Greetings everyone. I am considering a late model disco, either 2003 or 2004. It will primarily be driven on the road and used as a tow vehicle for my other car. I do however want to use it offroad... is the center locking diff really worth it to go with an 04 vs 03? If I eventually get lockers, would the value of a center diff become obsolete? Sorry for the noob questions... i am trying to understand the value (besides most 04 are stillunder factorywarranty)in the 04 vs 03 considering the 03s go for about $4K-5K less. The fatter tubular roof rail on the 04 doesn't seem as accomodating as the thinner 03 style for rack accessories from yakama or thule.

 

I own an 03 and have used it off road in soft sand on the NC Outer Banks several times, as well as snow on occasions. Never did I think about needing the diff lock. I can't imagine getting it stuck in those conditions, but I haven't had it in other off road conditions. I've read on this board of some 03'shaving oil pump failure and I don't know if that's a possibility on other models. My father-in-law told me he has a friend who's 99 model did that and lost the motor from it last year, so maybe it's possible in other models too. Mine has 83,000 miles on it and still going strong like new. Towing is a dream with this thing, so no worries there. Good luck with your Rover decision.

 

In terms of towing, what amount of weight are you towing and through what types of road conditions (mountains or flat)? I was speaking with a friend that heard Discos are "dogs" in terms of towing when there is a hill to climb... but perhaps this was based on the previous engine 4.0Lthat had less torque. I will be towingapprox 5000 lbs for distances up to 9 hrsat times.

I really like the style, but the cost of ownership has me worried. On Edmonds an 04 at $24K for 5 yrs came out to $61K total... while an 07 Tahoe priced at $48K only came out to $58K total in those 5 yrs... is maintenance and repairs really that expensive on 04's? Its hard to imagine that an 07 Tahoe financed for 5yrs with a price tag$24K more than the Disco still comes out 3K less in 5 yrs... I should post a new thread on this subject...

 

I've averaged about 3,000 lbs with an enclosed cargo trailer. I don't tow every day - more like once every couple of months - but when I pull it it's usually for several hours at a time.I think it performs just as well as my Tahoe did with a trailer in tow.

I don't know about the cost of ownership thing.I have a hard time believing that an 04 Roverat $24,000.00 would cost 2 1/2 times its inital cost over 5 years to pay for and maintain. I think that information must be in error.

 

I towed just under 5k pounds across country with my 03 disco (4.6L gas) and despite the terrible gas mileage I didn't really notice the trailer back there. Assuming tongue weight and trailer brakess and everything else equal, the motor has plenty of power to tow. As for upkeep cost... Yes it is expensive, very expensive if you don't do your own maintenance.

 

I have an '03, purchased it new and have pulled a camper to many places around the south, no problem, like one of the guys said, you forget it is back there, I have 18 inch wheels, which makes for less squirmming around (sidewall flexing)

You mention the top rail, I had the dealer extend my short factory rails, I agrree this is a better rail for hauling, having had them extended with crossbars, I haul ladders, pipe, you name it. See I sold my pickup when I bought this Landy so the top rails helps to keep me from missing the hauling advanages of owning a pickup.

About the locking T/C of the '04, you will have to decide.

 

Well the locking center diff on the 04 can still be had with an 03. I have an 03 w/ the locking diff from an 04 installed. Its not too involved or too pricey (depending on the price difference you're looking at between an 03 and an 04).