Hey i am looking at purchasing a 1995 disco with 160,000 on it and blown head gaskets, confirmed by the dealer. I have no problem with the headgaskets blown, I can fix that saving coin! I plan on using this vehicle for offroad use, camping, hunting ect.
[ul][*]how dependable are they (head gaskets common like my saab?)[*]what are the expected life of the motors?[*]how dependable are the transfer cases/drivetrain?[*]Any suggestions about this purchase!! [/ul]
Thanks great site!

 

Tread lightly, you may have more then headgaskets. If the engine was allowed to get too hot you may have dropped a cylinder sleeve and there goes the ball game.
What are they asking for the truck?
Mike

 

They are asking 1,500 obo. I was going to offer $400.00 for it. I was also pondering the same point as you the temperature. If they did drive it for a while and allowed it overheat, could be much more than just a $100.00 head gasket!

 

Read this info on my site --- http://www.eurotekapg.com/ptrain.htmlthat addresses the overheating problem. There is additional information pertaining to the other areas. I've seen motors last more than200K with one head gasket changeout, and others that "buy the farm" at 100K-- or less. It depends on how they were cared for (coolant and oil changes, water pumps, viscous fan clutches, etc.) and attention paid to other components that have a service life of 40-60K.

regards,
Geoman

 

If whoever owned it beforehand drove it around with blown heads (internally) then you could be also looking at a melted cat. Which is a pretty penny. Just be careful.