Looking at buying a Disco.
The question is:
Which one is more reliable
-1996 Discovery I
or
-1998 Discovery II

The Disco II has the bush guards and fogs on it as well as the step ladder in the back.
Have not seen it in person as yet.

I'm just worried about electrical issues or anything else that you experts could advise me on.
I am fairly mechanically inclined and tend to do most of the repairs on the vehicles at home myself (with some help and a case of beer that is).

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

D

 

Well first off the DII didnt come to the US until 1999.5, until then it was the DI, and a DI is a DI, so a 1996 would be just as reliable as a 1998.
I would buy the '98.
And just in case you didnt know, all Land Rovers REQUIRE premium gas.

 

What do you plan on doing with it, have you owned a 4wheeler before?

 

My bad. I thought 1997 was the last year for the DI.
In that case...

Now, what about a LPG conversion to run both gasoline and propane (not at the same time obviously).
In Toronto I can purchase LPG at a reduced price versus gasoline. Is the engine a higher compression engine?
If so, then the LPG would be more readily used (more efficiently combusted) as it has a higher octane level.
Correct me if I am wrong.

I'm looking at getting rid of my father's car and replacing it with the Disco. His driving frequency and distance is reduced now that he is retired. Also, the Disco would see trips up north and use during the winter for me going to work.

I've attached 2 pictures of the 1998 DII.

Thanks for your input.

d

 

It would be an occasional driver, mostly weekends and short trips in and around the area during the week for my parents. I would most likely use it more on the weekends to go up north or to work during the blizzard season that seems to be the norm in Toronto now.

 

Yes you can add a CNG conversion kit, it is expensive and it would take you no less than 3 years to recover your investment. CNG although cheaper at the pump, just like E-85, it has less power per gallon thus reduced MPG compared to gasoline. 10-15% less MPG.
DI's were introduced in 1989 as a 3 door, then they came to North America as a 5 door in 1994, in 1999.5 the DII came out and ran until 2004. Then the LR3 (Discovery 3) was introduced.
So the 1998 that you keep refering to is a DI.

 

I finally got to go take a look at the 98' Disco.
It's the 50th anniversary edition with the bush guards and the big fog lights, etc...

HOWEVER;
-the ignition is screwed up
-it smells like a wet dog inside
-someone stole the rear brake light bush covers
-the hood release is broken
-the radio is disabled
-the cup holders are messed
-there is an exhaust leak
-the front passenger seat adjustment buttons are broken and missing
-there was mold on one of the jump seats
-not sure if there is a leak that caused the mold?

It could be fixed up with about 1 weekends worth or work, but the place is selling it as is...
No warranty, no e-test, no certification.
They are still asking $4500. I think $1000 is more appropriate.

Should walk away or should I make an offer.
Mind you I have not driven it yet. I plan on doing so this weekend.

 

Flood car RUN

 

As already said, RUN !!!! that thing is most likely a nightmare and a money pit. Like I found when looking for a Disco, up here in Canada, D1s are in a pretty bad shape due to road salt and D1s have much more rusting issues than D2s. So if you must have a Discovery, spend the 9 to 10 grands that 1999 and 2000 D2s sell for up here and you'll be much better off.

 

Walk away from that one. Not only is it WAY overpriced it is in to bad of shape to even consider.