I've been reading this forum for a while but have finally decided to join because I'm thinking ab owning another discovery. I owned a 2003 a few years ago and new NOTHING ab rovers when I bought it .... paid too much to purchase it and paid WAY too much to fix everything at the stealership.

After reading this board a good bit, I've been looking for a disco I since they are easier to work on and are slightly less of an electronic nightmare. I found a 98 LE w/ 128,000. It's a 2 owner vehicle- dealer maintained w/ scheduled maintenance by the first owner (rich old lady who used it as a beach car) and the 2nd owner has put 28,000 on it in 18 months. Six months ago he gave it new shocks, new steering box, and new General Grabber AT2 All Terrain Tires. Last week he had the oil changed and put on new front brakes (calipers, rotors and pads). No lights lit up on the dash, no cooling leaks or overheating probs, but it does leak a tiny bit of oil (shocker).

Interior is in great shape w/ no cracks or rips- It also has the jump seats in the back. Known problems are that the sunroofs dont open (no big deal- I would seal them anyway) and the the right rear door lock doesn't pop all the way up when using keyless entry.

My biggest concern (at this time- I will get an independent LR mechanic to look it over) is that the head gaskets have never been replaced. 3 questions:
1) he wants $3,200, is that too much?
2) how long can I reasonably expect those head gaskets to last?
3) what preventative measures should I take if I get it besides changing out the fluids

Thanks taking the time to read this LONG post. I'm really excited ab joining the forum and getting back into the LR game w/ at least a little more knowledge this time around.

 

Ha, thats not a long post. You should hear me bitch. Game *****, what? South Carolina? IDk about 3200 down there vs the prevalence of D1's laying around but i had to drive to queens to pay 4250 for an sd with 84k miles and no sunroofs or jump seats, so im biased. I'd pay that. But i'd also see if i could get him down to 2750, no? ok 3? but i'd pay 3200. especially with new tires in a tread pattern i like.
As far as PM, theres all the stuff in the sticky for 60k service and maybe up to 120k service for you but your primary concern is the head gasket then have it pressure tested. it'll give you a better indication of what you're dealing with. Check for oil in the exhaust, etc. there are lots of smart people on here. If you've got the time to do some of your own wrenching, i say go for it. (also check the CDL, no ense in buying a rover if it can't do rover-y stuff)

best

Turf

 

Ha, it seemed longer than it was I guess. The owner is actually asking $4,000 for the disco but I've already have him talked down to $3,200 .... can prob get him down to $3,000. And yes I am a USC gamecock down here in South Carolina. Thanks for responding.

 

here's some pics of the disco ...

 

If you find a reputable disco mechanic have him pressure test it before you buy it. That'll probably give you your best idea about the heads

 

I'm digging the red! Yeah, I'm not even sure about 3, try your hardest and I bet you could get him down on it. Show him the Kelley B.B. value. But yeah, seems like it's in solid condition, go for it man!

 

honda, I see you have a 98 LE w/ 158,000 miles ... what problems has yours had over the last 30,000? Have you enjoyed it more than you've hated it?

 

Looks pretty nice to me. $3,200 isn't a lot of money for any car. I don't have sunroofs in my SD, and I sure don't miss them. Being down south, I'd be curious to know if the rear view mirror has been replaced (leak problem) and if the dash has curled up. Both of those things happened to mine. Since fixed. But, I'd jump on that, at least from the description and photos.

 

Looks great. For the record, no two Discos will repeat the same mechanical failure at the same time. There is no way to know when a head gasket could go. Could be in 100k miles, could be yesterday. You could replace it and have it blow the next week. That is the same on all vehicles. With proper maintenance any vehicle will last you a lifetime. Just depends on the maintenance that was(or wasn't) performed by the po.

 

Heck yeah, if that isn't the truth!

Looks to be in good condition, if you are happy with the price buy it! Not to mention the red ones are faster...