Couple of questions (I'm sorry ;-))

[sulley]

Hi all,

Just looking to buy my first Disco, but have a couple of questions....

Do Discos have adjustable steering wheels?

The other relates to the Disco I have found, it's a Metallic Grey 2.5Tdi on an M plate.  Usual little bubbles on the rear door and hinges.  It's up on a display ramp, so I've managed to have a look under neath and it looks quite tidy.

The other thing about it is it's done 191,226 miles!!  How much should I offer the dealer if I'm happy with everything else?  What do you fella's reckon it's worth?

He's got it up for £3995.  

I'm gonna pay cash whatever, but I reckon on starting the haggling at £3100 with a max of £3500.

Cheers

Steve

[gords]

Don't be sorry about asking questions ... not on here anyway

I'm not sure about all models, but mine certainly does have an adjustable steering wheel. There's a lever on the left (I think!) which allows the wheel to be moved up or down.

I'm no expert, but I would say the price is rather high for the combination of age and mileage. I personally wouldn't want to do more than about £3K - actually, I probably wouldn't be that interested in the first place  That's not to say there's a problem with the mileage - is there any history with it?

The alternative is to ask/look for a Discovery on this here forum :)  I've seen one or two recently being talked about. Hopefully, the sellers will step forward and reply here.

[muddyweb]

The earlier ones didn't have adjustable wheels, and possibly some of the low-spec later models.

On an 'M' plate, it's most likely an early '300' series vehicle.   I would say that 4 grand is too much, unless it is an exquisite vehicle.

At 191 thousand, it isn't beyond hope, but take some time to feel how the gearbox is... at that mileage, depending on whether it is the original box, it is due to break.

Get a good look at the service history... if there isn't one... walk away from it or get him to drop a thousand off the price before you even start haggling.  There were a number of recalls and service issues on the vehicle, and they do need to be properly maintained.

Best bit of advice I can give is to be prepared to walk away from it.   There are plenty of Discoverys about these days for good money.

[driftwood]

i agree...

this is a friendly club so ask away there will be some one onb here who can help.

engines should last if a good service history is there. there is a couple of topics you may find intresting so have a search.
dont buy the first you see or go by price, i fell into that trap and it cost me!
if you are going to go off roading would you want to pay that much to get it scratched, has it got any mods?
i wouldn't go personaly that high

[Jake]

Sounds like a good'en
Definetly dont pay more than £3000.
Maybe £2750 for the milage.
Might seem a bit rude though asking for £1250 discount.
 :shock:

[sulley]

Cheers for the answers so far.

Unfortunately I couldn't find out about the history as he was closed, drove past yesterday and saw it, so went for a better look today.

If the mileage is that high will definately be knocking a large chunk of wedge off.

Thankfully not the first I've seen, that one nearly made me yak up, smelt like they've been breeding dogs in it.  Pciture looked fantastic on the net, then I went to see the real thing, opened the door and went a funny shade of green!!

[Jake]

being an ex car valeter i've cleaned enough of those!!
The smell and hair can be got ridden of but it'll cost you approx £100 for the pleasure!
Dont be too put of off smells and stuff especially if its a good car underneth

[strapping young lad]

sulley

mine is for sale

3k and its yours

want more details then let me know via pm

cheers

dyf

[sulley]

Thanks for the offer Dyf, but lancashire it just a lil' bit too far for me to travel! 8)

[strapping young lad]

dont worry if you want it i will deliver!

if u are going to the gaydon thingy on sunday we can meet up

let me know what u want to do

[ProjectBlue]

Adjustable steering wheels only came out on the 300 series so 94 M on. Softer dash with later instrument and slightly different nose.
I found that due to being a bit of a lard ass, I needed the adjustable steering so had to go for later model.

191,000 is a bit high for your first Disco imho.

100k-130 is better to aim for, less problems (still plenty but less) :)

Keep looking there are loads out there.

[Budgie]

If you are thinking about going for this one and it's got no service then at least make sure he throws in a service and timing belt change! The timing belt is worth changing with whatever Disco you get, that way you know when it was last done.    

Lift the carpet & soundproofing in the rear and check the floor for rust, they are prone to it at that age.  
On the test drive, be quite hard on the clutch and see if there are any "clonks" from the drivetrain, Get it upto 60mph to check for any wheel wobble or vibration, that could be caused be a lot of things!!  
Also check the operation of the low box & centre diff lock.

If any of the above is wrong then I would walk away.

Best of luck and let us know what you get!!  :D