Selling my lifted and modded 95 Jeep YJ. Was looking to purchased a 2001 stock Grand Cherokee Limited for the wife and I (for my next project) then I started stumbling on some Discovery II's (same year give or take) for the same price here in the Charlotte NC area.

Jeeps are all I know. I am not familiar with Rover at all.

Is there a comparison as far as simplicity when it comes to modding/swapping out parts, maintenance, etc on these Discoverys?

I would be looking at 2001-2003 stock models in the 5000-6500 price range. Is there a better year, model I should shop for as a new driver/weekend mechanic/modder?

Any tips on what I should look for if I decide to go Rover? Any test drive tips, inspection tips, etc?

These boards remind me of the jeepforum.com boards, and the community looks great as far as I can tell.

Thanks and it's nice to be registered over here!

-Sloan74
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Yamaha XV1900

 

If you're looking to spend more time off road, the '01 will be the way to go because you can add linkage for CDL. '02-'03 you can't. Plus some '03's have fatal engine/oil pump issues.

Check the "write-up" section for detailed discussions on what to look for and more importantly, what to watch out for...

Headgaskets, front drive shaft are the big ones.

 

Just do some searches on here. This comes up all the time. Like ylo said check the write-up how-to thread at the top of the page. It has lots of info also. Once you have read about a thousand threads on here you can ask more questions. There are always folks on here that would love to help you out. Good luck and welcome aboard!

 

Reading the What to Look for when buying thread now. Thanks for the reference. Lots of good stuff there. Interesting read on the CDL. I did not know that. I am assuming that's a very popular mod, heck it's prob a first/must mod for the serious wheelers.
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RM65

 

Yes the CDL is the MUST mod for any serious off roader.

Also check out the tech section on the DI page.

Check out this video.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...7597067634512#

 

Just to add to what ylo said, the 2001 model has the ability to add CDL, BUT only half of them do. You'll need to check the date manufactured or be safe and check the T-case ID number to be 100%. Let me know if your interested in the ID numbers and i'll dig them up for you.

OR if you just want to be safe, get a 99-00 DII and they'll most def have the ability to add CDL. I did it to my 2000 and its the best upgrade ive done. DII's aren't that hard to work on, but they do have more electronics than the less refined DI. If you are looking for striaght up simplicity, you may want to even consider a DI. But if you are looking for the more comfort and on road manners, you'll def want to stay with DIIs.

 

Or you can just get an 04 if it is in your price range. The cost to use the CDL (real four wheel drive) is at least 100 bucks if you do labor yourself, and it has better traction control, and a 4.6 instead of the 4.0. (more power) As far as repairs, land rovers are known not to be super reliable, but the repairs are easy enough to do yourself. There are great lift options that are 2-3" for under 1000 shipped, as long as you install them yourself. Dont stretch your budget too thin, save a little money for anything that comes up that the previous owner put off onto you.

Good luck, and have fun,

 

parts are not as cheap as a jeep.

 

As a former Jeep GC owner, I can tell you for certain you will fall in love with one as soon as you drive it(LR Disco II). It is more solid more upscale and WAY more capable bone stock than a mildly built GC. This is an addiction, as LR's are not without their problems. Some are a huge pain like the Three Amigos and HG failures.

 

I will try and setup some LRD2s to test drive this weekend. Going to get the wife to map/route out something perhaps. The goal is to drive as many as possible. Starting budget will be 6k. I might borrow my buddies ODB-II scanner, I think it will do LRD2s. That would definitely help keep these used car lot dealers in check though....

FYI wife is scared of the LRD2. She thinks it's gonna be a lemon. So I will definitely let her test drive one because I am smart (or stupid).

Yeah, I can handle the 3 Amigos. But a blown head gasket might lead to a divorce...haha (kidding). I do know enough about engines to hopefully pick signs of a near failing HG up though during a test drive/inspection. I would hope so at least...

The way I see it, I am going to be modding/working on either. Whichever I decide to purchase. So I might as well work on something I really enjoy driving. If not, motivation comes hard. As you all know. If we don't want to drive it, we don't want to work on it or put money into it...

Yup d2luvr, My fear though is the addiction....trust me I am just now getting off the Jeep Wrangler needle...lol!

http://www.cryptostudios.com/Jeep/CL/1.jpg


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FZR600