Best Year for a Disco ?

[LH Drive]

I would like to buy an older Disco and was wondering what is the best or better year and with what size engine/tranny?
I know of a 1994 Disco with a 3.9 engine and 5-speed manual tranny thats for sale in my area. It's got right under 200,000 miles on the OD, is this good or bad?

[Les Parker]

Hello there,
Is that maunal Discovery still for sale?
I have a 97 4.0 Manual and it works out great for all the family (and dogs),
being an ex- N.M. vehicle it has none of the New England rust rat syndrome, it is my preferred year as it has all the goodies that were absent on the 94/95's but without all the electronics of the DII's.
Just my sixpenneth worth.....

[Buddy]

It really depends on what you're looking for and what your preference is. Since the best or better is an opinion and not a fact it also depends on who you ask.

Some people like the 95 because they had worked out some of the early bugs but it is still pre ODB-II so in most states not required to have emissions testing. It's also a little simpler then the other ones. Others will tell you first half of 99 because it's the latest DI's made and hence the newest and most refined.

I own a 97 and I'm perfectly happy with it.

[dcwhybrew]

Of the 4 Rovers we have owned, we have had the least problems with our DIIs, and particularly our 02 DII has been near perfect (I hope I haven't ginxed myself).

[landrover77]

The older discovery models are exeptional vehicles on road
and off road, -of course. Unless it was maint.
perfectly for its life I would advise you search for a Rover
at most with 80,000 -90,000 mi. -get a full (very thorough)
history of maint. / try it out first (of course)
look underneath and see if oil is caked on -Bad sign.
I've got a 1995 Discovery and I feel it has the best of both worlds
that being: off road savy and rugged w/ comfort and style, equal balance.
I feel the later model Discovery has too much comfort & "luxury" emphasis
and not enough Rugged or off road savy. Ex: 89 thru 95 Disco is easy to work
on in the driveway or on the trail vrs. later Discovery/LR3
Note: that Discovery II has a bigger engine, I think its a 4.6 L
Its personal and depends on what you are looking to put the Rover through.
Look under the hood- clean? hoses good?
make sure no other leaks (ie: power steering/engine coolant)
After you've decided it meets your standard -take to a shop.

They are awesome vehicles and a fun ride - but check it out
really good first - parts are not cheap, and this may be the only time I'd
every tell anybody else to go to the LR Dealer -for a diagnostic inspection.
only because they get paid per job (not per hour) so they should do
(in their best interest) a thorough inspection. No one says they have to do the
work right? Only buy parts from someone like ROVERS NORTH or ATLANTIC BRITISH -some genuine parts
are better than other non-genuine parts though.

I wish you luck and hope to see another Discovery I out there on the
road /trail. -cheers

[xrover]

96 and 97 have done well by me. I have looked at older and newer and found the best value and service from these years. LOL