Should I buy a Series 1 Disco?

[001525]

I know this is a stupid question but I would like to hear from current owners of Series 1 Disco's who can advise me on whether or not I should by a Discovery. I currently drive a Pajero which I want to get rid of and move over to a Disco. My Pajero has been the most reliable car I've ever owned. It's never missed a beat and never broken down particularly out in the bush. I've heard so many bad things about the Disco's reliability that I'm hesitant to buy one purely based on it's reputation. I'm also put off by the poor fuel economy of the V8 and I would prefer a V8 to the diesel. You might ask why a Series 1? Simple answer. I don't have a lot of money to spend and the Series 1, particularly the pre 96 models are going very cheaply these days. Obviously if i had the money, I would go for a Series 2. I will greatly appreciate as much info as I can get.

Cheers.

[PAT303]

I bought one,a 96 gave it a major service and 11 months and 43000 k's later haven't regretted it. Pat

[mudmouse]

Well, I've had a '91 V8 for just over 5 years. Got it with 183,000km and now has 262,000km. It was bog stock and for $9800 was half that of a diesel and all I could afford at the time, so I guess I was in a similar situation to you.

I haven't seriously considered 'upgrading' since because it's a relatively simple machine - no airbags, no ABS etc. Its only let me down twice with an alternator failure and one morning the steering box cracked open , so reliability has been fantastic.

Over the years and as a precaution i've replaced the clutch, wheel bearings, swivel bearings and small stuff like coolant hoses, belts as well as regular consumables like oil, coolant and other fluids. The CV's are starting to talk to me so they'll be next. I do all the work myself, so thats kept the bills to 'parts only'.

Fuel economy is typical of a V8, so no surprises of 5k's per litre in town and 7-8 on a trip. It's been from Tassie to Cape York, Birdsville and Karumba. Fraser Island twice and flogged through the Watagans, Stockton and Blue Mountain without any reservation.

Mods are limited to a 2" OME spring lift with shocks and castor bushes, ARB bar and OX winch, 15 x 8 sunnies and 31x10.5x15 MT's.

The LT-77 box is getting a bit loose but has never really given me an overwhelming sense of confidence and the 3.5 V8 is no powerhouse but I knew that before I bought it.

With the prices they're getting now, I'd still buy one. It's obviously just my opinion but it's been a great (cheapish) 4WD, thats very comfortable and capable.

Hope you get more responses with varying opinions to help you make a choice. Have fun:D

[Utemad]

Yes you should.


You will find it is not expensive to maintain a Disco1 so long as you do it yourself. At least the small stuff. I can see how it would cost an arm and a leg to maintain if you were to drop it in to the mechanic for every little thing.

If you are worried about fuel economy then convert to LPG.

[mcrover]

3 years with a 97 300tdi and Im not regretting it 1 bit.

There is not much difference in power between the V8 and the Diesel other than the initial punch of the V8 and the fantastic note they put out but Im still not convinced that that would off set the dollers for the extra fuel.

Maintenance is simple and If you did any of the work on the Paj then you wont have any trouble with the Disco.

I would recomend you get a 97 or 98 with the 3.9 if possible and stuck on the idea of the V8 as they seem to give a little less problems but I dont think it is that much of a worry.

The ZF auto that mine has is great off road and no problems in any situation and the R380 manual in the later discos is a good strong box but as with everything you can abuse them to death.

The only dramas I have had with mine have been caused by the dim whit behind the wheel hitting things and breaking it which pretty much makes them as reliable as anything, Ive even broken an 80 series and a Triton so the Disco is doing pretty well.

Go for it, get a good one and enjoy.

[Tank]

I know this is a stupid question but I would like to hear from current owners of Series 1 Disco's who can advise me on whether or not I should by a Discovery. I currently drive a Pajero which I want to get rid of and move over to a Disco. My Pajero has been the most reliable car I've ever owned. It's never missed a beat and never broken down particularly out in the bush. I've heard so many bad things about the Disco's reliability that I'm hesitant to buy one purely based on it's reputation. I'm also put off by the poor fuel economy of the V8 and I would prefer a V8 to the diesel. You might ask why a Series 1? Simple answer. I don't have a lot of money to spend and the Series 1, particularly the pre 96 models are going very cheaply these days. Obviously if i had the money, I would go for a Series 2. I will greatly appreciate as much info as I can get.

Cheers.
Welcome to the forum, I recommend a 93 Disco, they don't have Catalytic convertors, no ABS, Computer only controls fuel delivery, have single coil and electronic ignition, can always upgrade to a 4L or 4.6L engine and transfer the 93 EFI, front cover and dissy over like I have, I have the Auto ZF 4 sp box which is superb on and off road, I get about 20mpg or better on a run, city and off road about 15mpg, GREAT car, Regards Frank.

[Blknight.aus]

The last one I had was a 93 V8 I did about a squillion miles in it before blowing out the rear diff and reverse gear being stupid recovering a bogged toyo.

$700 later for parts and she was going again with a new rear locker and replaced layshaft I did all the work as part of selling her to a friend, I maintain contact with the bloke whose got it (conveniently hes renting my house in townsville) and aside from replacing the waterpump and a couple of relays that control the dual batteries (got them wet and they locked closed) he hasnt had a problem with it.

[Tank]

Welcome to the forum, I recommend a 93 Disco, they don't have Catalytic convertors, no ABS, Computer only controls fuel delivery, have single coil and electronic ignition, can always upgrade to a 4L or 4.6L engine and transfer the 93 EFI, front cover and dissy over like I have, I have the Auto ZF 4 sp box which is superb on and off road, I get about 20mpg or better on a run, city and off road about 15mpg, GREAT car, Regards Frank.
Forgot to add, if your not mechanically minded or you have no idea even on basic maintenance and small repairs, then stay with the throw away Japmobiles, because Landy's are expensive to repair if you have to take it to a dealer or specialist. If you have a tool kit, bit more than basic and you are handy with them, then you will get all the help and advice you will ever need from this forum, I have been a mechanic for 45 years and I still had to ask for advice on Landy's from the Guru's on this forum and was not too proud to do so, so you're not alone, it will become a LIFESTYLE, Regards Frank.

[dullbird]

Welcome to the forum, I recommend a 93 Disco, they don't have Catalytic convertors, no ABS, Computer only controls fuel delivery, have single coil and electronic ignition, can always upgrade to a 4L or 4.6L engine and transfer the 93 EFI, front cover and dissy over like I have, I have the Auto ZF 4 sp box which is superb on and off road, I get about 20mpg or better on a run, city and off road about 15mpg, GREAT car, Regards Frank.

well i recomend you buy are v8, thats a 99 model and doesn't have a catalytic converter or abs either;)

[Irish]

Hi,
I've had a 93 V8 Discovery four about 4 years. Done a reasonalble amount of 4wding and found my car to be very reliable and strong. It does use a large amount of fuel, but I don't mind, as I like the V8.

I've added a 120 ltr and 30 ltr fuel tanks, Koni shocks (the previous wore out), 2" spring lift and not much more. Done south west QLD, Birdsville, Simpson Desert, Flinders Ranges and a few points in between.

I get it regualry serviced by my local mechanic and do as much as I can of the little things myself.

Over all comment;
I don't flog it but it's rearly given me trouble. The only real negative I can say is the rear storage area is a bit smaller than I'd like.

George.

[mcrover]

By the way, your looking at about 10ltrs/100ks normal and up to 15ltr/100km loaded and working out of a 300tdi.

Put your location in so people could recomend repairers etc in your area.

I have a mate in Bayswater who is very reasonably priced and is a LR and Jeep specialist so they dont have to be more exy to repair than jap stuff and they dont take any more maintenance than anything else.

[olbod]

Do it !
My 92 V8 is my pride and joy, I love it.
I cooked an engine, my fault. Total rebuild.
I want to put in an auto box.
Putting in a rear ARB airlocker, Maxi axles, 1 inch lift and rear airbags. 1 inch is plenty with the airbags for touring the the hard tracks. This model does not have a sway bar, they were put on in 93.
I find that the drivers seat is uncomfortable, it presses
under my upper right leg and gets very tiresome on a trip. Going to fit a Stratos and a Command cruise
control.
I am replacing anything that I find worn, a bit at a time, so if I eventually spend $20 grand I feel that I
have a very good cheap wagon that I can trust and does not have or need any of that electrickery crap !
It has no rust and is in very good cosmetic condition.
I dont mind the fuel consumpsion, if I did it would be a simple matter to put it on gas. I am also going to fit a long range tank after the airbags go in.
It has still only done 165K and I didn't have to pay for the depreciation.
Do it !

[JohnE]

Depending on whether your a masochist or not.
I had an NC 4d56 for 12 years, as tank said they are easy to work on quite capable and the rest, never had a problem with it, except that genuine parts are like l/r parts you need to take out a loan to buy them, But there are heaps of spares about. I reckon it is an easier motor to work on than the 300tdi, especially for timing belt changes. Having said that i suppose your is a v6 petrol?

the 300tdi returns to me a similar fuel economy to the 4d56. My personal preference is diesel and i wouldn;t touch a 4wd V8.unless you had a lot of fuel money.

But the comfort levels in a disco are far better than the pajero for long drives.

my 5 cents worth

john

[Hymie]

Definately go for a Disco. Parts are relatively cheap if you know where to get them, there are lots of good LR mechanics around and the comfort levels and ride are much better. Why a V8? Tdi's are better value I reakon, (I have both).

[njz]

I've had my '97 disco V8 since new and it has been very reliable. I find it comfortable even over long distances. Sure things have worn out and I've replaced them but its just been normal wear for a 10 year old vehicle. It could do with a bit more rear leg room and a bigger load space but I haven't found this to be a problem.

The electrics have been great even in water just over the bonnet. All the interior stuff still works and the seats are comfortable. I did have to replace the sagging drivers seat cushion but it was only $95 for the genuine part.

Fuel economy is right foot controlled especially in a manual. It usually gets around 21l/100km on the city/work commute and about 14.5l to 16l/100km on the highway depending on the tires and load etc. The range is a bit limiting with the standard tank and you really need to add a long range tank for touring some areas.

Ground clearance with the standard tyre size can be limiting in deep ruts but this can easily be fixed with taller rubber and a spring lift.

[cookiesa]

94 300Tdi just over 3 1/2 years ago we got this (within 100km's of picking it up engine needed rebuild.... long story but lack of maintenance was the issue, heater hose went on the highway and temp gauge only lets you klnow too late in the 300, not sure on the v8, if so get a coolant sensor best money you can spend)
This week will click over 250,000km with only what I would consider normal maintenance, oils, filters, belts, water pump and um um um...... that's about it oh needs the rear suspension ball joint doing.

We traded up from a (1990?) 2.8 TD Jackaroo the old square shape and don't regret it at all. Had this vehicle about the longest the jack would be second. Regularly go out with a friend with a GQ with 4.2 Diesel, 2" lift, stabiliser bar release and rear difflock, He has never got anywhere we haven't. We usually try things first. Standard 94 Disco

Go for it

[gorby]

I've just got one and pick it up next week. Sold a Subaru Forester for it. Have had Landy's before and not really ever had any major issues with them. Not really anymore than with any other 10 year old car. But like others have said as long as you are prepared to get your hands dirty once in a while you should be alright.

[001525]

I'm looking at a 93 or 94 model V8i. I've never had a diesel before and nearly picked one up for a song but it sold before I could get to it. I have a very limited budget of around $5000-6000 for a private sale and can only go marginally higher for a dealer's sale.

I'm in Melbourne so any recommended mechanics in Melbourne will be appreciated especially those close to the CBD. I've heard about the expensive LR parts but how expensive can they be? Surely they can't be too much more than Japanese 4WD parts....can they? And the fuel economy can't be much worse than my V6 Pajero can it? Come on people, give me some confidence here. I'm supposed to be getting sold on a Disco not deterred from buying one. In all honesty, the fuel economy is not much of a consideration. I don't do much driving and once a year I go to the High Country for a couple of weeks. I can put up with the 22L/100km business but there are ways and means of getting around the high petrol consumption. I'm no lead foot to start with. All the advice has been great so far.

[Quiggers]

If you learn how to do the easy jobs yourself, like pads, oils, wheel bearings etc and get a 'rave' workshop manual you will find a Disco no more expensive to maintain than a Falcon. Having had my 93 tuned recently, the fuel economy is remarkarble!

But don't buy a banger, or a bomb...

On f the guys here, who I saw on Saturday last (G'day Tim) picked up and excellent 94 Diesel recently for just $4k, so there are some real bargains to be had.

Cheers, GQ

[UncleHo]

G'day 001525 :)

It might be worthwhile to look in the markets section of this site as there are a couple of Disco's in it and some Range-Rovers (classics) as they are the same chassis configuration, and at reasonable prices all listed by members.

cheers

[Disco300Tdi]

I know this is a stupid question but I would like to hear from current owners of Series 1 Disco's who can advise me on whether or not I should by a Discovery. I currently drive a Pajero which I want to get rid of and move over to a Disco. My Pajero has been the most reliable car I've ever owned. It's never missed a beat and never broken down particularly out in the bush...

Why get rid of it then?

I've heard so many bad things about the Disco's reliability that I'm hesitant to buy one purely based on it's reputation. I'm also put off by the poor fuel economy of the V8 and I would prefer a V8 to the diesel.

What mileage does a V6 Pajero get you ?

You might ask why a Series 1? Simple answer. I don't have a lot of money to spend and the Series 1, particularly the pre 96 models are going very cheaply these days. Obviously if i had the money, I would go for a Series 2.

I would go the new Defender

I will greatly appreciate as much info as I can get.

Cheers.

Are you on the south side of the CBD ?

[001525]

I don't have the money for a new defender. I earn a modest salary and cannot afford any more than $5000. I'm considering a 93 V8 Disco which looks to be in above average condition. The current owner is asking $5500 which fits in to my budget. No real reason to get rid of the Pajero other than it's time for a change. It's returning about 400 km's on a full tank which I think is comparable to the Disco. I figure that the Disco is only half a litre more in engine capacity and only slightly heavier than the Pajero so it shouldn't be too bad.

[cockie55]

13 years ago I bought one of the first D1 V8's to come off the ship.

I still have it today ..she is mildly modified with chip, headers, more air in etc. Has had some interesting times inc a engine bay fire that tested the patience. Parts off fleebay, investing some time and having a expert have a good look at least once year have paid off.

On board computer system worth more than the vehicle and more lights happening than Wolf Creek.

Only thing I would trade Wolfie for would be a supered RR sports.

[001525]

Hmmm. The legendary Land Rover electricals. I've been warned about them. It's a real shame that LR didn't invest more in build quality for the Disco. It could have easily been recognised one of the great all time automobiles.

[Utemad]

t's returning about 400 km's on a full tank which I think is comparable to the Disco. I figure that the Disco is only half a litre more in engine capacity and only slightly heavier than the Pajero so it shouldn't be too bad.

Depending on what driving you do then 400km/tank is possible. Anything from 350 to 500km/tank is what I've had or there abouts from a 3.9 manual.

Personally I think that $5.5k for a pre update D1 it would want to be a bloody good one.

[001525]

The car has 150,000 km's, service history, never been off road or towed anything and always been garaged. I have to take the seller's word for it. I haven't had time to look at it yet. The seller is currently overseas and I work odd hours so it's a matter of finding the time to check out the car. There are plenty of Disco's available on the market. I've looked at so many, mostly in dealers and they're all still in the yards after many months. They're obviously a hard car to move sales wise whereas the Japanese 4WD's seem to still sell quickly. I'm still not sold on a Disco and at this stage I'm thinking I'll hang on to my Pajero. Better the devil you know and heaps cheaper to maintain than a Land Rover.

[cookiesa]

I think you will find maintenance is no dearer than the pajero (allowing for the fact it is an 8 versus a 6)

After the Jackaroo the difference for us has been a huge increase in comfort, especially on longer trips and also the vehicle in terms of capability off road is in a complete different league to the Jackaroo (Obviously Jackaroo, Pajero are comparable)

Things the Jack use to do we now do easily with a lot less chance of damage and a lot more comfort. We have more space than what we did (although not as much as Patrol/Cruiser), you learn to pack well and a cargo barrier or roof rack is essential. (Ideally both for longer trips)

I have a mate with a GQ ute and another with a GQ wagon and they can't beleive the stuff that comes out of the Disco when we are setting up camp. (The fridge stays in the car) but on a usual weekender we take the following;

Tent (Large 8 man two room dome.... bad buy but anyway)
Tent (small dome for the boys)
5 Sleeping bags (2 large ones, I hate feeling wrapped)
2 Burner Gas cooker
Stand for above
Medium (4kg?) gas bottle
2 Picnic blankets
2 Fold out camp chairs
3 kids camping chairs
fold up camping table with bench seats
2 medium suitcases
(Nappy bag extra nappies heaps of wet wipes etc)
Plastic Tub for food
Plastic tub with picnic gear in it (cutlery, cooking utensils, spray on oil, washing up gear frypan a couple of saucepans, salt, pepper, can opener etc)
Plus a few blankets and rugs, tarp and poles for shade

Plus we carry the usual snatch strap, shackels, 2 draw toolbox, about 30l of water in different containers (Depending on where we are going) couple of ropes, small spade, socket set, air compressor, fire extinguisher (mounted near drivers seat) fire blanket (attached to cargo barrier) and first aid kit (2, 1 larger one which stays in the car and a smaller one that we take with us when walking etc with just the basics in it.)

