1999 disco questions

[crimson850]

I'm looking at a 1999 discovery 1 with a 4.0. Truck has 190k on it but has had the following done

- Waterpump and thermostat replaced when truck hit 150Kmi- Steering column replaced with brand new after market rebuild at ~150Kmi- Steering gear box replaced with brand new after market rebuild @ ~150Kmi- Power Steering pump replaced with brand new after market rebuild @ ~150Kmi- New power steering hoses (zero leaks)- All spark plugs replaced 30Kmi intervals- Fuel filter replaced with new part ~170kmi- All new brake pads/rotors front/back @ ~160Kmi- Rears brake Calipers Rebuilt @ ~160Kmi- Front right new aftermarket Caliper whole assembly- Brake lines flushed every 30Kmi- New coolant expansion tank ~145Kmi- New radiator drain plug- SRS airbag cassette replaced @ ~160Kmi- Exhaust resonator removed and new exhaust pipe installed- A four brand new engine shock mounts installed @ ~175Kmi- New serpentine belt replaced every 40Kmi- Wheel bearings replaced and repacked- Replaced left rear window motor/regulator. However polarity is reversed on switch. Works just fine

It has never had a head gasket done..should this worry me? Owner says he has no issues and would take it miles into the bush any day..the price is right but would should I look for?

Thanks guys

 

[fishEH]

Sounds like the truck was well maintained. That's something hard to find. Most D1's you find are not well maintained and need a boatload of work immediately. Even if it ends up needing a HG you're looking at ~$700 DIY. My '96 D1 has 130K on it and has never had the HG done. It runs great and pulls strong.

 

[David Harris]

On the head gasket, it seems like some go a really long way on the originals, and some need it much earlier. As Brett says, I think the main thing is maintenance, especially the cooling system. Overheat the engine a time or two and it's head gasket time, and a much higher chance of a slipped liner. I have a 99 Disco I bought last fall with a terminally overheated engine at 114K miles, since replaced with a GEMS converted to Bosch from a 1997 Disco. One of my D1's and a Rangie I've had went to around 160K before there were signs of leakage from the heads. My old 95 D1 is getting close to 130K now and still going strong on the original gaskets.

 

[Colin Hughes]

My 1995 D1 had 440,000kms on it when it went to the next owner and I never had to replace the head gaskets. Lift the front floor and rear cargo carpets and look for rust. Looks like it's been maintained though.