Disco 1 vs Disco 2

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Grapet117

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54
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Saudi
Guys
I've been offered a 2004 Disco 2 in good condition

Anyone who have owned or driven both and can advise on the merits or otherwise of the newer Disco?
Many thanks
 
Anymore info on spec?

Both are good vehicles and not really a million miles apart. The D2 however was a good evolutionary step forwards. So it has better NVH (noise, vibration & harmonic) reduction, more refined, more comfy and better on road performance. With generally equal or better off road performance.

Mostly pretty solid, although the newer tech comes with new issues, but then many of the older issues from the D1 aren't present.


Td5's are dynamically better than the Tdi's. Smoother, quieter, more refined, more powerful and faster.

The 4.0 V8 is mildly improved over the 3.9.

Gearbox has electronic control and in low range locks the torque conveter, so gives more engine braking.

ACE (Active Cornering Enhancement). Is optional, but brilliant. It's a reactive hydraulic anti roll bar system. And really does reduce body roll.

Rear air suspension (optional) makes for a better tow car or hauler.

Split control climate control.

New body, new chassis, different axles and rear suspension.

4 wheel traction control is very good.


Most D2's don't have a centre diff lock and rely fully on the TCS. For serious off road use this can be a downside. Some, but not all D2's can have the centre diff lock mechanism added, others will need a different transfer box.

The rear suspension uses a Watts linkage instead of an A-frame. Better road manners, but not quite as much flex for serious off road use, however ample flex for normal green laning type use.

Chassis more prone to rot, body less prone to rot than a D1.

Less wind noise, but can have tendency to leak water via sunroofs and windscreen.

The TCS and electronics, including air suspension are all points that can have issues, but mostly are simple to sort.
 
Many thanks.
Both are petrol, V8. I have the 98 manual 2 door (as pictured) version for the last 5 years - been brilliant but it's getting worn. Especially interior and road manners. I don't do any off roading - too scared of being left in the desert !

The other is 2004 TL2 edition, 7 seater, v8 auto, 80k miles. No official service history but a guy from the LR dealership services it as a weekend job. (Not uk obviously:))
 
Best bet go drive it and see.

They will feel 98% the same, but 90% different too ;)

The 4.0 litre V8 is the same displacement as the 3.9, just branded as 4.0. Think they are officially rated at the same HP too. The 4.0 litre does have some difference, crossbolted block, serp belt, oil pump and probably ignition. It might even use the latter injection system (I know 4.6's did, but never looked up the 4.0's).

The auto is good or bad. It'll blunt performance a bit and likely be slightly worse on fuel. But obviously more relaxed and smoother.

If it has ACE fitted, then from the drivers seat this will be the biggest thing you'll notice. D2's really stay completely level when cornering.
 
Well, I drove it this morning and it's like a different world to my bouncing and noisy D1. Having said that it still suffers from sun damaged paint on the bonnet/roof, interior sun damage and of course an oil leak - in several places as does my D1. Also, to be honest I was shocked how much work has been done on the car - new radiator and coolant pipes, head gasket, and others i can't remember.

I'm not sure if a 12 year old burnt Landie is worth 7k. So Mr. Cooltide I'll take your advice and keep my trusted D1. .... until I'm persuaded otherwise. ☺️
 
So Mr. Cooltide I'll take your advice and keep my trusted D1. .... until I'm persuaded otherwise. ☺️
Yep, I did just that, kept my '98 D1 for the fun it is to drive off road, but I bought a Toyota for the longer trips where I had lost faith in the Disco's reliability to cope, and make it home, but off road, in the rough Disco is King!
It has been said, "98% of all Land Rovers ever made are still on the road, the other 2% made it home".
 
To be fair there's not many if any 18 year old cars that can be trusted on any journey. One of my previous cars was a 97 Audi A4 diesel which had more issues than my 98 D1. I guess it all comes down to maintenance schedules from new
 
Apart from the increased tech on the d2, I wouldn't fancy a late model rover v8 unless I had a spare engine lying in my garage. The block castings were too hit and miss between the cylinders. Why would an 80k mile d2 with composite head gaskets have needed heads removed and coolant system refreshed. It has been boiled. It is also a poor effort if it hasn't had a fresh camshaft at the same time.
At least your 98 has proved itself so far
 
Spot on Cooltide. It's an amazing amount of work on a hardly used vehicle. Something has been misused. He had a long list of repairs and replacements that frankly made my blood flow cold - which is quite hard over here
 
I agree with being cautious but just because its had money spent dosnt mean its been misused.
It could depend if it was work at a garage and also where it is Saudi is not really a temperate climate and I can see regular replacing of some items.
The last 300TDi I bought I replace almost all the cooling system just as a precaution. Rad, Pump, Header tank and all the hoses.
But I agree early ones are easier to look after and if you have a good one then keep it.
 
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