98 300tdi pre-purchase question

**68wicksy** · 12th February 2010, 02:02 PM

Hi all
New to the forum, and have spent the last few days digging through the posts before taking the plunging and buying my first Disco.

Am currently looking at 2 possibles.

1st is a 96 V8 Auto ES 224k's (no leather, no sunroofs - but apparently still an ES). Fairly tidy in and out (apart from headlining), new tyres, rego, rwc, $5k

2nd is a 98 300tdi auto 215k's, Fairly dirty inside and out, need 2 tyres, no rego, no rwc, $5k

I haven't had either inspected yet, just driven them. The remote location of the tdi will probably make getting an inspection impossible.

I only expect to do around 10,000km per year (mostly road and dirt track/beach), and this will be a daily driver.

My first preference is the tdi purely because it's younger and cheaper on fuel.. I haven't seen the service history yet (but will make sure I do), but it has one problem I need advise on.
During the test drive it felt like the abs was going off, while braking on tarmac at low speeds (30-60km). Is this common/ easily repairable?

Thanks team

**Scouse** · 12th February 2010, 02:55 PM

The ABS sound like normal operation. They are very touchy over the slightest bumps when braking.

All ES's have leather & sunroofs though so it seems a bit odd.

The Tdi would be the pick if you can do the tidying up yourself.

**HBWC** · 12th February 2010, 07:44 PM

tdi would be the pick alot more versitle

**big guy** · 13th February 2010, 12:08 PM

ES does have all the fruit.
I would check engine no's and vehicle logs etc to make sure it is what they say it is.

I would pick the tdi also.
Make a lower offer as its roug and perhaps unseen.
Spend some dollars in that case and get it the way you want it.
That way also you know whats been done etc.

Or, spend a bit more straight of and get a better unit.

I would also try and call the mechanic that has been looked after it and see what needs doing.
Believe me, there is always something.

**Discovery300Tdi** · 13th February 2010, 12:20 PM

I'd pick the Tdi for sure

**justinc** · 13th February 2010, 12:28 PM

I'd be careful with the ABS part, on a SMOOTH road at any speed under normal and even moderate braking it shouldn't go off. Unless it has one or more faulty sensors. Does the Anti lock lamp come on in the middle of the instrument cluster when you turn the ignition on? I have seen the globes removed on these to hide faults before

Each front wheel sensor is about $450, and about double for the rear as it is supplied as 1 harness.

I would also be very careful with a Tdi in poor condition, as it could eclipse the overall costs of a V8 in repairs

JC

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