First post, great forum. I've been combing through searches but can't find clear opinions on this question.

I'm blessed with the following problem: two virtually identical Discos, one a '98 and the other a '99. Both are 80k miles, one owner (wives), full dealer servicing histories and good to excellent condition. The Series II has non-functional heated seats but I'm in Central Texas so really couldn't care. Both are the same price, with the Series I having had its 80k service and the Series II needing it but the owner is willing to knock the cost of a dealer service off the price.

I'm decent, not great, with mechanicals but pretty lousy with electricals. I prefer a more basic (and smaller) ride but the Series II is perceptibly nicer on road. I've never driven either off road so I can't say.

This car's going to be a runabout in town and will go on 3-4 week long excursions down into remote Mexico, with rocky jeep roads being the worst of the terrain. Lots of multiple days on untended dirt roads. I may go with slightly taller and heavier springs, and some protection but will be keeping it stock otherwise.

Anyone use their Disco for similar trips? Any input on the suitability of a Series I vs. a Series II for this kind of trip?




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well, was faced with the same dilema, 2 months ago, and I went for a D2. I find it nicer looking and more user friendly. Hardest vehicle I've ever seen on gas, but the D1 would be the same.The D2s have more electronic stuff to go wrong, but a lot of D1 bugs have been fixed. Other than that the choice is yours.Would you rather drive a newer looking truck, or the older look is what you like????

To each his own. The choice is for you to make.

I made my decision on a forum ( that I can't find anymore) that was about Rover experts answering technical questions and questions such as this. On this very same question, they were unanimous in saying that the D2 was very much improved over the D1.

But get ready to find all kinds of answers to this question. I'm also a Jeep TJ owner, and there's still Jeep guys that think that the only Jeep to own is the old CJ wich they stopped making in 1986. People do not like change. I'm sure people think that the LR3 is not even worthy of the Rover Badge????? I like it. But I think that the D2 has more personality.

Godd luck.

 

What color do you like more?

 

Is the D1 lowered?? It looks that way in the picture... I'd go for the D2 - both vehicles should exceed your needs off-road as-is and the D2 has more cargo room, and more reliable engine management. Maybe someone else on the forum can verify, but I believe that the change to Bosch engine management happened at the same time as the body change. I see Bosch components as a large improvement over Gemsthat the D1s had.

Piotr

 

Red Rover, Red Rover, let the DI come over!

Thanks for everyone's input!

 

Cool , congrats on your purchase. But tell me this......Why the heck would you ask which one to buy if your gonna go against 100% of the response and input you got from your question[&:]You gotta be parents with my wife

 

Not all, I did listen to 98roverguy!

I was all set to go with the DII but it was not in good shape at all. I felt terrible for it.

The DI on the other hand, is as though it was virtually new. Made the decision very easy. The fact that it's red didn't hurt either...

 

You were right to go with your gut feeling. Congrats again.

Darover

 

I have seen a red DI with a vanity plate that says "red rover". My girlfiend got a good chuckle out of it...

Also congrats from me too. Have fun!