Soon to be new owner

Hi guys, I'm currently looking at getting a disco I have got my eyes on 1 and the owner is letting me borrow it for a week to check it out. I've done checks for rust, and the lock springs need replacing. is there anything else major i should look out for in my test week? Also is there any way of knowing if the diff lock has engaged without the light coming up on the dash? it seems to go in, but im not sure.
Cheers

What model are you refering to, it will help to assess your needs.

Its a '95 tdi, so I'm guessing its the 300. I have also noticed the digital clock on the dash has broken, is there an easy way to replace this, or is it a whole dashboard off job?

If you've got a week, check everything. All the electrics, cooling system etc. The door lock springs are a rave, but worth doing. The clock comes out easy enough and are cheap to buy (ebay). I had a few problems with my diff lock, was really stiff and wouldn't go off,but was easily sorted. I just assumed it was on when the light said.
Good luck.

Right, spent some time playing with it today, and have discovered that the rear wiper doesn't work, but the washer jet does, and the rear screen heater doesn't work. I'm guessing the wiper just needs a new motor? Other than that theres just an oil leak that the owner is aware of and will have fixed for me. Is this a good deal for £1k?

c0w3h said:

Right, spent some time playing with it today, and have discovered that the rear wiper doesn't work, but the washer jet does, and the rear screen heater doesn't work. I'm guessing the wiper just needs a new motor? Other than that theres just an oil leak that the owner is aware of and will have fixed for me. Is this a good deal for £1k?

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The absolute key question for answering - "is it worth it?" - is the condition of the body and chassis. Disco 1's are rot boxes, so checking very carefully for rust problems is where you should be spending your time this week, imo.

Mechanical things, wipers not working etc is small beer by comparison to replacing sills, for example.

Anything can be repaired, but if it needs: new sills, a new boot floor rear wheel arches and front inner wings (all common weaknesses) then the vehicle is only worth scrap value as you will have loads of trouble re MOT-ing it.

Get underneath, and with a light hammer tap along the sills to find weaknesses. Check the boot floor by removing the carpet and the rubber sound-absorbing mat to get to the metal floor - is the mat wet? If it is you've more than likely got a leak letting rainwater in.

Have a look in the engine bay at the inner wings, they will almost certainly have some rust. It might be small and a quick cheap repair or it might need repalcement panels - not so cheap.

Condition is everything when valuing cars, the seller can ask whatever price they like, but that doesn't mean it's worth the asking price.

lets face it these are old vehicles that were never very well protected, so they will be rusty. Don't get sucked in by silly asking prices - this is a 15 yr old car !!!!!!!! And it's not a classic car that will appreciate in value, so buy wisely.

Here endeth the first lesson..............................


Good luck

Dave

While you have it for the week...

Where are you? I'm sure there'll be someone local to you who you could meet up with and get them to cast their eye over it for you - an impartial eye is invaluable when buying a landrover, they have a habit of pulling your heartstrings more than a 6' blonde that ****s for nuts!

The rear wiper will only work when the doors are shut

As previously mentioned, the tin worm will kill discos long before anything else!

Thanks for the advice, I will be out later to have a good look underneath. I live near just outside of Petersfield in Hampshire (above a pub) So if anyone would be able to come out and have a look at it for me ill get you a pint or two

c0w3h said:

I live just outside of Petersfield in Hampshire (above a pub) So if anyone would be able to come out and have a look at it for me ill get you a pint or two

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Let the stampede begin