Ok,my wife has always wanted a Land Rover and she found this one for about 4k. It's really a beautiful vehicle and has just over 100k miles and appears to be immaculate. After reading some stickys about it here,I'm a little wary now with all the possible issues.
I'm going to test drive it tomorrow and would like some advice from some of you veterans on what to look for specifically before I buy a money pit. Thanks!

 

If you love it, buy it. If you think you'd be just as happy w/ a Nissan Xterra or a Toyota 4Runner, then buy that.

Don't buy a Rover because its cheap, buy it because you love it.

 

Look for the abs light, Tc, and hdc, lights to be on if they are there is a problem with the abs system and it is not working properly. Also if the truck has a little over 100k on it ask them if the head gaskets have been replaced and don't just take their word for it I would get service records. Those I think are about the 2 biggest issues with these trucks I'm sure someone can chime in and add a little more to my list. But, none the less I've had some major issues with mine even to this date and I still love it. Oh and unlike a 4runner this disco your looking at unless it has been modified with the proper shifter and assuming the t case is equipped will not have a diff lock. That's a cool feature that Toyota has...the old diff lock. Not to worry though for around $500 and around seven hours...unless less your truck is rusted out more than mine lol then you can have a diff lock. All in all if you love it go for it

 

When you turn the key to acc. before starting make sure the service engine soon, TC, Abs, and Hill descent (land rover pointed downhill) lights come on. Those 4 orange lights are the biggest thing in my book on an older discovery. If those don't come on then they may have pulled them to hide problems. Also get it up to 70-75 and check for vibration. You'll need to replace front drive shaft down the road, but if everything is smooth it should buy you a little time to save up for a greasable one.

 

Run it by an auto parts house that will do the code reader thing. See if any stored codes on the computer. THis in addition to making sure all the dash lights work before starting.

 

If you are going to take it to a mechanics shop for every minor thing,don't buy.If you have average know how or have family or friends that aren't afraid to get dirty do buy!

 

+1 or +10!!!

Also, check for fluid exchanges (Oil in Water or Vice Versa), fluid levels, colors, smells, etc... Tires wearing smooth, even? Engine Idles VERY smooth? Shifts Smoothly? Clear Title? No, or minimal, Body work?