I live in a small house with a driveway and have tools that I can bring with me, as well as access to a university project shop. I would definitely be able to work on it unless I need to put it up on a lift or something of that nature.

 

you are good to go then.

 

Thanks for the help everyone, I'm going to see what I can do to work the price down on this disco and hopefully I'll have one by 2013! Thanks!

 

people are desperate to get rid of these all the time, but there are a lot that are neglected so just test drive a bunch before you decide

 

Until you lift them, ditch the sways, and throw on big tires...then they really get fun!

 

I'd like to make a point here. Any used vehicle will fit this scenario, it's not just a Land Rover problem, that parts wear out or quit working. Now, once you've owned your vehicle for awhile you get a decent idea of it's overall condition. Other than a fuel pump or starter I've not needed a back up vehicle in four years so lets not say the sky is falling when it's not, ok? You can always snag a ride for a day or two. I've replaced my head-gaskets and it's not been down for more than a few days, days I had off anyways. My truck is still motoring along with many factory original parts with 160k on them. Am I worried, nah. They are better than average quality. I have several used parts that I'm not ashamed to say I've installed like water pump, injectors, brake calipers, crank pulley and a window lift plus I'm building a spare parts bin. My truck has been my dd and just as reliable as any used vehicle I've owned and I've owned allot. It helps that I'm mechanical and have tools up the kazoo so I've addressed all the small crap that any vehicle has happen like windshield wipers not parking or not working intermittent. Not only do I drive my truck daily to work but I also take it out of town because I'm part time Army. It's taken me to all of my professional schools all over our country. I've racked up some miles and it's not let me down. It leaks more oil than it uses but thats on my to do list and I'm in no hurry. I loose maybe a quart every 3.5k and most of it goes out the back end crank seal. Hey, it's used, I can cope.

 

I used to drive from Oceanside, Ca. to L.A. (around 100 miles one way) every few days along with my usual running around, so my Disco was my workhorse. I still drive it everyday, albeit under ten miles each time - school run and all. To say her suspension has loosened up would be an understatement, but my engine still purrs - especially after my recent ignition tune-up. When I first got it, however, I had to replace the rear wheel bearings, so be mindful of those bearings when you test drive it. I also had to replace the rubber driveshaft coupling because it really looked bad. I'd say that because you are going to be doing mostly around-town driving. Making sure the engine and cooling system are up to specs is imperative. Good luck.

 

This is helpful stuff guys, thanks. I never doubted the reliability of these cars, and you all make a good point that any used car is going to have some issues. I'm really interested in owning a manual disco 1 so I think I'm going to go for it keeping in mind all of your advice along the way. Like I mentioned before I currently own two Alfa Romeo's which are the epitome of unreliability, and I've driven one as a DD and raced, and won against modern racecars in the other so I have no problem at with owning a unique car that needs a little tlc. In fact I prefer it.

Right now I'm trying to get the disco idea past my dad, being in college and owning my own cars means it's my decision, but he wants to know that I'm making a good decision so these DD testimonies are helping me to build my case.

I really appreciate it!

 

I bought a D1 high miles for my daughter's first car / college ride. It stays in the lot at the university 35 miles away while she walks or takes the shuttle bus. If we are lucky she comes home for a weekend visit / laundry / shopping with Mom, etc.

But here is the reason I wanted it.

 

Sounds similar to my situation. Seems like the perfect vehicle really. And now I can play the safety card as well haha