buying a 98 Discovery - good deal?

[02imprezaWRXguy]

this is my 3rd post here and my brother is looking to buy a 98 discovery, and i see that this is the year that they changed styles from series I to II. what are teh major differences? i heard about bosch electronics in the newer models and something about drivetrain that wasnt carried over..? anyways, i attatched a picture of it, and i assume its the series I from the pic..
with 98k miles and 2" lift and rack is 9k dollars a good deal? i know theres more to it but i just want to se if its legit. thanks for any help and suggestions in what to look for when buying.
-marty

[rmuller]

They changed to Series II in the second half of 1999 .. there are a bunch of differences that you can tell them apart, door handles are different, the lights on rear of the DII are higher.. it actually says Discovery 2 on the back of the disco2.. so that one is a Discovery 1 .. since it looks like that picture was taken around winter time with a lot of salt on it, i'd be concerned about rust, take a good look underneigth it.. and also check the rear door jams and the seals around the alpine windows (the ones on the top).. those are major rust spots.

As for, is it a good deal? The kelly blue book (www.kbb.com) price is between 7-8k for that car.

[pavel]

Offering advice as to whether a used Disco is a good deal at $9K or $2K is impossible unless you have inspected and driven it. Go over it with a fine tooth comb first - pay for a thorough inspection at the Dealer and decide if you want it - then figure out a price.

[02imprezaWRXguy]

thanks for the tips-
the pic was actaully taken this week, in sun valley, idaho where my brother lives. the reason I cant inspect is that i live in Oregon..

[RoverChic]

Marty~ That is way too much. I would offer $7K no more. I sold my 1998 D1 with 97K miles (all records) dealer serviced, everything imanginable replaced from Alternator to Fuel pump, for $6.5K. If they don't take that then try for 7.5K.


What to look for: Squeal of any noise from the belt/water pump/idler pulley area. Watch the gauges to make sure there is no overheating (this could be anything from the coolant expansion tank cap to a head gasket leak). Look at the tach - does it bounce? This could indicate an electrical issues directly related to the alternator, battery, or possibly a bad ground. It might have some leaks here and there. For example the rear main seal, transfer case leak, the valve cover gaskets, rear pinion seal, to the power steering pump high pressure line. Check also the brake pads/rotors, Master Cylinder fluid level - to make sure the calipers are ok and not leaking. Ask if the fuel pump has ever been replaced? Is the ABS light on or possibly the Check Engine Light?

[roverX]

I agree with RoverChic...way too much. I even think $6K is too much. Unless it was owned by a little old lady who only drove it to church on Sundays...

Hey RoverChic...don't you think he could find a better deal from someone on dweeb selling their's?

[02imprezaWRXguy]

thanks again for the help- the car looks better than it does in that picture, its in pretty good condition. my brother was going to offer 7k with plans to go not much more than 7.5-8k.

the check engine light came on while he was test driving it, and its being checked sometime this week. I guess the guy was initially asking 11k.... i know that is too much

i told him about the forum, so he's reading what you guys said to look for next time he sees the car and maybe he'll join up soon.

thanks again
-marty

[RoverChic]

RoverX is right on. Try DWeb or check this forum as well.

http://www.discoweb.org

http://www.muddyoval.com/forum/index.php


Sometimes I think things like a roof rack, lift, snorkel ect are **eye candy**. It reminds me of the hot guy @ the bar...Sure is Real Purty to look at but I don't want to take him home. Best of luck to your brother!

[02imprezaWRXguy]

Sometimes I think things like a roof rack, lift, snorkel ect are **eye candy**

you mean it makes it look better than it is and makes you overlook any defects...i see what you mean...
thanks for the links
-marty

[roverX]

Originally Posted by RoverChic

**eye candy**. It reminds me of the hot guy @ the bar...Sure is Real Purty to look at but I don't want to take him home.

You're right....I'm not the kind of guy you take home to mom.

[jude26]

[quote=roverX]I agree with RoverChic...way too much. I even think $6K is too much. Unless it was owned by a little old lady who only drove it to church on Sundays...
QUOTE]
My aunt has one of those. Its a 98 with 38k miles and that truck has given her nothing but trouble.

[RoverChic]

Originally Posted by roverX

You're right....I'm not the kind of guy you take home to mom.

Hmmmmm...Why am I not surprised? LOL!

I'm the guy that Catholic schoolgirls think about when they're saying their Hail Mary's.

What is this?? I had 14 years of Catholic School and I never said a Hail Mary for a man....Maybe over obtaining a certain car (*cough* *Porsche*) on thou 16th B-day but never over a man


38K miles and problems? Hmmm .... Does she want to sell it??

[IdahoRover]

Thanks for all the input re the 98 Rover....finally signed up here after watching the posts via my brother- impreza martyetc.............. 6K- really? This guy originally wanted 10K 6k would appear inexpensive here but perhaps the rover is due for some problems? I will be getting mechanical update today..should the rover not work i will be releying on the ol subaru to get me through the thick and thin....

[roverX]

Originally Posted by RoverChic

Hmmmmm...Why am I not surprised? LOL!



What is this?? I had 14 years of Catholic School and I never said a Hail Mary for a man....

No no no my dear... they don't say a Hail Mary for me. This line stems from an old girlfriend who told me not to come to Mass with her anymore b/c I was too distracting. She said she couldn't concentrate on what the priest was saying when I was sitting next to her.