would you purchase a discovery?

[jp-]

How much for this one Jim?

https://www.iaai.com/Vehicles/VehicleDetails.aspx?auctionID=7070234&itemID=7479691&RowNumber=18

[I Leak Oil]

There are plenty of documented issues with D1's. I know the owner's manual that came with mine didn't list changing oil cooler, tranny or power steering lines as part of a regular maintenance schedule.
If I didn't already pick up an '88 RRC to punish myself with I'd consider a D1 because they are plentiful and inexpensive as far as up front cost. With that said, I would have no delusions about it being a low maintenance, potentially high operating cost vehicle.

To argue that, as a whole, they don't have serious design and build issues is just someone's emotional attachment talking. But then again these are emotion evoking vehicles....... I'd still rather drive a D1 than a Toyota!
As to the original question, Would I buy one for my wife's daily driver? No.
Jason T.

[SafeAirOne]

I'd still rather drive a D1 than a Toyota!

Ha! That's funny--We traded our D1 in on a Toyota 4-Runner. Same fuel economy, but MUCH better fit and finish. Either truck was fine for getting my wife to Wal-Mart, but the Toyota was just....better...for the sort of driving she does.

[Mercedesrover]

How much for this one Jim?

https://www.iaai.com/Vehicles/Vehicl...1&RowNumber=18

Current bid is $3550 and it ends tonight at midnight.

Flood damage on an LR3. That sounds like fun!
There's a TON of flood stuff in Texas right now. Lots of cool farm equipment.

[BDM]

Man, a hit bird flutters, eh?

No, he's not an idiot at all. I know Scott and his experience. I even wrote an article for his magazine last year. I'm sure he'll build a capable and reliable truck. I'm also sure he'll change the cooler lines and a whole bunch of other stuff before he heads to the toolies. And I'm also sure he'll carry a bunch of spares with him. You'll also notice that's a 5-speed truck with no sunroofs.

The question was whether or not these are reliable trucks for Jeff's wife to use as a daily driver. The answer is probably not. That's no secret nor surprise. If you find a really nice one (as Scott did) and are prepared to throw a bunch of money at it, they'll do amazing things and take you to amazing places. That said, you still need to be prepared for troubles, and probably more so than in other marquees.

Agreed

[I Leak Oil]

Ha! That's funny--We traded our D1 in on a Toyota 4-Runner. Same fuel economy, but MUCH better fit and finish. Either truck was fine for getting my wife to Wal-Mart, but the Toyota was just....better...for the sort of driving she does.

No contest between a D1 or 4-runner for the average joe. The 4-runner will run circles around it all day.

You know Mark, there was one of those "which is better LR or LC" on another site recently. All the toyota lovers kept extolling the virtues of toyota reliability. I agree that the average toy is a good machine but in a twist of irony I saw two of them on the side of the road as I was going home that day. The first one was the cause of a back up on I-395. Guess what? It was on fire! The second had the hood open with steam pouring out!
Toyota dealers have a parts and service department like every other manufacturer. It's a machine, it will break!
I just wish they would make a true mini truck again.
Jason T.

[yorker]

Current bid is $3550 and it ends tonight at midnight.

Flood damage on an LR3. That sounds like fun!
There's a TON of flood stuff in Texas right now. Lots of cool farm equipment.

I'd rather have the farm equipment.

[yorker]

Would a 5-speed have transmission cooler lines (or was it engine oil cooler lines)? It's been so long since I've owned a D1, I can't remember if it had an external engine oil cooler or not, and mine was an auto.

I think the R-380 has or can have an external oil cooler- I'm pretty sure it does on the Wolf 110s. Not real sure about on Discos.

[yorker]

I would expect that they burn because many of the people that bought them did not have a clue about service. If you maintain the oil and tranny cooler lines you should be fine. I have never heard of the fuel lines causing any trouble.

If you change the engine and transmission every 100,000 miles or so you'll probably get 300,000 miles out of one too!

[chester rides again]

Thanks for all the replies. The vehicle that I'm looking for is for me - my wife is getting a 2009 Honda Pilot... She says she only wants a new car with no issues - and a new Honda is a pretty good vehicle.

So the question that I origionally posted was for me. I'm NOT a new vehicle guy - infact, I can't stand new vehicles for the most part. That's why I got the '68 Rover. I love the look of true examples of a manufacturer - such as the Saab 900, Land Rover Disco/Range Rover/Defender, Porsche 911, BMW's and Mercedes from the 80's and early 90's and the brick-shaped Volvo's. Those are what I consider classic cars and that is what I'm ultimately looking for.

Add to that the requirement that I need to be able to carry a few extra people from time to time, live right next to Canada, and don't want to spend over $10,000 ($5,000 or less would be even better). That's why I was considering the Disco. BUT there have been enough comments here to make me rethink my future purchase. I need something that is moderately reliable.

Since my last post, I've continued to do research on this issue and a vehicle that has caught my eye is the Mercedes 300TE with 4matic and 3rd row seating. Specifically the W124 model - made thru 1995. I'm reading that it's the most over-engineered Mercedes made. I'm sure that it's not cheap to fix, but it does address many of my concerns such as safety, reliability, 4wd, abaility to carry more than 4 people, classic look, inexpensive to purchase, and comfortable.

I've not eliminated the Disco, but there seems to just be enough negatives out there to make me reconsider.

Now if the 300TE only had a manual transmission...

Thanks again, hope I didn't stir the pot up too much, but all the responses were greatly appreciated.

Jeff

[Mercedesrover]

Change the "E" to a "D" and you've got yourself a real classic!

[I Leak Oil]

Jeff,
I really think you've discovered (no pun intended) the point of this type of discussion. They are to make you think and inform you, not tell you what to do. If there was only one right vehicle we'd all be driving the same thing. Sounds like you have or had a nice variety of vehicles through the years!
Jason T.

[griswald]

Jeff (Chester)

If I were you, I would stay FAR AWAY from the 300te 4Matic. Almost everyone I ever knew who had one had trouble with the 4matic.

I owned for 6 years a 1985 300td wagon. Was the best (and most reliable) car I ever owned.

That would be my choice. It is tight with small dog, 2 kids and wife though...

Griswald

[Les Parker]

I think this thread has reached and passed its climax.

Please start a new one, if there is to be anymore useful input.