The seller says that the only thing wrong with the Disco is that the alternator is dead, and because of this I'll have to tow the truck. What I'm wondering is how I can put the truck through its paces despite the alternator being dead. I want to at least have it idle to see if it runs hot(head gasket problem). Any advice is appreciated. Hard to buy a truck that you cant drive. Thanks

 

Thats a tricky one you might have to jump start it to get it to run. And if it runs ok it will be off the battery so i wouldn't go to far as it will drain the battery. Good luck and hope it's not to hard to get into shape.

 

Or bring a battery. As for overheating, that will show up at idle as well after 20 - 30 minutes. Tach won't work with bad alternator. A fully charged battery will run one for 30 - 90 minutes. Don't try AC very much, etc. Even if bad alternator and wimpy battery, should run at idle on jumper cables from your other vehicle. With alternator dead, the Disco will just look like another electrical load to truck with cables.

 

Run on battery and scan with OBD. Get a warranty from the seller...in writing.

 

Don't buy it till it is driveable and even then take it to a Rover shop and have a pre-purchase inspection done on it before you buy a lot of surprises.
By the way, how much is he asking for this Disco and how many miles are on it.
Be prepared to easily put as much as a grand into fixing things and getting all the maintance current.

 

I agree emphatically. Land Rovers require a lot of maintenance, and if the PO hasn't kept up with it he could be trying to get rid of a money pit. Unless the mileage is fairly low, and he's selling it SUPER cheap, as in less than a grand, you should insist he gets the alternator fixed first. It will be well worth it.

 

I gave $1500 for my 96.. Although it did at least run and drive..

But it has lots of issues.. I went in knowing I was going to be getting damn greasy and putting another $1500 into the truck to get it right..
It has the death wobble...Bad... But it's getting better every day..

So far I've done.. All four tie rod ends..Panhard Rod Bushings.
Repaired the alternator.. Yes, They can be repaired...
Unplug the hood switch before messing with the battery or it might not start when you get things hooked up.. The immobilizer will bite you..

Ordering a new steering gear today..
I have waiting to be installed..
4 Sway bar end links..
Ball joint for the rear
Full bushing set...
Left headlight..(rock holed)


Good Luck

John

 

Likewise, my '98 was $1,700 and driveable as is.

 

indeed, how about buying a different (running) rover?