For those who do not want to read my LOOOONG post:
Here is my question:

I am looking for a Discovery Series I or 1989-1997 Range Rover and want opinions on +/- to each regarding reliability and minor off-road capabilities.



I am looking at a 4 wheel replacement for my current 2 wheels. I have been a rider in california for a number of years and am looking at a land rover to replace my bike with as my main transportation and people mover and have a few questions before I pull the trigger.

Let me give you my background:

My dad got me started with LR love when I was a kid. We had a series II 88" growing up that was sold at some point, then we went in on a pair together - a 1971 Series III 109" with an early range rover V8 and "Gumby" a 1969-71 (cannot remember) Series IIa (lanny at rovers north called it a 2b, one of the last 2a's) Diesel 88" that we repaired in the garage and I maintained with great care bi-weekly. It has been 10 years since they were sold (I would love to find gumby - if anyone has seen her she had the pain removed, was originally rover green, 2.25L Diesel with a unique front bumper, safari top, fairy overdrive and GM alternator with a custom bracket - please let me know.) I am not a mechanic, but am learning and although I worked on all my old cars modern electrical systems boggle my mind, though I am learning. I have no problems changing fluids, brakes or plugs and can follow a manual and online instructions pretty well. I do not have a ton of cash to start with, but can budget $200/mo in ongoing repairs for the car and love to tinker with small things, but do need a driver, I do not need something that is always in the shop.

Here is my question:

I am looking for a Discovery Series I or 1989-1997 Range Rover and want opinions on +/- to each regarding reliability and minor off-road capabilities. I will not be rock climbing, but will do some minor trail driving and want to be able to follow the pack. I learned to drive on a Series LR and am a fan of slow and go. I also have no issue replacing the suspension on either vehicle to get more height or get rid of air suspension.

I have read about the issues to look for on the disco, and have no found similar reading on the RR, but tips there would be really helpful.

I like the body style of the RR better than the Disco, but have read more about the Disco and know little about the reliability of the RR, yet there are a ton of RR's in my price range for sale in So.Ca. so I did not want to completely ignore them.

Thanks for the help in advanced.