I'm going to look at one today. My camaro blew a head gasket and I"m in the market for something new. I found one with 82k on it for 4700.

I'm new to rovers, bigger into jeeps, but mostly trucks/rock crawling with them. So I do know cars.

I have read that apprently they have not lots, but problems with them as far as reliablity etc. I figured maybe I can get a non-bias review of this truck here. Its going to be a DD, can you guys tell me what things to look at specifically on a landrover to check the condition etc. I know the basics of looking at cars but maybe theres something IDK about rover sepcifically.

Also I heard they get average between 14-15mpg highway/city, is that true?

Thanks,

MIke.

 

11 to 13 mpg in town, 12.5 is what I get.
14 to 17 mpg hwy with mine at 16 mpg.

All Disco's leak a little oil but make sure that the main seals looks good.
Dielectric grease is a Land Rovers best friend.

The transfer case will whine.

The head gaskets should have been replaced or will need to be.

Records to make sure that the service is up to date.

Most older Disco's are sold because the need a lot of work.

With 82K it maybe a one owner a good find.

If you can work on the Disco for most things get it,if not you will
be paying alot to have little things done.

If you want to lift it more than 2 in's buy something else,
the cost is almost what you will pay forit, more than 2" .

That said I drive along ways sometimes before going off road and
the Disco will not wear you out before you get there.

It would seem that the rubber parts will dry out at 10 years,
vacuum lines, hoses, window seals its not a big deal
but something to know.

I carry a fuel pump, water pump, relays, brake switch and other
things that would have me walk when I'm way out there, CB orSW
radio out there.

The longer you have a vehicle the more you will know it, they are
all different some are great some aren't, more so with Land Rovers.

I hope you find a good one.

 

Hi Mike,

I am also a Jeep guy ('79 CJ with 33" tires, 4.2L, T-18 trans, 100:1 CR, etc...). I have alsoa Scout, Ford Truck, and have owned various 4x4s... Now I have a '97 Disco 1. Here's my pro and con list:

Pros
- Great ride and great on road performance
- AWD
- Disc brakes front and rear
- Strong transmission and axles
- Good head room and interior space
- Comfortable (dual climate controls and heated seats which is great for the wife)
- Al body
- Dual sun roofs
- Fuel injected

Cons
- Not so great MPG (but what SUV does get good MPG?)
- Parts are expensive and hard to find
- Not overly reliable (I own a Jeep, so that's saying something)
- Poor ground clearance (easily fixed by a lift though)
- I hate the lug nuts (no standard and cheesy chrome covers)
- Lack of aftermarket accessories (especially compared to Scouts, Jeeps, and early Broncos)

I have taken offroad a few times, but nothing crazy. I would never take on the Rubicon or Moab 3+ trails like my Jeep, but the drive to Calf and Ut would be great in it... The axles seem solid (I like the solid front axle) and the center diff lock works well (when it does not bind). It leaks a littleoil and I can never seem to fix it... but that seems to be the tread for allof them.The OBD I interface will let you do basic troubleshooting, butitdoes not fully supportall the interfaces. I have had very odd problems with mine which have been difficult to troubleshoot.When it works I love it, when it is acting up I hate it.. Ithink Landzu had a lotof great points as well....My advice isbuy one and give it try.Sounds like you have a Jeep to offroad in.The LR is a great onroad compliment if you dig 4x4s.

T

 

Hey Mike,

Do not know if you purchased disc 98. I have had mine for over 8 years. Purchased out a lease from a Yuppie couple (didn't appreciate a real 4X4.) I have only had one major problem and that was this year when the bearings went out on alternator. (Expensive to fix and replace).

I have put over 110,000 miles on the truck with several trips off-road. Great for going camping in the hard to get to places. Never got stuck, came close a couple of times, but the low gear ratio in 4low really works.

The disc does have little issues, like cruise failing, lights on dash burning out. Normal problems and also fixable if you are handy.

Good luck if you buy one. They are fun to drive.