I have an opportunity to get a 2001 Disco for $500. Won't turn over, but fully charged battery. Electrical all work (sunroofs, windows, etc.), but engine, transmission, etc.. is a shot in the dark.

Any advice?

I have 4-5k to put into it immediately if I have to, but would rather not completely exhaust that.

 

All depends on your mechanical abilities, rust on frame? Do all the windows, door locks work? 2 keys with working fobs? Tires? Do you need a to rent a flat bed or have your own trailer? Any aftermarket goodies on it?

 

Could be a bad starter, blown fuse, broken ignition, or bad starter wiring.

 

Can you afford to lose 500? Can u check it for codes, pressure test cooling system?

Pick it up, it’s a bust, 1-877-Carsforkids.

 

Why not pay $300? Offer 300 and a six pack. Call it a day.

 

I'm a noob, IT geek and not mechanically inclined and am going through my first engine rebuild. If there is little runs and the frame looks good and you have 4-5 available, I would buy it. $500 is a small loss!

 

500 is good for a parts truck too. Doesn’t work? Find another and you got parts all day.

 

Paid 500 for mine, but I knew mostly what I was getting into. Grew up working on cars, British is no different. Offer 3 like said above and worst case part it out.

 

Winner winner chicken dinner. If it’s a bust, take your remaining $4k and buy a runner. Then you have a lot of free parts in addition to a running machine. This is assuming the $500 has a great interior, frame, electricals and such.

 

I actually just did the same thing. I found a 2003 D2 on Craigslist for $1000. Ad said it ran but not very well and misfired from #6 cylinder. I offered $500 and the took it. This was all site unseen crazy enough. I was about 2 hours away but my father went and looked at it and picked it up for me with his truck and trailer. I finally got it to me and its in pretty good condition but I am going to ditch the 4.6.

If you aren't wanting to mess with the stock 4.0/4.6 motor, I would recommend waiting for Alternative Conversions (ACEngineer on this forum)to come out with their LS motor conversion kit. This is not going to be my daily so I am not worried about waiting and I can slowly acquire everything that is needed to complete the swap as I go. Disco LS Conversion

As everybody stated previously, if you don't want to put a whole lot of work into it you'll definitely get your money back by parting it out. Good luck.