Thread: disco owners need deep pockets T. or F.

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

On a 15 year old vehicle like mine you would expect some maintenance and things finally wearing out no matter what make of vehicle it was. I don't think Discos are especially expensive overall.
My original radiator lasted 14 years and then only cost $600 to replace and the new brass one should last as long as the original, so you can't fault that. I just replaced the original fuel pump lift hose and it was just a standard rubber hose from any shop.
I'd recommend a 300tdi auto - they're cheap, economical, and go well enough for normal people.

Yep-Agree and there are plenty out there, there is one in market section right now for $8k. bargain--Ohh and its not mine I just think its cheap good motoring for a car that cost over $50k just over 10 years ago.

Originally Posted by Ace

The main so called reliability issues that people whinge about are often due to the odd design flaw which is are very cheap to rectify and prevent happening again of because they are worked on by people who have no idea.

And that's the thing that makes Land Rovers popular with "enthusiasts" rather than the general motoring public. Yes, you can make most LRs pretty reliable once you know which bits to undertake preventative maintenance/modification on courtesy of the wealth of collective knowledge on this site. However, most people just want a car to drive rather than having their head under the bonnet all the time, and you have to admit, LR do shoot themselves in the foot with some pretty daft design flaws (e.g. oil in wiring loom and oil pump bolt on Td5s...both can be rectified, but the point is that if the designers were doing there jobs right, you wouldn't have to). Toyotas are boring to look at an drive, but they'll tolerate more abuse and less maintenance than a LR (so part of me can understand the original poster considering a HJ60 - nice and simple and reliable although a bit thirsty c.f. LR TDs)

thanks feraldisco,
I have owned 2 LRs 1 swb other long both SllA with the holden conversion, but that was and long time ago now, I got sick and tired of broken axles and broken conversion plates,
I cant remember how many time I had to dive home with a piece of sawn off Axe handle wedge between the gear box and cross member (not to mention axes as well) or on the front diff because I run out of axles.
but I must admit we were bloody ruff on them back then as well.
I doubt that the standard off the floor disco of today would have made it through some of the places we took those old landogs (as they were call back then).
then a mate got a cruiser diesel and it went every where we did but without the breakdown probs the LRs where having.
but hey this was back before the internet and computers took up a complete room, so we had to relied on (what we called close encounters with) other LRs owners that we would bump into on any given day/trip, we would sit around a camp fire and talk problem solving.
since then I have had a mixed bag of 4bs but always remember those camp fires with other LR owners and always a wave you got as you went past. and thats why I am back look for another landog but with a bit more comfort.

I think this enthusiasm for our Landrovers with all their foibles is far more than a mere Landrover thing. I suspect our Landrover ownership and enthusiasm [fetish?] is an integral part of our make up with LR ownership a reflection of this. That we as individuals cannot abide being a part of the general mob. Our lives or the way we live our lives and what we own and do is different to the rest of society. We will likely have odd hobbies, a rare breed in the way of a pet and all that we own and the way we think will not be main stream.
We are also more likely to be loners, stubborn, self reliant, independent, not given to the normal community social activities. And deep down we are more likely to mentally fly a southern Confederate rebel flag and whistle Dixie as we drive.
But hmmmm.....why am I here talking to you lot. I've got a Landrover to go and drive......umm....errrr....that is.....as soon it comes out of the workshop.

I wish I was in Dixie, Hooray! Hooray!
In Dixie Land............

Hi RoyBoy,

Can recommend a Disco 1 for general reliability and 'cheap' motoring. Bought my D1 new in '97 and will probably never sell it. Been very reliable and comfortable. It's no powerhouse (300TDi/Manual) but quite acceptable. Tows brilliantly. It's become my daughters preferred drive so she's angling to get her hands on it full time.....

Whatever you buy - Make sure it's been serviced. V8s do not like missing oil changes (it does bad things to their cams).

Cheers
David

I'd just add that the issues LR have such as oil in the loom,three amigo's etc aren't just an LR thing.Tojo and Nissan have just as many faults if not more,the difference is that they aren't as willing as LR owners to talk about them.LR owners are the most open minded and straight up people you'll meet anywhere.I have had very good reliability out of my last three new LR's but I go buy the theory of a cent spent on maintenance is a dollar saved on repairs. Pat

For me at least, the answer to the original question is a resounding "TRUE".

I have a '99 DII V8 which slipped a cylinder liner after about 9 years of careful maintenance. Not sure why it slipped because the engine wasn't overheated.

Anyway, after $8K, I have a 4.6 V8 with tophat liners. Still a bloody expensive repair for a vehicle which is essentially only worth $10-$12K on the used market.

Not happy, Jan!

Hey Roy. The fact is that you are buying a second hand vehicle. If you bought one with a full service history from a proper LR Garage, you are WAY in front. If you have done your research and seen receipts for things that you will learn are design faults like Drive shafts on D2's and rust in alpine windows on D1s then you are even further infront. Myself, I like V8's. Lots of people on here prefer diesel. V8 suits me, Diesel suits lots of others on here.

My advice is get one that has been loved and cared for by a Real Shop, Greame Cooper or Davis in Sydney, Richmond in Vic, MR in Brisbane, the really cool shop in SA with all the 90's, you just cannot do better than a cosseted professionally maintained Land Rover.

And if your second hand 15 year old 4x4 breaks down..... well I mean heck, it's warranty ran out 12 years ago. Just get it fixed and get on with life. Don't go on 4wd Action and bag landies!

You'll never look back and will stay awake at night thinking of all the cool stuff you can do with them like the rest of us tragics on here!

Ian.