Your Discovery Problems

[hgsuzuki]

Hello all.

I am looking at buying a Disco to be my first 4wd. Not sure as to V8 or Diesel (200tdi - 300tdi), but in the near future i would like to set it up for some serious offroad work. Will be built to be very capable, and hopefully reliable. Diff-locks, winch, 32-33inch tyres, suspension, etc.

My price range is around $6 - 8 grand for initial purchase.

From what i can gather on this forum, they can do damage if overheated, numerous problem oil leaks (power steering, rear main seal, transfer case), the V8 had timing belt mechanism issues, etc. Also electrical gremlins apparently.

I have tried asking those around me their opinions on the Disco's and these seem to be what comes up, but more often than not these people have never had one themselves and it seems mostly heresay.

The reason for this thread, i was wondering what issues you yourself have had happen involving your machines. Failures, excessive wear, etc. And possibly around what kms this occured.

thanks.

[Mark2]

All vehicles can/will sustain damage if overheated, I wouldnt say a Disco is more susceptible.
V8's use a timing chain, not normally any issues associated with this. Its the diesels which can have timing belt issues
A V8 is going to be cheaper to buy, and if its not a daily driver, the extra fuel cost may not be too much of a concern. IMHO, the V8 is better off road due to better low down torque but diesels have advantages also - in water and perhaps engine braking. Dont rule out an auto either.
33's will severly stress already weak axles - more than likely you will need upgraded centers and axles if you want reliablility or consider an axle conversion - GQ front/80 Series rear.


They are a refined and capable vehicle but have British 'character' which means that older ones (your price range) should be approached with caution if you're new to Land Rovers. The poms had some great ideas and did some things really well but they also have no idea when it comes to other things.
A GQ Patrol would be easier and cheaper as a first 4WD to modify - its a bit like comparing a commodore with a jag. You know which one makes more sense but..........

[hgsuzuki]

A GQ Patrol would be easier and cheaper as a first 4WD to modify - its a bit like comparing a commodore with a jag. You know which one makes more sense

I do understand this, but i do want something a bit different. A few mates have GQ's and i know of their stronger drivelines. But i dunno, when i look at a Land Rover, it just looks the way a 4wd should. My old man has a '68 Series 2, and i considered toying with it, but it isn't mine for one thing, and its a in a neglected state.

A V8 is going to be cheaper to buy, and if its not a daily driver, the extra fuel cost may not be too much of a concern.

These are my thoughts also. Does the extra cost of a diesel outweigh the fuel consumption cost of a V8. Especially as its only really going to be used as a bush machine.

thanks for the speedy reply, and for you clarifying a few of my incorrect details.

[Sprover]

For around $6-8,000 you can get yourself a decent Disco.As for whether you want petrol or diesel is really up to you.They both have there advantages and disadvantages.I am alittle bit bias because i have a 93 Disco V8.I just love the sound and the torque it has when thrown into low gear You will probably want to get one on gas if you get a V8 because they can be a bit thirsty.If the motor has been serviced they will give you no probs at all.Mine has done 260,000 km and is as quiet as a mouse.The main probs you will encounter when fitting bigger tyres and so on are broken axles and diffs.They are pretty shit if you want to use it really hard.But you can always get maxi axles and put in a locker Just go through it thoroughly and maybe evn get someone in your area who knows them to check one out for you.Like you said they are different to Nissans and Toyotas and thats why i got one as well.If you go onto the www.aulro.com website you will get alot of info and help there.Good luck with it mate!
Cheers
Chris

[Utemad]

Unless you are going to go remote touring in it (doesn't sound like it) then get a V8. You will get a better vehicle for less money. Put it on LPG and get the rebate. That will pay itself off pretty quickly with current prices.

[awright]

here, here, and a mate of mine with a TD5 (out of your price range) was telling me about 10L to 100k's ....... then bitching how much it is to fill his thing up.

cant be 60c a litre doesnt matter how much you go through it just doesnt hurt as much when you can fill up for less than 40 bucks!

If you are worried about the electrics the Bosch kitted ones (98 I think is when Bosch took over-anyone?) are better than the lucus ones (although mine is a 96 lucas equipped) and hasnt really had any probs. the odd central locking actuator or window switch but not a biggy. The alternator played up a bit and I got it rebuilt for less than $200 and I have had the odd gasket replaced but no biggy.

I got some maxi diffs with lockers, 4.11 centres and 33s and it goes great now although I am tempted to tweak up the 200k plus motor....

In short it is a great and comfortable car with a great wheel base and track to give you stability, entry, exit and rampover capability.

They are cheap, parts are cheap and you can still do a fair bit yourself. (keep an eye on the for sale sections here and ebay) Get a good clean one that hasnt been caned and tweak it up for off road. Improve the diffs (hmm locker and maxi axles at least to the rear ), tyres and suspension if you want something more capable and you will have a great comfortable go nearly anywhere beast for only a few bucks- PS unlike the GQotas out there It will never Rust!!!

[hgsuzuki]

thanks everyone for your replies

[knightsubzero]

mine has been fine for a year now, its an awsome beast.

i have a turbo diesel, i travelled over 600 kilometers and used less than half a tank, i have lots of power on or off the road, about three times as much power as my dads patrol.

the only issue i have is that my warning lights on my dash are lit up like a chrismas tree and i havent been able to find a mechanic who can suss it out (i think i have found one but they needed a specialist and i have not had the time to sort it out).

[closet1092004]

And don't let your kids drive it - the only time anything breaks is when they have it!!

Honestly, great cars, easy to work on..

Although i have swung an auto, tcase and a bunch of alternators into it..

