Currently, I have a 1975 Pontiac Ventura, but the thing is just an endless money pit that doesn't seem at too realistic given that I want something to take out in the woods occasionally/not be worried about scratching. That said, I realize this is the Discovery II forum, but I thought I'd ask anyway. I've always loved land rovers, but I just don't know which model is the best. I want something that is a good mixture of being able to go off road/daily driver. I love the "safari look" modifications people make to them. Also, what year would be the best?
Thanks!

 

D1s can be had cheap. D2 can be had for a little more with more bells and whistles. The year switched in 1999, half D1 and half D2. These would be cheap to buy vehicles, but DIY repairs or you quickly spend more than vehicle cost. Our tech area has articles on differences between them.

 

D2 is a money pit as well, welcome. If you have the money the Defender is pretty ideal, but way more creature comforts in a DI/DII

 

Get a DII but you will need to work on it occasionally. Otherwise it can get expensive. Most "Wheelers" work on their own vehicles when they can. Wheelin is very hard on any truck.
Good luck finding what you want

 

A '94 or '95 is as simple as they get in the US.
Since you're currently driving a '75 you may want to consider a Series Land Rover. Even simpler, but you'll pay more for a nice one than you will for a Discovery. 1 and about the same as for a late DII.
Also, a Series Rover take a completely different mind set than driving a D1 or DII and a lot of people can't deal with it for a daily driver.

 

Only buy a Disco 1 or 2 if you are mechanical and have the extra cash to spare.

 

Something like THIS: not mine $5,900 RHD in Spokane - Defender Source

Would be the way to go. Someone got a great deal, even with the rust.

 

I have a D II and would probably get a D I if I was looking for something else cheap. I am stuck on the nonserviceable parts on a D II that are expensive to replace (wheel bearings, for one). Both are great vehicles, though.