Future 1997 Disco Owner needs advise

[flyfishingbry]

I know long time no talk, work, work, work, kids, wife, work... we all know how it goes.

The last month has seen four snow storms move into Lakeside, Arizona and yesterdays dumped about 15 inches on my place.

I have found a 1997 Disco at a Ford dealership nearby, going to look at it this weekend. Wanted to know what key areas on this year/model should I be looking at when I go over.

Thanks in advance guys!

Fly Fishing Bry

[Disco Mike]

My in-laws used to have a place right up the road from you in Pine Top, great area to live in.
Why don't you send me your tele number and a good time to call, I'll be glad to go thru the list.
Mike

[sailtom]

Come on, we want to hear the list too - I just bought a '97 Disco and I am sure it needs lots of stuff on your list. Fess up!

[pavel]

Flyfishingbry: OK I'll step up to the plate here but understand we use our Disco (1996 5 spd) only for pleasure so it is not our primary daily vehicle. When things go wrong, we park it until I have the time to try to fix it myself.
Take some paper/pencil/camera/strong flashlight/paper towels/latex gloves with you and someone who has experience with these little beauties if you can. I am assuming you have experience buying used vehicles and already know many of the pitfalls inherent. If you are unsure, assume the worst and that you are being lied to.
1 warranty - you need more than 90 days - will they give you a year?
Ask that you be able to take the truck for a really good testdrive (over an hour) and pay attention to the "check engine" light. If the light comes on, have the codes downloaded at a LR dealership (you will probably have to pay for this yourself)
2 price - dealerships always price their used cars at the highest possible price. I'm a little surprised a Ford dealership would even have a 10 year old LR on their lot.... The longer the negotiations take, the lower the price will drop. What is the Kelly blue book?
3 mileage - if the mileage is high (>120,000) expect lots of repairs.
4 airbags will have to be replaced at 15 years (not sure about this as I was told 10 years at one shop)
5 the Buick derived aluminum V8 engine has some serious problems and is nothing like a Toyota/Yamaha engine in design. The seals leak & the exhaust valves tend to carbon up, then stick and have to be replaced; head gaskets blow - all expensive at a shop.
6 Look for accident damage & water damage (is she one of Katrina's victims?)
7 Rust - look under the rear cargo area and under the rear wheel wells (directly below the C pillar where the rear door lock clasp is)
8 Will she shift smoothly into low range and will the Center diff lock work?
9 Pull out the auto trans dip stick and smell - does it smell burnt?
10 Open the Oil filler cap on the driver's side front valve cover and examine the inside - is it all fouled with sludge or just oily?
11 Look to see if the power steering hoses are leaking
12 Is the dashboard delaminating along the windshield line?
13 Does everything work and I mean everything?! Electric windows are a problem in these trucks and are expensive to fix.
- rear window defogger/exterior mirrors/stereo/electric seats etc.
14 does the ABS light go out within about 100 feet of driving? Does the ABS work?
15 does it have sunroofs? These leak. Is the headlining 'coming down'?
16 check for leaks/discolouration around & below the 'alpine windows'

Just remember, these vehicles can be expensive to fix if you can't/won't do it yourself. If you were looking at a Ford F250 pickup, you know the wrecking yards will have lots of cheap used parts; not so for a LR.

The points I made above are just what came to mind right now, there are many more points to make! Cheers and best of luck.