When did things get tricky?

Hi all,

I was looking to buy a 90 as my first landy so that i could play with it, then modify etc. But i will need to drive a fair distance with it, so now i am thinking a disco would be better.

The reason i liked the defenders was that they are 'nuts and bolts'. I know the new discos have computers etc to complicate things for me. So my question is, when did these get introduced? Are the original discos 'computer free'? What year range would i need to go for to avoid computers?

Discovery 2 has plenty of electronics but still good for the do it yourself

All D1s have an ECU or two and depends on what equipment is fitted. Get a early basic 200 tdi with the minimum of kit.

ah ok. but i gather even with the ECU they are easy enough to tinker with? Is it only the latest models which become tricky?

This is my first car which isnt a 'city car' (excluding my freelander which is not used offroad) so i am hoping for a learning experiance which is possible with online help....not needing to go and get computers sorted that are really controling the car!

my 96 disco 1 has no egr, no electronic engine management (just a mechanical fuel injector pump) but has black boxes for abs, srs, alarm.

The trickiness does not vary just with years and series is what Im saying as mine is NZ spec and hence does not have as much trickiness as other disco 1s of the same year made for another country eg japan which would have all the stuff to reduce emissions that mine does not have

My d1 has no ecus at all admittedly it is a 200 with no sunroofs or remote central locking though.

it's not just about electrickery.. if you like the fender due to nuts and bolts, then panel access is a big win. disco is all welded up.

I had a defender 90 1994 300tdi up until about 3 months ago.
Then bout a 200tdi D1 1994. Cant say I notice alot of difference to be honest.

I have completed every job myself on the D1, Head gasket, water pump, prop Uj's, service etc just as I did with the Defender and it was no more complimicated.

Thanks very much for all of the replies. I appreciate them.

One point i was aware of, but may have wrongly discounted - welded pannels rather than riveted. What does this mean in the way of repairs - how often would i need to take pannels off if i am doing upgrades rather than a re-build. Is it possible to rivet the pannels back on rather than welding? Is the welding that much more difficult to do?

Rorie said:

Thanks very much for all of the replies. I appreciate them.

One point i was aware of, but may have wrongly discounted - welded pannels rather than riveted. What does this mean in the way of repairs - how often would i need to take pannels off if i am doing upgrades rather than a re-build. Is it possible to rivet the pannels back on rather than welding? Is the welding that much more difficult to do?

Click to expand...

you wouldn't have to cut out a panel to repair something if that's what you mean.

a disco is more like a car. go take some for a test drive and you'll find out quick enough.