Thinknig of getting a Disco

Dabooka said:

Hi guys and girls, just registered myself to see if I can pump the collective brain!

After many years wishing I could own one, I'm finally in the market for a Discovery, and have stumbled across a private ad for a '95 V8. Before I arrange a viewing, I just thought I'd ask if there are any known common problems rust! and what the telltale signs are likely to be holes!. I know that might be a Pandora's box, and I appreciate it's a 15 year old motor, but have next to no knowledge on Discos.

Also, if anyone has insight into life with one of these that too would be most welcome expensive! For the record, I won't be doing high miles (as even my limited understanding tells me a 4 litre going to like a drink!) mainly my commute of about 12 miles a day total, and a bit running around.

Oh and it's an automatic (got used to the wife's company car and like having my cogs moved for me!)

Any advice gratefully received.

Cheers,

Dabooka (aka Sam)

Click to expand...

V8_Disco said:

do a search

Click to expand...

Dabooka said:

Thanks for the quick reply, I've read that boot, arches, bulkhead and cross member. Sound about right? TBH I'm still undecided between this and a TDi but I never seem to get any reasonable examples up this way!

Cheers,

Click to expand...

V8_Disco said:

maybe a defender??

also the sills, they rust in most places, the only reason i bought a V8 is i thought i might aswell have the chance to own one before they come too expensive to run then i will buy a 200/300
more bearable on long journeys or when you dont want it to sound like your driving a tractor

Click to expand...

Pyper28 said:

Right O. list it is then, this is based on my experience so could be wrong but wouldnt hurt to check

Boot, get that carpet up and check under there
Arches, usually rot specially 5 doors check top side & under
make sure the transfer box isnt stuck, ( my friend decided to play in low box when we had the snow and has been able to get it out, he loves driving @ 30mph in 5th gear)
check electrics! landys are full of gremlins i have just got my rear windows working after 2 years, ( many thanks to this site!!!!) turned out to be a dry solder pin, 2mins of work and sorted
Dont wear ya best clothes and get under it check for leaks (engine, transmission, transfer box, axles and swivel housings, signs of past welding, rust spots etc
As a 300Tdi owner i cant comment on the V8 engine side of things maybe some of V8 lads will chip in for ya on that one.
hope this helps you 1% because when i bought mine i didnt have a clue and was lucky to get a decent one

Click to expand...

Mr Noisy said:

just try everything basically, make sure it all works.

oh, and try not to be rude to the seller, so ask them if you can try all the controls, and have a look around here, there etc. then you will be more free to roam.

if you can drive the car, listen out for noisy whines. old discos are always whiney and clunky, but not very loud.

run the engine from cold and listen for any tapping or knocking. they usually can be a little tappity, and you can tell this from the high note, but if there are any deeper sounding taps or knocks coming from lower down its bad news.

see how much rust youve got, then decide what you wana give for it.

good thing is, although they usually have faults, discos take more time to repair than they do money, so its easy to get one ship shape in along weekend, usually with not a lot of cash

Click to expand...

Dabooka said:

Thanks for that, great advice. I'm planning on popping along during work tomorrow and no I'll need to go back and get mucky (have screwdriver ready to try and poke holes; hark at me, eh?!). How best to check the transfer box, just make sure I can make selections okay up and down, nothing more technical needed? Sorry for being daft, never driven one before.

Cheers again!

Click to expand...