Newbie here....I need to purchase a new (USED) SUV. I plan to pay cash for it, so I am keeping the price below 10K US. I have always LOVED the Disco and have always wanted one. I can find a ton of 1996 to 2001 Discos for underf 10K where I live. I need the truck for everyday use and I have 3 kids. I also drive alot (18K per year) for work. I want the 4x4 for the snow we have in Cleveland, but I also want to take it off road too. I have never gone off road with my previous SUVs (who really has). I am looking at Isuzu Trooper or a Ford Expedition. I am leaning towradst eh Ford, cuz its the biggest and with 3 kids it makes the most sense. However, I can easily talk myself into the Disco. That is, if it is not going to kill me to keep it running. I have basic car skills, I built hot rods years ago with my Dad. However, I know the British cars are alot more compicated ( had an MG) and I need to know what repairs to and how muchthe Disco cost to keep running 200K+ miles....Any help would be great

 

I think you've come to the right place. Take a cruise through this forum's topics and you'll see ample examples of failures and expensive repairs. I think it's just the nature of the beast. These vehicles love to be tended to with frequent trips to the shop. Neglect them, and you'll pay dearly. So, keep that in mind when shopping. Did the previous owner fall into the pamper category, or the neglectful group?

I have a '2004 Jeep that hasn't developed so much as a squeek while my 2002 Disco has already racked up $4000 in repairs.

I do LOVE the disco, al the same.

 

Just took the dive myself a few months ago( 2000 SE7). All I can say is that I bought it from a guy that is a Rover fanatic and had the service done exactly as the owners manual prescribe, and we all know that it's very picky and severe maintnance.

One would think I'd be trouble free as long as I keep maintaining it. Right???

Well, not 2 monthys into ownership, and I spent $2000.00 already, and yesterday the SLS system quit on me and as I'm writting these lines, I just got back from dropping the Disco at the dealer. God knows how much it'll cost me this time[:@]

I myself am pretty handy in repairing vehicles, but as you said, the Rovers have systems of their own that renders the necessity of knowing a Rover mech.

Sooooooo be afraid......be very afraid....... buy a ford.


The only positive thing I can think of , is the fact that you'll be debt free. This way you can use all your money to fix it instead of using it to pay a loan on it.

You can also look at it this way. 2 months of ownership, and I've been to the dealer more often than I did with my Jeep that I've owned for 7 years. I think this says a lot.

 

Buying a ford is hardly any insurance against problems, and a properly maintained LR can be reliable. Sure my 2002 Disco II has gremlins, but it has not let me down in the 25k miles that I have owned it (now has 95k). Have the prospective, low mileage purchase checked out by a LR specialist, and your chances of trouble free ownership increase greatly. Luck also helps...

BTW: I heard a rummor that Ford might be wanting to get rid of Land Rover.... Maybe Honda will buy it and they will somehow, magically become reliable.

 

"I did buy a Ford" Thats funny, but true....

Thanks for all the comments. I think my biggest concerns were answered. It seems that if I am not a LR mechanic, I should stay away. Simply do the fact that I dont want $2000 repair bills every other month. I had that with my Audi 100( it would have been cheaper to lease a A8 for 3 yrs VS the repairs on the 100). I dont want a repeat of that....This stinks, cuz I love the truck and I found a few for $6000.00 locally. My guess is theirs a reason they are $6000.00

Thanks Again

Dave