Folks, I did it. I finally sold my 2001 Land Rover Discovery. I already covered why I was selling it in a previous post, but I left a key reason out: I’m having surgery. By the time you read this, I will have already had my heart surgery. Post-op, I cannot drive for at least two weeks, meaning my already-unreliable Disco would have sat even more if it were still floating around. So I sold it. For many other reasons as you are already aware. Shall we get into my selling story?
I Sold It For a Profit
That’s right. You read that correctly. Did someone profit from the sale of an old Land Rover? Yup. I bought my Discovery for $6,000 in early July 2022. Up until the day I sold it, May 2nd, I put on about 4,500 miles during my ownership. I also spent roughly $2000 total on maintenance/parts. Throw in a tow that AAA refused to cover, another $100, and then insurance costs/gas/tea/tissues, or whatever else Land Rover owners budget for. Figure that brings me to just about $8500-$8600 in total Disco costs. Guess how much I sold it for? $8750. I made a profit. Like, 100 bucks. Who would’ve thought? [Editor’s Note: How did you pull that off?! I’m genuinely impressed! -DT] A Discovery that stranded me four separate times, beaten up from NYC, and as crusty as a barnacle underneath ran me a profit! I can buy like, two Pontiac Aztek coolers with that extra dough! Maybe I should be a salesman instead of a teacher, eh? I’m just kidding. I’m an honest seller! I disclosed everything that needed attention in my advertisement. Of course, any buyer could have just looked up my name and found a collection of “Rob at The Autopian” articles detailing my horror stories with this truck…
Who Bought It?
I truly believe that my buyer’s occupation makes them perfect for owning an old Land Rover. For privacy reasons, I will not disclose any personal information, but I sold it to a flight attendant. I won’t be surprised if my Disco’s new owner will be 3,000 miles from home, 40,000 feet up in the air, while the Disco sits in a shop somewhere awaiting major service work. Plus, like, long-term parking? That’s perfect for letting an old Rover rest. Plenty of time to sit there, slowly leaking oil, coolant, and power steering fluid staining the pothole-ridden parking lot of Laguardia Airport…
Do I Miss It?
This is a tough question. Yes, I miss the strangeness of my Disco. It drove like an MTA bus, chugged gas like a Soviet T-28 tank, and ran like a three-legged centaur. I miss the attention it got, all the “cool Jeep” comments, and the joy of looking at it sit in my driveway, too afraid to drive it.
I feel a bit of relief that I am now back to owning one car, my Toyota 4Runner. Gone are the fears of my car blowing up. The 4Runner also gets the same fuel economy as a hyper-milled Honda Insight with a feather-pedal driver going downhill. Well, at least in comparison to my Disco. I’ll take 17MPG over 11MPG in mixed driving…
The Selling Process
Selling this thing was a hassle. This was the first time I have ever listed anything to sell online, let alone a car. A car, I should say, that should come with a built-in sleazy lawyer like Saul Goodman to pawn it off on some other sucker. Bring A Trailer and Cars and Bids rejected my Land Rover – an intelligent decision by them – so I was left to Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and a “For Sale” sign in the window.
I kid you not, no one wanted it. I had it listed for a very fair price considering what these trucks are fetching, and right before an upcoming summer season of Hamptons and Nantucket beach trucks. It sat on Marketplace and Craigslist for a while. I was extremely thorough in my description, provided plenty of pictures of the undercarriage and imperfections, and even slightly dropped the price. I got a lot of texts and messages consisting of, “Hello, is this still available?” “Have you done head gaskets?” and “Does Jeep have warranty?” My answer to all of those? No, but you can find out!
I even tried negotiating my Discovery for a Rolls-Royce which was unsuccessful, as I’m sitting here, a Rolls-Royceless 20-year-old writing articles for The Autopian, sad. But writing articles for The Autopian under my Rolls Starlight Headliner would be a nice gig. David, can I have a raise?
Luckily, I finally found someone who was interested. The person who bought it previously owned a Hummer. This was relieving to hear: a Hummer owner must understand the life of poor fuel economy and the difficulties of parking a brick in New York.
My buyer found it off my Craigslist ad, took the train to see it, and came back the next week with a wad of cash for me. I signed off on the bill of sale, transferred the title, and took my “CREAKY” plates off my Disco. I watched it drive away for the last time, hearing its creaks and rattles shaking along the uneven asphalt.
What’s Next?
As I recover from surgery, I won’t be able to drive for a bit as previously mentioned. Therefore, a secondary car would just be foolish. Though I have thought about a second car but will probably wait until the end of summer. For now, my trusty 4Runner does what it needs to. It’ll remain my commuter, beach rig, and blast-Vampire Weekend-as-loud-as-possible car for the time being. I have been seeing a lot of Porsche 944 content on my social media pages… a contender there. In the meantime, I’ll have plenty of time to browse the web for weird cars for. LaForza, anyone? Perhaps another Discovery? I mean, I’m sure my Disco will reappear for sale soon or on Copart as my buyer comes to learn the truth about these old Rovers.
since you have a reliable ride, maybe get a BMW ID3 and report on how that is to get around in and keep charged in Nuevo York. Bonus, you get to suck up to DT and he will already know the costs of ownership, so that might help your case about a raise if your battery is shot, or maybe hurt your case if everything is good on the one you get.
