Hello everyone,

I am looking at buying a Discovery, from Japan. I need a right hand drive in here in Indonesia. Japanese Discovery are usually fully loaded with all power and sun roofs. They also only come in petrol/gasoline and AT.

Which year in your opinion is best? My options are 1995-2003.

I want to buy this truck modify it to make it more off-road ready and more reliable. I will be driving on country roads (paved) away from the city. Only dealer is in Jakarta.

Which truck would be best to work on and modify (upgrade)? Of course 90's models are much cheaper, 2003 up to $7k USD.

Thanks for advice.

 

See the Discovery 1 section of our forum, the technical section. There you will find a listing of what to look for when buying a Discovery, and also a comparison of the D1 and D2 models.

The last few years of the D1 model are good, and in my opinion, the excess quantity of bells and whistles on the D2 make them have lots of small problems, many electrical related. But you will find opinions on both sides of the fence. Were I to plan on something that I would maintain myself, or with non-dealer mechanics, the D1 would be a good choice. You can also download the complete set of factory tech manuals for all for free, see link below. These are called the RAVE.

Change all fluids early and often, 5000 miles on oil change, even if using synthetic. Many users enjoy the extra cleaning of a good diesel rated oil, like Shell Rotella 15W40, and you can go 20W50 if temperature demands it, even higher in some desert areas.

Also in our tech area you will find lists of things to do for high miles and new to me Discovery vehicles. I would also suggest for your high temperature environment you consider upgrading the radiator fan clutch, which may cost a little gas milage but will provide more cooling.

As far as modifications to a truck, you will find plenty of our users are happy to help because it gives them the opportunity to expound the virtues of their feats of mechanical engineering (brag).

 

Thanks for reply, I am also leaning toward D1. D2 seems to be too comfortable with all the upgrades and electronics.

I actually found a Diesel D1 1998 with 70,000 miles for $5,000. 1997 D1 gasoline would be less expensive, but I think diesel is a better option.

Very good point on the radiator clutch fan. I had a Subaru Outback in the Philippines that overheated.

 

D1 gasoline 4.0 gets maybe 14 mpg in the US. Diesels are highly valued here. Would suggest if diesel you consider an external fuel/water separator filter, like used on just about every large diesel truck. You have to buy fuel in places we can only dream about visiting, no telling how old, how much water, trash, etc. Should be room under the hood.

D1 chassis is made of hollow square metal stock, with some drain holes. Might be a good idea to spray some sort of rust protection inside there with long wands. In the states they used to do this for winter use in the northern parts where snow melt chemicals are spread on the roads.

As you are a long way from parts, would be a good idea to have a spares kit, with wheel bearings, U joints, hoses, and the like. That way you diminish how long you must wait. Also consider carrying the RAVE download shop manual in electronic form, like a USB drive, in case your mechanic has a PC. You can even put it on a smart phone or lap top. And paper copies are available, but over priced.

 

Yeah, absolutely, fuel filter is a must. The big plus of the diesel options that it is 2.5 litter not 4.0. Gasoline is expensive everywhere if you run 4.0. I believe that the big plus of the 2.5 diesel is that it would not overheat that easily. Most (95%) of trucks here run on diesel, only few city suv's are gasoline.

It's quite amazing how long those trucks run. Take look at those adds from AU. 200-300k on the clock. Used Land Rover Discovery TDI cars for sale, buy, sell used Land Rover Discovery TDI cars - carsales.com.au
Given that the truck I want to buy has 117,000 km (70k miles) is not bad.

I just read a post on Australian forum giving 97 D1 diesel thumbs up. I think I have a winner.

PS:
I am not sure if rust is a big factor, it rains here half the year, but it never gets below 80 degrees. Not a bad idea, as I do want to keep this truck for a long time. )

 

There was a recent post about after market coolant filters, which look like a spin on oil filter. Big diesels use them as well. High humidity plus heat equals lots of reasons to put delectric grease or petroleum jelly on connectors, bulb bases, etc. There have been posts about weather proofing the engine ECU which is under the hood on the gas, not sure on the diesel.

There is a plastic plug on top of the radiator, toss that out and replace with a 1/2" NPT brass plug.

They say that a Rover with a roof rack can carry enough diesel for 2000 miles of overland operation.

It is interesting to think about what to do to an expedition equipped vehicle, and yet you will have to live it every day. Be sure to post some pictures.