Discovery ES

Hi, I would be grateful for advice on a Discovery I am thinking of buying. I must admit first of all that I am on a budget before you all say that I am mad.

Anyhow, I am after a Disco Tdi 300 ES. I have seen one that I can afford at £4,500. It is a dark colour, inside looks immaculate, full service history, has only had two owners is on a ’97 R plate and comes with all the features that an ES should. The body is ok. The odd scrape/scratch here, only very minor rust on the top of the wheel arches where you close the back doors (which can be dealt with), there is flaking on the edge of the wheel arches (which can be dealt with easily) and the off paint blister.

The only major drawback is that for a ’97 Disco, it has done 157,000 miles. This is the only real thing that is putting me off. Of course, I will have an inspection done but I would be grateful for any views that you may have.

I have messed around with 109s and 110s in the past but I am looking for something a little more refined for long trips across the continent.

Cheers.

Hi,

I have a 1998 R plate with 116k. It has been serviced regular and runs very well and very quiet.

When I first got it I had a full service and cam belt change as the previous owner couldn't remember when he had it changed.

One word of advice though, I bought a set of glow plugs off ebay, big mistake - fitted them and had big starting problems - changed them to original parts and instantly a different car. Doesn't pay to go cheap in my opinion in the higher mileage cars.

I am going away for the rest of the week but when I come back I'm changing the Auto box fluid and filter.

I paid £6k for mine so my advice is go for it ensure you look after it well and I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

Only my opinion.

Mark

Thanks. However, there is a difference between a car with 116,000 miles on the clock and 157,000 - double the average. I have spoken to a few dealers and they would not touch it. I think it is still a little too expensive.

Don't get me wrong, it is just the mileage is putting me off.

If you can stretch your budget a little i can let you have a lovely p plate with 112k on it, and its in excellent condition

Gota be honest, if it REALLY is a full service history then 157k on a 300Tdi should be peanuts!!! You'll want to check that all the necessary mods have been done, though if it's reached 157k and is still going it almost certainly will have had these. These engines, looked after correctly, are capable of achieving 250k or more. Get the inspection done and go through the FSH with a fine-toothed comb, then if both come up trumps you should be the proud new owner of an ES Disco that'll last you for a good few years to come...

Do bear in mind though that most Landies, Discos included, can throw up their fair share of bother when they feel like it!!!

JMHO

Chris