Buying a cheap Disco, advice

[jamiebae]

OK, so after being put off the idea of a Freelander I'm now looking at Discoveries. Budget is about £1,500 and it's not going to be used for big miles, just as a winter runaround really, and isn't going to get any serious off road work, just the usual rural stuff living in a village.

So, which models should I look at and whack ones need to be avoided, TDi, MPi, V8, manual or auto?

What do I need to look for? I've heard about rotten boot floors but not much else so what do I need to check for?

Thanks!

[jamiebae]

Brilliant post, thanks!

Having said that anyone with the username 'TVR Moneypit' is probably a glutton for punishment...

My heart says buy a V8, but my head says TDi, I think head will probably win in this case. I can't weld so will need to choose carefully, I assume an MoT cert is not a sign of a rot free car as most body parts are non-structural?

The alternatives are a Cherokee 4.0, SWB Shogun 2.8d, Suzuki Vitara or maybe a Shogun Pinin. Could look at a Rav 4 too actually, but I want something that (with the right tyres) will get me through the worst snow the Chilterns, and Western Normandy, can throw at me so a 'soft roader' might not be the best bet. If I'm buying a 4x4 I want a proper one!

[cpas]

As above, but the ones with sunroofs rot the floors and boot floors more rapidly. Some models without sunroofs have very solid floors.
Also, in my opinion, the V8 is pretty pointless. OK it might accelerate slightly better than the TDi, and have a greater top speed, but the TDi has a top speed plenty high enough for the handling characteristics of this vehicle!! I find the TDi must more controllable in off-road situations - even mild off roading where the control on tickover is superb.

[budrover]

If you can live with a 200/300 tdi automatic -- get an ex Jap car -- the shells are in better nick and not rot boxes [yet]

[T5AMX]

Ive got a 96 300 tdi, manual, 5 door, and alloys for sale for £1555 WITH MOT
Recon engine with new timing belt and tensioner and a new battery.
Its ready to go.
Im in Northants if you are interested

Thanks

[cpas]

T5AMX said:

Ive got a 96 300 tdi, manual, 5 door, and alloys for sale for £1555 WITH MOT
Recon engine with new timing belt and tensioner and a new battery.
Its ready to go.
Im in Northants if you are interested

Thanks

I might be interested! I'm thinking of re-organising my 'fleet' and buying something to tow the caravan!! What spec. has it got and what sort of condition etc? What part of Northants are you in? Is it advertised anywhere so I can see some photos?

[Liszt]

cpas said:

T5AMX said:

Ive got a 96 300 tdi, manual, 5 door, and alloys for sale for £1555 WITH MOT
Recon engine with new timing belt and tensioner and a new battery.
Its ready to go.
Im in Northants if you are interested

Thanks

I might be interested! I'm thinking of re-organising my 'fleet' and buying something to tow the caravan!! What spec. has it got and what sort of condition etc? What part of Northants are you in? Is it advertised anywhere so I can see some photos?

Definitely interested. Details please.

[T5AMX]

Sorry for the late reply guys
Its on Ebay until this Saturday but i reserve the right to end early.
Item number: 320613817045
Starting bid is £1,350

Thanks
Sam

[jamiebae]

I'm interested, any tax on it and if not could you tax it prior to collection?

[T5AMX]

Currently Sorn, so no I wouldnt be able to tax it sorry as I would need to insure it too.

Thanks

Sam

[jamiebae]

Got your email via ebay, will give you a call tomorrow. Are you around on evenings this week?

[Rum Runner]

Go for a 3.9 V8 Manual on LPG. Engine is very simple and low cost and light. MPG will work out similar if not better when you work out the difference.
Oh and its sounds a lot better.Cut the back box off weld a straight through..Just enough noise not to much.

[jamiebae]

Well I bought a car in the end.




A Subaru Forrester!

After looking at 6 different Discos it turned out that what I wanted and my budget were mutually incompatible so I had to look elsewhere and after 2k miles I'm really happy with it.