Advice time.

I've been looking around for a new (to me) motor for a while and I'm after something robust and simple to work on without any complicated electrical wizardry. My only problem is that finding something I can fit in is a bit of a struggle being 6'7", would a Discovery Mk1 be suitable?
As much as a Defender would be fun I need it to be more family friendly.

Given that my budget is likely to be low, how strong are the engines and drive train etc as I get the feeling that I'll have to get one with a higher mileage. Welding isn't really a problem so repairing a bit of bodywork isn't a major worry.

I think the 300tdi would suit you fine , check the engine isnt chuffing round the back of the bulkhead area ( head gasket signs) check the fluids , there pretty bomb proof tbh , if you can tackle the rust issues then i think youll be fine with one , very cheap motors now with hundreds of spares here there and everywhere . The more modern you go disco 2-3-4 blah the more loot they will cost to put right .

Wot he said ^^^

Mines got 250k on clock and sounds sweet.

Rust is a problem , but I'm sorting it all (slowly) lol...

Yup, I have had two and I currently have a Disco td5. The 300tdi is fairly bullet proof. Mine have all been family cars. Great for holidays with the kids too. I would thoroughly recommend one. £1500 will get you started with a decent Disco 1.

Go for the 200 series if you want to avoid the "complicated electrical wizardry" as there a bit of that in the 300.

discool said:

Go for the 200 series if you want to avoid the "complicated electrical wizardry" as there a bit of that in the 300.

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There doesn't have to be much. On the 'electronic' front (i.e. relies on an ECU for basic functionality), my 300 has:

Electric windows
Immobiliser/alarm
Remote central locking
Stereo

And 'electrical' rather than 'electronic':

Windscreen wipers
Lights

Erm..... I think that's about it. The seats move with levers and knobs (no motors) - there are no sunroofs at all, let alone electrically controlled ones - mechanical fuel injection so no 'engine management' to speak of etc...

If you do try a discovery and find a lack of headroom, I have here a driver's seat with collapsed webbing - that'll gain you at least 4" 'twixt noggin and (sagged) headlining ound:

pauldg said:

There doesn't have to be much. On the 'electronic' front (i.e. relies on an ECU for basic functionality), my 300 has:

Electric windows
Immobiliser/alarm
Remote central locking
Stereo

And 'electrical' rather than 'electronic':

Windscreen wipers
Lights

Click to expand...

Are u not forgetting the MFU, which has a small part to play in the electric windows, wipers, washers, interior lights, the rear fog-lamps and heated screen/s circuits.

Thanks chaps, so a 200 or 300 Mk1 would be good options by the sounds of it. Anything else to keep an eye out for when looking or things / models to avoid?

discool said:

Are u not forgetting the MFU, which has a small part to play in the electric windows, wipers, washers, interior lights, the rear fog-lamps and heated screen/s circuits.

Click to expand...

Honestly yes, I did forget it.

The reason I forgot it is thus: All it does of use is switch and time (in the most complicated way it can think of). If mine were ever to fail it would be a relatively simple proposition to replicate or eliminate it's functions and remove it.

Your height of 6'7ins might be an issue as regards the choice of manual or electric seats, the seat base being higher for electrics, sample before you buy.

I'd have thought that leg room was also important, with electric seats u can vary the seat hight, infact the seat has eight variable and individual electric adjustments to help.

Leg room is an issue but having a long body headroom is more of a problem. If I can sit upright properly then I don't tend to slouch so much and don't need quite so much legroom.
Anything else which you guys can think to look out for?

I won't be able to get anything until next year unless anyone is daft enough to want to swap a decent Discovery Mk1 for an 06 plate Megane Grand Scenic........nope, thought not.