All,

Three weeks ago, I found this site when I was seriously considering buying a 03 Disco and because of this site, I learned about the death VINs and saved myself a lot of money. Thanks!

So, I've found a 98 Disco with 118K miles, one-owner, exterior and interior in excellent condition, grill guard with huge fog lights and roof rack. When I looked under the engine, I notice oil near the front of the motor and oil around the steering box. Also, I notice that the seals on the rear panel windows were cracking. Are these issues common? I'm having my mechanic look at it tomorrow but I'm turning to enthusiasts for any additional info.

Thanks,

Craig

 

pretty standard, remember the list price on these isn't very high so use that to your advantage, and be sure to remind the seller not too many people are looking for a truck that gets 12-15 mpg and has an unreliable reputation.

 

The window seals are relatively cheap and any glass place can do them.

The oil leaks are common. Plan on doing the major service in the tech section right away. You will spring more leaks as you fix stuff, but they eventually go away.

How much for the 98, if I may ask?

 

I found it at a used car dealer and they are asking for $6800. Kbb says $6300. I'm at $6000 and that's before the inspection.

 

Where are you located?
Low ball them after the inspection when you have the repair list in your hand.
Then after you get it home post on here and we can save you a ton of money, the oil pressure switch is a common oil leak in the front, it drips oil onto the oil filter.
The power steering is another common leak and another easy fix, the power steering on the DI takes Dexron III (GM ATF)

 

6800 for a DI around here is crazy high. They usually go for more like the 4K range. Bonus for you though, it already has a roof rack. Those aren't cheap unless you rob someone like Spike did (twice might I add). I would say get them down to 5 to 5.5K if at all possible. But that's just my 2 cents. Maybe that's a good price for your area. Good luck. Glad you decided to go with a DI.

 

Spike, can you give more info on this? Thanks.

As far as 6800 for a 98, that is way way way too much in my mind. Keep offering way less and see how far they will budge. Get a complete history from the nearest LR dealer as far as that VIN number. They should be able to determine if things like recalls were taken care of. I don't know if the gas tank recall applied to the 98 or not. Get a full Carfax.

What do the tires look like? Is the suspension dragging and sagging or does it have new shocks and springs on it? The brush bars were pretty common and they often rust out and need to be replaced.

Don't be emanored with it. Try to buy it as cheap as possible or have them do stuff like replace the tires if needed.

I bought an older (1986) Mercedes Benz 420 SEL a few years back. It was nice, but I told the dealer (a small shop that specialized in MB, Jag & Porsche resale) that the only way I was buying it was if he replaced ALL hoses, belts, fluids, filters,the battery and 5 new tires (and insisted they be the ones that came on the car initially)as well as new inspection stickers and correct anything that did not pass emissions or safety inspection. He pondered a moment and then accepted my offer along with my check. I was a bit surprised. But I did enjoy that car for quite a while to come. I even returned and bought a Porsche 928 from him a few months later. You won't know what they will take until you try.

And don't fall for the old line about somebody else has an appointment in one hour to buy the same vehicle.

 

no more than 5000 id say

no more than 4000$ for it itself and the 1 owner + rack lights etc may be worth up to 1k for you. id do 4500-4750

 

I understand about the price but I have given up hope of finding a good condition one with low miles at a good price in my area. Everything else that I find is greater than 150 miles away from me and I wouldn't feel comfortable buying one without having it inspected by a mechanic that I trust. I hate to make a road trip to be disappointed when I go through it. Also, I'm leaving for Canada soon so I want some time to work on any maintenance issues and get it winterized before I have to go (I'm USAF).

I'm all ears if anyone has suggestions. I have seen some in not so good condition that need repairs but I'm up against a time limit. I figured pay the price for something that needs little to no significant work that can get me through the uncoming winter with little maintence required.

Signed: losing my enthusiasm

 

Very few people want to sell a good one unless you pay them a lot of money.

And people usually want too much for one they no longer want because it has problems and they spent a lot on it and want to recover "their" money, even though it still need a lot of work.

You really have to evaluate your situation/ available funds/ other things like needs versus desires. A Land Rover may not be the best fit for you at this point in time.

Or look for a private seller that has really maintained it and negotiate a deal. Cash talks really loud these days.

I hate to say it but every time I see an ad for that KIA suv that gets over 30 mpg, has a 100,000 mile warranty, and they advertise them for like 15 grand, I get mad that an American car company cannot offer the same or better. And I really would not want a Korean car, what's next Chinese or Viet Nam made I guess.