Hi All - I just returned to the forum after years away from the fraternity. Used to have a couple of old series IIa trucks. Anyway, kinda lookin' to get a '94-'95 Disco. I went to look at few over the last couple of weeks, and found one that's close to what I'm looking for.

1995 Land Rover Discovery for sale lifted

A really nice young couple have it up for sale and seem to be honest about what it is (and isn't). I poked, prodded and drove it around today.

observations:

For 242K - the engine sounds great. I had a stethascope on it and didn't hear any knocks in the bottom end or rattles in the rockershaft assembly

The head gaskets were replaced recently, and discussing that job with the owners gave me some confidence they knew what they were doing (replaced all the head bolts etc)

The body is in good shape with an average number of bumps and scrapes - no real rust to speak of. This truck has been "wheeled" no doubt, but it's not hideous

The biggest issue is that the engine is leaking oil in every possible place, except the gasket surfaces you deal with when redoing head gaskets (gallery under intake, valve cover etc). Front main, rear main - all are weeping like crazy

The interior is pretty hashed, but the front seats are fairly nice (from another disco) I'm thinking I would bedline the interior anyway and toss the soft surfaces

Transmission and transfer case shift/sound OK. There's some slack in the drive train - I'm thinking carden/Ujoints

Needs:

some major re-sealing on the engine
power steering pump - it works but it's noisy and leaking
full carpet removal and a good cleaning (plus a good steam underneath)
reseal on the non-functional sunroof
driver side window register/ecu
SRS and anti-lock lights are on
a/c is gone
heater controls are finicky
tires - it looks like 235/85-16's would fit as it sits
shocks (and maybe springs - they're not stock but not sure what they are)
tie rod ends
transmission filter/fluid change
exhaust from muffler back (cats have been removed)
probably all front bushings


I can do all the work it needs - but would this be common for a $1500 95 Disco? I've seen others that are in overall better shape, except for one or two major things (tranny/transfer case, dead engine mystery) for around $2500. I kind of like the fact I could see this truck in all it's glory or lack there of.

Thanks for any input.

 

Sounds a little high, but typical of problems found in older truck. Before reseal would certainly try snug up valve covers and use White Shepherd oil treatment.

Intake valley pan should not be leaking as they had to open it up for HG work.

 

Expect rust under the carpets

 

Does it have a body lift or is the bumper just goofy?

 

I didn't find any rust when I looked under the carpets in back - but no chance to check the foot wells, and the bumper is definitely a one off No body lift though. Thanks for the input so far.

 

as long as they dont mean stolen for "lifted"

 

Price seems a bit high for such high miles. Not many people would be willing to take on such a project. Im sure he's not swamped with buyers. May be a negotiation tool for you. Ultimately its up to you. I find D1's here all day long for 800-2000 w less miles and working a/c. I like it though.

 

That bumper looks terrible. I'd save up some more.

 

Low ball him. Cargo area is rough, front bumper looks ghetto, high miles and oil leaks. I'd love to get my hands on an older D1 and swap a different engine into it.