I am going to buy a Disco. Please recommend which year.
#1
06-05-2010 | 05:37 PM
Thread Starter
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4wd Low
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
I am going to buy a Disco. Please recommend which year.
Hi,
We are moving to CO in a month. I am a life long off-roader and have a highly modded Jeep TJ. The problem is that is does not work well for carrying more than two people for backcountry sightseeing. This is why we are going to buy a Disco. I LOVE the styling, exterior and interior, of the 89-04 Discos. I know a bit about them and have driven several but I wanted to pose a scenario to the group. Based upon the following factors, is there a preferred model year or set of years to look at?
-Leg and shoulder room. I am a large guy and the 95 Disco that I drove last is pretty cramped. Do later model years have more shoulder/leg room?
-Engine/tranny/Tcase reliability - I would take reliability over power or gadets for how I plan on using it. I would rather have open diffs than lockers that don't work, etc.
-Engine/tranny/Tcase serviceability - which year and what version of motor is easier and cheaper to work on? I know some motors have parts that cross with American motor parts which may make them cheaper to work on. I am pretty handy and have restored Jeeps, frame up. Working on things does not scare me but I would prefer to have easier and cheaper access to parts and not have to go to the factory if possible.
-Which years to stay away from - I know some production runs had significant issues (oil pump, etc.). Is there a year or years to stay away from?
Many thanks in advance. I will be sure to post pics once we pic her up.
Dave.
We are moving to CO in a month. I am a life long off-roader and have a highly modded Jeep TJ. The problem is that is does not work well for carrying more than two people for backcountry sightseeing. This is why we are going to buy a Disco. I LOVE the styling, exterior and interior, of the 89-04 Discos. I know a bit about them and have driven several but I wanted to pose a scenario to the group. Based upon the following factors, is there a preferred model year or set of years to look at?
-Leg and shoulder room. I am a large guy and the 95 Disco that I drove last is pretty cramped. Do later model years have more shoulder/leg room?
-Engine/tranny/Tcase reliability - I would take reliability over power or gadets for how I plan on using it. I would rather have open diffs than lockers that don't work, etc.
-Engine/tranny/Tcase serviceability - which year and what version of motor is easier and cheaper to work on? I know some motors have parts that cross with American motor parts which may make them cheaper to work on. I am pretty handy and have restored Jeeps, frame up. Working on things does not scare me but I would prefer to have easier and cheaper access to parts and not have to go to the factory if possible.
-Which years to stay away from - I know some production runs had significant issues (oil pump, etc.). Is there a year or years to stay away from?
Many thanks in advance. I will be sure to post pics once we pic her up.
Dave.
#2
06-05-2010 | 05:47 PM
Rock Crawling
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 372
Likes: 0
From: Montrose, CO
I'd get an 04 disco beyond a doubt. Came with a CDL while earlier Disco 2's did not. If you like and know jeeps though I would get 4 door Wrangler though. I'd like to have one. Much increased space over the 2 doors. Easier and cheaper to service/repair than a Disco. Much greater availability of parts and cheaper parts.
#3
06-05-2010 | 06:17 PM
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4wd Low
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 11
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I'd get an 04 disco beyond a doubt. Came with a CDL while earlier Disco 2's did not. If you like and know jeeps though I would get 4 door Wrangler though. I'd like to have one. Much increased space over the 2 doors. Easier and cheaper to service/repair than a Disco. Much greater availability of parts and cheaper parts.
I definitely do not want another Jeep. I have my eyes set on a Disco.
#4
06-05-2010 | 06:42 PM
Have you read through this?
https://landroverforums.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=26352
Here is a pic of the DI engine and the DII engine.
http://www.roverparts.com/TechTips/boschvsgems.cfm
The GEMS is the DI engine.
Both the DI and DII have the exact same engine just different engine management.
Get a DI hands down unless you want to be working on it all the time.
They have the same diffs and t-case, the DII has a electronic trans and the ECU for it is under the drivers seat and if it gets wet...
The t-case takes gear lube not ATF like most Jeeps.
Read through the link I included and then ask more questions if you have them.
https://landroverforums.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=26352
Here is a pic of the DI engine and the DII engine.
http://www.roverparts.com/TechTips/boschvsgems.cfm
The GEMS is the DI engine.
Both the DI and DII have the exact same engine just different engine management.
Get a DI hands down unless you want to be working on it all the time.
They have the same diffs and t-case, the DII has a electronic trans and the ECU for it is under the drivers seat and if it gets wet...
The t-case takes gear lube not ATF like most Jeeps.
Read through the link I included and then ask more questions if you have them.
#6
06-06-2010 | 12:56 AM
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
04' disco
for sure it is more practical the price is reasonable and parts are easier to find. Also when I bought mine the engine was completely replaced due to factory issues so, 04' with an engine with 20k miles for 11k. My friend had a 99' and it has been through hell. I understand mine has been babied but, you run into that less with a newer model. I'd never get a new one they are ugly only look suited for picking up broods of children.
#7
06-06-2010 | 05:56 PM
Three Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: Canada where Land Rovers are needed.
Mine's an '01 and it's sooo reliable kinda, no mechanical failures or electricals (except a few bulbs, which I then replaced with LED bulbs 
) also watch out for Head gaskets and if you need them replaced, make sure you pay around $1500-$2000 not $4000 like what I did. Being 16 and getting taken advantage of sucks
) also watch out for Head gaskets and if you need them replaced, make sure you pay around $1500-$2000 not $4000 like what I did. Being 16 and getting taken advantage of sucks
#8
06-06-2010 | 06:04 PM
Three Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: Canada where Land Rovers are needed.
#9
06-06-2010 | 06:57 PM
Thread Starter
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4wd Low
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Great post to Spike's overview.
From reading his post, it definitely seems like I will look for a first gen model. Less options but less to fail. I am not looking for a new vehicle, rather something to haul dogs and people around in on backcountry trails. We have new vehicles for daily drivers and I have a TJ for hard core stuff. I am looking for something in the middle. Not to mention that I have drooled over the Discos since I first laid eyes on one.
Thanks!
From reading his post, it definitely seems like I will look for a first gen model. Less options but less to fail. I am not looking for a new vehicle, rather something to haul dogs and people around in on backcountry trails. We have new vehicles for daily drivers and I have a TJ for hard core stuff. I am looking for something in the middle. Not to mention that I have drooled over the Discos since I first laid eyes on one.
Thanks!
#10
06-06-2010 | 07:06 PM