SLROC Forum

Hello all,

I am thinking of buying a disco 1 for use as an everyday car and commuting. With the general cheapness of landrover parts and the fact I can do the work myself, I'm convinced that running costs will be cheaper than owning a more modern car that needs to go in to a garage when something is wrong. Also in the future I may need a vehicle for towing.

So what is a 300 disco like to drive everyday? What is the top speed? Will it keep up with traffic?
There seem to be plenty of auto box examples out there - are they ok for towing or am I better with a manual? Are they jerky when changing gear?

Any views much appreciated!

Autos very good if serviced correctly, not jerky and superb for towing. The engine fitted to the autos actually has a bit more power so they are not bogged down at all.

Biggest thing is finding a really clean one and properly protecting it from all the rust problems that come along - its not so cheap when you are having to weld left right and centre!

I used to tow with a manual one & never missed a beat.  Top speed from memory was in the 80s but more comfortable & quieter around 60/70.  Comfortable and mine certainly was reliable.  Not the nippiest around town but I was fine with that given the other benefits - visibility, etc..  As already stated, the issue is rot these days I'm afraid.  If you can get a good solid one, you won't be disappointed.  Alan.

I use to own a Disco 300tdi (manual) and would have another one in a heart beat
Great round town kept up with traffic
Sat lovely on the motorway and would tow anything with no hassles
Use to go upto 80-90 without problems but obviously only in an area where there is no national speed limit to worry about !

If you can find one in good condition then go for it.

Thanks for the replies guys. I've been looking into them a bit more and the autos have a bit more electronics on them so I think its a manual for me.

I'm familiar with landie chassis already, but where are the likely rust areas on a disco?

The other guys on the forum will know loads more but from my understanding, boot floor & rear arches.  Alan.

rear box section, body mounts, inner wings, sills, floor, door pillars, behind front lights that should get you started lol

Cheers Bill

So I've bought an R reg 300 disco and its great. Went down to Birmingham for it adn drove it back. Its not got a spot of rust anywhere - in fact it still had original paint on the sills!!!! Absolutely original and 78k miles- just broken in and ready for work. I'll get some piccies up once I figure out why photobox crashes my computer......

Malc,

Did you manage to sell the V8??

Stephen

No i'm keeping that - its the car I'm getting rid of. Disco is going to be my daily runner and the V8 90 the toy for the weekends. 

Aha, got the piccies to work:

I've used a tank of fuel and worked ou the lieage at 29mpg which is about what I expected. Will this go up a little when I get rid of the cat and egr valve?

looks nice mate

shouldn't make a huge amount of difference to mpg

but then at the end of the day it's your right foot that makes the difference