Hello,
I am currently in the market to purchase another rover, and was looking towards a Disco I. I have read most post that were previously posted, and have noticed that a disco I is the easier to work on model. I have found a few 2000 models ( I know not a disco I), with under a 100,000 miles on them for around $6,000. I figured I could probably pick one of them up for around 4500 or 5000, as I know, from experience it can be hard to move a rover. I have a 00' 4.6 HSE Range, and despite having some minor problems, i.e. having a private garage tell me my head gasket was blown when it wasn't, everything has gone pretty smooth. I did all my own maintenance on the HSE, just various "demons" that would pop up. I guess my question is, is a 2000 disco a purchase or am I in for a ride I don't want to be on.
-Just FYI, I havnt even seen this car in person, so any pointers on what to look for when I do take a look at it would be great. Thanks guys!!!

2000 4.6 HSE Range!

 

The Classic Disco I was made from 1989 to 1998 "1999 1/2" for the USA longer than any other Discovery.
Finding one with less than 100,000 miles will be hard most that are not beat up
will be owned by people keeping them.
The other Disco's out there well just look it over.
Good Luck

 

so should I be looking for a disco I or should I stick with the 2000 models, I have found four 2000 models with miles right around 100,000. I have owned a few range rovers, and am looking for a rover that will be a little less of a pain (if there is such a thing) ha. Any help would be awesome.

Zach
2000 4.6 HSE range

 

I love the series II but if you are going for simple a series I would be better. I have had so many little things go wrong that wouldn't be a big deal if there weren't so many electronics and parts that are unservicable ie. you replace the whole unit. I am just getting to know the series I so I can't really say how well I like it yet but so far it has been less intimidating and easier to understand.

 

OK so a Disco I is where I am leaning. I found one in my area, and it is 1997 and is listed for 2,950, it has 103,000 miles on it. I have yet to look at it yet, so who knows what I will find when I get close up. I was wondering if this seems like a fair price, or a little low, suspicious, or what. Thanks in advance

Zach
2000 4.6 HSE range

 

I picked up a '96 Disco I 5spd w/ 102K miles recently for $1800. It needs some TLC like cats replaced, possibly a head gasket, etc, but nothing that is too much for me to handle. Price also depends on your area as well. Check out www.kbb.com to get an accurate price point and deduct as you see fit for wear and tear. Good luck!

 

ok I have had to replace head gaskets before. Just not on a rover, when I thought my head gasket was blown on my last range rover, a 2000, I was very worried, private garage telling upwards of 4100$, and I didnt really have the time, or another vehicle, to do it my self. Thanks goodness it turned out to be something else. haha. but is it any where near as difficult and time consuming on a disco I? thanks in advance.

2000 4.6 HSE Range

 

The DI and DII and P-38 RR all have the same engine.
The only difference is the air intake and the engine management system.
So the $4100 that you were quoted for a head gasket job was a total "he's driving a RR so he's got plenty of $$$" take you for a ride deal.
$1500 is more like it at a indie shop, $3000 at the dealer.

Get a DI and use it as your work horse, to pull your utility trailer, to off road, haul lumber, etc.
Use the P-38 as your daily driver.

As for the price of that DI, depends on what shape it is in, and remember, that is the asking price.
I paid $4500 out the door for my '97 with 152,change back in April of '07 and that was a steal believe it or not.
The market varies way to much for us to really tell you if that is a good deal or not.

 

If you are going to buy a DI and patient about it you can find a great deal. I bought my 98 DI for 600 bucks and it has 110,000 miles. The body and interior is in mint condition and it was owned by an old man, he took great care of it. The reason i got it for so cheap was because the motor toast. The only thing left I have to do is the 3rd member and T-case solenoid.

If you live near upstate NY, the same guy i bought it from is selling a 96 or 97 D1 for around 500.00 dollars. You can private me and ill give you his contact info..

 

There aren't too many issues with the later D1's. Easy to work on if you have mechanical skills. Parts are readily available: consumables and general items at parts stores, more specific L/R items from roverparts.com, or Ebay. The motors generally last a long time. You'll probably have to fix the headliner at some point given the age of the vehicle. A bunch of small things may crop up, but generally easy to fix. Get the free manual Rave CD that you can download. Good luck.