Buying first Disco

iwantone · Jul 9, 2011

Guys, about to venture into unchartered waters (it's got sunroofs:doh

and buy a Disco. Looking at a '98 300tdi auto tomorrow; it's allegedly had a top end rebuild 15k ago; now on 150k. As far as I am aware that's not a high mileage for these engines? All welding has been done by Landy specialist so fingers crossed.

I've got dodgy legs so the auto seems to be my best bet; as long as changes are smooth, should it be ok?

Used to off road in Lada Nivas' about 20 years ago then gave up. My wife thought it would be nice to get me an off road driving adventure for Christmas; worst thing she could have done

. Decided that I wanted back into it and started looking at Discos'. One is not amused:blabla:.

Anyway, maybe be an owner by next week.

Paul

Son Of Alerik · Jul 9, 2011

300tdi may well of cooked a head and required a rebuild,especially on an auto box.

probably overheated due to lack of serviceing.

iwantone · Jul 9, 2011

Does that mean I should leave it alone?

Paul

davek0974 · Jul 10, 2011

iwantone said:
Does that mean I should leave it alone?

Paul

Not really but road test it and get her good and hot then check for oil in water, water in oil, blowing hoses, heater not working etc

Steve2a · Jul 10, 2011

Mine had a new head on it last year due to the plastic bleed screw snapping inside the thermostat causing a blockage, its done 180,000 and still pulls like a train, so I wouldnt worry too much.

Just do as DaveK says and get it upto working temp making sure it pulls well

jamesmartin · Jul 10, 2011

the main thing is condition of body work underneath even if been welded for mot it spreads far ,and is often rotten under underseal so hidden,engine ,gearbox etc can be replaced far cheaper second hand ,as with all 300s feel rad all over core to make sure its hot all over as this is biggest cause of overheating ,only £100 for new one ,you woulkd get another engine for £250-£500 ,less than relacing interior or wheels

The V8 man · Jul 10, 2011

I think rust will be your major concern with discos get under it and have a good dig around with a screwdriver and listen to make sure its all sound all along the cills and floor also the rear corssmemeber under the rear door, if its been welded then its bound to need more at some point, aslo if you can unscrew the plastic cover plate that is at the back of the floor in the boot and lift the carpet up check the floor as the rear seat belt mounts are there, while your there look at the sides under the windows as they rot there too lol , also pop the bonnet and check the inner wings where they go over the wheels not trying to put you off they are great vehicles just try and get the best one you can good luck !

iwantone · Jul 10, 2011

Had look & I'm not sure so my head tells me to walk away there are plenty more out there. Bits of surface rust I could live with BUT. Around the alpine windows there is quite a bit. Rear wheel arch towards the rear there's a piece of metal that comes down from the body (I'd say metal mud guard thingy). I put my finger through two bits of it. Headlining is shagged & 1 rear door doesn't work off remote.
Think I'll up the budget a bit.

Thanks for the interest guys!

goonarmy · Jul 10, 2011

if ya think walk away then walk away.

Buying first Disco

iwantone

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Son Of Alerik

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iwantone

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davek0974

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Steve2a

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jamesmartin

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The V8 man

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iwantone

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goonarmy

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