Used 1996 V8 5 speed Disco

Submitted: Wednesday, Jan 14, 2004 at 13:31
ThreadID: 9740 Views:1945 Replies:5 FollowUps:10
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Looking at buying the above vehicle 155k's on the clock for $16K. For the price I believe this to be a good solid rig for fishing towing the boat etc.

Just wondering if there are any common problems I should look for.

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Reply By: Space Bastard - Wednesday, Jan 14, 2004 at 14:22

Wednesday, Jan 14, 2004 at 14:22
They're pretty solid v8 engines, with plenty of power for towing, but they really don't like LPG conversions. Just look out for all the usual problems as with all petrol 4wds - like abuse and smoke. I believe the biggest problem with the v8 is the fuel consumption is about the same as a patrol or a cruiser, and the auto transmissions are a bit inefficient when towing - ie they don't suit the engine torque characteristics with 1ton in tow.

As an aside, steer clear of the earlier turbo diesels, because they all throw off timing belts at irregular intervals, doing lots of damage to everything in front of the engine. The 300 series TDi is about the best (c. 1997 and later), except for a TD5.
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Follow Up By: warnsey - Wednesday, Jan 14, 2004 at 16:29

Wednesday, Jan 14, 2004 at 16:29
Thanks Space Bastard,

Vehicle in question is a mannual with upgraded suspension reece hitch so appears well set up for towing/touring.

A couple of my mates have V8 Landrovers (range rover & discovery) so am OK with the fuel consumption issue.

The biggest thing that concerns me is all the stories you hear my mate had a discovery blah blah. The question is how true and relate to poor vehicle quality or are they caused by poor maintenance/abuse by the owners?
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Follow Up By: Member - Alan- Wednesday, Jan 14, 2004 at 17:26

Wednesday, Jan 14, 2004 at 17:26
The 200 and 300 Tdi engines only had problems with the belts until Land Rover came up with a modification to correct the alignment and excess wear.
I've heard all the stories as well Warnsey, and I've had a '96 Disco 300 Tdi without most of the supposed disasters happening to it, and I've now got a Td5 Defender which refuses to leak oil everywhere!

Of course you won't hear the public bar bulldusters telling about that.
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Follow Up By: Space Bastard - Thursday, Jan 15, 2004 at 11:25

Thursday, Jan 15, 2004 at 11:25
Having had a bit of experience with landys (mostly defenders) the phrase "the first time a Land Rover is bolted together is by its first owner" is pretty appropriate, BUT the discos are very good by land rover standards.
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Follow Up By: Member - Alan- Thursday, Jan 15, 2004 at 12:11

Thursday, Jan 15, 2004 at 12:11
I think the problems spring from them being thrown together with a couldn't care less attitude.
And I reckon that's true whoever they're built by, poms or pakis in England, or the locals in South Africa.
When I replaced seals on the front axle, about a 2.1/2 hr job (quoted $375 per side to be done by an "expert" in Perth), I checked carefully which way they should go back and discovered the originals of one type were in the wrong way round!
Never a prob. after doing the job myself.
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Follow Up By: warnsey - Thursday, Jan 15, 2004 at 12:26

Thursday, Jan 15, 2004 at 12:26
Alan,

I know exactly what you mean.

Father in law and I also have an MGB (must love English cars for some reason) previous owner paid an alleged suspension expert (part of a national chain) to fit new rear shocks not only did they fit them upside down but mounted horizontally so they in effect acted as a tramp rod. Then they had the cheek to charge her for it.

Intent is to do the majority of work myself and have a few select tradesmen i use for things which are beyond my skills.


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Follow Up By: pathfinder - Thursday, Jan 15, 2004 at 12:58

Thursday, Jan 15, 2004 at 12:58
SB - your facts are a bit off mate...the 300tdi is the one that throws belts off but all 300tdis that are still on the road would have had the simple mod done to stop this happening. the 300tdi came out in 1994, not c.1997. The previous 200tdi does not have this problem but still needs timing belt replaced every 100Kk...as do most cars that run them...

So, at 20l/100km for V8 vs 10l/100km for tdi, it's the V8 I'd be steering clear of! (they are also more prone to overheating problems...)
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Follow Up By: Member - Alan- Thursday, Jan 15, 2004 at 14:44

Thursday, Jan 15, 2004 at 14:44
I stand corrected on that as I thought the earlier engine had a similiar prob. as well.
Talking about overheating on the V8, my son sold a good Rangie to a mate who neglected it and had to have a replacement engine after a few thousand klms.and the mechanic put the fan on the wrong way ..... and did it overheat!
He also failed to tighten up rocker covers and itbleepoil everywhere!
I don't know if he's still employed, but the owner who's well known amongst Landie keepers, was very unimpressed.
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Reply By: Truckster (Vic) - Wednesday, Jan 14, 2004 at 16:53

Wednesday, Jan 14, 2004 at 16:53
To me they seem to lose their value faster than most other 4b's out there..

must be a reason..
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Follow Up By: pathfinder - Thursday, Jan 15, 2004 at 12:54

Thursday, Jan 15, 2004 at 12:54
yep, it's called perception vs reality... yes, they have more niggly faults than patrol/cruiser, but not enough to justify the much greater depreciation...still, that means there are lots of good buys for those of us that go the second-hand option...
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Reply By: uppy - Wednesday, Jan 14, 2004 at 22:54

Wednesday, Jan 14, 2004 at 22:54
Hi Warnsey, they are a great v8 , yes they are heavy on petrol big deal . they are a go anywhere truck .if you are not buying for investment .go for it
regards uppy
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Reply By: Member - Brad- Thursday, Jan 15, 2004 at 01:41

Thursday, Jan 15, 2004 at 01:41
Had mine for nearly six months now. Doesnt use any more fuel than 88 model patrol. Tows a 16ft half cabin without a problem.

If in Sydney a good place for parts if required is TJ Auto at Padstow.

Check front drivers seat, may be broken.

Good Luck
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Reply By: warnsey - Thursday, Jan 15, 2004 at 12:10

Thursday, Jan 15, 2004 at 12:10
Thanks for your reply's.

Have booked it in for a thourough check by Rovertech in Perth this afternoon will let you know how we go.
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Follow Up By: Member - Alan- Thursday, Jan 15, 2004 at 12:21

Thursday, Jan 15, 2004 at 12:21
Well done Warnsey, Kevin's a good bloke and will give you the right advice. BUT, he suffers the same as others working on Land Rovers, one or two of his mechanics detest them and want to work on Tojos!
Another name to remember is Russel Booth at ARB Osborne Park. He'll advise you on anything and if doesn't know about it (very rare) he'll know who will.
He's doing a exercise on "attitudes" in the workshop now but won't be back until next week.
Leave the plastic at home or you'll end up with the back full of goodies if Russell gets his way.
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Follow Up By: warnsey - Monday, Jan 19, 2004 at 12:05

Monday, Jan 19, 2004 at 12:05
Well had the disco checked by Rovertech found nothing major but a lot of little things i.e:

Needs new tyres, brake pads, belts hoses, clutch slave cylinder leaking, new muffler, Rocker Cover gaskets leaking.

All in all Kevin reckons aboout $3600 worth of work negotiated price down to $11 and I'll do the work but will do a fair bit myself to save some dollars.

Just wondering doe anyone have some advice re tyres for Disco Kevin recommends Bridgestone's.
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