Hi All,

New member. Have been looking to purchase a Land Rover for the past month, very close now. I have a delimma, trying to decide between a low mileage 98 Discovery I or a 2004 Discovery II. Both are priced very well.

My initial preference for the 98 was I tend to like older cards with less electronics (I also have a 1966 Lincoln Continental resto-mod). This 98 is in very good running condition except for a small steering gear leak, 107k miles, moon roof, but has some cosmetic issues (bumper, some clear coat fading, couple dings, interior seats are rough). 3rd owner, whose out on the last 50k miles.

Then a cherry 2004 came my way. 117K miles, and in MINT condition. 1 Owner. Interior is near perfect. No moon roof.

I know the 2002-2004 models have the over heating issue, if purchased I'll swap the thermostat, etc.,.

The 98 can be had for ~ $4500, the 2003 can be had for $7400. Probably a little wiggle room.

If I went with the 2004, I'd swap the thermostat, swap out the air suspension and do a 2" lift and then be done.

If I went with the 98 ($3000 less), (I believe it doesn't have air suspension, right?), I'd still do the 2" lift, replace bumpers, re-seal the steering gear. And just live with the cosmetics issues for now, but eventually try to redo the seats.

My only concern is will electronic gremlins be an issue over time with the 2004? I dont mind keeping up with the mechanical aspects of the 98, especially if there is less electronic stuff to deal with (traction control, etc.,.).

Very curious on peoples thoughts.

Thanks

 

If you are going to be lifting it and using it for off roading only, the 98' is the way to go. There is no air suspension on the 98'.

If this is going to be your daily driver, the 2004 will be more comfortable. Both are very capable off road. The 98' is more mechanical and likely easier to work on than the 2004.

 

you could keep looking for a better D1 - take your time - maybe you can find an non-sunroof D1 (hard but not impossible) that would be the way to go IMO

 

The D2 isn’t terribly complex electronically. It may or may not have rear air suspension. If you do run into electronic issues there’s lots of experience and help on this site. Either vehicle seems like a great choice.