First Car

[Bozy97]

Hey guys/girls,
Im looking to buy a Land Rover Discovery Series II Tdi5 Manual, anywhere from 1995 up but under 10k.
So I was wondering about the best models to buy and are they very thirsty?
Did they have any major mechanical issues?
Thanks, your responses are appreciated in advanced!

[loanrangie]

First of all you might want get get your models right -

Series 1 - 1989 - 1999, 3.5/3.9 V8, 2.5ltr 200/300TDI
Series 2 - 1999 - 2004, 4ltr V8, 2.5 ltr TD5

Each version has its own problem areas and specific failures which mainly comes down to maintenance and mileage .

For 10K you will be looking at a series 1 V8/ TDI or series 2 V8, a TD5 in that price range is likely to bring heartache and wallet emptying.

[blue_mini]

My disco is a 2000 series 2 td5 auto ES. I paid 12500 with a fresh head and loads of work done, the head went 2 weeks later and cost me 3500, then the driver side regulator packed it in, then an intake hose split.
I'm hoping touch wood it will be reliable from now, certainly goes well and is nice to drive.

If you only have 10k to spend i would get a tidy D1 for 6 or so and save the rest for problems/modifications. Thats what I would do if I was to remake the decision.

[Bozy97]

Ok thanks, I'd be moving more towards the 90's models.
I'll look into the series 1 td5, as i cannot own a V8...
And thatd be the go, getting one for 6000 then have the rest for mods and problems!
Thanks for you help guys!
What sort of litres per 100 do you get?

[Bozy97]

1997 Land Rover Discovery TDi

something like this would be alright!

[seano87]

1997 Land Rover Discovery TDi

something like this would be alright!

Yikes! Still has the black expansion tank AND plastic radiator and thermostat bungs. Time bomb that I'd be fixing asap. Particularly now it's at the 250,000+km mark.

I usually got 8-9 L/100km, up to 10 with lots of town and short distance.

[AnD3rew]

Don't want to talk you out of a Landy, if you are a fan and if you have a bit of mechanical aptitude and a bit spare in the budget for repairs etc then go for it.

However if it is truly your first car why not consider something like a Suzuki Vitara, Grand Vitara or Jimny. They are great little 4x4's with some genuine capability to have some fun in the rough stuff and with a cult following of enthusiasts and lots of mods and accessories available and very cheap to run. You will likely pick one up with 5-10 less years and 100 -150 less km's or better for the same money.

I learnt to offroad in a stock Vitara and had a heap of fun, went some amazing places and stunned a few people in bigger 4x4's with what it could do.

[superquag]

Can only agree with the above. If and only IF you're a capable (or will become) spanner-swinger, have patience, sense of humour and a good supply of 'emergency' funding for the unforseen, then you may think Land Rover.

Otherwise stick with boringly reliable - and cheaper to buy - Jap 4WD's.
You sound like a younger driver, with a budget to match. Best to save now and buy a NICE 'Rover later, when you can afford it. And know what you really want it for...

"...offroad in a stock Vitara and had a heap of fun, went some amazing places and stunned a few people in bigger 4x4's with what it could do."

- Absolutely priceless !

[Bozy97]

Well I do like them, my Pop has an awsome Defender! I dont know what club he is apart of but its one of the Land |Rover Owners club, maybe Newcastle.
And my plan is to be a Diesel Mechanic so i would be learning in the workplace aswell as on my on car!
I have been keeping my eye on this beast! ahah
1971 Land Rover Rover A

[superquag]

... Have you thought of showing Dad this thread, - and maybe asking his advice ? - His wisdom may surprise you...