NewBie - 101 Disco Questions

[JayBee75]

Hi Guys,

Great forum you have here. I'm a newbie so please be gentle with me.

I am in the initial stages of looking at buying a 4WD it would be a 3rd car used for towing, camping and 4wding as the X5 is not a bush basher.

I have been looking at Patrol's and Disco's however my heart wants a Disco. Everyone tells me to stay clear of them, however my family have always had Rangie's and disco's predominately in the UK, so I have always had a soft spot for them.

What am I looking for exactly?

I think I have narrowed it down to the following.

V8 - Petrol/Gas
1997 onwards
Auto
Want to spend approx $5k but would spend a little more for a car that justifies it, eg bull bar, spotties, lift, snorkel etc it's just about balance. Won't be doing full on 4wding but would need the basics, as my son grows up I want to be able to take him out in the bush.

Obviously something that has been looked after, under 250k's would be preferable.

Have the following questions though:

GAS : I have varied stories about these cars and LPG, apparently they cannot be run on LPG, however I am looking at mid 90's examples on LP gas?
Is the preference to get Gas underneath? I hate the tank in the back, it takes up the whole boot and negates the reason for the car in the first place.


Engines: Some I have seen have had replacements and others not. Why would a 170k disco require an engine change? Gas perhaps? How reliable are these cars, again I hear great stories, and then horror stories.

Heater cores, do they fail as badly as I am lead to believe?

Likewise the V8's what are the common issues? I am lead to believe that the 4.0l is a much better motor but then from 2000 onwards the prices change respectively for the updated model.

What's the cost of new headlining (This seems common)

Any other major issues I should be looking for?

Whilst it is a workhorse, I do need a reliable daily driver.


Thanks for your help guys, I don't mean to rant on, I am a car enthusiast no matter what it is, and like to research what I am buying thoroughly whether it be $5k or $50, it's part of the enjoyment!

Hopefully I can end up making a contribution to the forum

[knotty7]

Hi Guys,

Great forum you have here. I'm a newbie so please be gentle with me.

I am in the initial stages of looking at buying a 4WD it would be a 3rd car used for towing, camping and 4wding as the X5 is not a bush basher.

I have been looking at Patrol's and Disco's however my heart wants a Disco. Everyone tells me to stay clear of them, however my family have always had Rangie's and disco's predominately in the UK, so I have always had a soft spot for them.

What am I looking for exactly?

I think I have narrowed it down to the following.

V8 - Petrol/Gas
1997 onwards
Auto
Want to spend approx $5k but would spend a little more for a car that justifies it, eg bull bar, spotties, lift, snorkel etc it's just about balance. Won't be doing full on 4wding but would need the basics, as my son grows up I want to be able to take him out in the bush.

Obviously something that has been looked after, under 250k's would be preferable.

Have the following questions though:

GAS : I have varied stories about these cars and LPG, apparently they cannot be run on LPG, however I am looking at mid 90's examples on LP gas?
Is the preference to get Gas underneath? I hate the tank in the back, it takes up the whole boot and negates the reason for the car in the first place.


Engines: Some I have seen have had replacements and others not. Why would a 170k disco require an engine change? Gas perhaps? How reliable are these cars, again I hear great stories, and then horror stories.

Heater cores, do they fail as badly as I am lead to believe?

Likewise the V8's what are the common issues? I am lead to believe that the 4.0l is a much better motor but then from 2000 onwards the prices change respectively for the updated model.

What's the cost of new headlining (This seems common)

Any other major issues I should be looking for?

Whilst it is a workhorse, I do need a reliable daily driver.


Thanks for your help guys, I don't mean to rant on, I am a car enthusiast no matter what it is, and like to research what I am buying thoroughly whether it be $5k or $50, it's part of the enjoyment!

Hopefully I can end up making a contribution to the forum

Hi

I know of a 1996 v8 disco for sale near me with 190000km bullbar, towbar, rear air locker, auto, sliding draws and cargo barrier. It looks pretty good, the roof and bonnet need a slight touch up. The bloke who owns it looks as if he had it set up as a tourer. He is asking $3500 as is. The car is in biloela which is 100km west of gladstone QLD.
The other questions your asking try the search tool because there is some good info about heater cores. The hoodling might cost you about 500 if you can find a good upolsterer.
As for good 4bys you wont get any better

[dirtdawg]

my 95 on gas runs fine

[mike 90 RR]

Nothing wrong with these cars .....
but 5k isn't going to buy much

[long stroke]

Welcome mate

CHEERS TIM.

[2_door]

where are you JayBee75...

I have an excellent 97 V8 auto Discovery for sale with only 156 genuine kilometres on the clock. It has bullbar, spotties, lift kit, snorkel and would make an excellent daily driver/tourer. It doesnt have gas but you can have it installed and take advantage of the full rebate and get the choice of tank locations, full warranty etc

I bought it off my brother in law earlier this year knowing it has had an easy and reliable life. He had it for 7 years before me and a lady bought it new before him. I have no doubt it would be reliable for you as it has been for us over the last 8 years.

I has some other stuff fitted to it that you probaby wont want so we can sort out a price (ie winch, body lift which I can take off to reduce the price for you). PM me and we can sort out a price.

here's a link

AULRO Classifieds - Message - Powered by PhotoPost Classifieds

[JayBee75]

Hi Guys, I am in Melb.

In relation to price $5k was a guide, and have looked at approx 12 different ones around this price, all bog standard and various K's, but here's an example:

Used LAND ROVER DISCOVERY Private Seller Cars For Sale - carsales.com.au

What s the cost of a Gas conversion? I have read $4k?

It's all a balance, preference would to have gas already done as the extra 4WD bits don't need to be done straight away I can add on as I progress over time.

Thanks

[JayBee75]

where are you JayBee75...

I have an excellent 97 V8 auto Discovery for sale with only 156 genuine kilometres on the clock. It has bullbar, spotties, lift kit, snorkel and would make an excellent daily driver/tourer. It doesnt have gas but you can have it installed and take advantage of the full rebate and get the choice of tank locations, full warranty etc

I bought it off my brother in law earlier this year knowing it has had an easy and reliable life. He had it for 7 years before me and a lady bought it new before him. I have no doubt it would be reliable for you as it has been for us over the last 8 years.

I has some other stuff fitted to it that you probaby wont want so we can sort out a price (ie winch, body lift which I can take off to reduce the price for you). PM me and we can sort out a price.

here's a link

AULRO Classifieds - Message - Powered by PhotoPost Classifieds

PM Sent,

Thanks