GS, XS, or ES

Well, I'm just about decided on a discovery 2, facelift model, probably a 2003 or 2004. The question now is which spec, since you seem to be able to quite a nice 2003 GS or XS for 6-7k, while you'll be paying about 8.8k for a nice ES or Landmark. Since I can't find a sales brochure online anywhere, I'm going to have to resort to asking you guys about the differences, apart from the obvious trim differences (GS=cloth XS="suede"(???) ES=full leather). I will have to be doing big motorway miles (up to 200 miles in a day) and also off roading (lots of wading) on the weekends, so should I be going for an ES with all the toys or a GS for simplicity?
Any help would be appreciated

All other things being equal - one difference is that the 2004 Landmark model should have diff-lock and any 2003 model probably wont even have it in the transfer box - you'll have to fit the bits in there (an extra £600 and a bit of effort). It depends whether or not diff-lock capability is going to be important to you or not.

Well the diff lock certainly is quite important for me, then I don't really know what it's like with just traction control coming straight off defenders, but I would prefer a cdl anyway. But really I don't mind saving a grand or two on a cheaper vehicle and fitting the extras for half a grand later on.

Facelifted models were fitted with difflock at a no cost option and then as standard, if you are looking at a 2004 model then it's ES Premium, Landmark, and Persuit. You should make a list of what you require as a Landmark can easy become a Premium other than the leather with the options that were available.
2003 models you will have the ES, XS, GS and S there again with the option list a GS could have most things a ES has also 5 seaters are different to 7 seaters with options with SLS I believe and some have electric seats but they are not heated that would be an option.

There is the info on the web Parkers used car guide i believe

discool said:

Facelifted models were fitted with difflock at a no cost option and then as standard, if you are looking at a 2004 model then it's ES Premium, Landmark, and Persuit. You should make a list of what you require as a Landmark can easy become a Premium other than the leather with the options that were available.
2003 models you will have the ES, XS, GS and S there again with the option list a GS could have most things a ES has also 5 seaters are different to 7 seaters with options with SLS I believe and some have electric seats but they are not heated that would be an option.

There is the info on the web Parkers used car guide i believe

Click to expand...

Thanks for your reply.
Are you sure landmarks don't come standard with leather? I thought that they were top spec in the 2004 vehicles, and all those I've seen on the web seem to have leather

Yes Landmarks do come with leather but not heated as standard, the ES Premium is the top of the range the leather has contrasting piping and pattern that's what I was thinking off.

The active cornering is an option on the Landmark also auto gearbox, black or metallic paint, heated front seats and difflock which is standard on the Premium.

Also it looks like the Landmark and the ES premium on come as a seven seater so a bit different from the 2004 Persuit and the the 2003 GS XS ES models

my S will be up for sale soon. so none of the bits that give you problems like sunroofs, rear springs, broken 6&7 rear seats etc. 5 seater, climate control, ace and monte carlo blue!

pm me if your interested

Cambolt

Depends weather you are gonna be buying trade or private, will determine how much you end up shelling out and there are some stupidly price disco 2's out there at the moment. but ask ya self what do you really want

Manual or Auto
Petrol or Diesel
Cloth or leather seats
5 seater or 7 seater

Then it comes to mileage and service historys...... and has this been done by a main line dealer, specialist or down the road back street garage dont know there arse from there heads

Anything serviced by a none speicalist or main line dealer -- stay clear of... and inspect the last MOT with advisory's, as it could turn into a pretty expensive purchase or it could give you leverage when talking moolar

To be quite honest with you the list is end less, and dont be put off buy all on this forum who have had problems with there disco 2's.... Ive have mine a year this month and all Ive been hammered for is

Nearside front tyre _ advisory on last MOT
O/F drivers window Regulator
Rear door lock

MOT next Saturday, lets see if they can find anything to fail her on

The best way at looking at it.. the higher the spec, the more it will cost to insure, repair

At the end of the day what are you going to be using her for.. School runs, commuting to work and SDP or are you gonna be going hardcore and using it off road.... cos if you are screw having a top spec one.....and what do want to do with it when you buy it.... keep it orginal or upgrade the hell out of her