Total Disco newbie with a few techie questions

Hi Guy's

For a start I know nothing about Land Rovers as I am an old skool Ford Escort man....

I have just sold the wife's Mondeo ST220 LPG, because she wants another Disco, so we are going to look at one on Saturday, but it has a few issue's that I would like some more info on.

The model is a Disco 2 TD5 ES (I wanted a V8 LPG but this one is black!!)

Anyway, 1st issue is that the key got stuck in the steering barrel, and has now snapped off, (common prob I have read), however the current owner has already had the barrel removed so she can still drive it, so its going to need another one. I had a quick look on ebay and found one 1 for £155 for a D2, loads for a D1 @ £30!! Is this my only solution as the barrel has been chucked now.

2. Owner left front sunroof open and water got in and now radio doesn't work, not really an issue as I can fit a better head unit, but also she said sometimes when going around a corner a warning bong sounds for around 15 times, she said its something to do with hill decent ???

apart from that it sounds good, and the current owner sounds very honest, so any other tips on what to look out for will be much appreciated.

As I don't like/drive standard cars I will know doubt be modding the disco, plan already is to install facelift headlights, some 20" RR alloys (yes it only does the school run but with 3 kids is better than a people carrier), and maybe a tuning box and some uprated bulbs/lights (I run a car lighting business so thats a must)

No doubt I will have more Q's over time so I hope to be popping in here fairly often (as I do with all the other car forums I am a member of!)

Thanks,
Mark

Be careful buying a D2 with issues. The radio drives the cd autochanger and needs to be compatible. The warning bongs could be for loads of reasons. You need to know why it's bonging and how much it may cost.
Fully loaded with Ace the D2 is a fantastic car, many non stop drives to the Alps at 90 to 100 mph have given me immense respect fot the vehicle as a road car. With traction control and hill descent it's difficult to imagine not beating the Germans up the mountains either. They are noisy and very slow accelerating but only a D3 would top it for me; much better motor but loads more money.
Richard.

I am not an expert by any stretch of the imagination but I have a 1999 TD5 ES with ACE.
I would make sure the ACE system is in top condition before purchasing, I would want to see evidence of new pipes/seals etc and no leaks.
My Disco is due its MOT and the ACE pipes look shot - expensive and time consuming even if you opt to remove it altogether.
My wife hates the Disco because it always seems to need money throwing at it but to be honest most of my foibles have been wear and tear related so I can't really complain.
In a nutshell if you want to run a a £30,000 complex piece of machinery like a Discovery on a shoestring you are in for a bit of a shock.
If however, you are careful in your choice and buy one with as few faults as possible, as much history as possible and running correctly at time of purchase you will have a handsome, entertaining and rewarding dual purpose vehicle for not much outlay.

Good luck with your purchase and have fun, Will .