Hi, I've been trying to decide on a weekend 4x4 to take advantage of the great state of colorado. I was pretty much sold Ina cherokee until I stumbled upon the low resale value of the discovery. I've always liked the looks and abilities of these trucks but assumed they would be priced well above my $5000 budget. Now I'm really interested in these things.

I currently drive an 03 vw golf and perform all my own mx, people deride the serviceability of the golf also, but I've found it relatively accessible to service, the clearances just leave a little to be desired. So far I've done brake jobs, engine sensors, water pump and timing belt, front wheel bearings, the cat and various engine sensors along with interacting with the vagcom system(don't know if that's the right term?). Are parts on this truck expensive enough that even with my shade tree abilities it would be very expensive to operate? And really just for someone in the enthusiast category?

Also, I found this truck on Craigslist. It's beat up pretty well but the price is low. 1998 Land Rover - Discovery

If the engine and tyranny were in ok shape would it be worth it in the $1500 range?

 

Also, thanks in advance for your help and this great forum. I wouldn't know how to work on any of my cars if it weren't for active members like you guys.

 

that looks like a $1,000 disco or less.... for you i would get a discovery 1 or range rover classic. check out the tech section there is a write up on what to look for when buying. a discovery 1 you can find in better shape then the one you posted for $2,000. then with $600 in suspension upgrades, $250 in heavy duty steering upgrades and $800 in tires you can have a super capable truck and still be under your budget.

 

Thanks for the reply. Why do you suggest the classic or 1? Is it just the budget or are those more capable for my abilities?

 

I should qualify my previous statement. I'm looking more for something that will get me a few miles further up the trail for a 14er, or to mountain bike. It to get away from people for dispersed camping and of course getting into the mountains to ski more. Than a serious rock crawler.

I'm also really looking for an occasional 7 seat capability. And maybe hauling a lite pop up trailer.

 

I'm suggesting the Discovery 1 for its non-complex setup as far as electronics go. I would search for a discovery 1 se7. that has the jump seats in the back that will give you 2 more seats for little ones. i would still put new suspension on it. heavy duty springs in the back to compensate for your trailer and towing needs and medium in the front. you can skip the HD steering but im sure will need new tires at least a set of A/T's.

 

Thanks for all the useful info hill.

 

Greaper007 - I sent you a message about a Discovery you may be interested in seeing in Denver.

 

Yeah I've got a 1996 Discovery SE7 now a 6 its in the threads somewhere, LOVE it. You wont be disapointed but everyone else on the trail will be

 

Reliability is the most commonly quoted issue, not serviceability. Serviceability, or how easy these are to work on, is actually very good (D1 and RRC). Reliability all comes down to maintenance.