[Rev. Love Evolver]

I am pleased to say that I am inches away from purchasing my first car. I am looking at a 1998 Discovery LSE with 89k miles. The seller is selling it for under the blue book value. This weekend I am going for a test drive and final assesment before I buy. From the pictures, it looks to be in excellent condition, and the owner says that it has all origional parts. He is the second owner, before him it was a leased vehicle. My question is what can I look for (or ask about) when I go for a test drive? I have read posts about leaking problems, sunroof problems and the like. I have carfaxed and researched as much as possible. Everything seems fine, but I am wary of a stranger giving me a "deal" on a vehicle. Any advice is appreciated

 

[Disco Mike]

Not knowing where you live it is hard to tell you where to test drive it. Use common since when crawling around under it, don't worry too much about any leaks. Check all the work orders and see what sort of repairs and maintance has been done.
Plan on changing all the fluids, ALL FLUIDS, so you are staring fresh if you buy it.
Get itr off road just to make sure the t/case changes gears and there are no new noises in 4wheel lock and low range.
Mike J.

 

[Rev. Love Evolver]

Thanks!

Thanks for the advice Mike. I live in Baltimore City, however I plan on leaving every weekend for camping, hiking, skiing....The seller is in Virginia, so I will be sure to take it off road there. During the week I plan on driving it very little, just to get to work/ school. I plan on having this vehicle for 5 years, so by my estimates, that would make the mileage about 190k. I have heard that maintenance will go a long way, and therefore assume that with proper care 190k miles is no problem. Am I wrong?

 

[Helopilot]

bought a '97 same way...

Running it through its gears is a must, many are bought and never shifted and it locks up. Look for rust, door jams, around window seals, etc, thats the cancer of these things...test your bells and whistles (the replacement for those items are $$$). If the catalytic converter is rattling it could cost a several hundred to add a new one. I've added about 20,000 miles in the last 6 months with the military on the interstate so changing the fluids and preventative maint will keep it running fine.

B.

 

[Disco Mike]

Yes,
Maintance goes a real long ways.
Good luck and have fun,
Mike J.