Yeah, we have an '08 Armada. And while it is a freaking tank and runs great, it lacks the mojo of my Disco.

The wife loves it, though. And it's big enough it feels like my Disco could fit inside it.

If I were buying a Disco, I'd seriously consider a low-mile nice condition D1. They seem to have fewer problems, and even a nice one will cheap at this point.

 

I have given the armada consideration, but they have the typical nissan issues and get worse mileage than a land rover.

 

Start trolling craigslist. You can get a nice used D2 with a few issues from a non-mechanically-inclined person for under $3K.

You could also get a used bbq grill, a psychotic puppy (free to good home), or the clap, but personally, I'd stick with a D2..

At this point, the dealer auctions are about a break even on price with these things, just what I've seen around ATL area.

 

X2 on the low mileage D1! If they do fail, parts are cheaper and the work is easier than a DII/LR3/Armada. You get CDL, a 7 seat option...For the price, they can't be beat!

 

Some parts are cheaper. Many are not, any more. Things like TPS, and MAF are much more expensive.

Upgraded parts for axleshafts and cv joints are also cheaper for D2.

And just my personal opinion, I'd rather work on a D2. The ECM and sensors are more sensitive. A d1 can run like crap and never set a code. A D2 will set codes for problems before you even knew there was something wrong.

 

Everyone has opinions and they all stink but mine My experience trolling AB usually has me wishing I were ordering the D1 equivalent. After pulling the engine on my 04, the bay looked like a plate of spaghetti whereas a D1 looks like an empty engine bay. Having said that, I'm sure you're right on both counts and the grass is simply greener when you're trying to reach those 13 bolts on the DII bell housing.

 

it is supposed to be my "nice" vehicle, hence my thought about the LR3 and not a D1

 

If I did another DII, I want an '04... however, should I ignore this?
2003 Land Rover

I like Bonatti Gray!

 

That 03 seems pretty nice, but for that money I'd want the HG recently done and ideally a fresh radiator. It seems like a lot of Rovers get sold for $7k -$8k in great condition with a very minor coolant leak that turns out to be not so minor.

I'm certainly not trying to sell you (I don't really like the truck that much), but our 2wd Armada averages 15.4 mpg over the last year, which is certainly better than the Disco. A 4wd Armada would probly get comparable mileage to my Disco. On the highway, our Armada gets more like 17-18 mpg.

 

Yep and the Nissan certainly wouldnt struggle to pull the rsce trailer... its just that I've soured on the Nissan experience after the xterra experiment.

Like most, I use the truck around town, to csrry the dogs, to go to tailgates, yadda. Would i take the truck down a trail or 2 if they were there? Certainly. But its not job 1.

ill call on the 03, but really shouldn't do anything before going to the auction preview. Besides, does it bother anyone that the grilo on the 03 appears rattlecanned?