Let's discuss DII values
Let's discuss DII values
Watching this 2003 Discovery II sell for $13,500 today on Bring a Trailer really grabbed my attention. I just got back into DII ownership after 5 years out of the game, and in my 3 month long search that ended late January, I was told by numerous enthusiasts that I was crazy to pay more than $6k for a meticulously maintained and immaculate example. But I noticed that there were plenty of DII's all over the country actually GETTING $10k+. Yet are ALL of the people paying that much really uninformed? Are they REALLY paying too much? After all, how can something like a Defender 90, which is so raw and primitive (and arguably not that much cheaper to own) be getting more than 4 times what these are? I know a lot of people argue rarity for the D90, but to be honest, I do NOT see DII's wildly more often than I see D90's. I paid $7,000 for an incredibly clean 2004 HSE with 95k miles and head gaskets already done and I used to be afraid to admit that. But now, I'm not so sure....
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...omment-2113640
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...omment-2113640
Camel Trophy
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 3,813
Likes: 1,331
From: Mission BC Canada
Location matters, as well as condition. My 04 ran about same, But West Coast, no rust, engine replaced (mixed blessing) and everything worked.
There was a small cooling issue - junk in the hose and a poor fan clutch
Water intrusion issue, stupid front windshield rubber corners (known LR Disco issue)
Mechanically it is sound, brakes were new, interior is in good shape.
But I have seen 02's for a third of that price and I would not have touched either one of the 2, I looked at they were basically fixer uppers with a variety of issues.
It is the automotive world - prices make no sense
There was a small cooling issue - junk in the hose and a poor fan clutch
Water intrusion issue, stupid front windshield rubber corners (known LR Disco issue)
Mechanically it is sound, brakes were new, interior is in good shape.
But I have seen 02's for a third of that price and I would not have touched either one of the 2, I looked at they were basically fixer uppers with a variety of issues.
It is the automotive world - prices make no sense
Mudding
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 208
Likes: 16
Personally I think we will see value increases on these trucks in the long term. Not because they are good ol' reliable land rovers. I think the value increase will be for a few reasons.
1: You can't get these type of trucks anymore, the disco V was the final nail in the coffin for boxy/aggressive styling.
2: Defenders are so expensive it's a huge barrier to entry, as the supply of defenders goes down and the price goes up, people will look to discovery's as a compromise.
3: Clean disco's are just a rarity now-a-days. More are given to the junk yard every day, supply goes down but demand stays the same, price increases.
4: You see disco flippers are actually good for the long term value of our trucks, the effect artificially pumps the market and it may or may not work.
We saw this with the Rover Classic as well, it basically got gentrified. You will see this with the LR Disco I think... Could be wrong though!
1: You can't get these type of trucks anymore, the disco V was the final nail in the coffin for boxy/aggressive styling.
2: Defenders are so expensive it's a huge barrier to entry, as the supply of defenders goes down and the price goes up, people will look to discovery's as a compromise.
3: Clean disco's are just a rarity now-a-days. More are given to the junk yard every day, supply goes down but demand stays the same, price increases.
4: You see disco flippers are actually good for the long term value of our trucks, the effect artificially pumps the market and it may or may not work.
We saw this with the Rover Classic as well, it basically got gentrified. You will see this with the LR Disco I think... Could be wrong though!
Rock Crawling
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 263
Likes: 32
From: South Dakota
I shopped for a bit and ended up payiny more than I planned and certainly above book value. Originally thought I can get one cheap based on glancing at internet prices for a length of time. What isn’t revealed until you take the time and see it in person is the condition - worn tires, worn interior, sagging everything and clearly maintenance was not a priority. Given these are 15+ yr old vehicles now, I think the wear is somewhat normal. So to find a well kept, clean and nicely modified rig brings a nice premium.
Winching
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 515
Likes: 36
From: Central Idaho
I think by they time the Disco II is 20 years old, we might see the values go back up. There should be so few of them left by then they will be a rarity just like the Classic Range Rover is now. I don't think Rover did any of us a favor by milking that stupid aluminum block Buick V8 for as long as they did.
Pro Wrench
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 1,617
Likes: 184
From: Lake Tahoe
If I had to do it again, the only way I'd pay $5,000+ for a D2 is if it had a relatively new engine with top hats in it. Otherwise, I'd buy a beater, and put in a new turner block. I think it's crazy to spend $10k+ on a D2 with 100k+ miles, regardless of how many cool upgrades it has. Then again, it looks like people are paying it, so that may not be an option.
