Hi guys, I've gained a significant amount of knowledge about Land Rover Discos just by reading through relevant topics of all 48 pages of the Disco I section. I've found you guys very helpful and friendly, besides knowledgeable, of course. Thank you for coming together to support each other like a community.
Still, I need some advice and opinions about my decision to get the 95 Disco I 3.9-litre V8 ES.
I've tried to see differences in the technical details of the Disco I and II. There seems to be a lot of contributions by Disco I owners stating that more problems occur in Disco I than Disco II (having read from another Land Rover forum). I can see major technological improvements in the Disco II (not to mention the completely new-generation beauty in the form of the Disco III which, from NZ$90,000 onwards
is a lot for anyone to spend on) but then again I am not prepared to pay too much for a vehicle which I intend to use for towing a 2.5-tonne (5,500 lb) caravan occassionally - because I already have another vehicle for daily use, the good old trustworthy 1989 Isuzu Bighorn, which has given no trouble the entire last 7 years that I've got it and that gives me a good run of 22 to 27 mpg.
Then again, the 95 Disco I 3.9-litre V8 ES which I am eyeing now is a fine specimen (93,000km, about 58,000 miles), with regular services in the last three years by the current owner and almost in prestine condition, full-leather seats and with a few bells and whistles.
I've read enough to know that I may only get between 12 to 15 mpg from this beast, but the price is not too bad (in New Zealand) for a nice vehicle like this. The seller wants about NZ$9,000 for it (dealers tag them onwards of NZ$12,000!!!) as opposed to a 1999 Disco II which goes for about NZ$22,000
. Yes, we Kiwis are paying so much more for vehicles as compared to the likes of Americans without taking into account currency conversion but just figures alone. Mind you, the minimum wage in New Zealand for adult is NZ$9.50/hour! before taxation of 19.5%, 33% or 38% depending on total income per annum. Oops, I'm getting diverted, sorry.
For what I'm intending to use the vehicle for, given my situation, I am likely to stay with the lower initial outlay of the 1995 Disco I and keep it well maintained to last a while, than to pay more than double to get an improved version (extra NZ$12,000!!!). I have the option to take a Mechanical Warranty insurance for 36 months @ NZ$1,650 to cover for major unforeseen hiccups.
I've also read so much about the off-road prowess of Land Rovers and I may do a little of off-roading now and then but, that's it. The question is whether I should even attempt to step into the world of Land Rovers or should I find something else. I think I will enjoy the culture of tweaking a Land Rover, given the resources and support available through local clubs as well as global internet community.
Now, please...I would welcome all input from you helpful and experienced folks regarding my decision to go Disco I or none. Thank you very much.
