Thread: 95 disco purchase

Hi mate,
as a Diesel driver I cannot tell you much about the V8, but there should not be too many issues with this engine as it has been around for ages in one guise or the other. As for the ABS-brakes, they came with the facelift in 1994/95, although some markets didn't receive them until a year later. The same applies to the SRS, btw. During the first years at least they were an option, so not all vehicles of this particular vintage might have those fitted. Far from being a high-tech development it was just as effective. If i only could remember who the manufacturer of the system was I'd tell you straight away...

Otherwise, as with any vehicle of that age, most faults will have shown up over time, so what you can expect depends on the level of care of the previous owner(s).
Cheers

I read some advice years ago that the V8 likes clean oil to perform, so I change my engine oil 6 monthly as well as the filter as this vehicle only does short journeys.

Everything else is normal routine maintenance & I do it. Had nothing major go on me but if I can't handle it, I will use a good city repairer that I know of. Having had some surgery, clambering underneath does not really appeal to me these days.

The only "major" thing that I have had to contend with was replacing the Air Flow Meter which was causing high fuel consumption, but I strongly suspect it was faulty from new.

The V8s are prone to head problems, cylinder liner problems and head gasket failure - mostly as a result of one over heating event. The cooling system needs to be spot on - correct coolant mix, radiator, water pump and viscous coupling fan hub etc. Ignore these at your peril.

5000 km/six month oil changes are also recommended. The cam likes clean oil.

Fit an engine saver alarm too.

Originally Posted by Jojo

Otherwise, as with any vehicle of that age, most faults will have shown up over time, so what you can expect depends on the level of care of the previous owner(s).
Cheers

Pretty much this^ Find out what you can about the vehicle's history so you don't end up with a dud. I discovered some numpty had replaced the gaskets with some cheap cardboard type ones, they burned through and caused all sorts of problems.

Thanks All!!!

I will try to talk with his mechanic. Does not have log books any more???

Any way they appeal to me so i will look into a Disco further...

Just love a V8.

Mate - where do you live? I am reluctantly considering giving up my 95 V8 Auto - much loved. See my posts about her here over the years. The 3.9 was not prone to engine failure. I have a D2 with 100,000 less on her and its the one I worry about. The D1 V8's were known for high miles trouble free motoring when properly serviced as mine has been.

Cheers

just hit 340,000ks in my d1 and ive never had a head gasket go or any other major failure and its overheated on me about 3-4 times over the years all i would do is if it has the plastic plug it the top corner of the radiator change it to a brass one and make sure the radiator itself is in good nick and while your at it throw a new filler tank on it ant you will be good for a while they are the only things that have stopped me and my disco sees a fair bit of off road

I rev the guts out of mine in mud holes when I have time. Over heated it once but still no probs, I change the oil maybe too regular (after any run with river crossings or if I'm stuck in a mud hole for too long but less than 5000kms, she purrs like a kitten and would run all day if you could afford the fuel. Only real prob I've had was the Lucas ignition ( bee utey set me up with a Bosch unit) and a recent starter motor kicking the bucket (too much mud I think) other than that they are easy driving machines