Potential Disco 1 owner

Hi all,

I am hoping to rejoin the green oval badge owning fraternity again with a Discovery 1 300tdi for light off roading/green laning/play in the mud. Nothing too modified as will have to be used for occasional commuting to work or towing if SWMBO has her way and gets horses!

Any advice on what to look for on any vehicles that I look at or any suggestions etc.

Also if anyone has any thoughts on decent clubs suitable for a beginner and with a fairly good social scene in the leistershire/rutland area then that would also be appreciated.

Basically, any advice appreciated for a newbie!

The Discovery 300 tdi, automatic, no sunroofs, low spec (hence no abs or air bags) is the best vehicle ever built.
Try to avoid the vomit inducing beige interior.
But more importantly, check it for rust, everywhere.
Expect to reject the first dozen or so before you find a good one.

Thank you - I have heard about no sunroof. But would abs/airbags not generally be a good idea? Not that I have any intention of testing either!

I have a 'fairly' tame mechanic who is good with Land Rovers who has said they would be willing to come with me when choosing one.

mudnsnow said:

Thank you - I have heard about no sunroof. But would abs/airbags not generally be a good idea? Not that I have any intention of testing either!

I have a 'fairly' tame mechanic who is good with Land Rovers who has said they would be willing to come with me when choosing one.

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Abs can cause problems at mot time if it isn't workimg properly, which it often isn't. I never had a problem with air bags though

Hi there,

I'm in the Leicestershire area too

With regards to clubs - there's one near me Home

My dad is a member, they're all lovely and the events are suitable for beginners. Although they seem to very rarely have events

It really depends whereabouts you are, I'm towards Lutterworth. I know a few green lanes here - would happily come out with you at some point if you get a disco and want to try it out! Mine is totally standard and very shiny so it's nothing too extreme!




When you look for a Disco, you want to look for rust on:
Rear arches (inside back doors - it will almost definitely have some, or have been repaired)
Boot floor (lift the carpet and insulation)
Sills
Bulkhead (not very easy to see)
Front inner arches

Other tips I can remember from when I looked for mine:
Check hi/lo and diff lock work, they can be seized in high range as they never get taken out of it.
Leaks - as said above, sunroofs will probably leak. Mine don't but they probably soon will. Leaks = more rust!
Rear electric windows - may not work, very easy job with soldering iron

Other than that, I think it's just checks you'd do on any other car.


You're definitely better off in terms of reliability if you get a basic one as there's less stuff to break (and it will!) although creature comforts are nice. Cruise control and electric seats will almost definitely not work!

The leather seats tend to look awful now they're getting on a bit, as many aren't looked after, as said the beige cloth can be a bit vomit inducing! And tends to look dirty. Grey cloth hides it a bit better.



I'm not sure what Landys you've had before, but a disco 1 can make a perfectly acceptable commuter if you need it. I intended to just drive mine at the weekends but I regularly use it on my commute now - it's just such a nice way to travel! Although I've got far too used to having ABS, which my disco isn't fitted with ... It has caused a few scary moments when I've just planted the brake pedal to the floor!

Get the fuel pump tweaked, gives it so much more get up and go! Also remove EGR.


Hope that helps!

Hi all, Thanks for your advice etc.

nice to hear from another member in the same area

Just sorting finance in regards to some existing obligations but hope to be viewing shortly

mudnsnow said:

Hi all, Thanks for your advice etc.

nice to hear from another member in the same area

Just sorting finance in regards to some existing obligations but hope to be viewing shortly

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Keep us updated!

Well an update. Been to view an M Reg disco 1. Very smart tidy vehicle. 135000 on the clock. No rust apparent and some previous welding carried out. Currently sorn but owner will look to MOT it. Depending on advisories, etc. And if I can fit it in the garage I may soon be joining the owner ranks.
Just got to sort insurance now.

Insurance is easy, get a classic policy with limited miles, Peter Best always did me proud with all my LRs when I was in the UK.

Don't be afraid to poke it and for sellers to be ****y when you poke the holes bigger!!!

Great to hear you are about to get a 300tdi. But it for hard called through have a look at a 3.9 petrol v8. I am totally biased but think they are just a fantastic drive. Good hunting!

Take a pgillips and remove boot rear lip trim then pull carpet. Take £400 off price if boot floor has holes, then walk away if seller wont budge.

Also check that all doors open by using handles inside and out; beware the tiny door lock spring of doom.

Ok. Im finally a member of the club. After a lovely tax bill precluded me from getting the one I saw around xmas I have purchased a 'P' reg (1996) disco 1 300tdi ES automatic that fits in the garage. Purchased last Sunday, insurance, tax etc sorted on the monday. Now waiting for the weekend to go home (away with work atm) to see how it goes