also look for aluminum corrosion on the body panels, especially around the tail light area. It looks like bubbling paint. Look carefully!

 

Lift the carpets and padding to expose the metal floorboard. Both in the front floorboard and the rear cargo area. My rear mat was soaked with water when I got it, I ripped all that out in the rear. Also check front carpets to see if they are wet and corrosion under the carpet pad.

Make sure the hi/low cdl shifter moves both front to rear and side to side smoothly. Drive it off-road so you can engage diff lock, see if it actually engages and light comes on on dash as well. Do not drive on dry pavement with diff lock engaged, but get in some mud and make sure it engages. Take it for a good test drive, not just around the block.

See if there are receipts for parts/service/service records. Don't be shy.