1993 disco 200tdi yay or nay
Discussion
been offered a very cheap 200tdi disco witha full test, im intrested in it for green laning anf offroading with a friend who has a series 3 landy will this be fit for purpose does everyone reckon? are they reasonaly reliable etc as i would be using it also as a daily driver. ps its already got 4 mud terrain tyres on it. look forward to replys! cheers.
First post here, but i've owned several Disco's so i'll stick my oar in.
First off, a cheap Disco can be a right moneypit (I speak from experience!). Even if it's got T&T on it, there are a few things to look at:
1: Make damn sure that the gearbox is working smoothly. A buggered LT77 will cost a good few quid to sort out, so make sure its in good order!
2: Ensure that you can select low range. Most Disco's have never been used in low range (seriously, I know a lass that has one for towing the horse box and she doesn't even know what "that other gearstick" is for!)
2: Bushings get a hell of a lot of abuse on a vehicle as heavy as a Disco, so are worth checking (though if you have time, and access to a 20 ton press, Polybushes are the way to go)
3: Check the swivels, if the chrome is pitted then they'll need replacement. Not a massively difficult job, but a dirty one.
4: Suspension gets a lot of abuse on a Disco as well, especially if used for towing (which lets be honest, a lot of 'em get used for) Shocks and springs aren't expensive and are worth changing.
Other than that, have a good poke around underneath for corrosion, and make sure it doesn't smoke too badly, and you wont go too far wrong.
From a driving POV, the disco benefits from a 100" wheelbase (FAR more comfy on the road than a D90), but off road its HUGE arse means the departure angle is nowhere near as good as that of a Defender. Still, there's replacement rear bumpers available that can sort that.
HTH.
t very quickly. As a daily driver, on M/T tyres, you'll get sick of the road noise sharpish.
First off, a cheap Disco can be a right moneypit (I speak from experience!). Even if it's got T&T on it, there are a few things to look at:
1: Make damn sure that the gearbox is working smoothly. A buggered LT77 will cost a good few quid to sort out, so make sure its in good order!
2: Ensure that you can select low range. Most Disco's have never been used in low range (seriously, I know a lass that has one for towing the horse box and she doesn't even know what "that other gearstick" is for!)
2: Bushings get a hell of a lot of abuse on a vehicle as heavy as a Disco, so are worth checking (though if you have time, and access to a 20 ton press, Polybushes are the way to go)
3: Check the swivels, if the chrome is pitted then they'll need replacement. Not a massively difficult job, but a dirty one.
4: Suspension gets a lot of abuse on a Disco as well, especially if used for towing (which lets be honest, a lot of 'em get used for) Shocks and springs aren't expensive and are worth changing.
Other than that, have a good poke around underneath for corrosion, and make sure it doesn't smoke too badly, and you wont go too far wrong.
From a driving POV, the disco benefits from a 100" wheelbase (FAR more comfy on the road than a D90), but off road its HUGE arse means the departure angle is nowhere near as good as that of a Defender. Still, there's replacement rear bumpers available that can sort that.
HTH.
- edit**
t very quickly. As a daily driver, on M/T tyres, you'll get sick of the road noise sharpish.Edited by Heinz the German on Sunday 8th February 17:56
[/URL]Pick up an MOT failure for a few hundred... Drive as an off roader and when your fed up sell it to your mate with the Series 3 for an engine transplant... Break the rest and sell on...
You could end up making some money and having a year or twos off roading for free..
TDi conversions for Series and Defenders seems to be where the majority of old Discos seems to be ending their life...
You could end up making some money and having a year or twos off roading for free..
TDi conversions for Series and Defenders seems to be where the majority of old Discos seems to be ending their life...
A few post on here heve said about money "could be a money pit" etc well if you think you can run any 4x4 around though water,mud, up and down steep hill in fact evey were a car sould not go,would not cost a penny think again.A 200 TDI is by far the best and cheap way to start.All so not a bad 4x4 to go extreme with.I give it a big YAY
sorry to dissapoint you all gents but bought a 1974 series 3 landy the other day, 300 quid tax till july test till october! its been partially rubbed down for paint and has the thirstiest petrol engine known to man. however put some white 8 spoke rims on it with Goodyear G90 tyres and took it out with my friends the other day, there were, 2 series 3's 2 defenders, and one suzuki sj. it went anywhere any of the above would go. and was the only one that didnt come back broken!!! both defenders did a half shaft the other series lost brakes, and the sj got stuck in 2wd (but still did amazingly well!) so next on the agenda is a diesel lump me thinks, been offered a good 2.5 TD for 50 quid so might go for that. one of the lads took pictures the other day ill see if i can get some up!
OllieWinchester said:
If you are looking at a cheap Disco, for Gods sake lift up the boot carpet. Good call about the Low Range thingie too, how is this rersolved if it won't go in?
Normally just the linkages outside the gearbox. Take the centre console stuff around the gearlevers out and you can get to them.Gassing Station | Off Road | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff