$5500 Discovery 2 - Repairable Write Off

[ariddell]

Guys,
I've seen a stolen/recovered Disco 2 for sale for $5500, it was stolen by the theft of the keys and looks like it has been joy ridden around for a bit. Insurance company had paid out by the time it was recovered so it's now for sale.

It's in generally pretty good condition with the exception of a ding in the rear door that will likely need to be repaired, quite a few scratches to the paint and general scuffs etc around it. It'll also need a replacement light cluster (the lower one in the rear bumper) which is currently missing and likely a windscreen for the rwc.

I'm told it'll need a VIV inspection as well as the usual rwc before it can be registered - does anyone know how much trouble this is to get?

If it's just going to be a case of replacing the rear light and doing the repair on the door i can likely do this myself. I'm not too bothered about getting it fully repainted so wouldn't bother having it resprayed or anything.

Obviously the car would never be worth as much a one that hadn't been stolen/recovered when i come to sell it too but just wondering if it's worth the trouble of buying and getting it back on the road myself at this price?

It's a 99 v8 model in dark green with the beige interior, 180000kms.

Cheers

Al

[BMKal]

Don't know how difficult / costly the inspection might be over your way - definitely wouldn't be a major issue here. But from the sounds of it, you're onto a pretty good deal. The damage etc you've described sounds pretty minor and easily fixed. If there's nothing else major wrong with it, I'd say that for the price, you can't go wrong - it's worth way more than that just as spares.

[FenianEel]

Al,

I think there is more to the story, and I would be getting it checked from the seller.
A vehicle that is just stolen and paid out, as you have described wouldn't necessarily even go on the WOVR (Written Off Vehicle Register).
If it is a repairable write off, it must've had a reasonable amount of damage to it.
You will need to get a roady and a VIV certificate ($470) regardless. In Vic you need to book in about 2 weeks ahead, and they'll prob. want the car for the better part of a day.

It sounds really cheap and there's normally a reason for that. (warning bells)
As the old saying goes, "if it's too good to be true - it normally is"
Be careful ;)

[Bundalene]

Hi, in NSW you have to get a Blue slip (roadworthy certificate) and if the vehicle is under 10 years old it had to be presented to the RTA (Roads and Traffic Authority) for a full mechanical check also a check to ensure all parts used for the repair were legitimately obtained. You must also supply a full list of all parts used in the repair, including VIN numbers and proof of previous ownership of the parts. On top of this is a $400+ fee for this inspection. If the vehicle comes through the insurance system the RTA has a full account of the damage and parts required for the repair. Cheers, Erich.

[ariddell]

Thanks. I think the insurance company will probably have considered it uneconomical to repair considering they had already paid out on it as a loss to the owner.

For a full proper repair it would need a full respray as it's scratched all around - this doesn't really bother me for what i want it for but I presume the insurance co would have this as a major repair cost and might be a factor in them writing it off.

The VIV apparently needs to have the car back "within the manufacturers specifications", so it could well need both doors on the drivers side replaced potentially, and possibly a rear bumper. It has an ARB bullbar fitted, not sure if this would need to be removed too but hopefully not.

Only other thing about it that jumps out from memory is that the ABS warning light is stuck on - not sure what would be causing this.

Will likely give it a good checking over and make sure there is no damage to the B pillar linked to the dented door which could be a big problem.

Hmmmm, can't help wondering if it's worth the trouble or if i'm better off sticking to looking for a tidy S1.

[ariddell]

Ok, well i think i've decided to go the route of lower risk on this one.

Documentation I've found on the VIV test suggests it may need to be repaired pretty much back to original condition to pass it if i get a picky inspector so it could get expensive. Been quoted $700 each for replacement doors so i can see the repair costs spiraling beyond what i want to spend and it taking quite a while to get it back on the road and usable.

As such i'm taking the too cheap to be true advice and am going to pass on it.

Ad is here for if anyone else is interested:

LANDROVER DISCOVERY V8 4WD on Trading Post Auto ? cars, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Holden, Mercedes, Suzuki, BMW and Ford at low prices. (http://www.tradingpost.com.au/Automotive/Used-Cars/4WD-Wagons-SUVs/AdNumber=8025401?BackToResult=true)

Thanks for the advice guys, good to have a sounding board to help get thoughts straight and make a rational purchase decision.

[FenianEel]

Just looked at the ad. Looks good (as they all do over the net!)

If it is a repairable write off, it's supossed to have a large sticker on the windscreen stating so, and state "repairable write off" in the ad.
Think you've made a wise choice.

"Rational purchase decision" - :D They're not as much fun, but generally far less frustating!

[simonr23]

probably a good choise.

in this situation where it seems a licenced dealer is the seller, is it possible to sign an agreement/contract where they get it all roadworthied/rego'd and u are happy to pay the costs, up to say $1000-1300 over the purchase price. if it turns out it cant be done for these dollars, u can then walk away?

[ariddell]

I did actually ask them about that, they weren't interested in doing so however.

The suspicious part of my mind suggests that may be because they knew it would cost more than they were letting on to me, but then it could as easily just not be their business model and they are only interested in buying from the insurance co's and shifting on the cars as quickly and easily as they can.

[mike 90 RR]

Rather than look at the panel damage
I would put a heap of effort into looking at the condition of the motor + drive train

Was it over reved ... after all, if you gonna joy ride , Put your foot flat to the floor would have been the order of the day

This is where the hidden money lies ;)

[4X4V8]

If you are going to step up to a D2, then register on Pickles as an online bidder (you do not have to pay for this, or hand over any money if you just want to observe an auction).

You need to use Explorer and download software to work it, but it gives you a visual of cars selling plus a live audio feed to the auction. That will tell you exactly what Discos are going for at auction, in theory the cheapest place to buy a car. I think that around $8k would get you a D2 that is not stuffed or stolen/recovered.

If anyone thinks that is way too low for a D2, I was offered that much by two different dealers two years ago for my previous tidy D2. Yes, a dealer trade-in price is not what we all can get access to, but I can't see the trade value going up from two years ago.

I reckon that the extra layer of complexity of a D2 is not worth it if you are not worried abt cosmetics/condition. I reckon Discos do not age well cosmetically and when I bought my D2 I wanted a really clean car. The D1s I saw were all very tired. But for an off-road bush basher, they are better as everyone says. A D2 buys you possibly a cleaner car, more cargo room but also more complexity and you won't get an 03 with its centre diff lock for $8k.

Be aware that a cheap Disco is not always cheap to own. You can get caught out buying a Discovery. Last one was $2500 in a head gasket repair and the new one will cost me $2000 in repairs and 1 service alone in 3 months ownership (90,000km service + fr discs/pads, radiator clean, exhaust manifold, MAF sensor).

My car is a good one and I love it but having a problem like an exhaust manifold cracking at 89,000km is stuff that just doesn't happen to many other makes. LR is not on the bottom of the JD Power quality surveys by mistake, although newer generation models appear to be much better.

[DiscoDan]

Two years ago a friend bought an ES Disco 2 MY00 from a wreakerfor 10K Fixed the damage approx 3k and it was under 100kms on clock.

He has had a bloody good car for the last two years. Sometimes they have to get rid of them.

Utemad knows the car, he was too slow for that one:o

[DiscoDan]

Just looked at the ad. Looks good (as they all do over the net!)

If it is a repairable write off, it's supossed to have a large sticker on the windscreen stating so, and state "repairable write off" in the ad.
Think you've made a wise choice.

"Rational purchase decision" - :D They're not as much fun, but generally far less frustating!


Might not be a write off, car may have been recovered after owner was paid out and insurance is trying to recoup some of it's money.

[ariddell]

Well, so much for the "rational purchase decision" concept.....

Went to have a proper look at it this morning and surprise, surprise, guess what's now sitting in my driveway.

Drives very nicely, quite a few rattles from trim at the rear but no strange mechanical noises that i have noticed so far, feels pretty tight and solid. Got the good old 3 amigos lighting up the dash however so will need to see what's going on there.

Very pleased with it so far so here's hoping the VIV inspection etc go reasonably smoothly and it should be a good value purchase.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2008/07/1104.jpg

[trobbo]

good work. Will be interested to hear how you get on with the inspections and cost involved.
I expect the 'low' price is more about what the trade buy and sell them at. 8 - 10K is normal for a v8 d2.

[ariddell]

Going reasonably well so far. Costs currently running at:

$5450 for the initial purchase
$55 for an unregistered vehicle permit
$245 for a replacement windscreen
$40 for a big rubber mallet and some other bits to try to knock the dent in the rear door out myself which was partially sucessfull.
$15 for a replacement locking wheel nut key.
$70 for the trim piece at the top of the rear bumper.
$10 for a touch up paint pen.

Add onto that $470 coming up for the viv and ~$500 to have the door properly repaired if the VIV inspector isn't happy with the job i have done on it myself, plus whatever it costs me for the rwc.

Found out today it also has ACE fitted which is nice, and the random extra knob on the console turned out to be the CDL reactivated.

Will likely do a full report when I get through the whole process since it may be of use to anyone else who contemplates doing the same in future.

[rovercare]

Looks a good buy:)











Still no P38 but:p

[p38arover]

Looks good!

[2 rocks]

What scratches!! :O

Can send you some pictures of mine...lol!!

Good work, looks like a nice vehicle. :)

Mike

[ariddell]

And so the costs properly begin :( ............

Got the info on what it apparently needs for the rwc today and alas it doesn't make overly great reading.

A fair bit of it is stuff i can do myself, indicators in the bullbar not working, spot lamp wiring needs tidying, front brake pads need replacing, quite a few clips on trim parts are missing (A/B pillars, headlamp, guard linings) etc.

Alas there are a couple if possible biggies that i can't really do myself however.

Needs 2x engine mounts.
Pitman arm tie rod end is worn.
Left hand rear tie rod end worn.
Transfer case leaking oil.
Sump gasket leaking oil.
Knock from suspension - needs further investigation.
Rear drive shaft coupling needs replacing.
Wheel sensor causing fault code (this one i knew about)
Extractors and cats are apparently non-standard and need checking for roadworthiness.

Will need to price this lot up and see what the likely wallet damage is going to be but unfortunately it's not looking like such a cheap purchase any more and i'd by lying if i said i wasn't a touch gutted as i for some reason had got myself thinking it would sail through.

[101RRS]

Most of that is pretty easy stuff that you may have found on any vehicle of that many kms.

A lot of people could do most themselves - but would still cost $$$ to pay someone.

Garry

[4X4V8]

Will need to price this lot up and see what the likely wallet damage is going to be but unfortunately it's not looking like such a cheap purchase any more and i'd by lying if i said i wasn't a touch gutted as i for some reason had got myself thinking it would sail through.

Like others suggested, you'd get those kinds of problems on any vehicle. I still think you got a bargain. I paid more than double what you did for my D2 3 months ago.

If it makes you feel any better, i have spent about $1.5k so far just getting my so-called immaculate D2 into shape, not including the frivoulous spending on things like a leather steering wheel, pdc, seat covers and exhaust muffler.

[simonr23]

sorry, i cant see where you're from in the reply screen, but when they say oil leaks, are they leaks that always leave little puddles of oil behind. or just enough so that u can see it on the respective gearboxes/sumps? in SA, i think the leak has to be leaving puddles to be defective. looking at the list you made, surely it's doable to dodge up the interior trim pieces so that they're secure. maybe $1000 for labour and good nick used parts for the mechanical stuff. i cant see the exhaust being an issue. if the cat isnt hollowed out and overall it passes the noise test, it should be ok?

[Blknight.aus]

for what youve got, IF your handy with spanners theres less than $1.5K worth of repair work on what youve got incuding paying an exhaust shop to put back the requires Cats and the like if the roadwothry guys dont like what youve got.

take no short cuts on the leaks if your thinking about using something like a stopsleak product it'll bite you on the ass...

best of luck.

[V8Landy]

The oil leaks are just a hot wash before you take it in:D;).I think you have a good buy

[ariddell]

Thanks guys, feeling a bit better about the whole thing, just annoyed with myself for getting my hopes up that they would pass it straight away and for jumping the gun and booking the VIV test in before it was really ready to do so.

If i had access to a decent garage setup i probably would try to do some more of the work myself, can't imagine that doing the engine mounts etc would be overly safe or easy with the car up on stands in the driveway however.

Is there anywhere that rents out garage space with hoists etc in Melbourne that anyone knows of?

With the extractors/cats i think they were possibly only flagged up as a potential problem becuase the garage i took it to today are a well known landrover specialist so know exactly what the standard fitment on a d2 looks like. A general rwc place may not have picked up on this and just tested on the specs as is.

I think first priority will be to get the wheel sensor sorted and the 3 amigos extinguished from the dash as that is the only bit i really need somewhere with the proper diagnostic kit to do. Beyond that i can use another garage i know who have done great work on the TVR before who will likely be a bit more reasonable in terms of pricing to do the rest of the work and the rwc.

I suppose the way i also need to look at it is i was looking at various S1 Discos with every bit as many/more km on them and no rwc etc either for very similar money, which would have stood every bit as much chance of having these sorts of faults.

[simonr23]

oh and just for my curiosity, how did they determine the engine mounts were stuffed? do they leak? even when technically collapsed, they still wouldnt be noticable to, well, most people. even TRS(my local and a respected LR specialist) dont know how to diagnose a buggered one.

[ariddell]

No idea to be honest - I had started to feel a bit feint and had curled up into the foetal position in a corner by that point in the runthrough of the 2 page fault list I fear and didn't grill them any deeper.

"Broken" was the descriptive term he used rather than stuffed, leaking or collapsed - all it lists on the paperwork is "left engine mount needs replacing" and "right engine mount needs replacing".

They do however still appear to be present and at least performing some level of engine mounting function, noticeable from the fact that the engine is still mounted in the Disco rather than on the driveway below said Disco which is nice.. :)

[rovercare]

Is there anywhere that rents out garage space with hoists etc in Melbourne that anyone knows of?

.

I do for beer:D, but a little far away:(

[rovercare]

oh and just for my curiosity, how did they determine the engine mounts were stuffed? do they leak? even when technically collapsed, they still wouldnt be noticable to, well, most people. even TRS(my local and a respected LR specialist) dont know how to diagnose a buggered one.

With a pry bar;)

[ariddell]

With a pry bar;)


Ahah, so what it should read is "engine mounts needs replacing now - after we've been buggering about at them with a ruddy great pry bar"... :)

[rovercare]

Ahah, so what it should read is "engine mounts needs replacing now - after we've been buggering about at them with a ruddy great pry bar"... :)

If you could break an engine mount, that's in good knick, with a pry bar, I hope your on myside in a pub brawl;)

[discomuzz]

Is there anywhere that rents out garage space with hoists etc in Melbourne that anyone knows of?




Hi!

There is a joint in White Street, Braeside/Mordialloc that rents space on a job by job basis. Pretty sure all equipment is available.

Don't know the name of it, but someone who passes by on a regular basis may be able to help.

[ariddell]

Hi!

There is a joint in White Street, Braeside/Mordialloc that rents space on a job by job basis. Pretty sure all equipment is available.

Don't know the name of it, but someone who passes by on a regular basis may be able to help.

That would be ideal, is it pretty obvious when driving past?

If so i'll take a run out that way tomorrow morning and see what the deal is.

Going from the RAVE cd most of the jobs do indeed look reasonably straight forward with the right equipment so i'm pretty up for giving it a shot myself.

[discomuzz]

Yeah, it sort of stands out.

Assuming you come along Nepean Hgy and turn left into White St, it is about 2/3rds of the distance to Wells Rd on the right. You pass through what is essentially residential and come across some crappy old factories near the Golf Club entrance.

It is around that area.

I have to do a delivery from Southbank to Rye tomorrow morning. I could pass by there and make some enquiries if it helps and PM you after lunch.

Let me know!

[ariddell]

Thanks, my other half is taking flying lessons at Moorabin airport and has one on for tomorrow morning I think.

As such i'll probably selflessly offer to provide chaufeur services, thus earning good behaviour points and getting to check this place out and have a wander round Southlands before it gets too busy into the bargain. :)

[discomuzz]

Must be a bloody long flying lesson!:eek:

[jys]

has the discovery had the VIV check.
What problems occurred?