It's as easy as that - what is considered the best/most desirable Discovery II to own? I now own two 1999's, both white - I'm selling (short term flip) one and the other I like a lot but I'm not wild about it. It's got a few dents & dings so I'm interested to learn what is the best/most desirable Disco II because the time/money that it will take to get my 1999 up to snuff will probably be equal to (or more) than just outright buying a decent one in the first place.

Cosmetically, I like the high tail lights, don't care either way about the front end (head lamps + newer bumper). If I had a choice I'd take the newer front end but again, don't care.

In terms of capability I really like that the 1999 has the center locking diff and that it can have a handle modded and put in - but even with searching I'm not 100% sure if 1999 is the last year of it, etc. I'll probably keep it very close to stock forever but will use it extensively off-road doing everything from towing/hauling in the woods to driving in the snow and/or just driving a few snowmobile trails in the summertime for winter maintenance.

Is there a difference (to the enthusiast) between the 4.0 and the 4.6 engine?

I'm not opposed to buying a newer Disco (2003, 2004) and retrofitting older parts just like I'm not opposed to buying an older Disco II and fitting newer parts.

So what is the "best" model year Discovery II to buy?

Thx.

 

I would say 04. Standard CDL and linkage. And the updated looks. I know for certain things the 4.6 seems to have more issues, but with all these trucks being 10+ years old, they all have their quirks.

I have a 2000 and love it. Put in a CDL linkage from an 04. I have thought about updating the headlights to the look of the 03-04 because I think they look great.

I wouldn't worry too much about the 4.0 vs 4.6. I would however try to find one without SAI. I also have ACE and SLS and am glad I have them. Driven a couple other Discos without them, and I could tell a difference. Not earth shattering or anything, but enough. Just my .02 cents

 

I'm really new to these things - what is SAI?

I'm flipping the second Disco I bought for about a $2000 profit and I know I can probably sell the current 1999 for another $2000-$2,500 profit so it isn't unreasonable for me to pick up a more expensive truck.

Just wondering what the 2004's have that is so great over a 1999 (I don't care about miles or the .6 difference in engine displacement)??

 

Secondary Air Injection, which reduces smog output during the time after engine start.

The best Disco to own is one that is cheap, does not tick, wobble, over heat, belch smoke of any color, and leaks under a quart a week of any fluid, with all glass and doors that move and lock operating well and no suncroofs. Cheap, fast, reliable - select any two.

 

SAI is secondary air injection. Just a system to reduce emissions. And just one added system that can act up.

I would go with an 04 for these reasons:
1. CDL is standard (not too hard to add on other Discos assuming it has a CDL t-case - most 99-01s have them, 03s do not have them)
2. Updated looks (headlights, roof bars, etc)

If you don't care about any of those, then I suppose it really doesn't matter which year you get. Just personal preference and opinion.

 

I would go with an 04 for these reasons:
1. CDL is standard
2. Updated looks (headlights, roof bars, etc)

 

Are decent 04's harder to find?

Odd that the other car I'm looking for is also a 2004 ('04 BMW 325iT, manual transmission, sport package, uber-hard-to-find)

 

You could always look at the sticky at the top of this forum

what is a Land Rover Discovery II and where did they come from?

That should answer all of your questions.

 

isnt that a Honda?

 

Sure is!