Hey everyone,

I am looking to purchase a 97 Disco that has less than 70k on the clock. It's a little hard to believe but judging from the photos the interior and exterior look to be in good shape. Here is the catch........ the driver side front has been damaged due to an accident with some sort of trailer. Although the damage has been somewhat repaired I have been told it is street legal and the bumper has been replaced. I am awaiting more pictures of the engine bay and close ups of the damaged front end. All that a side, I am still skeptical about the mileage on the car. What are some things I should be looking for if and when I see the car and drive it? I know the usually rust spots, checking the fluids especially the oil. Driving the car hard and making sure the T-Case works properly. I do have a feeling that a blown head gasket may be an issue but I hope that wont be the case when I check the car out. If I can get any feed back that would be great. I already own a 94 Disco with a 5 speed and I know what to expect with her issues, but not a 97 with such low mileage and an auto trans. Almost forgot...... the price tag is $2200. Any info would help, thanks.

 

Check the tech section for "what to look for"
Give it a good shake down just like any used car.

 

70,000 miles is a good place to start.
My Discovery I - 1997 needed head gaskets at around 136,000 miles.
So, you may keep that in mind.

Body parts are bolt on.
As long as the frame is OK, you are good to go.

 

I am a little skeptical of the miles. Still waiting on the photos of the engine bay, underside, and damaged area. Supposedly the miles on the odo are 62k and change so It would be a good step for me since my 94 Disco has 220k and surprisingly all she needs is a new oxygen sensor and a lot of TLC. How would I know if a head gasket was blown? Foam/Milky color in the motor oil, considerable loss of power. Most obvious would be overheating. However thanks for the help guys.