LandRover Discovery questions???

Hey All, I am new to LandRovers and I have been looking at 1996/1997 Discovery. I have looked at alot here in Oregon but they all seem to have alot of oil leaking from the motor. I guess what I am looking for is any tips on what years of Discoverys are the best, stuff to look for when buying, etc. Anything would help!
Thanks Ryan.

Between the two years, I lean towards the 97's yet I have known some people with 96's that had few problems.
As for the oil leaks, some or just normal for Rovers, depends what is leaking.
The prices are so low right now that even if they need a little work, they are a great deal.
Mike

Thanks Disco Mike, most of the leaks that I have seen are from power steering and front cover and oilpan. Is there any common problelm areas that I should watch out for.
Also are 1998 good years? I really like the Disco 1 are they better that the Disco 2??

quote:

ORIGINAL: RYANR

Thanks Disco Mike, most of the leaks that I have seen are from power steering and front cover and oilpan. Is there any common problelm areas that I should watch out for.
Also are 1998 good years? I really like the Disco 1 are they better that the Disco 2??

Oh boy!...What a question!....are you trying to start a war? Let's say both Series I & Series II Discovery's are both great vehicles that any discriminating four wheel drive buyer  would be proud to own.Both trucks are equally impressive offroad,but have different design characteristics that are unique to each vehicle.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Newfoundlandrover

quote:

ORIGINAL: RYANR

Thanks Disco Mike, most of the leaks that I have seen are from power steering and front cover and oilpan. Is there any common problelm areas that I should watch out for.
Also are 1998 good years? I really like the Disco 1 are they better that the Disco 2??

Oh boy!...What a question!....are you trying to start a war? Let's say both Series I & Series II Discovery's are both great vehicles that any discriminating four wheel drive buyer  would be proud to own.Both trucks are equally impressive offroad,but have different design characteristics that are unique to each vehicle.

Stated correctly and very diplomaticly

I think they are trying to tell you that the D1's are better....

They are not really better but different in the feature, size and options, OH and lets not forget that the D1's have the Lucas electrical gremlins sometimes. D2's both on and off the road are as capiable, with more room and a better ride.

Ryans as for your questions, the 98's were the last production run of the D1's and yes there is a 99 but they were retagged left over 98's that Rover had to get rid of since the D2 was now out.
For the most part any of the newer D1's are good trucks, as for the oil leaks, some are common and easy to fix so I wouldn't worry about them. Biggest thing to look for would be a truck with all it's service records and check for leaking head gaskets.
Good luck and let us know what you get.
Mike

quote:

ORIGINAL: okdiscoguy

I think they are trying to tell you that the D1's are better....

Not!

The Disco I has more in common with the Range Rover Classic
and the D-90 than the Disco II.
If you ever get to look under them you will see what I'm talking about.
 

quote:

ORIGINAL: Landzu

The Disco I has more in common with the Range Rover Classic
and the D-90 than the Disco II.
If you ever get to look under them you will see what I'm talking about.

Yes you are right, the D2 has a much heavier suspension, radius arms, trailing arms and a new set of axles and diffs.
Mike

quote:

ORIGINAL: Newfoundlandrover

quote:

ORIGINAL: okdiscoguy

I think they are trying to tell you that the D1's are better....

Not!

I was just poking fun...

quote:

ORIGINAL: Disco Mike

quote:

ORIGINAL: Landzu

The Disco I has more in common with the Range Rover Classic
and the D-90 than the Disco II.
If you ever get to look under them you will see what I'm talking about.

Yes you are right, the D2 has a much heavier suspension, radius arms, trailing arms and a new set of axles and diffs.
Mike

Mike I know you know that the then maybe you don't.
Disco I and II use the same diffs and the axles are just alittle longer.
Larger bushings on the radius arms are better on road but not any stronger than the smaller Disco I's.
The trailing arms not being round can take a hit from the bottom better.
I think you were checking up on me.
I have to tell you I was working on a Disco II just after your post and before my post.