looking at a disco. Am i crazy?

[fowldarr]

Okay, it is a 95 disco, green, nicely kitted with a roof rack, aux lights, winch bumper, rock sliders. 64,000 miles. looks clean outside (waiting on pictures of interior), what else do I need to ask about it? What else do I look for? Would be new to the disco world, and I have all the appropriate apprehensions about buying a land rover, (I think), and particular issues with this year?

 

[jscusmcvet]

WOW 64k seems like low mileage. If it all shakes out sounds like a real find.

Best of luck.

John

 

[fowldarr]

that was my thought, I'll be getting a carfax or like report to verify mileage.

 

[roverrocks]

64,000 is hard to believe. Check it out well. Are you crazy!!! Most definitely but enjoy your one time mental brainlock if you do get it. I was crazy too. It's definitely not a jeep thing thank goodness.

 

[Antichrist]

Check carefully all over for rust; underside, door jambs, under carpet if you can.. Check the brake pad to see if it has 64,000 miles wear. It's not conclusive, but it it's really worn down....
Be sure to check the underside carefully, especially low points and diff covers for impact damage.
You might be able to have a deal look the VIN up to see the service history and mileages at them. Of course receipts would be better.

64k for a '95 is a nice find if it's in good shape. What are they asking for it?

 

[ssssnake529]

How much is the seller asking for?

I have a 95. Bought it with 75k on the odometer. Things to look for: "weeping" knuckles; Windows not going up/down correctly; leaking sunroof; oil/fluid leaks; signs of engine overheating; fuel pump (they seem to go bad between 60-90k miles).

I've had mine for a while now, and like it a lot. Have had the odd issue now and again, but by and large it has been a capable and reliable vehicle, and is fun to drive. If the price is right, you really shouldn't pass it up.

 

[Dendy Jarrett]

many argue that 95 was the best of the best for DI's (much like 2004 for DII's)
If it pans out - that'll be a nice truck!
D

 

[fowldarr]

$5500 is what he is asking.

 

[Antichrist]

Well, that's a premium price, but 95's with that low miles are few and far between.
I'm one of those who would argue the '95 was the last really good year.
You'll have to judge for yourself, but there are likely to be oil leaks and you might get the price down a bit.

When I bought mine in 2000 the asking price was about $11k and I got them down about $2k by having it inspected by a repair shop who gave an estimate of them repairing all the leaks, which came to a couple of thousand with their labor. I knew I was willing to pay about $10k so I took them a cashiers check deposit and we signed an agreement that I'd pay $10k provided it didn't need more than $1k in repairs (with labor rates what they were, I was confident it would need more than that if done at a shop and I as willing to do the work myself).
When I offered $9k, they said no so I took the check and headed for the door. They stopped me before I got outside and said ok.
But I could tell they really wanted to sell it also, so YMMV.

 

[onewhippedpuppy]

If it's nice and everything checks out, go for it. There's a lot of information here and elsewhere, so do your research and go into Land Rover ownership with your eyes wide open (check the stickies in this forum). Frankly I think they're fantastic trucks, but I've only owned mine for a few months. Maybe it hasn't had time to REALLY piss me off yet.

Regards price, that's super high for a D1. While I'm a sucker for the D1 it's hard to argue that the D2 is a better truck, and $5500 easily buys you a pretty nice D2. On the upside these trucks aren't for everyone, so they don't tend to sell in a matter of hours. Make a low offer and walk away for a while, the odds are good it will still be there.

 

[Rovertrader]

Try to establish if the miles were linear, ie gradual throughout it's life, or piled on and then sat. Rovers do not like to sit for extended periods and can result in a fairly expensive initial startup as it will begin leaking from places you never imagined... Otherwise, that is considered a best year for a D-I. Good find!!

 

[Nonimouse]

The big thing is rot (like the man said); sills (inner and outer), rear floor, rear body cross member, iner wings fron t and rear, front valance, rear wheel arches inside the doors, kick panel, front foot wells, windscreen surround

Check for drive train back lash - if it's bad it's been clocked or driven by an unsympathetic fool

Brake disc wear (rotors?) is it way off or deep?


Listen for the 'ticking' on number eight cylinder that usually signifies cam wear - that's a +100k noise of very poor servicing...

 

[Antichrist]

Regards price, that's super high for a D1. While I'm a sucker for the D1 it's hard to argue that the D2 is a better truck

That's a very subjective statement. It all depends on the person. You couldn't give me a DII, unless I was sure I could sell it and buy another nice '95.
As for it being a super high price, it's not, if it's in really good shape and the mileage is accurate. It's not an exceptional price, but it's not super high.

BTW, for the OP, when I said check the brake pad for wear, I meant the pedal pad. At about 170k I replaced mine as the clutch was worn to the metal and the brake had most of the little nubbies worn off. So at 64k the brake pedal pad should be in pretty good shape I would think. I bought mine at 98k and the pedal pads were in good shape.

 

[ssssnake529]

That's not a bad price if it is in good shape and if the aftermarket goodies are things that you would have done anyway.

 

[onewhippedpuppy]

That's a very subjective statement. It all depends on the person. You couldn't give me a DII, unless I was sure I could sell it and buy another nice '95.
As for it being a super high price, it's not, if it's in really good shape and the mileage is accurate. It's not an exceptional price, but it's not super high.

BTW, for the OP, when I said check the brake pad for wear, I meant the pedal pad. At about 170k I replaced mine as the clutch was worn to the metal and the brake had most of the little nubbies worn off. So at 64k the brake pedal pad should be in pretty good shape I would think. I bought mine at 98k and the pedal pads were in good shape.

Don't misinterpret what I'm saying, I prefer the D1 as well and specifically sought one out. But to Joe Blow average SUV buyer, which is more appealing? I'd be willing to bet that the vast majority of ignorant SUV buyers will pick the D2, and the masses largely dictate resale value. Most vehicles are owned by normal people, not enthusiasts.