Hello, I am new to the forum AND I am looking to purchase a Rover. Right now I am looking at a 98 D1 with 185,000 mi and it seems to be in relatively good shape. My question is what should I be looking closely at and what is not a big deal. For me the drive train should be the focus... of course I will be taking it to the local land rover garage (not the dealer). I have called them too, but they didn't offer any useful information.
I love the classic look of the discovery, we started looking at the LR3 but for what I want to do (trail driving / travel up the mountain) it was too much $$$. The price range I want to spend on the vehicle would be 3000 - 4000 and I will be expecting to spend some more on repair / immediate maint.
I know there is a lot of experience here, so perhaps all of you can help me from making some mistakes. Thank you for your advice and time.
Cheers!!

 

At a 185k I would be looking for either a professionally rebuilt or recently replaced engine. Ive only seen 2-3 DI's that with over 200k on the original engine. Other than that check to make sure all electronics work and that it drives and shifts well.

Where are you located?

 

Thank you, I will ensure that I have a close look at the engine (as well as a mechanic). I am not certain I know what you mean for the electronics, is it the engine or interior stuff?? I have looked a several, and they had issues with seat motors, dash or switches... didn't get as far as lights walked away from those ones....
I am in Colorado Springs...
Maybe you could look at this one for me:
SUV 4 sale

Thanks again.

 

By electronics I mean anything that has a button or switch. These trucks are notoriously fickle when it come to electronics so you might as well start with as little issues as possible. Unless you want to spend your time cleaning and replacing lots of stuff.

 

I understand and TOTALLY agree.... I know with a 15 yr old vehicle there will be issues, but I don't want a bunch of ****ly little problems to start with . What do you think of the two rovers I am looking at?

 

I don't know which tRucks you're looking at so I have no idea. Do you have links?

 

Sorry... there is a link on my reply, here is the other one:
1996 Land Rover Discovery SE7

 

1998 land rover 58,000 miles

This is worth a look.

 

Ya... I thought it would be nice too. I took it for a test drive and went over it myself, lots of little electrical issues and the engine looks like it leaks. On the other side of the truck, it must have hit a tree and they knocked the dent out with a hammer The price is high (I think) compared to the other two... what would be fair for an older Disco?

 

they look pretty clean, but I'm not a big fan of the high mileage. I've seen enough low mileage trucks in that price range. Unless they have had the engines refreshed/replaced.