Hi. I will probably buy a 1996 Disco ( demo + 2 owners ,117K & very rarely used in last 3 years) I have only driven it once . Ran ok, did not see any white smoke, but smelled antifreeze at the end of the ride.

The smell is from a coolant leak at the valley gasket seal / clamp connection near the thermostat. When I first saw it, I suspected water pump gasket, but now am pretty sure it is the seal leaking.

I am planning on doing the 60k maint checklist and wonder if just doing the valley gasket now plus the 60k is smart so I can drive the vehicle and see what shakes out in the first several months.

I have the rave manual and can think I can do most of the "simple" stuff myself. .

Any thoughts?

1996 Discovery 1, SE7
117,000 miles (<3,000 in last 3 years)
Automatic transmission