Land Rover Repair: 1996 Land Rover Discovery, land rover dealer, land rover discovery


Question
I am interested in purchasing the above car and I am buying it used.  The SRS red light in the dash came on and the AntiLock Yellow light came the salesman stated he would have them turned off.  It was just a merely sensor light.  I looked as if to say duh do I look like I have Dumb A_ _! written all over my face. SRS or Anti lock light came on to me that means it needs to be repaired or replace Right?  I really like the truck but I don't want to buy a LEMON.  Does this truck have a timing belt or chain and what about the brakes? Can I use an alternate mechanic to do repairs and if so is it expensive to repair?  Please tell me about your experiences honestly.  Is this car worth the purchase?

Answer
Hello Yvette:

The SRS light is associated with the airbags and the crash sensory systems.  Usually, the SRS light indicates some problem if the light remains permanently on.  Only a Land Rover dealer should investigate this.  

The ABS light remaining on is common problem with Land Rover Discovery.  The system is sensing that there may be a problem with the braking system or the antilock system.  Don't simple ignore this.  Have a qualified Land Rover technician investigate this.  Many dishonest used car dealers will often remove the ABS sensory bulb to hide possible brake problems.

If you are buying the Disco from a Land Rover dealer, they are usually quite good at preparing the 4x4 for resale.  IF its a used car dealer...ask them if its ok to have the Disco inspected at your Local Land Rover dealer.  The dealer will charge you about $100 but it is money well spent.

Disco's have a timing chain.  Very rugged. Very tough.  Brakes are noted to be a weak point in Disco's...this 4x4 is very heavy, very solid.  Range Rover's have better brakes.  

Most mechanics won't touch Land Rovers.  Parts are rare and must be purchased from LR dealers.  Electrical problems, transmission and 4x4 related problems must be referred to the Land Rover dealer.  Engine problems can be resolved by most mechanics UNLESS it involves the ECU (on board computer).  Parts are very, very expensive.  

It is a rugged, strong vehicle that requires some pampering.  If you take care of it and flush its fluids on a regular basis, you should be able to keep this 4x4 for 10 to 20 years.  It won't rust.  Paint is designed similar to that of jet aircraft.  Requires expertise mechanics but runs in all kinds of road and weather conditions.   

I live in the Laurentian mountains of Quebec, Canada.  I am so glad to own my Disco.  I would not own any other vehicle.  Sure, its expensive to repair...but if you are lucky, and if you take care of the vehicle, repairs are not that frequent.

Just be careful from whom you purchase this Disco.  Have it inspected.  The LR dealer can easily find out all info on this vehicle...can look for trouble spots and and even suggest its resale value.   Most will tell you to buy a newer model:  1998 or newer.  The LR Disco series I had its problems and LR rebuild the LR Disco series II based on those problems.  Big difference in the engine and transmission too.

Best of luck,

JohnMc