I talked someone out of buying a Disco

[AkioOhtori]

Friday I went and swapped the Jag for the Disco at my storage unit off-site garage palace. Forgot how much I miss having this car around. Last time I had it in long term storage I noticed it leaked a lot of transmission fluid all over my garage, so I figured this time I'd need to check the level.

If I'm checking the level (not an easy thing) I might as well bum a lift to do it.

If I'm already bumming a lift, I might as well change the gasket and filter.

And do an oil change.

Anyway... where was I? Oh! Right! Oppo gods!

Fast forward to today and the guy who is painting my house sees the Disco in my driveway and really likes it.

"Oh hey! I was just looking at one of those for my son! Have you had any problems with it?"

I couldn't help but laugh.

What followed was a solid five minutes of me praising what a good vehicle the Land Rover Discovery II was... while also pointing out all the major problem areas like the engine, transmission, and body.

"Yeah they're great vehicles. You've got to keep an eye on the cooling system because sometimes it'll overheat without warning, and if it overheats you have to do the heads, which isn't easy or cheap. Also the temperature gauge is useless, so best to fit an aftermarket one. Also the ABS goes out a lot, but there are some fairly easy fixes if you're willing to put in the work. Oh and the sunroofs almost always leak, but all you have to do is drop the headliner for that. Oh huh and yeah the transmission technically requires a service every 2 years/ 20k miles. But like... other than that they're great cars!"

He was horrified.

I tried walking it back a bit, but then realized these cars that probably should be owned by 2 types of people: Those with deep pockets and those willing to do the work themselves.

I suggested there is only one way to learn, but he seemed... uninterested.

Ahh well.

Maybe that is why Oppo got shut down.... I'm sorry it is my fault.

[Just Jeepin']

I think it’s safe to say Jeep would never hire me as a spokesperson.

[Chariotoflove]

Ha! This is good Oppo.

[Huzer]

There are a lot of people that think a cheap, older European car will be an inexpensive proposition.

I laughed when I'd read Volvo forum posts when people would complain about dealer service costs on their 15 year old Volvo.

[Jordan]

@just-jeepin Yet you bought another, so there is still a chance.

[AkioOhtori]

@just-jeepin Funny enough he then proceeded to ask about Jeeps. I feel like that is asking someone how they feel about weather like... in general. He then, of course, clarified he was talking about Wranglers specifically... because of course Jeep doesn't make any other vehicles.

Anyway, tl;dr that is likely what his son is getting now that I've shat all over the Disco.

[mtdrift]

God, I have these conversations with people all the time about my Land Rovers. "How reliable is that thing?"

"Oh, it's been amazing, except for x, y, z, etc. etc... But don't worry, they're great!" New friend slowly backs away

Currently the lights won't turn off on the Defender. Like, I have to disconnect the battery every time I park it. I've spent two hours with the multimeter checking grounds, still no love. I think I need to replace the light switch itself, which is only two years old.

But, yeah, drive a Land Rover!

[AkioOhtori]

@huzer Yeah. I'm in several Saab and Volvo groups and there are always people that are shocked, SHOCKED that the first repair they need to do on their $1,200 Saab is like $1,500+. Then they decry the brand entirely and trade the vehicle in for something horrid.

[WhoIsTheLeader]

You did him a favor! Should have recommended an LJ or JCW Clubman.

[Bloody-the-resident-LandRover-apologist]

@akioohtori I'm not mad, just disappointed.

[Bloody-the-resident-LandRover-apologist]

@mtdrift check the relay. It might be poked.

[mtdrift]

@bloody-the-resident-shitposting-saffer Yeah, I was thinking that, too. At least the relay I can buy at Autozone, unlike the light switch.

[ITA97]

@akioohtori

Out of original context, but it fits for the purposes of your post.

[mtdrift]

@bloody-the-resident-shitposting-saffer Oooooh! When I reconnect the battery, there's a very audible dance going on in the fuse panel. That relay might be the trick. Pulling it now.

[Highlander]

What sold me on land rover is a story from an old friend. This guy work for Exxon in the oil fields in north africa and related to me a story of seeing land rovers with only one wheel drive still moving under their own power while transporting 17 locals through the desert.

[mtdrift]

@highlander there's a real religion for Land Rovers in the parts of south and eastern Africa that I've traveled in. Ours got us in and out of a lot of police roadblocks, military roadblocks, and "traffic stops" quickly simply because there was a lot of respect for an OG Defender. I think this is partly because the older models can effectively be repaired anywhere with a 13mm wrench and a hammer. We saw so many Defenders and Series trucks from Ethiopia to South Africa doing calm daily duty in remote villages on their last bolts and threadbare tires, we couldn't believe it.

[frinesi2]

I always say that I've only ever met two types of BMW owners - people who lease a new car every year, and mechanics.

I'm wondering if it's the same with Land Rovers.

[SilentbutnotreallyDeadly]

@frinesi2 it's EXACTLY the same for Land Rovers. Anyone who drives one older than three years from whatever the current date is is either in unrequited love or has Stockholm Syndrome.

[JeepOfTheseus]

@just-jeepin me neither man, me neither. I’ll never not have one... but damn are they a bad habit.