Purchased just prior to Thanksgiving 2002, the Disco had ~80k miles and appeared to be in quite good condition with all records. It had some very minor needs and typical Rover leaks (engine oil, diffs, swivels). I planned on using it as my daily driver, for some exploring, and to use the '94 Toyota for real wheeling.

I should have known it was cursed when changing out the suspension for OME springs and shocks, a pickle fork slipped out of my hand, shot at my head (don't ask), and the ball end whacked me between the eye socket and temple. No permanent damage (my wife may differ), but I had what appeared to be a purple tennis ball beside my eye.

After that, the litany of failures: cargo area completely rusted out due to sunroof leaks (I should have caught this prior to buying, but didn't); mysterious seizing of wheels while in motion; fuel pump failure; pinion seal meltdown; right front wheel bearings grenaded; the infamous intermittent electrical issues (windows, sunroofs, starting, locks); cutting out and stalling while driving; rust through the rear door jambs; failed rotoflex; and finally burnt valves. I spent every weekend I was home and many nights working on it, doing maintenance and replacing seals, until I could stand it no more - nor did I have the confidence to drive it anywhere.

I also wasn't crazy about the build quality or strength of components. The ~8" 2-pinion diffs, boxed frame (that would bend whenever I set the truck on jackstands), puny axleshafts (at least the rear was full-floater) and +4,500 lb weight just didn't inspire confidence.

In the end I was driving my '94 Toyota more than the Disco simply because the Disco needed so much - it was the equivalent of a car payment (or more) every month just to maintain and fix it. Finally in May '04, with the burnt valves, I'd had enough. I couldn't sell it to someone due to having a conscience: the dealer who bought it thought it had an exhaust leak, and I wasn't about to argue.

I installed the aformentioned Old Man Emu mild suspension, which worked great onroad and offroad. I also put some 245/75R16 Goodyear MTR's on it. The truck was enjoyable and capable offroad and on during those rare days when everything was working (or should I say between the non-stop failures and breakdowns), but again that confidence thing..............

About the picture on my main page: We had the pleasure of having our entire front yard and part of our foundation dug up to replace drain lines. I ramped the Disco on the resultant dirt mound just for fun.