So as you can see because of the height you can pack heaps in to them, now the kids are getting a bit older I am working on a roof rack as it is a bit of a pain sometimes getting to things. (The ideal of packing based on what you are likely to need the most comes second to fitting it in!)

[chosen]

Yep, buy one... the Solid live axles on coil springs give a great ride, great articulation (almost the best out there) and still fairly good handling!

V8i is a great engine... it isn't too thirsty either - mine is currently getting 17ltrs/100kms City, 13ltr/100kms Country on petrol... LPG it gets 21ltrs/100kms City and I don't know for country yet.

On LPG it currently costs me an average of under $11 per 100kms in the city and I LIKE TO PUT MY FOOT DOWN!!! - This is really cheap!!!

Chosen

[DiscoDan]

There are plenty of Disco's available on the market. I've looked at so many, mostly in dealers and they're all still in the yards after many months. They're obviously a hard car to move sales wise whereas the Japanese 4WD's seem to still sell quickly. I'm still not sold on a Disco and at this stage I'm thinking I'll hang on to my Pajero. Better the devil you know and heaps cheaper to maintain than a Land Rover.

Mate judgeing by your last stay with the Pajero, you shouldn't come over to the light.

For some reason jap car drivers think Land Rovers are expensive to maintain. WRONG:mad:

[wrex]

My dad had a 91 pajero (old shape) and 94 Pajero which were good, both on road and off-road, I used to take them everywhere, however enter the world of beam axels and coil springs all round!!! Add to that the V8 and you have a fun, comfortable and capable car for camping and off road fun with the family and comfortable with plenty of punch as a daily driver.

Since then Dad has had 2 Dicovery 1s and now I have my own after having played with Jeeps for a while, I must say the Disco is much more fun than the Cherokee and the Pajero.

I picked up a 94 ES V8 on gas, so air bags, sunroofs, leather and seven seats for around what you are wanting to spend with 180000kms, and mine came with the scuba LPG tanks so I still have a full cargo bay.

Dramas with the Disco's have been minimal and no more than what the Japanese and American Vehicles game me in the past, with repairs been cooling system and the iddling problem with the MAF which some Discos suffered from.

All our cars are serviced well and on time in order to avoid costly repairs.
My 2 cents worth

[001525]

Your 2 cents worth is much appreciated as are all the other members who have provided information. OK! I'm convinced that the Disco is the way to go.

My Pajero has been a really great vehicle for me but it's time for a change. I'll still have a look at the $5500 private sale Disco. It's a 93 V8 model. I prefer not to have gas. I've heard too many horror stories with gas burning out heads and valves etc. Plus the extra weight of a gas tank and plumbing is the last thing I need on an already over weight Disco. I'd be looking to lighten the bloody thing if at all possible not make it heavier. Every ounce counts.

I'd be looking at fitting extractors to start with which should assist with improved performance and fuel consumption. There are also a few gizmos on the market which claim to boost performance and decrease fuel use. The Fuelstar is one that comes to mind. I don't know if it works but it might be worth a try. I tried those stupid magnet gadgets you attach to the fuel line. They don't work.

Can someone confirm that the Disco V8 doesn't have a timing belt but the diesel does and they're prone to breaking?

[chosen]

Gas is fine... it just depends on the engine it is fitted to... V8i Discovery's cope well with gas. Go a 96 Discovery, lifted, LPG, Winch bar, Spotties, UHF, Snorkel... - mine is for sale if your interested!

[001525]

Thanks but I probably couldn't afford it plus I prefer to get a road rider so I can customise it to my specs. I've got my eye set on a 93 model.

[Utemad]

Are you aware that there was a major facelift of the Disco1 in early 94?

I had a quick flick through again and haven't seen it mentioned.

[001525]

Yeah but I like the look of the pre 94 models. The interior design of the 94 model onwards is better than the pre 94 but I prefer the exterior of the 93. I think the roof lining of the pre 94's doesn't sag like some of the newer models because it was a one piece moulded unit. They're only minor things I know but important little things which make the difference between an enjoyable and not so enjoyable driving experience. Wouldn't it be great to turn back the clock to the late 80's and with the knowledge we have today, imagine how much better the Disco could have been.