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-BMW-i3-New-York-d2263_L22938#listing=355236077/NONE/NATIONWIDE_SHIPPING
You can just say “Land Rover”.
Perhaps, yes, but comedic effect
I can confirm that the parsh is good, as is the “gut fish, not houses” sticker. (Viva la tile bathrooms!)
Good luck on the surgery!
New bumper sticker: Viva la tile bathrooms
hells yeah
Good luck with your surgery!
“Gut fish, not houses”
As a person who has rehabilitated two homes now, gutting homes is a VERY good thing, but must be done right. Old homes contain bad shit, and are not efficient. Gutting them allows us to remove said bad shit and bring the efficiencies up to a modern level. This will become more important as our heating costs begin to skyrocket, and our wages don’t follow.
Did you put that there? If so, please explain your take on the subject matter.
I had to look up the campaign, and it’s a preservationist thing: https://historicboston.org/the-challenges-of-being-historic-nantucket/
…which is great! I’m tired of seeing historic homes have all the historic features ripped out only to end up like every other generic new-build greige bore in existence. If you want new, buy new. If you buy a historic home, definitely upgrade some of the risky bits, but have a lil’ more respect for the house when you do so.
Your reply is exactly my stance on this subject matter. I believe that gutting is beneficial when it is done right. I also believe in the preservation of historic key elements that truly define a home’s character. Gutting is a strong term but as long as one guts a historic home in keeping to its originality while also maintaining its safety (environmental, efficiencies, and structural), I’m a happy camper. I also work at a seafood restaurant, so the “fish” connotation is appropriately fitting too! Thanks for sharing!
Hopefully you have a speedy recovery, and congrats on your big profit!
As for your next AAA trailer queen and speaking as a 944 owner – I’d skip unless you really want one. I absolutely love mine, but even early ones that don’t need a ton of work are $10k+ now which used to be Turbo, S2, or 968 money. Since you’re in the NE, make sure you pull off the door vents and the battery to look for rust. I cannot stress this enough: CHECK/REPLACE THE FUEL LINES! Clutch jobs are a two-day affair. If you get an NA and it’s still on the original be prepared to replace it as they’re rubber centered, and they get pretty sloppy as they age.
The good news is that if you can profit $100 off a rusty DII, you should be able to at least double it to $200 on a 944.
My vote since you have plenty of time to search: any of the Volvo Rs.
Anyway, back to the topic of finically ruinous British vehicles: Even after reading all the comically tragic stories, yours included, I still really want an ’04 DII or a late P38. I just can’t bring myself to actually sell something to make room. I compromised and traded in my Grand Cherokee for a Disco 5 and….. it’s so infectiously charming. Luckily, I have Maxcare since the refrigerated center console is broken, and the LCA bushings are starting to go. Not sure I’m going to beat Doug on coverage total, but darn it – I’m gonna try!
I’ve heard good things about the P38, just watch out for that tail flutter in a steep dive.
Tail flutter – Is that when the the split rear tailgate flies open descending a steep hill?
For real though, good warbird joke.
I think at this stage in your life, without a garage, and without storage space, I’d skip the project car bug. If you get one, get an 80s/90s Honda Civic/Integra/Prelude or something that will just REFUSE to die, so it’s always mobile and not out of commission.
Porsche 944? Nope, avoid. Brilliant cars, amazing styling, great to drive, not very reliable, quite expensive parts, and ultimately really slow. The biggest CON is that they made tons of them, and it’s an uphill battle to break even or make money on them; you’re just competing against so many, and so many are in MEH condition.
Say it with me: 80s/90s Honda. Go find a local enthusiast, make friends with them, get a ride, then ask to drive it. You’ll be a believer.
How…
Wha…
The world really doesn’t make any sense and I’m scared and confused…
So for the heart, can you say you got a valve job done on yourself?
I hope, for his sake, they thoroughly clean-up all the lapping compound…
Great article Rob. I need to sell my 99 Amigo 4×4, 5spd with both hard top and soft top and an OME lift. I was toying with the idea of painting it white and putting one of those 90’s Solo hot beverage cup stripe decals down the side. Then I could name it Mi Solo Amigo.
Why don’t we do it, take it to some RAD car show and you can sell it and we split the profit?
I have too many vehicles here and that one needs to go.
I saw an Amigo cruising topless a few days ago. I can’t remember how many years it had been since I’d last seen one.
Can I just say, “ran like a three-legged centaur” is magnificent writing.
