Should I Or Shouldn't I????

Hi there. Some advice from the experts please…….



I’ve got the chance to buy a 1995 Disco TDi auto:

1. How can I tell if it’s a 200 or 300?
2. What’s the difference & how important is it to go for the latter?
3. It’s got 152K on the clock. What can I expect it to last to? (full service history including £1440 spent Feb 04 on brakes & what looks like an engine service. 2 owners, no off roading or towing)
4. I ideally wanted the ES for cruise control & air con. What do you guys think? Is it a case of “ooh yes, get the ES” or “the more it’s got, the more can go wrong”?
5. What should I look for to check it, other than the already conducted RAC inspection? (very minor rust on bottom of rear tailgate & 1 window trim. 2 chips in windscreen. Heater & electric windows are fine)
6. How easy is it to fit the extra 2 seats in the back? (5 seater atm)
7. Is £4K a reasonable price to pay? (3 months warranty, upgradeable to 12 months for £100 which I would definitely take)
8. How much is a new windscreen, unfitted?

I eagerly await your responses……..

Well this should be relatively simple.... he says with an extremely bad head

If its a 1995 then it is a 300tdi, the change over was done with the face lift in 94 mid l registration. There isn't a great deal of difference, the 300 being a little more refined, quieter and slightly better fuel economy.
I always say when looked after you can expect 180-200,000 miles without too much trouble from the engine, just bare in mind that the rest of the drivetrain bearing etc have also been to the moon and back.

As for the ES, there was no question when i got mine, i got the ES (which is for sale i might add) Auto's are heavier on fuel but great to drive. Electric windows and door locks are common problems but not too expensive to repair. Elecric seat switches if found faulty are mega bucks as are sunroof motors ( and also like rocking horse ****) Windscreens are heated so i dread to think what they might cost, plenty of breakers around though.
Tailgate hinges rot as does the body inside the rear doors, and around the alpine windows and both bumpers.
I would say that £4k is reasonable for the year although the miliage is high, At the end of the day we pay our money and take a chance.
Good luck with your new toy, hope this helps a little..

Gawd bless ya & thanks for the prompt response. Last 2 bills are from a Landie dealer, and it looks like the old fella who had it before was having really regular services. Looking at that last bill, the engine's had a right good overhaul &, with the 12 month RAC warranty, my mind's quite at ease with it. Is there any way of testing the transmission (auto) & drive shaft to get some similar reassurance?

PS what year's yours & how much?

A good test drive is the best way to check in my view. Make sure it goes into all gears including low and diff (they tend to stick going into diff but it's a simplke enough job in most cases.)

Mines a p reg and its in our classifieds section here http://www.landyzone.co.uk/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=40

Cheers mucker.

Lovely Disco, but out of my price range mate! Good luck with the sale