Disco 2 - worth the extra over an older model?

I live in Aviemore, we know a lot about snow and had the first snow on the hills the other day. Once a week I drive to Aberdeen, a very twisty route which on my preferred route rises to 2200 feet and goes through a ski centre (this means it gets gritted fairly well). I winter I normally use a BMW 3 series estate with snow tyres, I've had a BMW website longer than BMW and know them inside out. With the right tyres they're surprisingly good in the winter and I've passed more than one stuck Range Rover on wide summer tyres.

But I've always had the idea of buying a cheap Land Rover for when it gets really snowy, we sometimes get 70cm in one night and it can snow in earnest from early November to mid-May. By cheap I mean 1500 quid (seen a few advertised around there or even below), something that if it develops expensive problems or I wreck it on black ice I can just chuck it on ebay for spares. Having said that I don't want a piece of junk either. I can do all my own work unless it's really heavy stuff.

I've not driven a Discovery since the late 90s, last one was a brand new '97 diesel auto (hated the auto box) and my main memory is of how much it rolled about. I've read that the Discovery 2 has far better road manners, is this the case? I'm not looking for a sports car but I do want to be able to corner without having to slow down excessively for every bend as after 75 miles that really gets old quickly on such a winding road.

Only time I've driven off road was at a very good Land Rover open day around 1995 when I tried quite a few different models on slopes, in mud, etc. I only intend to drive on road with whatever I buy.

I think I read that some 2's had optional electronically ride control? Was this common and is it as fragile as it sounds? I thought only the 3 had that sort of thing with air suspension.

Is the Freelander any better on the twisties? Might I be better with a diesel Freelander? From what I've read the four wheel drive system seems to break a fair bit and if I'm stuck I know I'll regret not having diff locks and low ratio.

Sorry for all the questions One last one, other than quietness is the 300tdi much better than the 200tdi?

Thanks for any comments.

I've had several Discovery's and prefer the Series 2 over the Series 1. Every Land Rover has its pros and cons!
My current D2 has air suspension on the back and also has ACE! This gives a comfortable ride and it doesn't roll too much on the corners! I'm happy with it but some people reckon it may be troublesome in the long run with dodgy electronics being its main downfall.

every car has its problems, the D2 is a good capable car, i wouldn't really go for the bargain
basement price category, as you will get problems from 90%, an old one look at the chassis, rear section, make sure all the lights come on a start up, then go out,

all discos are crap

wiltshire landyman said:

all discos are crap

Click to expand...

He hasn't even asked what size tyres yet!!!

:yawn:

You can always rely on an informed and substantiated view on here - not!

Anyway I have a TD5 manual Disco 2 and would recommend it if you can find a sound one. Ours has covered 150k miles but has a very strong engine, slightly techy gearbox (manual) but is otherwise sound. They can be pricey if they go wrong but choose carefully and you will be pleased. Here is a link the early days of ours, we got most of the problems out of the way early!!!

http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f8/my-disco-2-story-so-far-185898.html

Hope that helps

Thanks for the advice

Depends
All the good disco 2 are very well priced bad ones go for a song but good ones are out there for strong money
For instance my td5es premium if it was to be up for sale would be valued arond £8500
Because
It's got a full factory service history new gearbox new clutch + dual mas fly wheel
Ect the best bit is its a 54 with only 80k on it so has the best chance of making another 10 years
I prefure the td5 much smother drive and also IMO more economical than my old 300