There must be reasons they loose so much $$ in such little time...

Hi Bill,

There are a number of issues I have come across with the series 1 discovery.
I assume from your post you are looking at petrol.  The V8 is a very good
motor, it is a proven design and suffers little problems (plenty of power
offroad, at the cost of approx 20L/100km).  Be aware that any 94/95 you buy
will prob leak (sump, transfer case, g.box - x case, maybe swivel hubs).
Not really a problem if the leaks are not to bad, if it doesn't leak, make
sure its got oil in it! :)

There were a couple of recalls for airbag wiring harness and faulty drivers
door latch.  The main shaft (ie input to transfer case) has a design fault
in that the splash lubed gear is difficult to reach from the oil level in
the transfer case.  The was a TSB on it (no recall however) they fixed those
who complained by fitting a cross drilled gear.  Make sure it has the
correct gear. (check the s/no. of x case if it ends in suffix 'F' or greater
it has the correct gear >late '95).  If not try and find out through the
service history.  On that note (perhaps as with many 4wd's) look for a good
service history.

Alpine Windows will prob be rusting, not a problem really unless you can't
stand rust.  Sunroofs may leak, worth checking before you buy it maybe try
look at it in the rain, its more annoying than anything else.

Well I hope I have not detered your purchase, these are issues, not really
major problems and further they are only ones that I know, Im sure other
people have issues that I have not seen.  My disco is great!  They are a
good strong reliable 4wd that will go all the same places any 4wd on the
market will (not withstanding modifications)  We have had many trouble free
expeditions.  If you ask the same question of other 4wd's im sure somone
will point out their problems (80s weak front diffs, patrols rusting sliding
rear doors etc...)  So I don't mean to be offputting with these things, but
its good to have some knowledge.

I think the depreciation is largely due to the market perception of them
being troublesome, not really the case (your research will show this).  As
Al pointed out spare parts from LR are expensive, mind you, have you ever
bought a tail lens for a 100s from Toyota?  Spare parts subsidise the new
car price so I think all manufacturers see us coming!  There are other
importers with much more reasonable prices around.

Other good places to check out are www.discoweb.com and
www.landroverenthusiast.com

Roly