New member on the lookout

After spending some time in my mates disco recently I’m now looking to get one too. He’s got a D2 on big steels with a small lift, snorkel and light bar.

I’ve got about £4500-£5000 to spend and I’m wondering what would be best. Buying one already done or buying one and then modding myself.

There are a couple on eBay that look interesting. Spoke to a fella today who seemed a decent guy with a black one on big tyres, with cream leather up for £4995 ono

I want something that I could do a couple of runs a week to the station with and then do some Greenlanes occasionally.

We live in the countryside, have a kid and a Rottie, and I just fancy something rugged. We have a 340i touring as well for normal duties, and I’ve previously been more of a sports car enthusiast. But I’ve just turned 41 and I fancy a change, something I can have fun and not get done for speeding. Again.

For that money and those requirements what would your recommendations be?

Fuel costs not a big issue as miles covered will likely be minimal. So the V8 sound track beckons, but I’ve read a few threads where people are quite outspoken against the big petrol and most seem to favour the td5

Whilst fuel costs not an issue, reliability and general main tended expenditure will be. As big bills will get me in all sorts with the mrs.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions/advice.

Also, should I be looking anywhere other than eBay, AT and PH?

Get onto the Disco part of the forum and spend days reading all the threads. There you will find all the problems with these wonderful vehicles.
They ARE great but be prepared for the likes of an almost first generation electronic 4x4. Plus there are various common mechanical problems that crop up regularly, and the legendary chassis that rusts through, mainly at the rear.
I have an auto TD5 and two Disco ones, one 300tdi and one V8. I love all of them for different reasons, but personally think the Disco is the most practical of all LR products. but then I am biased.
But don't rush to buy one without looking at the Disco threads so you'll really know what to look for when you go on a buying spree. For the prices you mention they ought to be top notch, but it is too easy to flog a lemon to someone who doesn't really know what they are looking at. Don't get your eyes poked out by lifts, wheels, tyres, snorkels and all that stuff. It is the base vehicle that matters.
Best of luck.

Stanleysteamer said:

Get onto the Disco part of the forum and spend days reading all the threads. There you will find all the problems with these wonderful vehicles.
They ARE great but be prepared for the likes of an almost first generation electronic 4x4. Plus there are various common mechanical problems that crop up regularly, and the legendary chassis that rusts through, mainly at the rear.
I have an auto TD5 and two Disco ones, one 300tdi and one V8. I love all of them for different reasons, but personally think the Disco is the most practical of all LR products. but then I am biased.
But don't rush to buy one without looking at the Disco threads so you'll really know what to look for when you go on a buying spree. For the prices you mention they ought to be top notch, but it is too easy to flog a lemon to someone who doesn't really know what they are looking at. Don't get your eyes poked out by lifts, wheels, tyres, snorkels and all that stuff. It is the base vehicle that matters.
Best of luck.

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Oh no! Thought I was on the disco part of the forum. Ok thanks. And point taken on the base car fundamentals. Cheers

SpaceHorsey said:

Oh no! Thought I was on the disco part of the forum. Ok thanks. And point taken on the base car fundamentals. Cheers

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Sorry, must admit I didn't look and thought you were on the "Introduce yourself" bit!
Sounds like you don't need me!

There is a load online as has been said. Its more fun to buy an honest one thats un modified then do the bits yourself. Its all quite simple really.
Its all about that chassis and the rear rails next to the fuel tank especially. If its covered in underseal, it wants to look smooth and straight. Lumps means rust. Walk away.
I went to see a £5k one on ebay, it looked mint and had a new rear chassis section. I got under it and it was iffy from there onwards, body was going and minging inside. He was asking that just because it had a big intercooler, big tyres and a big remap. I bought a low mileage, immaculate inside facelift in the end, but it still has had issues. Nothing that cant be fixed though.
I think the manual is probably a better bet and the v8 is too close to a remapped td5 to be any point living with the reliability shortfall. A 5spd v8 would be fantastic though : )
Best of luck and if it looks great on ebay, in real life it will be hiding something. Just go prepared with a list of checks. Dont wear you sunday best so you can crawl under it and if they say it doesnt leak water in, treat with a punch of salt

ronsealdeath said:

There is a load online as has been said. Its more fun to buy an honest one thats un modified then do the bits yourself. Its all quite simple really.
Its all about that chassis and the rear rails next to the fuel tank especially. If its covered in underseal, it wants to look smooth and straight. Lumps means rust. Walk away.
I went to see a £5k one on ebay, it looked mint and had a new rear chassis section. I got under it and it was iffy from there onwards, body was going and minging inside. He was asking that just because it had a big intercooler, big tyres and a big remap. I bought a low mileage, immaculate inside facelift in the end, but it still has had issues. Nothing that cant be fixed though.
I think the manual is probably a better bet and the v8 is too close to a remapped td5 to be any point living with the reliability shortfall. A 5spd v8 would be fantastic though : )
Best of luck and if it looks great on ebay, in real life it will be hiding something. Just go prepared with a list of checks. Dont wear you sunday best so you can crawl under it and if they say it doesnt leak water in, treat with a punch of salt

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Agree with all this, and take a good torch or inspection lamp and a screwdriver to poke for rust! I understand you can buy the bling bits secondhand quite cheap, might be worth having a look for these first to see if that might be an idea. It took me a long time to find mine and even once i did and it was a pretty good one, the rest of the gang came along to spoil my days, and I have just had the rear chassis welded up. It is an absolute sod on these things.

Modded cars dont sell well, as most assume they have had some off road hard, off roading costs money, it is that simple, it may not cost money initially, but it will come back and bite you at some time.
Most also want to buy the base car and do the mods themselves.

It is all about condition and condition, chassis and body can give real money sapping problems, the rest of the stuff is just run of the mill car repairs.

Thanks for all the replies chaps.

What, if we’re being picky, and thinking about ease of resale, is the ideal car. Are people bothered about the facelift? Any colours that are more desirable? What’s the best trim level etc?

Do people care about things like leather interior?

Facelift is the one to go for, if only for metal dowels, nnn ecu and they look more modern (if that matters). A few years younger may buy you time also

ronsealdeath said:

Facelift is the one to go for, if only for metal dowels, nnn ecu and they look more modern (if that matters). A few years younger may buy you time also

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Only thing to be aware of if that the usual scrotes may try and pinch your facelift headlights.

ronsealdeath said:

Facelift is the one to go for, if only for metal dowels, nnn ecu and they look more modern (if that matters). A few years younger may buy you time also

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And often have centre diff lock.

Autos are OK.

Suspension, pretty good on standard suspension, no point lifting for normal green lanes.

TD5 is good, Diesel is not the poor relation.

SpaceHorsey said:

Thanks in advance for any suggestions/advice.

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Have a read of the vehicle purchase checklist.
https://www.landyzone.co.uk/land-rover/handy-buying-alarm-info.311291/
Cheers