I know that is a stupid question and you need more information. Think of this as more of a "philosophical" question.


I've been shopping for a few weeks now, and almost bought a car 2000 miles away in GA. Just as I'm giving up hope, a GOREGOUS 2003 popped up 28 miles from home.


The truck is low miles (60k), grey over black, and looks borderline flawless. I obviously will have a PPI done and everything, but assuming everything is in fact as perfect as it seems:


Is it dumb to spend 15k on a Disco II? I see pricing as low as 1500 for broken ones, and prices approaching 15k for ones with rebuilt engines and significant work done. I'm genuinely not worried about pure $$$ (I am selling my 2007 911 Carrera S, maintain my wifes new beemer, etc) or maintenance going forward. 15k just seems like A LOT for the car.


This has had almost nothing done. It is tempting as it is so freaking perfect, but I can't help but wonder if I'm better off buying one that's already broken and been fixed.


What do you think?

 

Ohhhhhh yeah. 15k is insanity. You should be able to buy three really nice discos for that money.

60k isn't enough miles, honestly. I'd much prefer one well over 100k in really nice condition. At 60k the driveshaft has never failed, head gaskets have never been replaced, oil pump is probably factory original. When buying one I'd look for one that is around 100-130k miles, cosmetically great condition inside, outside, and under, already replaced head gaskets, rebuilt driveshaft with grease fittings, and I would immediately replace the oil pump and timing chain.

Oil pumps are a wear and tear item on these trucks. I completely plan to replace mine every 80k at a minimum or every time the front cover comes off. Front driveshaft has to have grease fittings on every u-joint and they must be greased at every oil change.

Buy one in nice shape for 5k. Hell, 6k if you find one you really like. Just buy one that has already had failures and had them repaired. Specifically one that appears to have been maintained very well by the previous owner.

 

I should note I'm in Southern California.


Screw it...If one of you steals it from out from under me I will forgive you:


https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/...226504776.html


Haven't price negotiated yet, and it's not outlandish based on what I've seen elsewhere.

 

I wouldn't pay a dime over 6K for a disco that isn't fully loaded with lockers and all. The thought is honestly asinine m8

 

I wouldn't be worried about anyone stealing it from you... $16k for a stock D2 is indeed insanity, low miles or not. And it's not even a 2004 MY. That low of miles for a 17 year old car can even be a red flag...
I would at least expect to see them advertise thorough and complete maintenance records from the dealership to have the gonads to ask for 16k

Get a D2 in very good condition for 3-5k, and build it up.

 

I wouldnt consider 15k a good deal until the vehicle was that clean AND was full trail ready.

 

If you're in Cali, don't buy one from the east coast. The east coast eats vehicles. A vehicle from the east coast maintained to a tee will have more rust than a relatively poorly maintained vehicle from the west.

 

Why do I see so many advertised between 10 and 15k, then?


I'm not trying to be difficult, I'm just being as curious as possible.

 

If you want a D2 with fantastic reliability, the only route in my opinion is to pick up a A+ disco with a blown head gasket or otherwise not running for under $1k, and put in a new Turner engine for $7k. But then don't forget about the ancillaries either.

for $17k you could have a brand new engine, new cooling system, new ancilliaries like steering box, hoses, pump, alternator, and a whole lot more plus 4x4 upgrades like tires, lift, etc

 

Perhaps I'm just being impatient, then.


There is a great one out in Virginia, rust free, that has a new motor from British Atlantic, new ancilliaries, etc, green over tan, I really like it. he's asking 14.5 and seems like he'll come down. Cosmetically, the pain on the hood/roof looks like crap and that's what's bothering me.


I am going to off-road pretty rarely, in all honesty. I know that's what these are for, don't judge me for being odd.