Question-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
John,
I have had many jeeps and am now interested in purchasing a Discovery. My budget seems to be in the 95 to maybe 99 range. Is there many expensive problems with those years and also would you recommend a certain year over another?
Ryan
Answer -
Hi Ryan,
yes, I would suggest you look '98 or '99 Disco's. The first models, classed as Series I, have problems that were corrected only in Series II. Some owners prefer the earlier models as they don't have the troublesome air suspension. Keep this in mind when you are inspecting any '98 or '99 models. Series II has the improved engine and electronics as well.
LandRover repairs are very expensive. I just had the CV joint replaced on my Disco and it cost me over $2000. If you can repair them yourself, you'll save 50% of the repair bill. Since these are fulltime 4x4's, take extra care inspecting the drivetrain and suspension. Series II engine is quite good and all the bugs were ironed out by then. These are heavy (5000lbs) 4x4's, so suspension and brakes are the first areas to inspect. Have it inspected by a LandRover Service department. Best $100 you ever spend - if you buy a LandRover. Ask the dealer about the repair history...most will give it to you.
Best of luck,
JohnMc
John,
Thankyou for your prompt reply and much appreciated advice. Would you not pruchase 96-97 range as you did state there were problems, are they still good trucks?
Also what year do have and how many miles were on the truck when the CV joint was replaced?
Ryan
AnswerHello Ryan,
I own a '95 Disco 5 speed manual. After many, many component failures, I would strongly suggest you look to Series II Disco's. True, I do have over 160,000 miles when the CV joint failed...these things happen. Had it been in the summer, I think I would have tackled the problem myself. However, in the middle of winter, I did not have the time to break down the front axle and repair the CV.
I will say this for both Series I and II models, everything is modular in design and can be replaced in the field. I have only good words for their performance off-road, in mud, deep snow and ice conditions. The weight and ground clearance give them superior abilities in blinding snowstorms and high winds. These vehicles can really grab the highway when you really need it. They use high octane fuel (91 or better) and can manage about 600 to 650 kms per 90 litre tank.
I own a Series I Disco. Still looks great, rides smoothly and handles well. Much stiffer than your Jeep's I must add. I have an all-leather interior and after 10 years its still holding up extremely well. Mind you, I do take care of it. Electrics can be a problem. I've helped many a owner in solving strange "Lucas" electronic problems. Brake pads wear out and should be changed every 2 years, while discs are good and can last up to 8 years!
Series I dashboards are prone to curl up. I've been told there are 2 design flaws with dashboards, adhesive used is inferior; material used to make dashboard expands with heat and lifts away from heat source. This can be seen from the base of the windsheild where the dashboard meets the glass. It is also the area where the defrost vents are located (heat source). No recalls were made and LR refuses to correct. You can buy a metal piece to cover the flaw.
Weatherstripping on Series I can eventually contract and cause wind whistles and even water leakage in driver and passenger footwells. Check carpets for signs of water stains. Apparently, Series II uses a different technique.
Door latches are simple in design on Series I. So simple that in mid-winter, locks and latches can fail. Easy to fix but you have to take the door apart and play with 'coat hanger' like parts. Rear door is extremely heavy, perhaps too heavy for the hinges. Almost all Series I Disco's have rear door troubles. Eventually, new hinges are required and new locks too. Seems the rear door lock is a magnet for sand and soot and will eventually cease. Design flaw: should have created a rear door lock with a sliding keyhole cover.
Engines on Series I were prone to gumming up and leaks. Valve troubles, timing slips and oil mess is common. Alternators ($850 OEM $350 other) fail often and could be design flawed; I've replaced 3 in my Disco since ownership. Series II saw major redesign of engine and ignition systems, no doubt because of Series I problems.
LandRover Disco's don't leak oil, they spray their territory! This is a joke that most owners will say. There's a reason...oil and hydraulic hoses eventually leak and provide a constant headache to owners.
Hope this helps.
JohnMc
