Auction has finished
Highest bidder was: stu454
| Date | Bid | User | Auto |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 4, 2019 7:50 pm | $6,000 | stu454 | |
| September 4, 2019 3:34 pm | Auction started | ||
Description
Model History
Originally code-named “Project Jay”, Land Rover created the first Discover model in 1989 as a way of competing with the cheaper Japanese cars, while still resembling the more upscale Range Rover. Land Rover wanted to bill their new model as a “lifestyle accessory”, so they hired the Conran Design Group to ignore “current” interior design ideals and focus on comfort. Introduced to the public as a 1989 model, the Discovery platform was borrowed from the more expensive Range Rover at the time and only initially available as a 3-door. The 5-door version would come to market a year later in 1990. This prompted Land Rover to change the One Ten and Ninety name to “Defender” to reduce confusion of the incoming little brother.
The U.S. would wait 4 more years to see the Disco. This first generation ran through 1998 until the Discovery II was introduced. In 2004, DII production ended and for us Americans, so did the Discovery moniker. In reality, the LR3 is just the 3rd iteration of the Disco and same for the LR4. We have no idea what the new Discovery is or why it’s called such, so we’ll just leave that right here. We’re classic lovers, and have been saying for years that you really should start storing away nice examples of the Discovery. As the Range Rover Classic market has already exploded and prices well on the rise, the Disco is a not-so-well kept secret anymore.
Car History
Second Daily Auctions is proud to present this first generation 1996 Land Rover Discovery SD in the highly desirable manual transmission/sunroof delete configuration. It is technically a 3-owner truck, though the first two owners span from original purchase to 2019 (the current seller just acquired it 2-months ago). This Discovery has spent its entire life in California (inland away from the coast). It was used at a hot springs retreat in Carmel Valley for many years, giving some indication of the low mileage seen (116k miles). It presents in its original paint and 2+3+2 interior, and is a very nice rust-free (save a few bubbles around the skylight) unmolested example. You simply don’t find them like this anymore.
The vehicle title is clear and is currently registered and insured until Aug 2020 in the seller’s name. If you would like to have this Disco inspected, please contact us before the auction closes so we can attempt to help with arrangements. It will ship from Carmel Valley, CA and we can assist with shipping if needed.
We will cover up to $150 of the cost of a pre-purchase inspection if you go on to buy the vehicle. You must have it inspected BEFORE the auction closes, so simply contact us if you would like to arrange for an inspection.
Exterior
This Discovery presents in its original willow green metallic paint (the same color used on the final 300 run of LE NAS Defender 90’s in 1997). It shows signs of normal use with nothing out of the ordinary for a 23 year old Land Rover. We note some small dings and scratches most likely from a shopping cart or unobservant 9-year old in a crowded parking lot (3 small dings on the passenger side and 1 on the driver’s side; no damage to the body or clear coat). The clear coat on the rooftop is peeling off, but the underlying paint is still intact. We recommend a $200 roof rack to cover that up, or we suppose you could treat with a clear coat over-spray if you were really attentive to it. All other clear coat below the roof drip rail is in great condition according to the seller. All body panels and seams appear to be quite straight and the seller reports there are no signs of any accidents. He does note the rear bumper is pushed in about 2″ at the right rear corner, apparently from the previous owner backing into an object, stating there is no damage to the body or the brake lens. There are some noted small rust bubbles below the skylight molding, not rusted through. Other than that and some surface dust/rust underneath, the vehicle appears to be very rust free. The seller states he is more than happy and willing to show the truck to verify the frame quality, The rear quarter glass rubber molding is cracked at the corners from sun damage.
Interior
Inside this Discovery is fitted with the desirable 2+3+2 seating configuration, with the last “+2” coming from the rear jump seats in the cargo area. There are signs of normal use inside, the seats look to be in great shape for the age with no largely visible tears. There is a small tear in the leather shift boot. The headliner is sagging in various spots and would need to be replaced to look the part. The factory radio accepts the security code and operates fine. All of the dashboard controls and buttons look to be in good order and the seller reports everything operates as it should including an ice-cold air conditioner. There is noted sun exposure to the interior, notably on the steering wheel and the dashboard and tops of doors. This is the cause of the discoloration seen in the pictures, though no cracks appear to be present. The SRS airbag light is on and the seller reports it is from a low voltage code from a battery replacement a while back. The rear hatch plastic tool pocket is cracked. The sellers believes this to be a non-smoker car, it appears as if the ashtray is like new and never used.
Overall the interior looks to be in good shape and with a little reconditioning could be very nice. They are only original once so the new owner has choices!
Maintenance
In March 2019, there was a misfire and SES Check Engine light on which caused it to fail the strict California smog inspection. At that time, it received a professional tune up, new plugs and wires, a new TPS sensor, and all codes were cleared. The seller reports it now idles and drives very smoothly and has passed smog inspection. It is fitted with BF Goodrich TA tires 235-70-R16 have approximately 30% tread remaining. No abnormal wear patterns are noted. The front brake lining has ~60% remaining and the rear brake lining has ~80% remaining. The ABS light is on, code 2-14 set. The left front sensor was cleaned and reseated, though the code still is on so the 30A fuse for the ABS pump relay was removed to prevent ABS operation. The manual transmission ATF fluid was replaced with Redline MTL Synthetic. New aftermarket mudflaps and spare tire cover were recently fitted. A new under-bonnet insulation pad was recently added. The vehicle was recently professionally detailed and paint buffed out to remove micro scratches.
From the seller, he states it drives wonderfully, accelerates and brakes smoothly and has a strong solid brake pedal feel with no pulsating. He has not noticed any pulling to one side or abnormal tire wear. The clutch pedal operates and engages smoothly and it is believed to be the original clutch. The transfer case is original and has new fluid. The range selector lever shifts smoothly into locked 4High / 4Low. The seller notes the 2nd gear syncro is slightly worn and a 1-2 upshift will grind if rushed. This issue was much less noticeable after upgrading to Redline MTL Synthetic.
Market Value
The market is finally starting to pay attention to the Discovery, prices for D1 and D2’s are well above the $10k mark now-a-days (we told you this would happen 2 years ago). It is as capable off road as any of its siblings and occupants can enjoy the same British luxury inside that we know from this brand. Some reliability concerns plagued the Rover lineup, but if you’ve read this far into the ad you are well aware of that, and you also know how much of it is overblown. You have be willing to give a little bit to get a lot on these. The seller has set a reasonable reserve and we are happy to provide shipping quotes if needed.
Seven passenger seating, no rust concerns, off-road capabilities of a Defender, manual gearbox to shush all the reliability concerns…what more could you ask for?
Bidding at Second Daily
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Disclaimer: We do our best to represent the vehicle from the information provided by the seller, but this should not be implied as an inspection. Second Daily is not the owner of the vehicle and therefore we recommend as with any online vehicle purchase, as a potential buyer you should either arrange to visit it in person for a personal inspection, or hire a professional service to conduct a pre-purchase inspection. The full VIN number is SALJN1286TA528034, as potential buyers, you can perform your due diligence to determine if this vehicle meets your standards. Second Daily is not liable for the condition or contents of the vehicle, nor is Second Daily responsible for payment, lack of payment, undelivered vehicles, and no guarantees are written or expressed. Please see our Terms and Conditions for more information, you are agreeing to these terms upon a BUY NOW or successful auction bid meeting reserve price.
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