Hi, I just took a chance and bought a 1997 Discovery LSE with 105k. I really needed a 4 wheel drive due to all the snow we have been getting in NJ. I must say they are great in the snow but I dont know anything about them. Are these trucks reliable or did I make a mistake by buying one? Also, what do those buttons do on the dash, the up and down, road with a t, etc?

 

If you work/maintain you're cars youself, you'll be fine. Paying someone to work/maintain them can get expensive quick. I have had to do a fair amount of work on mine, but nothing unusual for a vehicle with almost 170k miles. And it has never left me stranded(knock on wood).

As far as the dash buttons, do you mean the ones around the gauge cluster or in the center part? I have up and down buttons around the gauge cluster, they controlled the factory radio volume. The road with a T, if I am thinking of the correct one, is the cruise control on/off.

 

Thanks for the info! The truck does feel pretty solid, I just hope it stays that way. So far I've changed the serpentine belt and the oil. Everything else seems fine for now.

 

download the rave workshop manual for your truck at www.landroverresource.com i suggest you read the truck manual so you understand how everything works including the CDL that is installed in your truck which could come in handy during heavy snow fall

 

You MUST use premium gas, so make sure you tell the guys when you get gas to put in premium.
The skateboard looking thing is the cruise control master power switch, just turn it on and leave it.
On the steering wheel are the set/resume buttons for the cruise.
On the left of the instrument cowl on the top is the rear defroster, then the rear fog lights (they only work when the head lights are on and they are used for not getting slammed in the rear during foul weather), then you have stereo channel up/down.
On the other side is the rear wiper, rear washer, stereo volume up/down.
Next to the cruise power switch is the front fog lights.
Rear through the tech section on the top of the page.

 

How safe is a transmission fluid change on these? The trans oil looks a little dirty.

 

Changing the fluid is easy on these. There is a drain plug on the pan. Changing the trans filter is not so easy you have to loosen the exhaust and move a crossmember out of the way.

 

Do a complete 60K service on it to ensure it is current. Make sure the little shifter goes from side to side to engage the CDL and shifts fore and aft to change from high to low (only in neutral). Learn how it is supposed to work and make sure it does before you find yurself up the creek without a paddle.

A Disco that works good is great to have. One that has severe problems and has not been maintained is a horrible thing to have happen to you.

Either way it is a severe addiction to suffer. Ask us, we know.