Pointers - link to sticky

Hi people, I am looking at getting a 1995 Disco with a
few suttle mods, but I need a few pointers or a link
to a buyers guide on the forum. I am not new to discovery
ownership but the last time I owned one was back in
1994 and she was a couple of years old so to be honest
didn't have anything to worry about.

So I am looking at a 1996 discovery on a N reg, it, its had a
2" lift kit, Snorkell, sump guard, diff guards, new offside and
nearside seals, new cambelt etc.... 11 months MOT and 5
months tax.

Right my concerns, I have been reading a few posts and
to be honest I was astonished at some of the horrors
stories relating to the old "Rust Worm" so I am looking at
some good old buyers advice or a link to a sticky.

Don't think there is a "sticky" but there's lots of advice in different posts.
From my limited experience (and cos I didn't do it very well when I bought my Disco) you should check:
Inner and outer sills, boot floor, rear body crossmenber, rear wheel arches(if possible remove as much of the trim from the boot to check), front footwells, (remove the side trim in the footwells), bottom of A & B posts, front inner wings.. basically everthing that can and does rot.
I'm sure there's loads more of things and I'd recommend just searching the forum.

The biggest single problem with this era of Disco is indeed rust - it is a vehicle killer.

Mechanically they are basic and easy enough to fix if needed, but unless you are very competent with a welder, think carefully before buying and do not pay too much money!


1. Look in the engine bay,at the inner wings. These tend to rust badly and can be an indicator of other rust problems between the front outer and inner wing panels. Replacement inner wings are available but cost about £80 apiece. Read detached inner wings!

2. Inner and outer sills. Easy to check the inner sills from underneath; the outers are covered by a plastic panel. There will be rust here, could be bad! Read BIG holes!

3. A, B and C post bottoms where they meet the outer sills, very popular rust spot - read holes!

4. Rear passenger door wheelarches - where the arch meets the C post, there will be holes.

5. Boot floor under the carpet and the rubber sponge - there might be some floor left, but it is unusuall!! Replacement panel about £50. Might need to replace side pieces too. Whilst there, check the rear carpeted wheel arches.

6. Rear cross-member/body supports - the supports are usually gone!



This obviously is worst case scenario, but I've seen with my own eyes cars that have ALL of these faults.

IF you are good with a welder, buy an mot-failed Disco and weld it up.


TDi 300 Disco's are great vehicles if you can find a clean or fully competently repaired one, but they are few and fair between.


DO NOT underestimate the rust problem on these cars - it will only lead to heartache.