MGB: Buying a Land Rover Discovery with 100K + Miles

I am looking to get an SUV when I come back from Iraq but I don't want another car loan so a new car is out of the question. I have my truck but an F350 isn't the best daily driver, and if any of you on the MGE know my current MG collection you know its going to be a while until I have either of those on the road.

I have been looking at buying a used Land Rover Discovery 99-04. The pricing seems to be all over the chart from $4500 - $18000. I test drove one with 55,000 miles and it road like a dream. To me it reminded me of a custom fit Jeep Cherokee. There was something about it that just fit and I really want one. Trouble is I know NOTHING about them. Just about everyone offered has 100,000 miles or more though. I know these days 100,000 doesn't mean much and I have seen ones for sale with 250,000 claiming to run strong. I like the idea of a Land Rover because I know the first owner probably had everything serviced by a Land Rover dealer. It seems that all the used BMW's that we use to get in Germany that spent the first part of their life properly cared for lasted well into 200,000 miles. The 1996 BMW station wagon I had was almost to 375,000 kilometers before I sold it. I know there is a world of difference between a Landi and a Beemer but in my mind the same link can be made with the proper early maintenance.

Ok so enough of my assumptions...what does the MGE have to say about buying a used Landi?

Are you planning to do the maintenance or are you planning on farming it out? These cars may be a little more complicated and parts prices will be more expensive then an American truck based SUV like a Tahoe. I really like the Land Rover / Range Rover brand but there are horses for courses and a Tahoe or Ford Exhibitionist will perform quite well on the road, plus you can walk into any Autozone or any mechanic shop and get it worked on for not a lot of money.

If you want something slightly better, then how about a Land Cruiser?

I've never driven a disco, but I have driven a Defender 110 with a diesel engine back in the 90's. It drove like a very light truck with no anti roll bars. I'm sure it would have been fantastic off roads, but I thought I was going to roll it on the M25 every time I tried to change lanes.

Consider the older Jeep Cherokee with the 4.0. Look for one in the 100K range. I got a 94 I bought new [big mistake]. Now got 204K on it. Beside oil, brakes, and fluids change. I have replaced radiator, water pump, starter and shocks and that is it. Still uses no oil and strong as ever. I am going to drive it till it blows and see when that is. Plus plenty of parts at the local pullapart cheap. Maurice

x2 on the Land Cruiser..

O.K.. maybe I am a little biased because I own one, but it is a real tough truck, parts readily available from your local Toyota dealer and easi"er" to work on. There's a huge online community just like the MGBE with a wealth of info. I would recommend the 80 or 100 series 1997 model or later.
Post your concerns here and I am sure you will find lots of suggestions:
www.ih8mud.com

I vote Disco, I have a 97 Disco 1 and love it. I bought it in 04 with 90K and now am now working towards 160K. Other then maintenance and a few small issues non mechanical stupid stuff like cargo cover plastic holder broke I have had no major issues. Fluids and brakes have been the biggest expense. I'm now at the point where I need to put some money in it for things like water pump and gaskets, just a major service but well worth it. Parts can be expensive but do not have to be. Many parts will cross over for example I wanted to replace my fuel pump because it was a bit loud (still working fine) and the Rover unit was $300 for the assembly but thanks to a Discovery forum I found out that Chevy pump was identical and the best part is Chevy part was $80.

Another vote for Land Cruiser.

I love my 99 D2! Much, more character than a Jeep or Land Cruiser! With the all aluminum Rover block they are a bit prone to head gasket failure around 80-100K miles, so look to see if that was done in it's service history. But yeah, great trucks. Here is a great site for Discovery's www.discoweb.org

I plan on doing most of the up keep myself. I can turn a wrench or two and really want a newer (2000+) vehicle for my daily. I had a Jeep Cherokee and LOVED it. But I would only get the 4.0 with a 5 speed manual again. Trouble is for a early 2000's Cherokee with lower miles and honest history you will spend $5,000 or for $5000 - $8000 for a used Discovery with 100K + miles.

I don't care for land crusers and can't afford a Defender. Those things are $80K

Good luck. I've had a few friends that couldn't wait to unload their Disco. I'd rather have a 10+ yr old 4 Runner or Cruiser than a brand new Land Rover.

What I have heard is never leave home without a tow truck close by following you.

Dwight