unless you blow a diff with no cdl, then you go nowhere.

 

Yeah that will ruin a good day out on the trail. I've yet to destroy a D1/D2 diff, but I certainly destroyed my 97 P38's front diff drivers side axle shaft. Sucker snapped in two pieces so clean you'd have thought a laser cut it. You can clearly see the defects where it looks like air bubbles vs solid metal. She still got me home on 3 wheels but that TC was not happy lol.

I just got off the phone earlier with a friend with a D1 which was clunking grinding and then not moving on it's own power. Pretty sure the drivers side CV blew up.

 

My 2003 has been the best and only vehicle I've owned since 2007. Original head gaskets. Starts fine every time. Replaced roof rails to look like a 2004. Drive it everyday. Still many alive in the Denver area. But seeing fewer D1s.
I have destroyed a Diff on the highway, but it got me back to house. Saving for lockers and a rooftop tent. Still iconic. Discovery 4 should not be named "Durango Tron".

 

Definitely good to hear good experiences with the 2003. I remember when I was researching D2s before getting them, seemed like every review/blog/video/post was about avoiding it and looking instead for a 1999-2002 or 2004. There's a 2003 that looks really great for sale in my city and has been languishing on CL for quite some time. I think it's only because of the 2003 stigma. Shame to see it sit for so long.

 

Also, to the CDL point - agreed, the TC system without it is fully capable, and a CDL is great, but not essential to enjoying a D2 off road. That being said... wow was I thankful to have it when the front diff blew 300 miles from home. Pulled over, dropped the front drive, flipped over to the CDL, and fifteen minutes later was back on the road in 2WD. Best highway mpg I've ever achieved, haha.

 

add me to the list! I still love mine and ive had a few things here and there but outside of a battery dying once in a blue moon ( except latley when I had a bad alternator and wiring I repaired now perfect) TPS went out... not un natural for any vehicle with one and just installed a new one.. no biggiy.... truck has been with me for around 9 years. I have done a few mods like everyone else and still sounds like a new car almost! lol 138k current miles on my 03 SE just upgraded radio, has terrafirma lift ... (Daily Driver) Really if u think about it.. at this point if I dropped 1000 bucks a year in upgrades ( not needed at some point so could put back for a capital expense at any time) thats FAR cheaper than buying new vehicle and boy howdy are these things fun to drive! and it cant be monitored or hacked from a distance rendering it underivable..I like my disco!

 

My 03 here in Canada has been great but on the other hand the local rover club all gave up the discos long time ago in favour of defenders.
I asked one day where the discos were. They said to many problems everyone got rid of them

 

That's pretty ironic lol all my friends who are rover techs/mechanics prefer the RRC and discos before they would own a defender. They sure look amazing but lack some serious creature comforts.

 

ya I was shocked when I first joined the club 3 years ago. Not a disco to see , only 110 and 90 s lol

 

Yep I loved my 2003 - Bonnati Grey on tan S, no sunroofs or anything

I did head gaskets, cooling system, power steering overhaul, and kept it undercoated.

When I took it to the Chicago Auto show, the starter failed leaving me stranded, I ended up banging it with the tire wrench and it worked for the entire winter, until I sold it. Definitely one of the most reliable Discos I've owned. I had no issues in mud with no CDL, that's all what we have here in Illinois, mud trails, mud hills, and muddy rocks, LOL!