1998 Land Rover Discovery I :: Classifieds

Land Rover Discovery I

The Land Rover Discovery I may not have the same following as the Defender but it shares many of the benefits and even some advantages. First and foremost, this oftentimes overlooked platform is a budget friendly option with today’s example listed at $14,500 OBO, which is a fraction of the cost of this comparable $43,000 1993 Land Rover Defender 110. It’s also a more refined driving experience thanks to a plush leather interior, air conditioning, sunroof, cruise control, and more. Old electrics are often code for issues but there’s nothing in the Disco that a few aftermarket upgrades can’t address. It’s also a bonified go-anywhere 4WD with the Discovery’s reputation being hard-earned during the infamous Camel Trophy events (footage of which you can enjoy here). In my opinion, one of the Discovery’s biggest weaknesses was its thirsty V8 engine but today’s build enjoys a far more frugal and reliable 300Tdi conversion. If you’d like to peruse other Discoverys listed in Expedition Portal’s Classifieds then check out this 1995, a 1997, and a 2000

Land Rover Discovery I 300Tdi

 From the Seller:

This has been my daughter’s daily driver for the past 3 years, and she loves it! Very reliable especially for a Land Rover. Everything works except the cruise control and the sunroofs are sealed closed. Prior to her driving it, we base-lined all fluids, replaced bushings, recovered the seats, added new tires, etc. The diesel conversion was done by the prior owner, but my daughter has put about 30,000 miles on it.”

Discovery interior

1998 Land Rover Discovery I 

This Discovery is fitted with a 300Tdi that in stock form produces 111 horsepower and 285 pound-feet of torque. This sturdy motor is not the most refined but is a dependable and economical workhorse and is a vast improvement on the original V8. On-road performance is underwhelming but once the tarmac ends the Discovery comes to life thanks to full-time 4WD, high and low range, locking center differential, and more. Inside the Land Rover is well-equipped with the following driver comforts: 

  • Leather seats 
  • Air conditioning 
  • Cruise control (not working at present) 
  • Power steering, locks, and windows 
  • Center console with cupholders 

Land Rover Disco for sale

Distinguishing Features

  • Rear ladder 
  • Land Rover wheels with Yokohama Geolander tires 
  • Light bar
  • Sliders 

Land Rover leather interior

This 1998 Land Rover Discovery I is listed for $14,500 and is currently located in Marshville, North Carolina. the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.

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No money in the bank, but gas in the tank. Our resident Bikepacking Editor Jack Mac is an exploration photographer and writer living full-time in his 1986 Vanagon Syncro but spends most days at the garage pondering why he didn’t buy a Land Cruiser Troopy. If he’s not watching the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, he can be found mountaineering for Berghaus, sea kayaking for Prijon, or bikepacking for Surly Bikes. Jack most recently spent two years on various assignments in the Arctic Circle but is now back in the UK preparing for his upcoming expeditions—looking at Land Cruisers. Find him on his website, Instagram, or on Facebook under Bicycle Touring Apocalypse.