Howdy-
I need some Rover info. I have spent a lifetime off the road in vehicles ranging from the Scout II to all sorts of pre-73 K5 and pre 77 Broncos. Having Said that, I have also spent several years around the world thanks to Uncle Sam and have realized the capability of the rovers. Suffice to say....I'm not a newbie to rock and dirt, BUT......I have never owned a rover before. So, here's what I would really like to ask: Which is the best rover for a daily driver that can go to the hunting camp and beach ?? I am in a position now where I need to have one daily vehicle for the next year and need one that will fit an active lifestyle and be able to drive through the flooded streets here in Florida when necessary but not one that has so many "Special Needs" that it's in the garage all the time. Basically I have looked at 97 disco and 01 and 03 disco recently. the price is right on all of them and I am prepared to hunker down and pay a bit to make any of them a good vehicle and am decided that they would be worth the effort and money in the long run......but where do I begin and how do i choose between the three ?? is there really a huge difference between series 1 and series 2 ?? and how big a deal is the 03 oil pump tsb issue ? Any and all advice is welcome.

 

Let's start at the start how much money do you want to spend?

 

Oil pump issue has usually killed off original engine before 50,000 miles. 97 is an older tank, I have one. It has the CDL, the early D2s either had a spud for it and no linkage, or just didn't have it. Really need that for off roading. D2's have more features and bells and whistles, but hill descent and traction control are no doubt good to have. Either truck install a 180F thermostat, you are closer to the sun than I am.

All have potential overheating and head gaskets. Use a scanner or Ultra Gauge to monitor temps. D1 has a bigger radiator. D2 front prop shafts come with no grease fitting on some joints, they dry out and crack, and shaft goes and pokes a hole in the tranny. Rebuild ($100) or replace ($300 and up). D1 is older design, easier to work on. Shop and owner manuals for both are a free download called the RAVE (Rover Automated Viewing Environment). Our tech area has lists of things to look for and differences.

Others will no doubt add their comments. I'd avoid sunroofs, they leak and have their own problems.

It is important to note that bargain priced Rovers usually need quite a bit of work to catch up the maintenance that was missed, or the effects of it.

 

I echo Fivespddisco, really need a range for pricing. If you want a solid worry-free car grab an LR3 under warranty. You can also get a newer 03-04 Disco II with low miles, but those tend to attract higher prices.

I got my 2001 with 150,000 miles for only $3,600 about a year ago. It was solid for most of that time with no problems. Since then I've had a few repairs here and there but all of them were mostly caused by my abuse off-road. I do all work myself and do lots of junkyard/ebay browsing for parts, so I haven't had to spend much money at all on mine. Still not sure I'd trust it for cross-country trips unless I had some spare parts in the back.

The DII is going to be a much nicer car. DI definitely has an 'old' car feel to it, which is good and bad. My DI was wonderful off-road, I sunk it hood deep and left it overnight because I couldn't get it out. Came back next day and it started right back up. Also, much easier to work on, and less parts to go bad. I'd recommend a newer DII if this will be a daily.