Question-- Hello: I just purchased a 1996 Disco with all service records
in immaculate shape just 65kmiles. I notice comments for Disco
1 are all over the map, some hate them and others love them. A
number of comments on how they break down frequently. Have
you found this to be true or do you have any feedback on
reliability.
Thank you,
Steve Schroeder
562-201-2580
AnswerHi Steve,
welcome to the wide world or Landrover ownership. Have you given your Disco a name yet. This is a long standing tradition.
I have often wondered if what I would say if someone asked me the question that you just posed. I have a love - hate relationship with my Disco (Simba). Sometimes I am just amazed at what the simplicity of its design, other times I curse the engineer to thought up the gadget that keeps breaking apart.
For example, you'll find that if you drive through a water puddle, the spray often cleans the mud off the windshield. For off-roading and country roads, this is a great feature (design or not). HOWEVER, most Disco Series I have water leaks from the windshield and alpine windows. I guess there has to be a Ying and Yang to this vehicle. So much for my moment of Zen.
My Disco is 10 years old. It has almost 300,000 kms, 4 alternator replacements (includes recent rebuild), a new clutch, a new master cylinder, new slave clutch, new CV joint, track rods, ball joints, steering dampers (2), power steering pump, various sensors. I've paid out close to $15,000 keeping Simba on the road.
Its limping along well, at the moment, but I know I have work to do. Almost all Disco's leak something or other: Oil, steering fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid. One owner stated "my Disco does not leak, it's simply marking its territory".
Given its a 10 year old 4x4, I can still turn heads from those who know quality. Sure, its a pain to maintain, but it rides well, maintains its look (ages gracefully), and has saved my life a couple of times (long stories). If I had loads of money, I'd probably buy another. Probably a newer model (2002+).
Series II models have their own problems and can even be more costly. For example, Series II engines 4.0+ have exhaust valve problems that require valve jobs starting at 50,000 miles. Our Series I engines (3.9) don't have this problem.
I'm glad you have low mileage Disco but be prepared for the maintenace bills. To avoid alternator failure (a common problem with series I), make sure your battery is always fully charged. THE MOMENT you suspect your battery is failing, change it. A $100 battery is nothing against a $700 alternator.
Preventative maintenance is crucial. All fluids every 3 years. Oil every season or at least twice a year. Brake pads every 2 years, transmission fluid every year. Flush coolant every year (in spring) and change differential fluids each spring.
Watch for corrosion and rusting around your doors and roof. Only the roof is steel...the rest is aluminum. Amazingly, the electronics on our series I are its weakest link. Check all the turn signal bulb holders to make sure rust has not damaged them. Same with bumper brake lights. One bad connection can cause your dashboard lights to fail, or turn signals to not function, or ... who knows! The mystery of LUCAS electronics!
One last suggestion, buy the Haynes repair manual. It will help you save a bundle in future repairs. Haynes #3016. You can get it from Amazon or most Auto part shops. Have them special order this for you. No additional cost or go elsewhere.
Once you have a repair manual (LandRover has them but they are more expensive), you'll be able to do simple repairs and maintenance work. You'll also be able to troubleshoot and make confident decisions when it comes to LR service.
Best of luck and you can email me anytime:
jmcinnis64@hotmail.com
Regards,
JohnMc
Long Beach? I use to live around Glendale.
