97 Purchase Advise

[NWLRNewbie]

My wife and I are considering purchasing a 1997 Discovery. The vehicle is a 5-speed model with 105,000 miles and no rust. The dealer is asking $5,950. The Disco would be used for some minor commuting but mainly to tow a race car about 4 or 5 times a year here in the Pacific NW (estimated total weight of car, tow dolly, spares and passengers is 3200#).

While I’ve always wanted a LR I am not too sure . . . I’ve heard they are not very reliable and $$$$ to repair. Conversely, when running right, most owners would want nothing else in their driveway!

I need some advise - what should I look for, is a good deal, would you recommend purchase? Any help would be appreciate!!!

Thanks in advance.

[Disco Mike]

First of all, you have found a truck that many would kill for. Five speeds, especially 97's are few and far between.
97 was a good year, have it looked over by a good Rover shop and if it is good, go for it.
Mike

[apbtpetey]

I agree lots of people including myself would kill for a 5-speed 97 Disco. I have a 97 Disco SE7 and love it. Right now it has 146,000miles on it and running stronger than ever. I did have to do some work to it. I replaced the power steering lines, the head gaskets, and a few other minor things, but love it and did the work myself. If you can work on it yourself you'll save alot of money when it comes to repairs, but if you cannot do the wwork be prepared to pay a good amount of money in labor.

That being said I agree with Mike have it looked at be somebody that knows rovers. All used cars will have problems and will need work on them at some point, but as long as it has been taken care of and you take care of it that Disco will go for along time and you'll think of it as part of your family.

Also take a look around at the forums here and you'll find out some common problems and answers to many of your questions

[natvboy]

I purchased a 97 5 speed a year ago (with 31,000k) and absolutely love it!! Only problems I have had so far is that damn leaky sunroof!! I know, it only had 31,000 drive train wise and people are probably wondering what problems I could be running into but the vehicle was two vehicles put into one (body from one placed onto another LR and found that out after the purchase, when I tried to insure it). So I am running into problems with stuff not being connected and have had to do with out some of the luxuries like cruise control, ABS, and a few lights going on and off. I owned a 97 TJ before this and I do not regret my purchase the least bit!! By no fault of the TJ 0 loveed that too.

If your 97 checks out grab it!! I was never mechanically inclined but have learned a lot on this and other forums and have been able to do a lot of the work myself off of the advice I have received.