3.9 Discovery

[Pete Cash]

Hello, wonder if you can help ?
I'm thinking f buying a 3.9 V8 discovery o use on the days when my Cerbera really should stay in the garage, unlike the last 3.5 years !
I've done a search on here for buying tips, but can't find too much of use. I'm not looking to spend a fortune, probably c£5000 as it will be a 3rd car. I have owned discoveries in the past, but a long time ago, so wondered if you guys had any tips or advice on what things I should look out for?
Thanks

[zumbruk]

Other than the usual things on a big, expensive, complicated car;

Leaks. Particularly round the alpine windows. Check carpets in boot.
Check all the electrics work (seat switch £112, ABS rear loom about £400). The rear lights don't seem to be very reliable - there's usually one out.
Check aircon works (usually needs regassing, 'bout £40).
My cruise control goes wrong about every fortnight, but it's usually just an air tube fallen off.
Brakes have to work hard, so make sure they're OK.

Don't buy a manual, they're hard to sell. Buy the highest trim level you can afford.

[Pete Cash]

Thanks,

I was beginning to think nobody reads this on here !
Interesting point about the manual / automatic, especially as I've seen an ad for a 96N 3.9 XS, with all the toys inc aircon for £5495, but it's a manual.
How do they compare fuel consumption wise?

[zumbruk]

No idea - I've never owned a manual one. I get about 13mpg round town, 21mpg on a run (except if I'm towing the Chim, in which case it goes back to 14mpg...) from my 3.9 Auto ES.

[Graham]

well i've had a 94 v8is manual since 98 ( its the wifies now)

currently its up to 130k still handels better than many younger models ( i think it was mainly a motorway cruiser)

the seals around the rear windows are split so a little water leak, a bit of bubbling arounf the rear door but other than that it keeps going...

i generally get about 18mpg most of the time

( for some reason i get good mpg on v8 and sh1t on diesel, i;ve got a 03 td5 and im luck if it gets 24...)

the electrics on the cd have gone tits up and the air pipes on the cruise keep splitting but other than that its fine.

A V8 should feel much quicker than a tci or its knackered.

take the flasme trap off the rocker cover with the engine running and look to see if its breathing oil smoke if it is it could be knackered. also if the rockers look black its on its way out..


and if you can find me a 98 on v8 manual let me know. apparently they are not wanted but they are bloddy hard to find if you do....

G

[Bee_Jay]

Graham said:

well i've had a 94 v8is manual since 98 ( its the wifies now) currently its up to 130k still handels better than many younger models ( i think it was mainly a motorway cruiser) the seals around the rear windows are split so a little water leak, a bit of bubbling arounf the rear door but other than that it keeps going... i generally get about 18mpg most of the time ( for some reason i get good mpg on v8 and sh1t on diesel, i;ve got a 03 td5 and im luck if it gets 24...) the electrics on the cd have gone tits up and the air pipes on the cruise keep splitting but other than that its fine. A V8 should feel much quicker than a tci or its knackered. take the flasme trap off the rocker cover with the engine running and look to see if its breathing oil smoke if it is it could be knackered. also if the rockers look black its on its way out.. and if you can find me a 98 on v8 manual let me know. apparently they are not wanted but they are bloddy hard to find if you do.... G

If you are looking for the manual, buy one of the CDs from the chaps on eBay - these have tyhe owners manuals and workshop manulas on them and a re damn useful...

[Graham]

Bee_Jay said:

If you are looking for the manual, buy one of the CDs from the chaps on eBay - these have tyhe owners manuals and workshop manulas on them and a re damn useful...

Sorry I ment as in Gearbox!!! not as in book...