Question I am about to buy a 1996 Disco 5 speed with 228,000 miles. Ya think I'm nuts already don't ya?
Anyway....as would be expected, there appears to be a good number of things that have been done/replaced on this truck and feels fine on the road. I am a better than average do it your selfer/back yard mechanic and feel that I am up to the task. The vehicle I am replacing is a 1993 Ford explorer sport 5 speed with 267,000 miles and has never had the motor apart for anything. And it does not get babied at all. I get the impression from doing all my pre-purchase research, that as long as you have parts resources and the necessary skills to service most of the issues that arise, that these vehicles can be rewarding to own. I guess that I am looking for a bit of confidence before the paperwork is done. Your thoughts?
AnswerHi John,
well you'll be the best judge by comparing your 12 year old Ford to the condition of this 9 year old Disco. They are marvelous 4x4's and the ride and power will impress anyone.
If you are like me, you'll save a bundle by doing most of the work yourself. Start collecting resources and webpages for your Disco. I hope you are getting this Disco at a great price. Recently, a person asked if a 96 Disco for $3900 was worth it. It needed a valve job. A complete valve job should be about $2000US or so. Still work the price.
Its a challenge for any 4x4 with age and high mileage. If you like to tinker and you have a 2nd vehicle to get you to the auto parts shop, this Disco should be lots of fun and still a real eye-catcher!
There is a website coming available just for our Series I Disco's. As soon as I have it, I'll start posting it to some of my responses. Check back with some of the responses and copy the address as soon as its available. Should be a great source for Disco problems. Its in the UK but we can still learn from it. The guys involved know what they are doing and have excellent resources over there.
As far as the purchase, you are the best judge. If you need a new engine ($8000+), transmission ($7000+), I'd save some bucks and buy a better conditioned, low mileage Disco. You can find parts at salvage yards and save at least 70% but you've got to do all the 'footwork'.
I like my '95 Disco and will keep it as long as I can. I've got a good relationship with the LR dealer and the parts counter. They are good people at dealerships and not all are vampires! Find a good LR mechanic and start asking questions and getting advice on parts and maintenance.
Best of luck,
JohnMc
NB: There are not very many 5 speed Disco's in N.America. Maybe a few 100 and that's about it. My dealership was converting most of them to automatics when they first came over. I refused to have mine changed and enjoy the 5 speed high on paved roads and 5 speed low for off-roads.
