About to Buy my First Disco!

BenjyP · Apr 27, 2011

On a serious note, if its a family mechanic friend of a fatherly mechanic then its most probably in good nick, and if its not I'm sure they'll do a good deal on the odd repair, let's face it, its a landy (well any car) and after a few years it'll need various replacements... Mechanically.

All I can suggest is check the usual rust spots, on a D1 - boot floor under the car and under the carpet, sills especially around body mounts, and front wheel arches - you can feel how soft they are easily from inside the engine bay... On a D2 I guess its a similar story, also check all electrics and air Suspension etc!

Good luck and enjoy, post some pics if(when) you get it!!

Ham Salad · Apr 27, 2011

:welcome2:
Hi on the d2 its still a bugger for rust, but not as bad as d1, also if it has a sun roof check for damp wet or stained headlining and floor.
I'm not sure if the 5 seater has air suspension but if it has i would check it was sitting square not down on 1 quarter or flat on its arse at the back. The headlight units if they are the double ones are very expensive to replace so make sure no cracks, hope this helps a bit for you

stchris356 · Apr 27, 2011

Take a look in the expansion tank and make sure theres no sludge in there.(only on cold engine)!

thebiglad · Apr 27, 2011

Officebird said:
Hi all,

I've driven Land Rovers in the past (some 8 or 9 years ago!), Army spec and 'normal' Disco's but have never had my own.

I'm about to buy a Disco 51 plate, TD5, Manual, 5 door, 5 seater, special vehicle (commercial??), 100,000 miles on the clock. It looks neat and tidy, was first registered in North Yorks and I live near there so it has probably reasonably spent it's life in the area. This presumed it was probably used on the moors, but not necessarily as an off road plaything. It briefly had a private plate which imo means for one owner it may have been a bit of a status symbol rather than a workhorse (can't decide if this is good or bad lol). It drives well, although there was a slight crunch going into 2nd and third, which may well have been driver error as it didn't happen to the dealer lol. I think I was changing gear too early and need time to aclimatise back to a Landy??

Anyway, I've paid a very small deposit and expect to pick up on Friday. Is there anything I should be looking for?

Would appreciate the help but please don't speak too technically as I'm only a girl lol! I grew up with parents running a back street garage (MOTs and repairs etc) so know some vehicle related terms but parents are a little out of touch now. They told me to steer clear of the petrol engine as the head goes fairly regular but thats about it really.

The garage is owned by a good friends dad and he assures me it's a cracking car.

Any advise, good or bad welcome

Thanks in advance

Hi Officebird, a 51 TD5 manual will be, generally speaking, a nice car but if I may I'll offer a few observations:

1. A TD5 Disco weighs approx 2250kgs and has 136bhp to drive it forward so a fireball it is never going to be. Expect about 25mpg as well.

2. Land Rover products need LOTS of looking after, if they are to perform reliably.

3. If garage maintained they are a real pocket-drainer.

I only mention this so that you go into Disco-ownership with your eyes wide open.

Rust is not the issue it was on the earlier Disco's.

Officebird · May 6, 2011

Thanks everyone, have had internet trouble so sorry for late reply.

Well...... Disco failed the MOT! But only on two tyres, two brake pipes and the horn so I finally got it today, much to hubbies disgust as he will have to wait another week or so to drive it as he works away lol. So I've driven it a bit, perhaps 50 miles and have fallen in love lol.

I have checked everything mentioned and it all looks good to me, but I'm clearly no expert

I have some pics on my phone and will try to post them when I can find the lead

Oh and for the record I am not the size of a globe!!!! Although 'he' did just buy me a gym membership so maybe i'm getting that way

About to Buy my First Disco!

BenjyP

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Ham Salad

Active Member

stchris356

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thebiglad

Well-Known Member

Officebird

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