New to Land Rover. I’m looking at a Disco I that has 235k miles on it. The PO has had it for the last 15 years and it appears to be well maintained and in otherwise decent shape. Head gaskets have been replaced at some point but all drive train components have not had a major overhaul. I’m wondering if this is too many miles, or basically, how many more can I reasonably expect before major overhaul is likely? I checked the dipstick when I looked at it and it didn’t look milky so I’m assuming the head gaskets/block is in good shape.

Anyone have experience with high mileage discos?

 

I’ll assume this isn’t a daily driver. 235k is high for any vehicle and certainly so for a LR. If it is in sound shape with no rust and an PO who took care of it for the past 15 years, I’d buy it for a grand. What year is it? You will likely need some work done to the motor or at least a swap. Someone else will chime in. What is your primary use for it? Paved road driving to the farm? Off road madness?

 

I just bought a 1998 with 201,000 miles and it runs like a champ. It was previously enthusiast owned and has had the head gaskets done and I just replaced the oil pump/timing chain and gears and water pump due to a coolant leak by the top driver's head at the front cover. I just bought it about 6 months ago and took it to a local indy in Framingham, MA and they gave me a long list of things that needed attention at a cost of $28,000.00. Yeah..... But, that was $175.00 to replace a blown plate light. I took the list and am working through it replacing things like a leaking power steering hose, leaking transmission lines, eventually a reseal of the transfer case, etc... These aren't bad rigs or hard to work on if you can do the work yourself. I commute in mine 75 miles a day, but not everyday.

It was originally a CA truck and is completely rust free, so if the time does come that it needs a new motor I would seriously consider a long block from Atlantic British. Not an inexpensive investment, but one I would consider versus scrapping the truck or transplanting in another used 4.0 motor.

 

No, not a daily. Primary use would be to build it into an off road rig. I just get the suspicion that so many little things are at the end of their useful life at these miles and need replacing basically immediately.

 

The great thing about the D1 is that they are pretty basic in regards to maintenance. If the frame is solid and the windows are tight (does it have sunroofs?) you should be good to go with a rebuilt engine or a swap. The biggest issues off the top can be rust and water leaking in via the sunroofs or areas around the windshield. There can also be a few electrical gremlins. If no rust or water problems, they are solid trucks. New shocks and bushings would be a big improvement in overall ride. Change all the fluids, replace the major parts like the fuel filter, probably thermostat, alternator, starter, spark plugs, you know...all the things that keep it running and working. And they aren’t hard to do. For a secondary trail truck I’d say they are perfect. Now, if you are wanting to jack it up 3 inches, add 33 inch tires with new wheels, and use it as a bulldozer then I’d say no. Spend your money on a cheap Jeep. I always get flac for saying that but dropping thousands of dollars in off road accessories plus maintenance cost into these trucks that you pay a grand or less for isn’t a good idea. Just my opinion. But, if your flush with cash and want to do it...DO EEEEEEETTTTTTTT.