[plumseverywhere]

OK. Thanks Carl. Better to be forewarned 

[Carl f k]

Sorry bad news..he does more autos than manuals

We see so many bad ones I really wouldn't advise anyone to have one..people who have ignored the advise say now they wish they took it.. There obvious some ok out there..but lots of shite

[plumseverywhere]

How do they compare to MGF's  anything has to be better!! Its been useful reading all the replies, will help us make an informed decision.   Been so happy with our Freelander 2 (which I know isn't a practical, farm car!! but its been lovely to drive and very reliable) was hoping another LR would be a good idea.

[scarlettoara]

£1500 is the price of a banger disco really, maybe a few yrs left before scrapping unless you are happy to replace the engine and then replace the  chasis.
id buy another but i wouldnt spend less than £5k next time. i still love them tho, but not as much as the 110.
comparing a 2012 plate freelander to a £1500 disco is like comparing caviar to cod roe   

[plumseverywhere]

I appreciate that  was more the fact that Land Rover as a make has been one that we've been happy with compared to a lot of other car makes we've had. VW has served us well but that is now completely wrecked so we need to get something else with 7 seats and even if it only last a few years, for that price its not too bad really is it?  Sadly we don't have 5K plus to part with (unless I sell body parts  )

[hughesy]

There's an element of chance just like there would be with any older car. If you could find one for under a grand with a long MOT you'd be on a winner really. Even if it only lasts you a year you'd get most of what you paid for it back at the end.  Another option which can be had with seven seats is older Volvo estates. You can get a real quality motor for not much money. If only Land Rover had figured out how to build cars of that quality.

[SteveHants]

Have a good look at the gearbox - chances are it will have dropped out/died already and they will have had a new one in, so thats one less  thing to worry about.


Not a massive fan of discos, but I do have a defender with the same engine and they are, IMO the best engine that Land Rover have made, 200TD lacked some oomph, but Id rather have either of those than a TD5.


If/when the chassis is shagged you will be able to sell the engine - people are always looking for those and they pay good money - hell, Id probably buy it off you for spares.


The good thing about Land Rovers generally is that parts are cheap - filters for that engine are literally a few quid online, so you can service them for peanuts.

[plumseverywhere]

thank you Steve - thats reassuring too.

So, if we go into it knowing that from buying cheaply we will have to quite likely spend at some time soon but also that the parts/value of land rover at end of time with us will still be worth something (unlike our MG!)  then it could be a good idea.
The doors are sticking and an electric window isn't working but...the mechanic where we are buying from is guaranteeing these will be 'done' prior to buying plus we get a months warantee.   The mechanic owns 2 discoveries (well ones his wifes) so seems to know and like them 
Last week it was £2500 but they want quick sale to move to new premesis.   Hmmmm think I might be dropping a deposit to them today on a nice greeny/blue shiny disco....

[Sbom]

I know you say you have a months warranty but get them to put in writing exactly what that does and doesn't cover. A friend of mine recently bought a new van with 3 months warranty and so far has spent £1800 on it as things have gone wrong that apparently weren't covered by the warranty, she had nothing In writing so could do nothing about it.
And speaking from experience, check the coolant level weekly and never let it overheat!  My husband is a mechanic and Discovery is a swear word in this house!
Lovely to drive though and loads about so they can't all be bad!
Good luck 

[plumseverywhere]

I know you say you have a months warranty but get them to put in writing exactly what that does and doesn't cover. A friend of mine recently bought a new van with 3 months warranty and so far has spent £1800 on it as things have gone wrong that apparently weren't covered by the warranty, she had nothing In writing so could do nothing about it.
And speaking from experience, check the coolant level weekly and never let it overheat!  My husband is a mechanic and Discovery is a swear word in this house!
Lovely to drive though and loads about so they can't all be bad!
Good luck 

   ooh crikey! LUSH is a swearword in this house and so is VW caravelle currently haha. OK will take your advice on the warranty and check coolant (must learn how to do that!)  passed so many older Discoveries on school run this morning and decided same as you that they can't all be bad.. 

[OhLaLa]

I've had my 300TDi XS Discovery from new. Now it's the old vehicle and is used for all the grubby jobs that the Range Rover isn't allowed to do, but still absolutely love it. 7 seats and can fits loads in the back.
 
Like any vehicle, there are good ones and there are bad ones, some folks like 'em, some don't. Mine has been brilliant but now it's showing it's age, just can't bring myself to get rid of it yet, far too handy.
 
 
 
I'll probably end up keeping mine on the farm, stick it in the barn and let the chickens live in it. Then one day it can be found covered in hay and eggs and rediscovered as an old classic, restored and worth lots of money.....
 
 
 

[plumseverywhere]

   could I use it as a goat shed do you think? 

well I've popped down to the place twice in the last hour and they still aren' t open...is it a sign?! 

[scarlettoara]

make sure the head gaskit is covered by the wriiten warranty. my warranty was verbal and then he wouldnt honour it. our puppy sleeps in ours when hes exhausted, hes loves it.

[OhLaLa]

Any update yet plums?
 

[plumseverywhere]

I've put a deposit down  collect early next week once all the work is done (ie little bits like a door won't open properly, the electric windows need sorting and the heater is bust)  and they've towed away my little MGF and paid cash (for a takeaway lol!)  sad to see that go but when you have 4 kids a 2 seater convertible is just downright daft!!