Help with buying a Discovery

[Whistler]

Hi all,
I'm a regular on the Daihatsu forum, but will be moving onto a larger 4wd real soon, so I need advice on purchasing a Discovery.

I will be moving to the Pilbara (Northern Western Australia) in a few months and need a vehicle that can take the daily grind of living in an outback town.

My wife, who will be mainly driving the car, has already ruled out Patrols and Landcruisers (too big) and has settled on either a Jeep Cherokee (approx 1999) or Landrover Discovery (approx 1997). Looks, style and comfort were obviously a big factor.

I need to ensure that either of these vehicles will cut the mustard in the Pilbara. I don't intend doing much bush bashing (the work car will be doing that) but still need it to hold up against the endless corrugations and moderate off-road tracks which I will hopefully covering each weekend.

Is the Discovery up for it? Are parts a problem away from big centres? Are the standard shocks going to last?

Thanks,
Darren
Perth WA.

[ISUZUROVER]

Is the Discovery up for it? Are parts a problem away from big centres? Are the standard shocks going to last?

Yes

possibly but you can always order from a major nationwide distributor (i.e. FWD in Brisbane and get them shipped to you).

probably last as long as any other shocks.

Best bet is to buy a diesel (300tdi) - either auto or manual- with a good service history and make sure the timing belt was (and is) replaced every 70k km or sooner.

[landy_man]

i agree with Isuzu on the 300 TDi.... they are a great reliable motor...comfy and somewhat classy....not to mention very capable offroad with only a little work.

[modman]

for the mechanicals you get in a 300tdi disco and the price you pay, it makes the defender seem very expensive.
but i love mecano.


modman.