It can also be a red flag to see such a low mileage D2
What I'm curious about, is what is the outlook on parts availability and pricing for the next 5, 10, 20 years?
It can also be a red flag to see such a low mileage D2
What I'm curious about, is what is the outlook on parts availability and pricing for the next 5, 10, 20 years?
TReK
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 3,387
Likes: 488
I should have my 04, black on black D2 finished in a couple more months, everything will work, engine will be completely rebuilt, and it has a clean title and carfax with 122k miles. It's in great shape and will need nothing.
I paid $3k, and am over $7k in parts now(I do all my own work).
I have no plans to sell it.
However, just for the heck of it, this summer, it's going on ebay for $14-$15k, and we'll see how bad somebody wants it. And it'll be leaps and bounds better than the D2's that are selling for that now.
With stacks of reciepts, pictures, bad old parts, and lots of spares.
I'll be starting a build thread and engine build thread any day now too.
Let those prices get crazy!!!
I paid $3k, and am over $7k in parts now(I do all my own work).
I have no plans to sell it.
However, just for the heck of it, this summer, it's going on ebay for $14-$15k, and we'll see how bad somebody wants it. And it'll be leaps and bounds better than the D2's that are selling for that now.
With stacks of reciepts, pictures, bad old parts, and lots of spares.
I'll be starting a build thread and engine build thread any day now too.
Let those prices get crazy!!!
Last edited by Sixpack577; Mar 29, 2018 at 12:07 PM.
I will give you $666 in nickels along with a six pack of pbr 
I should have my 04, black on black D2 finished in a couple more months, everything will work, engine will be completely rebuilt, and it has a clean title and carfax with 122k miles. It's in great shape and will need nothing.
I paid $3k, and am over $7k in parts now(I do all my own work).
I have no plans to sell it.
However, just for the heck of it, this summer, it's going on ebay for $14-$15k, and we'll see how bad somebody wants it. And it'll be leaps and bounds better than the D2's that are selling for that now.
With stacks of reciepts, pictures, bad old parts, and lots of spares.
I'll be starting a build thread and engine build thread any day now too.
Let those prices get crazy!!!
I paid $3k, and am over $7k in parts now(I do all my own work).
I have no plans to sell it.
However, just for the heck of it, this summer, it's going on ebay for $14-$15k, and we'll see how bad somebody wants it. And it'll be leaps and bounds better than the D2's that are selling for that now.
With stacks of reciepts, pictures, bad old parts, and lots of spares.
I'll be starting a build thread and engine build thread any day now too.
Let those prices get crazy!!!
Mudding
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 215
Likes: 21
From: Kauai, Hawaii
I agree with the fact that you just can’t get this body style/ aggressive look anymore out of Land Rover. As expected, they’re constantly going the luxury route and utterly unaffordable.
I’m new to Disco 2 ownsership but absolutely love the vehicle and design. It’s kind of sickening, but it’s almost like we ‘re expecting something to go wrong to WANT to fix it. It’s like a bad relationship you always want to kiss and make up with hah.
That being said, I paid 8k for mine a month ago:
rebuild motor apprx 30k, rebuild tranny 15k, HD driveshafts, aftermarket 16” wheels, Pirelli Scorpions, new brakes, radiator for major points of work recently done. Some random things have went out on me and I do have a mysterious coolant leak (suspecting had gaskets) but that’s a price I’m still willing to pay.
On top of that I was lucky enough to get the same year parts Rover- $300 and has already paid for itself swapping MAF, O2 sensors, misc. switches, window regulators/ motors etc.
I’ve already put in hours upon hours in labor and hundreds in parts, but the bottom line is,
I enjoy it
I’m new to Disco 2 ownsership but absolutely love the vehicle and design. It’s kind of sickening, but it’s almost like we ‘re expecting something to go wrong to WANT to fix it. It’s like a bad relationship you always want to kiss and make up with hah.
That being said, I paid 8k for mine a month ago:
rebuild motor apprx 30k, rebuild tranny 15k, HD driveshafts, aftermarket 16” wheels, Pirelli Scorpions, new brakes, radiator for major points of work recently done. Some random things have went out on me and I do have a mysterious coolant leak (suspecting had gaskets) but that’s a price I’m still willing to pay.
On top of that I was lucky enough to get the same year parts Rover- $300 and has already paid for itself swapping MAF, O2 sensors, misc. switches, window regulators/ motors etc.
I’ve already put in hours upon hours in labor and hundreds in parts, but the bottom line is,
I enjoy it