You have all probably seen this question a few times i currently have a 97 and have enjoyed it for nearly 3 years I have the opportunity toget a 02 very reasonably. it has 70,000 miles no lights on in the dash and it is very clean what should I expect to repair andwhat to look for before I buy, also are there any advantages to the 02 that the 97 does not have ,Thanks for the input.

 

IMHO, the D2 is more comfortable, but I enjoy driving my '96 D1 (5-spd) on road a lot more. The D2 is also longer (if that's a factorfor you), but more complex. Aside from fixing damage caused in a wreck I was in the D1 has required less work than my D2, but then I also haven't beat on it off-road the way I have beat on my D2.

A lot of the decision is going to depend on what you want to use the truck for, what you'll do to it, and personal preference.

Given what they're worth at this point you could do what I do...own one of each, so I don't have to choose...

 

My understanding is the D2 is more maintenance intensive and more likely to blow head gaskets and have block problems. Also the front prop shaft problem is unique to the D2 (right?).

The truck you're looking at has 70000 miles, which means it will very likely need head gaskets within a year or two. So factor that into how much you pay for the truck.

As much as I love my truck, I've wished many times I'd gotten a D1. If you want a new truck, I'd shop for a D1 in great shape w/ low miles and turn your old truck into a parts truck.

 

3 amigos, water pump, radiator,.... of course the D1 knows not of the Amigos...

 

" The D2 is also longer (if that's a factorfor you), " It also has wider axles, using Range Rover axles, which is always a good thing.

" Also the front prop shaft problem is unique to the D2 (right?) You have the "problem" half back asward. " The "problem" front prop shaft was with the earlier version, D1, which was corrected by a much better engineered prop shaft for the D2, though lubrication of the newly designed shaft was a new problem, but easily corrected if cared for properly.

 

I didn't even think about the three amigos and D2 radiator issues. Even more reason to go D1.

What was the problem with the D1 prop shaft that required a redesign? Did they break or something?