Thinking about a Disco 1

[Madcowz 0]

We have wanted a landy for a long time now and I have finally decided to start researching one.

 

I originally wanted a 110 but think a Disco would be more suitable (need it to commute to work as well). We have 3 kids so it needs to be able to seat 5 + extra if we are taking others.

 

I have been advised to go for a Disco 1 as they are cheaper and less bits to go wrong which is important for me as I will be doing all the repairs myself. I currently have a 16 year old Clio on which I do all repairs, although I am by no means a good mechanic, just handy with a blow torch and hammer.

 

I am thinking about an M reg disco (1995), can't afford more than £1.5K at the most.

 

What do you guys think? How cheap are parts for these things? I did read that they were pricey but the same can be said for Reno. If you buy patent parts and stay away from reno then your laughing. Are Discos the same?

 

Are there specific models I should be looking for? So far I have narrowed it down to 200/300 Tdi. Want to stay away from the V8 as I like our planet. Keep on hearing about ES's or GS's models.

 

thanks,

 

 

/Mad

[blackfell 16]

hi look out for, the rear floors, head gaskets, timing belts etc, most parts are cheap enough as long as they are not genuine,make sure youve got all the gears and diff lock etc

[Stabs 3]

Had a 2.5tdi for a couple of years and that was bomb proof. Easily the most reliable motor I've ever had.

 

The ES is the top of the range model which is what I've got now...in a V8 and I love it

[SNAP SHOT 194]

GO FOR THE 300TDI BETTER JOB.. OR FAILING THAT GO FOR THE TD5 IF YOUR GOING ALL OUT THEY ARE EASIER TO RUN BUT PARTS THAT BIT MORE EXPENSIVE.

[huntergatherer 0]

just got a 200tdi and no probs with it 4 the money your gonna spend you should be happy with [bANNED TEXT] u get easy to work on just like giant meccano

good luck

[Guest curtislj]

Ive got a '93 L 200 tdi.Its the best thing ive ever owned! I can do all repairs myself and the parts are cheap (ebay for everything).Its done 181000 miles now and still pulls like a train.It cost me £1100 last christmas and ive done about 9000 miles in it, half of which is towing.

 

Sure a few things have gone wrong but nothing to break the bank and nothing that Mr Haynes hasnt helped me fix.I bought a halfshaft, wheel bearings, stub axle and brake disc for it a while ago.Cost.........£40 for all and took only a couple of hours to fix, and im no mechanic!

Id have a 200 over a 300 any day.300 heads are prone to whorping.

[Madcowz 0]

Thanks for the replies guys.

 

Certainly sounds promising. As I said, I don't mind getting my hands dirty and working on it if it needs it, but as it would be my main vehicle I can't affod it to be off the road for long.

 

Going to start saving up now and hopefully in a years time I might have enough to buy a wheel or two (judging by our cash flow)

 

What is the general feelings between 200 or 300 tdi?

 

thanks,

 

/Mad

[dicka 1]

300 tdi are far better 200 series had a lot of problems as listed above the earlier models as had drive faults looseing drive as the gear linking the main box & transfer box wasnt ported for oil so it was metal against metal & it used to wear the teeth off the shaft this was rectified on later models but worth thinking about it would give quite a clonk when pulling away.

[Madcowz 0]

Couple of questions:

 

1) Would a standard size pallet fit in the back with the seats down? i.e. is it wide enough?

2) Manual or auto? I have never driven an auto and don't think I want to and think they would be harder to fix, but open to opiniomns...

 

thanks,

 

 

/mad

[andy mecca 5]

think you'd struggle to get a pallet in mate plenty on the cheap at the reg your looking at as previously stated check boot space floor, wheel arch inner wing areas 200's go forever and dont mind a 50/50 mix of veg oil

[Stabs 3]

With the seats down...yeah no bother.

 

I had a manual in England and now I've got an auto and it's great. I really didn't want one as I thought it was a tarts choice, but now I've got one I love it. I've had mine off road a few times since I got it and it's a piece of piss. I do still go to change gear with my left hand though

 

If you are getting one, watch the sunroofs as they are shit. My first one I had to seal myself. The one I've got now has two sunroofs and I've just had to get the rear one re-sealed as it leaked. Typical Landy quality

 

Get the right tires on it and use the gears properly and there's nowhere you won't be able to get.