OK so today I picked up my first Disco and drove it 300 miles back home and had this big smile on my face for the whole 5 hour journey!!

However during the whole trip the gear stick was vibrating sideways quite badly all the time regardless of gear in use, revs or throttle position. Is this just a Disco thing, or is this a sign that there is something I really need to check? It's done 90k on a 51 plate TD5.

Shouldn't vibrate that badly. I'd check engine/gearbox mounts and the base of the gearstick. Can't recall what it's called but there's a nylon bush at the base of the stick that can wear/break and can allow it to move about.

As well as vibration through the gearstick, is there vibration coming through the car as a whole?

This is very important - check the condition of the front propshaft, it is crucial. If there is any wear at all it needs refurbishing.

If it's worn and not dealt with, it can break and damage various parts of the underneath of the car.

Don't want to scare you but this is a known problem and if you check for wear in the propshaft, then you can eliminate the worry.

No there isn't any unusual vibration felt anywhere whilst driving which is why I was asking as I found it a bit strange. I'm going to get a mechanic mate of mine to give it a full service anyway in a few weeks to see whats what and I'll mention to him to have a good look at the prop shaft.