Looking at my first LR.. 95 Disco 5 Spd

[Jeff H]

I'm currently on the hunt for my next 4x4 project vehicle. I've been a Jeep guy more than anything but I'm ready for a switch. My last truck was an '02 WJ with the 4.7 V8. I've been looking up LR3's but am trying to avoid a payment for a few years while I pay down my school debt.

I came across THIS listing while browsing Craigslist for a Disco I. After talking with a local guy about his 1995 Disco it gave me the urge to check one out for myself. I spoke with the owner and he says it needs a new fuel pump, battery, and the clutch isn't holding pressure. I've been scouring the web for info and came across people using the GM pump as a replacement fuel pump. Is this viable or is it better to stick with LR Genuine parts? I was going to offer less than asking price as it does have some unknown issues. I'm used to European car maintenance as I DD an '86 BMW 325e.

Any insight would be appreciated!

 

[Jeff H]

The other option is to sell my E30 and use the cash to purchase a more squared away rig, which may be smarter in the long run. Opinions?

 

[Ray_G]

The gm pump is rather viable, lots of info on it (search Discoweb). I would be concerned that you are immediately going to replacing the master/slave cylinders right off the bat to get it moving. That said, if the owner has kept it garaged for most of its life (& there is, in fact, no rust) and has maint history it would be a good candidate to grab-as you said for less than the $1500 asking price for sure.

 

[Jeff H]

I signed up on DiscoWeb. The GM pump looks like an inexpensive fix and it seems like an easy replacement especially compared to others I've done. I'll go take a look at the vehicle in person and judge it from there. If it indeed has no rust then I may consider it. My only concern is if it has been sitting for a year and a half as the owner says it's probably going to need more than thought. My Bimmer was sitting for four years and ended up needing a lot more than anticipated to get it reliable. If it looks like it needs more I'll just wait and look for one down south that is rust free and ready to drive.

 

[Ray_G]

I'd say your BMW experience will be replicated in spades with this truck, unless the deal was smoking AND you want a big project pass for a better option. Dweb is rough and tumble but every tech question you will encounter with a D1 has been answered there and is just a search or two away. I believe there is a well sorted 300 TDi D1 at the top of the classifieds there that may be worth you looking at (no affiliation, just looks like a good start to an overlanding rig)
R-
Ray

 

[ZG]

I would avoid dweb unless you have thick skin, only speak in a sarcastic tone, or don't care what is said.

That said, it is a great resource in a lot of respects(searching is your friend, not asking).

How much for the e30? I recently started a thread on dweb looking for one... is it 5speed?

 

[Jeff H]

I'd say your BMW experience will be replicated in spades with this truck, unless the deal was smoking AND you want a big project pass for a better option. Dweb is rough and tumble but every tech question you will encounter with a D1 has been answered there and is just a search or two away. I believe there is a well sorted 300 TDi D1 at the top of the classifieds there that may be worth you looking at (no affiliation, just looks like a good start to an overlanding rig)
R-
Ray

Thanks for all the advice! Its been helpful so far. I may just wait and keep reading up some more as well so I know what I'm looking at when I go look at one.

I would avoid dweb unless you have thick skin, only speak in a sarcastic tone, or don't care what is said.

That said, it is a great resource in a lot of respects(searching is your friend, not asking).

How much for the e30? I recently started a thread on dweb looking for one... is it 5speed?

I'm usually more of a searcher than poster anyway. I've seen others comment about Dweb and will heed the advice as to not get flamed.

As for the E30.. It is a 5 speed coupe. The interior is in very good shape and has a crack-free dash (dashes cracking are very common). It does need new paint as it is the original and has the typical failed clearcoat on the roof and hood. Minor rust for its age and having been here most of its life. Mechanically it's very sound as I've done my best to replace items while I was in doing something else. Only replaced items with OEM or better. I figured if the original parts can last 28 years why not use those parts again? I'm looking for $3k out of it with all of the extra parts I have but may do the body work and respray before I try selling it to get more out of it.


Here are some pics of the car

 

[Jeff H]

Tonight I stopped to look at an '01 DII that a DI owner I ran into suggested I look at. Looked incredibly clean but the dealer was closed so I have no idea what they are asking.









My favorite part was the TJM bumper already on it and almost zero rust. But Im guessing they picked it up at an auction due to the Richmond VA tire cover.

 

[sedat]

with the 5 speed, check the rubber line, those tend to fail with age.

 

[fishEH]

5 speeds are rare, so if that's what you want, it's clean, and a decent deal I'd say go for it.

Dweb is fine as long as you don't act like a ************(like Zack). Hahaha!!!

Make sure the D2 has CDL.

 

[ZG]

I may be able to work something out if you're interested. I want your e30 and I may have access to an 04 that I could trade you perhaps. Let me know via email, Zack@Roversnorth.com

 

[jgdisco2]

That d2 is a base model but that's not a big deal unless you wanted all the jazz... Tjm bumper is definitely a plus(had one before I went to Rovertym, Tjm is one of the better looking ones) being that it's a 2001 it doesn't come with cdl installed from factory but it should have the proper transfer case so all you need is the cdl linkage and you're set.

 

[roverandom]

If cash is of concern, just buy an auto. You will likely be able to find 20 or more good auto D1's for every 5spd in any condition. Sometimes owning a five speed is more trouble than its worth.

An old Land Rover will be refreshingly simple after owning a needlessly complex BMW.
My 2c.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Jeff H]

I don't really care if it's an auto or stick really as long as the autos are reliable. I've been reading a lot and still may take up RNPhoto on the deal if it can happen. Only thing that scares me is the horror stories of 4.6 reliability. That said I'd almost prefer a clean D1 as they seem less complicated than the D2. I've driven soft top TJ Wranglers for years so any Rover is going to seem cushy compared to that.

 

[sedat]

there is 3 5 speeds in socal right now for under 2 thousand.


FWIW: a clutch set costs more than a ZF auto rebuild parts kit. this is using oem parts, not chinesium knockoff.
Owning 11 rovers, 2 of which were 5 speeds. theres just no comparison.