Questions re 97 Disco I

[McDisco]

Hey All

My brother in laws brother is looking at buying at 97 Series 1 TDI Disco and asked if I could ask a few questions online.

The disco has about 300k on the clock and is supposed to be a SE7. Would you be concerned about the mileage or is this ok for the 300tdi engine as long as it has a good service history?

I thought the SE7 stood for 7 seats, but he has asked me whether the rear seats can be retro fitted (I guess they are not there)?

Also, are their any particular things he should check that could be potentially costly repairs? I have sent him a recent article from 4wdmonthly that was on buying used disco 1's.

And finally, what would be a reasonable price for a disco of this age with that many miles?

Any advice would be appreciated...

Angus

[loanrangie]

Se7 is a 7 seat model and the seats fold up pretty tight to the sides so it may look like they arent there. I have seen a few around with over 300k but they are on their 2nd cylinder head and 3rd head gasket, i would be very wary on the service history on it. With that sort ok k's i wouldnt go over 9-10k depending on the condition of the rest of the car, there are plenty with less k's around for 10-13k. I paid 12990 for mine with 188k and full detailed history - 98 auto tdi.

[Mick-Kelly]

I would think myself lucky to get $8000 - $9000 for mine and its in good nick apart from paint fade and an electrical gremlin I haven't sorted yet. (97tdi auto 160k). BTW tell him to get a defender, i would swap mine for a fender in an instant.

[muddymech]

not sure disco are selling well at the moment so bargin hard, my v8 been on sale for two months and all i have recieved is two wasted phone calls

[redrover3]

They're a pretty good car really. My '95 model with 332k is all original (apart from torque converter) so they seem to last ok if well serviced and not overheated. It's possible somebody took the back seats out to gain the side pocket space or put a cargo barrier in. I don't think you can have both. Most cars, unless they're rare seem to drop drastically in price after 200k because the new owner could probably expect major work to be done to it if they keep it for a while. I would think about $8000 to $8500 in good nick.
Tony

[waynep]

300K is getting up there in mileage. Look for recent posts by sclarke re the big end bearings wearing out about that stage.
You can still get lower mileage ones if you look around - mine's only done 110,000 which is at the lower end but I know of ones around between 160 - 200,000. They are are good car if looked after. You'll find plenty of threads on this site advising with things to look for if you do a search. e.g timing belt upgrade, rust around alpine windows, cracks in firewall etc. etc.
If he can he should go for the more basic models without airbags or ABS electric windows and seats etc, because they can be costly if things go wrong.-not sure if they came in the 7 seat models though.

[mcrover]

As said, SE7 is a 7 seater, 300k is high but that doesnt mean it is no good, mines done 297k and is still good, trans tends to have a 300k life span before needing a rebuild but thats not for certain.

The engine will last beyond 300k if it has been looked after and not overheated and as long as it was service well it is possible to get probably another 100 or more K's but it's all good.

Around the $8000 mark I would recon would be the max I'd pay for it.

[mcrover]

I would think myself lucky to get $8000 - $9000 for mine and its in good nick apart from paint fade and an electrical gremlin I haven't sorted yet. (97tdi auto 160k). BTW tell him to get a defender, i would swap mine for a fender in an instant.

Why?

Do you need the space?

Do you not like sound deadening?

Do you not like the weather being outside the car?

Do you not like power windows, air con that works, heater that works and a comfy driving position?

It is much cheaper to put a lift in your disco, some taller tyres and maybe even a set of lockers and you will go everywhere that a Defender will go easy.

Just ask Rangieman, He wishes he had a Disco, dont you chris lol.




























By the way, all comments should be taken in Jest, Im just joking for those Defender drivers that may be offended by my comments lol.

[Mick-Kelly]

Why?

Do you need the space?

Yep, never enough

Do you not like sound deadening?

its a tdi so it still sounds like a truck

Do you not like the weather being outside the car?

Not much difference between my old series 3 and the disco

Do you not like power windows, air con that works, heater that works and a comfy driving position?

My arms still work, i can take or leave aircon and fender seats are comfy

It is much cheaper to put a lift in your disco, some taller tyres and maybe even a set of lockers and you will go everywhere that a Defender will go easy.

Its got 32 inch tyres, lifted springs, flares, snorkel etc. Just doesnt have the style or class of a fender.

Just ask Rangieman, He wishes he had a Disco, dont you chris lol.

Anyone wants to swap a fender for a disco drop me a line :p

[DirtyDawg]

I would think myself lucky to get $8000 - $9000 for mine and its in good nick apart from paint fade and an electrical gremlin I haven't sorted yet. (97tdi auto 160k). BTW tell him to get a defender, i would swap mine for a fender in an instant.

:):):) Who wouldnt mick:):):) as long as your under 5'8" and 90kgs:D:D:D

[mcrover]

Why?

Do you need the space?

Yep, never enough

Do you not like sound deadening?

its a tdi so it still sounds like a truck

Do you not like the weather being outside the car?

Not much difference between my old series 3 and the disco

Do you not like power windows, air con that works, heater that works and a comfy driving position?

My arms still work, i can take or leave aircon and fender seats are comfy

It is much cheaper to put a lift in your disco, some taller tyres and maybe even a set of lockers and you will go everywhere that a Defender will go easy.

Its got 32 inch tyres, lifted springs, flares, snorkel etc. Just doesnt have the style or class of a fender.

Just ask Rangieman, He wishes he had a Disco, dont you chris lol.

Anyone wants to swap a fender for a disco drop me a line :p


If your disco is that noisey, drafty and uncomfortable then your disco needs work.

Mines 300TDI and relatively quiet, in comparison to a 300TDI Defender, has no wind noise unlike a Defender and I have yet to sit in a comfy defender.

But some people like them and they are deffinately a good truck but thats what they are, a truck.

[mcrover]

:):):) Who wouldnt mick:):):) as long as your under 5'8" and 90kgs:D:D:D


Who wouldnt, anyone who is over 5'8" and 90kgs and still have all their senses lol.