Discussion
First off, thanks for the advice and tips so far.
Although I had a Disco in the past, I'm a bit green when it comes to other models. It was a great car, though. I had it from almost new and kept it for 6 years.
It had a few problems, the main one being a cam belt failure. This was quite common on those models, caused by the timing gears not being in perfect alignment. Cost us £800 to repair but, on the whole a good car.
Not had any luck finding a decent series 2 or 3, so I thought I would have a look at a couple of Defenders.
God, what a let down. Chassis' seemed ok, but the body panels and the doors! Is it possible to buy one where the doors are solid and not just a pile of aluminium oxide for under £3k? I don't think so.
Anyway, Plan C is to look at Freelanders.
It will only be used occasionally, probably no more than a couple of thousand miles a year.
Having read the recent thread on older models, I'm sure I can get a decent one for about £2k
Where do these rust (if at all) and are they any good for towing?
Head gasket failures, presumably they don't cause other damage when they let go? What else do I need to look for?
Also, is insurance on a par with Defenders?
Thanks.
Although I had a Disco in the past, I'm a bit green when it comes to other models. It was a great car, though. I had it from almost new and kept it for 6 years.
It had a few problems, the main one being a cam belt failure. This was quite common on those models, caused by the timing gears not being in perfect alignment. Cost us £800 to repair but, on the whole a good car.
Not had any luck finding a decent series 2 or 3, so I thought I would have a look at a couple of Defenders.
God, what a let down. Chassis' seemed ok, but the body panels and the doors! Is it possible to buy one where the doors are solid and not just a pile of aluminium oxide for under £3k? I don't think so.
Anyway, Plan C is to look at Freelanders.
It will only be used occasionally, probably no more than a couple of thousand miles a year.
Having read the recent thread on older models, I'm sure I can get a decent one for about £2k
Where do these rust (if at all) and are they any good for towing?
Head gasket failures, presumably they don't cause other damage when they let go? What else do I need to look for?
Also, is insurance on a par with Defenders?
Thanks.
Edited by gtr-gaz on Thursday 15th October 15:21
I'd buy a Defender and get the doors fixed (£100 + VAT per door on e-Bay) or some new doors. I have one in the same condition but at least it lets the water out!!!
I should imagine a Freelander will be more to insure, and the 1.8 petrol WILL blow the head gasket - not a problem as long as you notice and stop before it overheats. It's a common problem so therfore the knowlegde is about to fix easily.
You'd enjoy the Defender much more though - even though £3k will get quite an old one which needs some work. But they have much more character. Be aware that anything before 1990/1991 will not be a Defender but a 90, and will not have the 200TDi engine (may have the 2.5 TD or normally aspirated engine). Many are advertised incorrectly as Defenders when they are not. Not necessarily a problem but the earlier ones should be far cheaper.
Good luck and happy hunting.
I should imagine a Freelander will be more to insure, and the 1.8 petrol WILL blow the head gasket - not a problem as long as you notice and stop before it overheats. It's a common problem so therfore the knowlegde is about to fix easily.
You'd enjoy the Defender much more though - even though £3k will get quite an old one which needs some work. But they have much more character. Be aware that anything before 1990/1991 will not be a Defender but a 90, and will not have the 200TDi engine (may have the 2.5 TD or normally aspirated engine). Many are advertised incorrectly as Defenders when they are not. Not necessarily a problem but the earlier ones should be far cheaper.
Good luck and happy hunting.
Thanks for the advice.
You are right.
A freelander is about 50% more to insure! So, it looks like I will keep looking for a Defender
I will go to NFU again, the same company we insured our Disco with many years ago. It works out about a tenner more than the cheapest quote I had and it's nice to know you can call into an office and speak with a real person if you have a problem.
Well worth it IMO
You are right.
A freelander is about 50% more to insure! So, it looks like I will keep looking for a Defender
I will go to NFU again, the same company we insured our Disco with many years ago. It works out about a tenner more than the cheapest quote I had and it's nice to know you can call into an office and speak with a real person if you have a problem.
Well worth it IMO
fesuvious said:
£2k = average to middlin defender
£2k = very good discovery
£2k = good range rover
all three share the same underpinnings. Albeit chassis length is different by 10inches but otherwise same fixings, engines.......
Unless your heart is set on a defender, why at this money buy one when a more luxurious vehicle with the same ability (and easier to drive) is available at the same money?
You are absolutley right!£2k = very good discovery
£2k = good range rover
all three share the same underpinnings. Albeit chassis length is different by 10inches but otherwise same fixings, engines.......
Unless your heart is set on a defender, why at this money buy one when a more luxurious vehicle with the same ability (and easier to drive) is available at the same money?
..but, it does beg the question, why do Defenders hold their prices so well??
Bill said:
For your money and the miles you do you'd be mad not to go for a V8 Disco IMO
Yep, going for a Disco now. Looked at a couple and I am surprised at how resonably priced they are.Probably going for a 300Tdi though. Strong and reliable
btw, thanks to the prat who totally wasted my time yesterday when I drove 60 miles to see a Disco only to find out he wanted it taken away that day, when I offered him the asking price.
gtr-gaz said:
fesuvious said:
£2k = average to middlin defender
£2k = very good discovery
£2k = good range rover
all three share the same underpinnings. Albeit chassis length is different by 10inches but otherwise same fixings, engines.......
Unless your heart is set on a defender, why at this money buy one when a more luxurious vehicle with the same ability (and easier to drive) is available at the same money?
You are absolutley right!£2k = very good discovery
£2k = good range rover
all three share the same underpinnings. Albeit chassis length is different by 10inches but otherwise same fixings, engines.......
Unless your heart is set on a defender, why at this money buy one when a more luxurious vehicle with the same ability (and easier to drive) is available at the same money?
..but, it does beg the question, why do Defenders hold their prices so well??
Oh, and the Defenders' Chassis will rot like buggery whilst the bodies will be OK. The Discovery Chassis will be sound as a pound but the floors and cills (especially the bits you can't see) will be non-existent!! Don't know why, it just happens that way!
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