Hey y'all! The names Jonathan and man, am I glad I found this site before purchasing a 2004 disco II. Learned lots of helpful and useful information in the short amount I've been looking around. The questions I have may seem very broad, but I'm really looking for the definitive answer on whether or not buying a disco II is worth it. For as long as I can remember, I've always wanted a Land Rover, but as I'm only 24 I've never really been in the market to purchase a vehicle for myself and it just so happens that I'm financially able to at the moment and FINALLY I am seriously considering a Land Rover. Finally! I guess my question is after reading so much online about terrible reliability, constant repairs, being in the shop more than being driven, etc. online is it really that bad?? I feel like most of these people writing reviews just flat out don't take care of their vehicles. Am I pysching myself out or should this be a legitimate concern? Thanks in advance for any response!

 

Most people on this site like 'em, warts and all. You can download the shop and owner manuals (called the RAVE); you can look thru our tech area for DIY how to write ups on all sorts of problems.

Two big issues with a D2; front drive shaft, if left stock, has some sealed grease fittings. If not rebuilt, or replaced, will snap with little or no warning; and poke hole in the tranny, a $7000 dealer problem. Rebuild write up in tech area.

Other is cooling. People don't service coolant properly, allow vehicle to constantly run hot (due in part to gauge being an idiot light with a pointer), eventually fail HG and/or make cylinder sleeves break loose and begin rattle. An Ultra Gauge helps you monitor things much better.

The big "head gasket" problem is $300 in parts, two weekends, and $200 of machine shop inbetween.

Do we think the engineers goofed on some things? Yep. But they got most of it spot on, they still get an "A".

Any high dollar vehicle, driven with little regard to maintenance, will not do as wll as one where maintenance was ahead of factory schedule. 5000 mile oil changes beat 25000 mile changes. Coolant and tranny fluid are not "lifetime", more like life of the warranty, or the 36 month lease.