Discovery I Feedback

[3ics]

I am on a Land Rover kick and have been doing a ton of reading and looking for a "good" buy. I found a 1997 Disco I, 119k miles, new brakes and all electrical work. Current owner used it only in the winter and hunting and has only owned it for the past two years. The previous owner was a Land Rover tech and prepared it for his kid heading to college when he decided he did not need it.

I found some basics to look for; rust, windows work, ABS light and CDL working. I feel like there is more to know? Blower motor had a nice hum to it, but the AC worked.

The first thing I looked at was the frame for rust. The body is clean. When I inspected the frame, It seems most of it is surface as I tried to rub it and see if it would break through and did not. Below are pics of what stood out to me;

It drove well and I am tempted to buy it!

Any feedback would be appreciated!

 

[Ray_G]

Did you look for rust in the rear door jams (up near the striker) as well as in the back where you access the fuel pump? Regardless, if it ran and drive well and the basic checks worked out good D1's are hard to find so if this one speaks to you then take the plunge!


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[3ics]

Good point! The door jams looked "clean" and only looked like it was "starting" in the crease/solder (?) line. I forgot to check the gas door?!

I am used to old VWs and BMWs, so feedback is appreciated!

 

[ProvinceOverland]

How much is he asking for it ? And any reason why a Disco 1 over a Disco 2 ?
Just wondering ?



01 D2
97 D1
94 RRC

 

[Ray_G]

I can think of a lot of reasons why D1 over Dii-but you have both, and a RRC so you may well have a different view!

 

[GrahamR]

Peel back the windscreen rubber at it's base, ie each bottom of the A pillar and check for a rusted A pillar. Check the base of the door pillars. Check the firewall. Any slight indication of rust it these areas will usually mean the rust is quite bad if you strip the vehicle back.
I know I have had a few rusty Discovery's and RR classics.
Cheers,
Graham.
Auckland NZ

 

[3ics]

I will be picking her up on Saturday!

A few more pics:

How much is he asking for it ? And any reason why a Disco 1 over a Disco 2 ?
Just wondering ?





01 D2
97 D1
94 RRC

I am very happy with what I paid for it compared to the market for Discos in similar condition.

Based on my research, it seems the DI had a few more pluses; less electronics, better off-road and easier to work on.

I can think of a lot of reasons why D1 over Dii-but you have both, and a RRC so you may well have a different view!

Peel back the windscreen rubber at it's base, ie each bottom of the A pillar and check for a rusted A pillar. Check the base of the door pillars. Check the firewall. Any slight indication of rust it these areas will usually mean the rust is quite bad if you strip the vehicle back.
I know I have had a few rusty Discovery's and RR classics.
Cheers,
Graham.
Auckland NZ

Thank you for the feedback!

 

[ProvinceOverland]

That's awesome , I also have a 97 D1 and I think there a great introduction to the wonderful World of Land Rovers . It looks like a great truck . What do you plan on doing with it ? Off Roader ? Overlander ? Daily Driver ?

97 D1
01 D2
94 RRC

 

[series 1]

Congrats on the truck! Looks good

 

[3ics]

That's awesome , I also have a 97 D1 and I think there a great introduction to the wonderful World of Land Rovers . It looks like a great truck . What do you plan on doing with it ? Off Roader ? Overlander ? Daily Driver ?

97 D1
01 D2
94 RRC

Overlander is goal and in the winter a DD.

Congrats on the truck! Looks good

Thank you!

I just completed it's maiden drive home, 60 miles. AC is cold, but I have to look into blower - weak as is right now. I am have to admit, I'm impressed with the highway ride. I am looking forward to playing around and getting to know it. A good detail will one of the first things I complete.

Thank you all again for your feedback! I have to keep reading here for ideas!

 

[ProvinceOverland]

The AC on D1's are a bit of a challenge , I'm guessing by what you have posted that you might have a blower motor potentiometer issue or blend door issue of some sort .

After the the detail I would suggest a good tune up new plugs , wires , and a oil change .
I've had good luck with Kingsborne and Taylor Cable wires . Plus Taylor cable makes thier wire in the US from US sourced components.

I wouldn't recommend buying parts from British Atlantic ,thier overpriced and they send you subpar parts.
I've had great customer service from lucky8 lately thier prices are about 10% to 15% percent cheaper than anywhere else .

I could go on and on , but don't hesitate to PM me with any questions you might have ?

97 D1
01 D2
94 RRC

https://www.facebook.com/provinceoverland

 

[3ics]

ProvinceOverland - Thank you!! Your feedback and help is much appreciated! I am looking up your suggestions now with the wires!

 

[Ray_G]

2x on Kingsborne wires, well worth it-haven't used Taylor but they sound intriguing.

Concur on the oil change and I'd go so far as to suggest changing at least the dif fluid's too-potentially transmission-so that you are baselining the vehicle yourself.
I'd offer no major objection to ProvinceOverland's part supplier commentary; L8 is a frequent turn-to for me since they are just a facebook message away and very responsive. I'd also note they are extremely active in the Rover community so I will often default to them.

There are times with Atlantic British (AB) or Rover's North (RN) can get you the part faster, usually not as cheap of course, and between the two I almost always go RN-especially since Zack is an active member and can be quite helpful if needed.

Also worth scouring Rockauto for parts, particularly things that are consumeables that aren't critical components (i.e. there are places you will want to use genuine).

I'd also make a plug for joining Discoweb...and then carefully posting; it's a very different feel than here-i.e. it is a free for all; but any tech question you have on a Disco 1 has likely been answered there for a decade.

Congrats on the new ride, good to see another D1 being saved-too many have died due to neglect not to try to save the remainders!

Last comment I'll make: think very carefully about intended application and modifications; there is something sublime about a stock D1 and every mod you make from there is a compromise of some kind. (as I sit here with a heavily modified D1 and lust over stock ones to get back to that factory feel).
r-
Ray

 

[Blueboy]

there is something sublime about a stock D1

very true. we have a fairly modified RRC and each time I drive the bone stock 1996 D1, this becomes very clear.

good luck with the Rover addition. Get it 100% mechanically, drive and use it for whatever and then see if you really need to change anything.

 

[3ics]

Congrats on the new ride, good to see another D1 being saved-too many have died due to neglect not to try to save the remainders!

Last comment I'll make: think very carefully about intended application and modifications; there is something sublime about a stock D1 and every mod you make from there is a compromise of some kind. (as I sit here with a heavily modified D1 and lust over stock ones to get back to that factory feel).
r-
Ray

very true. we have a fairly modified RRC and each time I drive the bone stock 1996 D1, this becomes very clear.

good luck with the Rover addition. Get it 100% mechanically, drive and use it for whatever and then see if you really need to change anything.

Thank you for the parts recommendations and feedback on websites. I did fail to say, maintenance is a priority.

My wheel time has been brief, but it I a really enjoying how it rides. I don't think I will do any major mods, just functional items first.