Rob- congratulations! Small profits add up- thats how I went from a rusted mercury tracer to a minty Ford Crown Vic to a SVT Contour to a Sable to a Pilot to a Mustang GT and finally a nice Accord in college.
Wait, selling a car for a profit? That’s actually possible? Surely you jest!
Congratulations on the sale and here’s to a speedy recovery!
A profit? Is it possible to learn this skill?
Yes, only buy desirable vehicles, and only ones that are cosmetically clean but need light mechanical repair, and buy it at the right price. Follow those 3 rules and you’ll do alright.
Heart surgery? Welcome to the Zipper Club. I’m sorry it happened to someone so young but glad you were fixable. I hope you don’t have a Lucas pacemaker. Congratulations on getting rid of two heartbreakers. Best wishes.
Speedy recovery, dude.
Congratulations on the ending of your dysfunctional relationship with the Disco! 😉
How the H*LL did you pull that off? sold at a profit??
You might want to consider being a day trader on the NYSE 🙂
Anyway, what is this talk of “heart surgery”, that is something that Old Dudes like me go through!! You are young buck and I hope that all is well with you, as I truly enjoy your your content here and I look forward to many years of your articles in the future..
Thank you for the kind words! Day trader? What’s that, like stonks and stuff? Isn’t stock animals on a farm? Anyways, yes all is good. Just had to correct something that the almighty delegated me upon birth. I may be a “young buck” but I am currently listening to Todd Rundgren’s Something/ Anything? on LP…
Wow! Todd Rundgren’s (Something/Anything) album, you have an old soul, which is a good thing.
Anyway, I would think that after your recent operation that you would exclusively listen to Heart albums. 😉
(Yeah, I know, what a terrible pun)
So, since you’re a musician with an old soul, give this a listen/look and tell me what you think
(it’s Luciano Pavarotti, James Brown – It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaB9F3R9cIY&list=WL&index=23
Still wearing Subbie tees? Get this man a Salt Life t-shirt! Good luck with the operation.
Of course! Who says I don’t have both? The sharp contrast between an Outback Wilderness among the forest and an old Bronco with fishing poles is what makes my strange wardrobe, well, strange!
> I kid you not, no one wanted it
Huh, imagine that.
…
I won’t tell my story, it’s 19 years old.
Listen to the doctors, don’t drive yourself home, do any rehab that’s available.
Oh yeah congratulations on parting ways with the Land Rover. (-:
Thanks for the advice, but no story is never too old!
Agreed, please share. There is never enough advice.
I hope you’re at least allowed to play the piano while recuperating: that should help while away the time. Best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery
I tried today, but my stiff body did NOT cooperate with the wooden piano bench. I’m also awkwardly tall and lanky as a piano player, about 6’1 so that messes with my skills. Trying again tomorrow!
Good luck with the surgery and speedy recovery!
Thanks !
Rob, wishing you an easy recovery and an eventful search for your next car!
Thank you! I’m thinking that both of those things, recovery, and search, will be eventful. Stay tuned for updates
You sold your Disco to a flight attendant? Oh man, that’s so mean. That’s like teasing a kitten with a flashlight beam, they just don’t know any better. The only thing worse would have been selling to a yoga instructor, or a flight attendant who’s also a yoga instructor. Based on this, I’m guessing your surgery is to have a heart implanted.
Just kidding about the heart thing, Tinman (but not about the perspicacity of flight attendants). Good luck with your op and hope you’re up and writing in double quick time.
Man, you guys are killing me with these comments. Maybe I should have just had them remove my heart altogether, ship me off to Solihull, and let Edgar Allan Poe’s ravens scavenge my life-less, Disco-less body. But thank you! Also speaking of Tinman, I’ve been listening to America’s Tinman a lot these past few days. Says a lot about me…
Impressed by the E.A.P. reference and – given your youthful age – astonished you’ve even heard of America.
“Guess how much I sold it for? $8750. I made a profit. Like, 100 bucks. Who would’ve thought? [Editor’s Note: How did you pull that off?! I’m genuinely impressed! -DT]”
You only need one:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_fool_theory
I remember buying this and thinking, “Wow in a few years I’ll be able to get nearly $20,000 for this thing!” Well, here we are.
I think reality would probably go more like, ‘I’ve got $20k into this thing and it’s still only worth $9k?’
You got out smart.
I wish you a speedy and complete recovery. Congratulations on the sale.
Remember, chicks dig scars (if you swing that way). Perhaps time to hit the resale shops for some ’70s shirts just in time for summer. 🙂
Thank you! Good thinking, gotta flex those scars somehow!
Don’t forget the push-ups (when you no longer hurt from getting your chest cracked open of course).
Just tell any inquiring minds that your scars are the result of a barroom fight that ensued after a heated discussion on Land Rover reliability. 🙂
Good luck on your recovery from this Discovery!
You win every comment possible. Kudos to you. And thanks.