Discovery Buying Tips

[RichardR]

I'm currently looking at the option of buying a Disco, and was wondering whether anyone could provide any buying tips, or could point me at a buying guide.

I'm looking at a budget of between 4 & 5k for which I'm expecting to pick up something like a 1994/5 300 Tdi (5dr, manual, 7 seats).

Any pointers gratefully received.

[igg]

We've got a 1995 (N) 7 seater TDi ES model. Had it from new and apart from regular (expensive) main dealer servicing - nothing has ever gone wrong, or let us down. They can rust - rear hinges, inside rear door arch area. But if you can find one like ours which has been main dealer serviced and had the money spent on it (not uncommon to spend £1500 per year in servicing - 2 services per year), replacing suspension bits etc. The clutch needed replacing on ours recently - and that was mighty expensive, so might be worth checking it that has been done on whatever you are looking to buy. It's not 'built' in the same way a modern car is - large panel gaps, lots of screws holding bits onto the bodywork, but none of that detracts from driving what feels like a tank out on the road!

[Liszt]

Check that if it has accident/ off road damage.
Check for rust/corrosion to chassis /body.
Look for signs of leaks.
check that the low ratio can be selected easily.
check all the electrics, twice. press every button.

Normal diesel paranoia about plumes of black smoke.
General condition of wiring/pipework.

Buy the relevant LR owners/ LR monthly mag with the buying guide for the vehicle.

[Le TVR]

All the above and check for play in the transmission and power steering box.
94/95 vintage may have a problem with gearbox/transfer box coupling wearing out. It is fairly common. I think the revised TB has some paint mark on it somewhere.

(Have just been estimated 2900 euro for the GB/TB rebuild )