Buying Advice

[ShaunR]

Hi Guys and Gals,

I am new to the site and am looking for a bit of advice.

I am really keen to buy a Discovery II, Manual 5 cylinder Diesel. I have found one that I am really keen on, it looks amazing, has a good service history and has 157,000 kms on the clock.

I really like the look of this car but all the mechanics I know have told me to stay away. I love the look of the series II Discos but I am being cautioned at every turn.

I would be using the car for around town with 2-4 trips away per year. The trips my family does are pretty tame, camping, surfing fishing etc. It would be going on the beach and bush but nothing to heavy.

What do you guys think should I bite the bullet and do it or look elsewhere.

Do they cost a lot to maintain?

Cheers,
Shaun.

[Alex 110]

sounds good, but how much are they asking for it?

If people have been warning you off the D2 you've been talking to the wrong people:) My 2c worth (+GST) is "Go for it!"

[Disco Muppet]

If people believed everything said about the D2 no-one would own them.
IMHO they're one of the best out of the box 4WDs.
Good km range, you say it has a positive service history, manuals are less common than the auto.
Have a squiz around here at some of the things you should look for, give it a good once over, perhaps one of the more D2 savvy people here could take a gander at it for you.
Other than that, You already know the answer to your question.
What are you waiting for? :D
Cheers
Muppet

[AndrewGJones]

If price is right, sounds like a good vehicle. The key I have found, having recently gone through the same head scratching is that reliability is more about you as the driver/owner and less about the vehicle. Service it, learn about it, and drive sedately/within what it's set up for ( or you are prepared to pay money to fix) and it will be fine.

well maintained vehicle with knowledgeable/sensible driver= reliability. Brand has little to do with it, even lada's can be reliable in an enthusiasts hands (a mate had one for years, loved it, fixed it, loved it some more...)

[disco2_dan]

I was told the same thing, I was crapping myself when I was handing the cash over for mine, cause everyone I spoke to told me forget them they are rubbish blah blah blah, I threw caution into the wind and bit the bullet went against what every one said and icant be more happy with mine I've had it 4-5 months and done almost 20,000km and I'm so glad I did, it's the most capable out of the box 4wd I've ever owned, brilliant car the only things I've done is a good set of AT tyres, a front tube bar and a CDL kit, I personally chose the v8 but that's a whole other topic :) guessing the diesel mafia doesn't have to pay a visit to you hahaha ummm how much are they asking for the disco?

[ShaunR]

Cheers everyone,

I knew you guys would have something different to say.

They are asking $13500. The car is interstate so I will have it checked over by a mechanic and go from there.

Shaun.

[Disco Muppet]

Cheers everyone,

I knew you guys would have something different to say.

They are asking $13500. The car is interstate so I will have it checked over by a mechanic and go from there.

Shaun.

IMHO a good price.
Can you give us a bit more info?
Extras, year model, any info about the PO, trim level (S/SE/HSE) etc?
Sounds like a good deal, if a bit on the cheap side.
See if you can find a good mechanic to look it over, or get in touch with someone from here in the are :)
Cheers
Muppet

[robbotd5]

Hey Shaun.
Like has been stated, you have asked the wrong people. I bought my Disco new and copped all sort of crap from toyonisso types. One Mong was gobsmacked when I told him the Disco had a live front end!. Sure I've had a few issues that I have over time sorted with a lot of help and support from this forum. Sure it helps to have a mechanical aptitude and passion for the marque but every time I turn the key on my disco I still crack a smile. For me it was a blank canvas. Now it is primarily my Tow tug and weekend toy and it tows my 23ft van with GUSTO!!! The one your interested in sounds good to me so go for it!!!!
Regards
Robbo

[ShaunR]

Yeah the price is fair I think. It is a standard Disco not many extras so far but that is OK I can set it up how I want it.

Here is a link to the car on carsguide. I will be getting it for less as there will be no rego as I am interstate.

2000 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY TD5 (4X4) for sale in VIC - Melbourne $13,880 5 SP MANUAL 4x4 4WD used @ carsguide.com.au (http://www.carsguide.com.au/cars-for-sale/D_1413255/used-2000-LAND-ROVER-DISCOVERY-TD5-(4X4)--Manual-Diesel-4WD-in-VIC---Melbourne.html)

Has anyone had any experience with car dealership warranties from the Australian Warranty Network?

[disco2_dan]

Looks good, just remember cash is the key, rock up and wave 12,000 cash in his face and I reckon he will take it!! If not I reckon you will get it for 12,500 with cash

[joe.woods]

Buy it, you'll never look back, bought mine could not keep the wife out it, sold her car now she's got her own D2 as well...now mines a toy, paid $15k for her and since another $32k so far on mods, wife reckons it's my mid life crisis lol, but has not complained once; kids all want Land Rovers too!!!! Welcome to the club....:)nice place to be

[simonmelb]

Hi Shaun,

Before you leap into buying that particular car I'd recommend, if you havnt already research on this forum to decide what features/options are important to you, as well as a TD5 engine.

ie, do you want SLS, ACE, CDL

Id say the most important thing to look for is a well cared for car, with full details/receipts of work done. If the car just has a few dealer stamps in the book and you cannot speak to the previous owner I would keep looking. This in my opinion is more important then the actual Km traveled. And get the pre purchase inspection done by a LR specialist of course.

And one you have decided exactly what features you want, be prepared to wait, as the good ones sell quickly. I wanted SLS and ACE so had to wait for 2+ Months for the right car to come up for sale. It was worth the wait.

Cheers
Simon

[ShaunR]

Thanks again everyone for all the advice.

I am going to have a look at another disco in Brisbane next week it's a 2000 model manual 5 cyl diesel. Looks good, private sale 190,000 for $9500 and apparently has all service history up to date. Currently out of rego.

Could anyone recommend a LR mechanic on ghe north side of Brisbane that I could take it to for an inspection. The suburb the car is in is Kulangar.

Cheers, Shaun.

[Disco Muppet]

Could anyone recommend a LR mechanic on ghe north side of Brisbane that I could take it to for an inspection. The suburb the car is in is Kulangar.

Cheers, Shaun.

MR Auto is the go-to place in Brisvegas AFAIK, not sure where they are :)

[joe.woods]

You could try Greg Tunstall, he's a top bloke, great mechanic used him when I lived in Brisbane. He might do a site visit for you.

Greg Tunstall Mechanical
Unit 3, 255 South Street
Cleveland, Qld 4163

Phone
+61 7 3821 0622

[Road Stone]

Mr Automotive is in Redcliff north of Brisbane Airport.