Test drove a D1 5 speed today

[antiacus]

It was a 95 5 speed. Pretty much perfect body, great paint. Interior was a little rough, but i've seen far far worse. Some telltale signs on the interior of being parked too long: some rust in the sill plate screws and mildew in some of the door jams...

Had a little trouble getting the CDL to engage in low range but eventually got it to work.

The main issue, and why i walked away: It ran smooth all the way up to 3,000 rpms then started cutting out. Also would cut out at any rpm range with anything more than about 1/3rd throttle. The guy said his mechanic believes it's the vacuum advance. Long and short: i don't know enough to know if that's the case or not.

Killed me to walk away. He would have taken $1,500 for the truck I've wanted a 5 speed for a long time.

 

[David Harris]

For 1500.00 get it. That problem will be easy to solve. Highly doubt it is the vacuum advance. Most likely fuel or coil/amplifier. Maybe a sensor, such as throttle position. Worst case needs a valve job. The price is on the low end if the rust isn't too bad.

 

[hks3sgte]

Rust? Skip it. Doesn't matter if it's a 5-speed.

 

[fishEH]

Early D1's are getting hard to come by. 5-speed even harder. Clean D1's with both of those nearly impossible. A tiny bit of rust is easily repaired.
It's a 20yo vehicle, of course it's going to have some mechanical issues. As David mentioned it's probably an easy fix, probably $100 or less. Don't be afraid of a little work. If you want a D1 you better get used to it in fact!

 

[Rovertrader]

It will take longer to bypass the rear window ECU than fix the existing problem. And as stated above, get used to the nuances as they never end with a Disco, BUT it will likely never leave you stranded- especially being a 5 speed...

 

[gchinsr]

Early D1's are getting hard to come by. 5-speed even harder. Clean D1's with both of those nearly impossible.

Recently picked up a clean,original white 96 D1 5speed, that lived it whole life out west. Not many out there to choose from, but they do pop up once in a while. Good luck with your search.
Greg

 

[Paul K]

FWIW, I had a '96 5-speed. Had the same problem- turned out to be a throttle position sensor.

Sticky CDL is common if they haven't been used in a while.