Hello everyone. I just sold my BMW X5 and am looking to purchase my first Land Rover. I admit I don't know squat about Land Rovers, so I am looking to learn all I can to make an educated purchase. I am really interested in this guys 1997 Land Rover Discovery. The thing is immaculate and really well maintained and runs good. However it has 170k miles on it, which kind of has me worried. Is 1997 a good year for Land Rovers? Anything I should be on the look out for? I am good with a wrench and did all my own work on the x5. thanks in advance!

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/ctd/4020575290.html
1997 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY 4X4

 

Service history? First thing to look for!

Check if and when the head gasket was done... if not budget for it!

Check if and when the exhaust system (Oxygen Sensors and Catalytic Converters) was done.

The rest of the things can be minor wear and tear

 

Good choice on the D1. Simple and sweet

Long as the truck has been taken care of your should be alright. make sure the CDL lever moves to the left (shifter for transfer case) They tend to get frozen if not used

 

I paid 1,000 less, not as good paint, needed a bit of work, similar miles, 97.

You should look at our D1 tech section for what to look for on a Disco, and use your own scanner to check for codes and things like coolant temp. Factory gauge is not real accurate.

Shop and owner manual is a free download below.

Might also consider a mechanic inspection, he won't have the hots for a new ride and may see plenty you don't.

 

Great advice guys, keep it coming. My understanding is the older D1's are pretty bullet proof. Assuming its was well maintained, at 170k miles how much more life you think I could get out of it? Do D1's run on premium gas? What kind of fuel economy could I expect to get?

 

Pull up the carpets, look for rust. Just do it

 

Really.......

San Diego is the unofficial home of the tumble weed and you suggest pulling up the carpet......LOL. Gee, everyone in the arid southwest better be on the look out for floor rot too....

 

Obviously lots of TLC in that D1. Great looking. Newb too: '97 D1. Under that Service History suggestion, you might grab the VIN and check if all applicable recall work was done. Easy to overlook. A LR dealer can look it up quickly to verify.
Automotive Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins for 1997 Land Rover Discovery I (LJ) V8-4.0L. Provided by ALLDATA

 

due to legal issues, most dealers will not reveal service records (or lack thereof), varies by state. Hope it has not spent too much time in the salt water at the beach.

 

Why would you NOT do this? It's a good idea with any rover purchase. Nothing about the ad says it's been in San Diego all it's life.

Not checking for rust would be kinda dumb...