Several years ago I had an '04 Disco and it was a great truck. Now I'm looking for another as a 2nd vehicle with 4wd. I found a '98 with 164,000 mi that might be had for around $2,000. In talking with the owner it sounds like the main problems are sunroofs don't work, brakes occasionally pulse due to a sensor, and headliner is loose. He said it's a little "wet" but no fluid leaks to speak of. What do you think of these mechanical items considering the price? Specifically, what does the brakes pulsing indicate? Unfortunately I live about 4 hours away from this vehicle so the only test drive would be if I traveled there with the intention to buy if all was as expected.

Thanks for your input.

MDWMAN

 

I bought my 96 last year with the same intention (to keep the Bimmer in the garage in foul weather). One suroof broken and headliner sagging all around, no brake problems though. I replaced the steering box within a month of buying it, was leaking badly. I just replaced the radiator last week and drained & filled pretty much every fluid in it, runs well now but while I was getting intimate with the underside of it I saw lots of places where the suspension is shot to hell.

The pulsating brakes could be worn/warped rotors or wheel bearings I suppose, but since it's only occasional it could be an ABS sensor on the blink?

Anyway in general I'd say "run away", or "get something Japanese" unless you want to learn a lot about automotive troubleshooting and repair, I kinda dig it.

 

Mdwman,
Well I have to say that I love my 98 disco and even though there have been some problems with it like the sunroof and other parts I have had to learn how to repair them, I would not trade it for anything. I love it for my hobby and just like anything you own you have to maintain it to keep it up, but once its running it’s a beauty. It does have its ups and downs, sometimes you will want to pull your hair out. Plus why don’t you try to work out a price with the owner try to get the price to go down a bit? If you have time check out some of the prices for the parts you need and see if it is worth it to you. Remember to check out other places like the u pull it, here on the forum, etc. Then all you have to do is chose. Hope this helps. Let us know what you decided.

 

As long as you know it's not going to be perfect, are willing to toss in some coin for immediate fixes, and have the patience to live with certain quirks (broken things), it can be great! I was in the same position with the '98 I just bought with the intention of leaving the bimmer in the garage for the winter. Bought as-is for $2.8k at 128k miles with a power steering leak, broken front sunroof, broken rear windows and broken left rear door latch. While shaking things out after purchase noticed the vehicle speed sensor going out. Took it in to a local land rover independent...new power steering hoses, new VSS, new fan, rerouted the belt correctly, new steering arms and the vast majority of the high-miles fluid maintenance and it drives like a premium fuel sucking dream. Even lifted it and bought new tires; all in for less than the price of a properly sorted early D2. Granted the sunroof , rear door and windows don't work yet, but I love it and so does my wife! Just read up and go into it with a positive attitude and a lot of patience. You'll have a blast!