Discovery Advice

[Paul Marais]

Have been offered a 1998 V8I Discovery with 80 000km on the clock. Very good condition for R 100 000.00. Would appreciate comment and advice on this particular vehicle. Reliabilty, most crucial. Your comments would be most appreciated.

[02disco2]

Paul, where are you from? I do not recognize the denomination.

[John C]

Originally Posted by 02disco2

Paul, where are you from? I do not recognize the denomination.

Looks like South Africa, next to Johannesburg.

[Adam in NYC USA]

Originally Posted by Paul Marais

Have been offered a 1998 V8I Discovery with 80 000km on the clock. Very good condition for R 100 000.00. Would appreciate comment and advice on this particular vehicle. Reliabilty, most crucial. Your comments would be most appreciated.

Are you a new driver ? Are you ready to pull your hair out of your head. Here goes.

Does the present owner have all the documentation regarding preventive maintance?

Do you have a trusted auto mechanic who can inspect the vehicle and give it the once over?

Inspect the vehicle in the daylight and not under artifical lighting. Look at the paint for any repainting or body damage. Tap the lower panels for bondo filler.

Have the vehicle started cold so you can hear any stuck valves or lifters. A warm engine will mask any sounds. Check the color of the exhaust. Clear and water coming out is okay. Blue is a problem.

Check underneath for the usual fluid loss. Expect the leaky power steering hoses to leak.

Inspect the trany fluid and motor oil. Black and burnt is not good. Smell the fluids.