just recently i have had major engine damage to my current car, a '96 dodge ram. I have the options of repairs the truck(<$5000) and keeping it until 2007, or buying a new car. I love the new discoverys and was going to get one when i graduated in 2003. Now i have the possiblity of getting one now. Unfortunatly i have to talk my dad into it first. I have already found one in the DFW area for $17,500. Including tax i will be paying <20,000. I also have to fix my truck before i can sell it. I can fix it and then sell it and should gain around $1,000 if i sell now compared in to two years. What are some things i should know and tell my father to convience him that this is the best option?

 

First the price you maybe paying is okay. look around some more. There may be a better deal close by. check ebay, and edmunds.com. If you get the disco, i recommend that you get the best vehicle warrenty you can. how much it will cost depends on year, miles, and the area you live. Cost of repair and maintanence of a disco is not cheap. Maintenance is the key. Everything rover has high costs. Resale value is good only if you keep good records. Make sure you get the previous records and check for receipts of maintenance and repairs. A poorly maintained disco can be a nightmare.
That said, I have a 96 disco, got it in 96. 130k on it. I have maintained it. I do most of it myself. I have had a few minor problems with the disco. After 10 years I still have no regrets over buying it. It is the best stock 4x4 on the market in it's price range. Out of it's price range maybe a humvee might give it a run.
If the ram has been a good vehicle then doing the repair might be the best option. You may also want to look at the cost of a salvage motor. The 318, and 360's are both good motors. 5k seems alittle pricey.
The last thing i would consider is the advice of the best minds in the world of finance. If it runs, or it can be fixed to a point of being reliable it is always better to keep what you are drivingm, and stay away from car payments unless it is necessary. DUBOFF

 

Thanks for your info! What are some of the main maintence problems? And the ram has been a reliable car up until about a year or two ago it had a major leak on a road trip and it was literally in the middle of no where. This caused a lot of engine damage. But that was some time ago. Half the engine was rebuilt. This time its the other half. And there is no garentee to how long it will last.

I will check out Ebay and Edmunds for more deals. I have just recently found an '03 "disco" for $10,000. It seems alittle to good to be true. Should I be concerned of such a low price?

 

Duboff is right, look around take your time. Never go with the first one you see.

I bought a 2000 Discovery this year for $11,500 low mileage under warranty. I still have two years under warranty. The reason I got it for this price was because I bought from an individual seller who was desparate to get some money.

No difference from a dealer or individual seller, as long as it is in a good condition, runs well, and has warranty(very important).

Good Luck

 

Too low, for a 03. Go to the DMV website to find out what you need to know about buying a car.

Check history, if it's been in a accident, or if it's a salvage title. there are many things to look at when buying a car. I would double check when buying a LR Discovery.

Again take your time.

 

The biggest issue with maintainence is doing it. at the dealer it is pricey. DIY it is not bad. I keep mine well. 130k on it and have put about 5,000 into it over ten years. that includes tires and brakes. 500.00 a year ain't bad. hope it helps. gotta love a rover. duboff