Hi Guys,

I have a budget of around $5K to $8K and want to buy a Discovery. It will be a third car I will use for MA for the worst winter days, cross country ski'ing, mountain biking with the dogs etc. I have a smaller sedan for daily commuting.

At my price point I know anything I want will be up there in miles. My question for the group is: What are traditionally the most reliable years? Am I better off buying something for $5K and putting $3K into it to fix all the particular known issues or should I just shop at $8K and aim for the most reliable truck I can find? Or any other comments you guys have would be most appreciated.

Thanks for any and all comments,

Regards,

Justin

 

How are you mechanically? Can you do any maintenance or repairs yourself?

Basically here's the scoop. Discovery I's (94 to mid 99) are simpler. DIs have less electronic crap to go wrong. Repairs are (for the most part) a little cheaper. They will have more miles but don't let that turn you away. Most people are impressed when a car reaches 150,000. A well cared for Discovery will last to 300,000 or more so don't really worry about mileage too much (keep it in mind though).

Discovery IIs (mid 99 to 2004) have more neat stuff in them like electronic traction control and such. Keep in mind though that while these are nice to have, if they fail it's another thing that needs to be repaired or replaced.

Overall they're almost the same truck to be honest. Just go and test drive a bunch of different years and see what you like. With a DII watch out for the "3 amigos" (do a search for them on the forum), and avoid 2003's for the most part. They have an oil pump failure that will take out your engine. Here's the VIN range for that failure, anything outside is fine: 3A771801 – 3A808362.

Whatever truck you test, make sure you drive it for at least a half hour to an hour. Watch out for any lights on the dash, any weird noises or bumps or anything. Don't be afraid of these things, they may be nothing, just let us know what you find.

 

with a 5 to 8 budget you will get a good D1. When you will buy you will definitely have to put approximately 1k or less to get your truck in perfect running order. Search the forum for the 60k maintenance. The cost of the maintenance depends of how good you are mechanically. If you can tackle most of the work yourself Rovers will be good trucks for you.

As for the year, I suggest 1996 to 1999 for D1. Search the forum for any questions. Remember that you must use PREMIUM gas and you should follow maintenance schedule carefully. That being said, good luck with your search.

 

Thanks to both of you that's a very helpful start.

I am ok mechanically (not great). Given family, work, travel etc I think for me finding a reliable trust worthy mechanic will be just as key as the final truck I end up with. However, the good news is financially I'm at a point where I don't have to scrimp and so regular maintenance etc is fine. I just want to avoid the 2003 type problems where you're suddenly in the hole for close to what you paid for the truck.

I was particularly surprised with the comment that a well cared for D1 (and others) could run through 300,000 miles. That's great news.

Justin

 

FWIW

I bought my first 95 Discovery (120k miles) about 18 months ago for $4000 (which was probably a little high) and I have put at least $3000 into it thus far (lift, tires, maintenence). I just bought another 95 with 108K on it for $2100. And plan to put about the same into it in the next year.

My first 95 isn't finished though.. I figure I have about $4k to go (front and rear bumpers, rack, and repainting (see other thread))

I think if you spent about $4k and planned on another $4k to get it how you want it (and get it up to par maintence wise) you will be better off than dropping $8k fully on one.

As far as years go.. I would get a D1... doesn't matter what years.. (94-95 is OBDI and 96 on is OBDII which might make a difference).

 

I agree with Matt. A D1 is the way to go and you'll still have money for any repairs, upgrades, gas, etc. Before you buy take the time to drive both the D1 and D2 and find what fits you and your needs. I bought my D1 as a second vehicle and off-road toy so simplicity is a good thing. I see that you are in Colorado so if you check craigslist for Denver there are tons of Discos listed of all years and conditions.

 

I'm actually in MA not Colorado but I took a look and a lot in Craiglist for sure with competitive prices. Thanks.