Hello. New to this forum. Recently scammed by RoverClassics.com. Bought a 1999 Land Rover Discovery 1 for 11K from them. Advertised as "absolutely no rust". On first drive the steering wheel started to rattle, car wouldn't accelerate, transmission shot. When I finally got it to a mechanic he said the frame (back half) was rotted through at the suspension joint. He could stick his finger through it. They'd rigged it with foam spray and heat tape and spray painted it to disguise this.

So, now I am wondering whether it makes sense to scrap this car for parts or repair the frame. If the latter, any suggestions?

Here's the car: as advertised: Rover Classic : Welcome to ROVERCLASSIC.COM :: LAND ROVER DISCOVERY I SD

Here's the initial diagnosis from the mechanic: 1. Transmission shot. Needs to be replaced or rebuilt.

2. Frame - Back half through rotted at suspension joint

3. Engine runs strong but high miles (170k)

4. Body is very good (except floor panels - can’t remember the word for them - both rotted out and need to be replaced)

5. Exhaust needs work. Muffler and connections rotted through.
Thanks for any suggestions.

 

That is an awful situation. Mine has rust , but the frame is sound. What does the seller have to say about the situation.?

 

The seller is a scammer and a fraud. Apparently they've been at this for a while.

 

Can you post some pictures of the frame rust? There are many on this forum with a lot of experience with these vehicles and repairs. I have four disco 1 frames, none have bad rust at the back, but one does have a rotten frame at the front. Odd place as these things seem to rust coat themselves at the front.

I can't imagine the frustration. Seems like they take hundreds of pictures of the good bits. For that price you should have received a great rover.


Best of luck.

 

Sure thing. Her's my brother recording what he found. He's a mechanic. I had it towed to him. He was blown away. Heating duct tape, foil, foam.. Attached movie and some photos.

 

One more photo here. I could understand a little bit of rust, but this was clearly rotted through and attempts were made to conceal it using tapes and foams. That's what is concerning.

 

I would be quite upset with those cover ups even if I paid a grand.

 

maybe this can help..

https://www.roversnorth.com/parts/pl...y_ii_1999_2004

There is a place in U.K. that makes up replacement sections, just can't remember where..

 

Why not file a fraud dispute/return it?

Also I find it interring that their Yelp reviews are so poor yet Google so good. Even more interesting its listed as closed in Yelp. I bet they closed it to stop the bad reviews and I bet most Google reviews are fake/paid. Besides what I think might be your review, other have the SAME issue with them. "hey intentionally spray undercoating protectant on the frames of the cars they sell to intentionally hide rust on unsafe cars to make money". And another review "Bought a truck from them on eBay, was assured there was zero rust. They bondo'd the rust holes and sprayed undercoating to make it look solid. Do not trust anything they say."

Also if I pull up the people that left review, many have left reviews all over the county or world. Another sign they are likely fake/paid.

I smell a potential class action... You need to get on this and call the state attorney.

 

Thanks. Hoping to find a way to connect with the other reviewers so we can file together. They must have raked in a lot of money from all of us.