Hi,

New member here, looking to get into a Disco, don't care if its 1999-2004. What am I concerned about is getting the most bang for my buck.
I will do some offroading, probably 25% of vehicle life. I am open to modifications etc. What trim levels or year should I look at for the most good "stuff"?
I don't want a seven seat version, probably don't care about leather but heated seats are nice, moonroofs get used about 5 times a year, 18" wheels aren't any better than 17" (or are they on a Disco?)

I read a little about 1999-00 with the center diff lock switch. Also you can add your own switch on other years? What about front and rear diffs are they all the same from 99-04?
Can you disable full time 4x4? Or is the full time 4x4 really full time, or mostly RWD then FWD kicks in? What regular maintenance items do you HAVE to buy from a dealer if any?


If there is just a big "spec" page somewhere you can point me to that tells me this info, I can then decide for myself. Do I want the 4.4 or the 4.0?


I am no stranger to offroading or owning an SUV, I had a 1996 Ford Bronco for quite awhile and really loved it. I also owned a Ranger 4x4 that I took on several trips to PA offroading.


Thanks a lot, I look forward to the wisdom and smarta$$ comments from a bunch of hardcore vehicle enthusiasts!!!

 

if you have the cash get a 04 SE

 

94-early 99 (D1s) all have the CDL and shifter linkage standard as does the 2004. D2s 99-early 2001 have CDL in the transfer case but you would need to install a linkage to engage it from inside the vehicle. Other option is to crawl under the truck each time you want to lock or unlock the center differential. Late 2001-2003 CDL can be added but it will requiring physically opening up the transfer case and installing the CDL parts and then installing a linkage. A D1 linkage will work in a D2 for the CDL and cost about $150. The CDL linkage from a 2004 is about $350. I solenoid can be added to engage the CDL also in place of the shifter linkage. Push a button to lock, push again to unlock.

94-2002 all use the 4.0L V8. It's a good engine especially in the 99 and later models that with Bosch engine management. 2003-2004 have the 4.6L V8 which is just a bored out 4.0L. Beware of the 2003 model because of oil pump failure issues. Do a search for the bad VIN range for 2003s. Only fix for the bad oil pump issue is a new engine.

4x4 is full time, no way to disable it except remove a driveshaft which is going to cause a whole bunch of problems. The power is split 50/50 during normal driving but like all 4x4 systems sends the power to the wheel with the least traction. When you lock the CDL you will always have at least 2 tires turning, 1 per axle.

 

The must knows are...you MUST use premium gas, you MUST have the front driveshaft rebuild using greaseable u-joints.
"S" is the base model, there are only 3 trim levels, "SE" and "HSE" being the tops.
All had 7 pass option.
The top two will have air ride suspension, leather and sunroofs.
2003 & 2004 will have the 4.6L engine, all others will have the 4.0.
You must change the coolant every 2 years, as well as the brake fluid.
www.atlanticbritish.com has everything you could ever want or need.
Two wheels sizes, 18" and 16".
16" is prefered, tires are cheaper and better tire choices.

 

There is a book "land rover discovery buyers guide" it outlines the DI and DII through 2002. check it out on amazon.com

 

Thanks a lot for your responses.

Thats what I was hoping for, what you said, Spike555. Thanks for the guidance on the book too!
I'm also going to call Disco Mike and chat him up a lil bit.

I can handle a lot of that stuff, the driveshaft rebuild though, sounds like a professional must do for safetys sake or maybe I can learn.

Based on what I have learned, it looks like a 1999-00 or a 2004.
The 2004's are in my budget but would mostly have 70k+ miles on them, is that a concern?
What should I look for at that mileage of wear on vehicle?


Thanks again, I look forward to reading more and more about the Disco and reading what ya'll have to say about yours.

 

70k miles,,,


thats barely broken in

 

Do not let the miles worry you. The more the marrier.
Seriously, with DII's the major problems happen around 70k so the more miles the better.
Head gaskets are the big one.
They come with DexCool from the factory and if it is not changed every 2 years it will eat the head gaskets. $1500 at a shop.
This happens in the 60-90k range.
The SLS goes bad after 100k. But is usually a cheap fix. You can also convert to coil springs.
Using premium gas (it IS required) you can expect 12-14mpg in town and 16-18 expressway.
I drive like a old man and get 15mpg as a daily driver with my DI.
I have gotten 24mpg on a long trip last summer.

 

miles WITH receipts are a good thing,,,