I just bought a 99 DiscoII for my daughter but now I'm looking for one for myself. I know the differences in tail lights, door handles, diff lock, less electronics on the series I's, and such but do the Disco I's have the same mechanical issues as the DiscoII's??
Mainly head gasket issues?

I found and am going to look at a 97 later today, just got off the phone with the lady and there are no service records (it has 151k). She said she had it for 3 weeks, said she is selling already because she got her income tax return and has 4 kids so she wants a van. This makes me a little suspicious but she did say that I can drive it though...... so any info or advice would be appreciated.
Oh yeah she has it listed for $2200 but said something on the phone about $1400.

 

The D1 seem to have less catastrophic engine issues.

D2 is a slightly more luxurious drive/experience.

Both are simple to add minor modifications to. D1 is slightly more desirable if you are gonna go a little crazy with mods.

 

Probably $1400 to fix what is wrong

D1s are great, but they are very hard to find in great shape.

They all get head gasket issues.

 

Oh, and check the frame and underbody for rust.

Check it all, but focus on the body for D1, frame for the D2.

 

Agree with the above. I have a Disco II that I bought new in 2000 and I could have had a new Disco I for much less from the dealership. I've never driven a Disco I but the Disco II has some disadvantages in its design and components (such as the electronic nannies) and advantages in looks and comfort.

If I knew then what I know now I would have gotten a Disco I. I would trade my Disco II for a comparable Disco I today. Nonetheless I am keeping my Disco II running, seemingly forever.

A head gasket kit is only about 200 dollars. Add planing the heads on the engine and you are at 360 dollars. It is a PITA do replace head gaskets but I am not a mechanic and have normal tools, and I did it; a normal person can do it by following the instructions in the free RAVE manual in a weekend. I wouldn't let that dissuade you from either. Both the Disco I and early Disco IIs are underpowered, in my opinion, but they do the job as a driver and certainly are capable off road. More so that a 4wd pickup for sure, and I have one of those too.

My kids describe the Disco II as a fancy jeep. My oldest son who had a Disco I contrasted it by just calling it a jeep. I think that was a harsh comparison.

 

Thanks for the info.

Not $1400 to fix, on the phone I asked her what she is asking for it. She said "$1400....$1900...I'm not sure what is on the ad, someone else posted it for me." The ad says $2195 but I'm assuming she would go down to at least $1400. She also said she found a van that she really wants to buy. Sounds really motivated to sell to me.

I will crawl underneath for sure, owning lots of Toyotas I always check for frame rot out of habit.

Are the first series any better on gas?

Here is a screenshot of the ad.

 

No...later engines got more efficient while increasing displacement so the mpgs are about the same. Just only drive it downhill

 

I looked at the white 97 last night. I'll be passing on it. It looked to be pretty neglected.

 

Honestly, if you're willing to consider either one, the real finds are the one's that have been well kept/maintained. I'd be happy to buy any DI or DII that was in great shape, with good maintenance records and clean Carfax. Of course I'd expect to pay less for a 97 than an 04, but the Discos driven by Grandma only when there's snow and got regular service are out there...just gotta be patient.

 

Yeah I just bought my daughter a 99 with 106k from the 2nd owner, came with all the original books, keys, videos, window sticker maintenance records and a folder full of dealer work orders.

I'm in no hurry and willing to wait for the right one.

I found this one. They said its a 1999 but it has D1 door handles.?.?.?
130k, say head gaskets were replaced at 120k but nothing in writing to back it up. Hmmm.....