[carmino]

Go for it there an excellent car. Try and get one that hasnt been offroad or used as a tow car. 6-8k will get you a good late model example. Go for a 98 s in manuel. That have the best of everthing without all the newer models abs and electrics.
I've had our one for 7 years now. When we bought it had 80k's on it and it now has 160k's on it. It has never let us down and up till now has only had its spark plugs changed once, its had 16 oil filters and oil changes and thats it! Nothing else. Still on its original clutch and brake pads.
It now needs suspension bushes soon, has a slight oil leak on the power steer and rear diff seal is leaking. Brake pads need replacing soon. The headling is also starting to sag. Not bad for a 160k old car. Its never been to a land rover dealership for a service (maybe thats why its going so well) i do all my own oil changes and minimal maintance.
We were thinking of trading it in on a new one but the $3500 they offered as a trading in was insulting and i told them to shove it. Ill spend a couple of k on our one to bring it back up to scratch again and hopefully it should plod along again for another 7 years.

p.s you cant beat the V8 sound and at 14l/100km on the highway i cant complain. Remember manuels drink much less than autos.

[wildmouse]

Im on my 5th disco at the moment, Ive also owned GQs,tojos,Pajeros,and a Jackeroo.
You may spend more on maintance, but discos are cheaper to buy in the first place. Plus they have got character
I would pick an auto any day as the ZF gearbox is one of the best around,Ive stuck with the V8 series 1.
Yes the series 2 is a better car ,better economy for the petrol V8,Traction control, which was great in the rocks ,and i switched off in the sand.
But there is more to go wrong and break,which is why I have gone back to a series 1.
Good idea to get any vehicle your thinking of buying checked by a landie specialist 1st.
good luck[/quote]

[ROVERNIT]

I own a D2 V8 other then fuel running cost its great it an auto and I wouldn’t go manual besides with the D2 it like having 4 speed manual when in low range due to manual button but if its daily driver go gas I going to

the other day I had a good bush up at Appin and on the way back the hazards started to flash hill decent and traction control light come on and she started splattering on the M5 I almost pooed my self any way it got home switched it off for 5 minutes, then switched it on again TC light and hill decent turned off but the hazards didn’t, turned it off again and back on and hazards went away with a D1 you 3wouldnt have to worry about all that, any way all good now

I tell ya, a 2 door D1 with a TDI would be nice I don’t think you can get 300tdi but boy would that be good but V8 on gas is just as good IMO

[dirtdawg]

and dont forget the disco 1 update has the stronger axles

[PeterM]

I've got a '94 update V8 manual on gas. When I bought it it had 85K km on it. Now its over 220K km. What have I done? Well I'm running 32's and a MaxiDrive rear end (locker & axles) and for a 14 year old behicle I've had to do the clutch once at 160k km, replace the gearbox mainshaft (early update models had insufficient lubrication to the output gear. This was a warranty fix & shouldn't be an issue on post '96 models.)

The alternator has been changed becasue the regulator crapped itself and I'm just about to change the lower oil cooler line.

They are a very capable vehicle that is highly underrated by those not in the know. If you're looking at having it as a play toy, go the V8 auto on gas. '96 model or later preferrably. If you go up to 32s (no need to go for really wide tyres on these either) you do not need to change the diff centres. My front end is stock and as long as you aren't foolish, you shouldn't break it. Once you go to 33s you need to look at re-grearing, 4.11 diff centres being the most popular solution.

From 32s up you need to start trimming the arches for clearance but not a big deal. Make sure you get one checked out before you buy it though.

[chimpboy]

On this query, is there much difference comparing the 3.5 vs the 3.9 in the early Discos? I mean between a 91 and a 94 would you just get the cleanest of the two or would the later model usually be a better choice?

[dirtdawg]

the one with the 3.9 should have the 24 spline axels and the 3.5 will have the 10 spline's so i go the later one as atleast it will be a bit longer b4 you break em and need to get lockers

[Reddo]

don't be put off by negative comments. Yes there are some disco lemons out there...ironically many are duds 'cause the previous owners could not be f'd servicing the vehicle - just ask any LR service agent..this is very common, don't know why, maybe 'cause the original owners tend to be 'rich' and arrogant and therefore lazy and ignorant about servicing.

We bought a D S1 repairable write off for 3K, spent a bit of time and money on it and now have a very reliable and capable vehicle. Only bits that have 'broke' are fuel pump (tank got belted up) and dissy module (Lucas so that explains it) - but at 190,000klms, this is to be expected I guess. Gearbox synchros on 2nd gave up around same time - but the vehicle was abused by previous owner - engine oil was like glue and gBox was run dry and bodge repaired at some time. Vehicle was used to cart 2 tonne trailers of wood. Engine survived and no probs since - got to be one of the best V8s ever made!! Savings versus buying a Nissanoyota paid for 75mm lift, longer springs, bilsteins, 35 simex, maxis/JacMac axles, Defender caliper, new rotors, air lockers and gulp, Nissan CVs in front, and lots more. Have caned the crap out of it for over a year now, and no problems 'cept brake pads and a couple of oil seals in the transfer case outputs, and oh the light switch melted cause we put 130w globes in - stupid mistake - now on relays. I just luv the vehicle, so does anyone that drives in it. Petrol costs, who cares!! Scratches, who cares!! Parts - eBay from anywhere especially the UK.

Now the family Paj 3.5 - done 150,000k's, had new gearbox (3k ouch - don't ever tow with these units), endless CV boots, cracked exhaust manifolds, worn steering drop arms (x2), leakng cam seals (5 hour job), 2 water pumps (arond 300 each) leaky rocker cover seals (don't ask the price to fix), several worn idler pully bearing (75 dollars each), noisy lifters, excessive oil consumption, 2 O2 sensors, rattly and harsh suspension, otherwise a good car....not ....took off road once and caused serious underbody damage...