Off-Roading

Having done some minor off-roading in my P38, I am thinking about switching to another Landy to do some more serious stuff. My main problem with the P38 is the lack of after-market kit to really pimp her up, so I am thinking about either a Defender 90 SWB or a Disco-2.

Be interested to hear from you guys what you think of the two, which you prefer, and what you think stands the best chance of being a serious (i.e. more than competent) off-roader, but still able to do the shopping in.

Also posted this on the Rangey forum and the Defender forum, I hope that doesn't break any rules.

Thanks!

Jock

why dont you use the p38 for shopping?
Personally if you want just an off roader solely id go for a 300tdi 90.
A D2 for off roading only wouldnt be cost effective, theyre expensive when they go wrong bad.
A lifted D2 will go anywhere a standard 90 will, but a 90 will probably cost you more to buy than an early D2 in standard form

Cheers foss, but I don't want the liability of two land rovers in my drive! i can't believe the D2's are more expensive than RRs when it comes to repairs? I am actually a bit shocked at the 90 prices, seems like last winter made then trendy!

BigJock2005 said:

I am actually a bit shocked at the 90 prices, seems like last winter made then trendy!

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Now't to do with the snow etc. they will/have always command a higher price than Disco's and RR's as they are considered THE true Landy.

hmmm-horrendous.Mine has ACE-£500 for the front pipework & seals to actuator block last month-WTF!!!
But ah lov eet!!
I was lookin for a Deepender when lookin for the disco-the newest 110 I could find (already expedition prepared) was a 1991 within my budget! Crazy money.
You could pick up a D2 for £4k upwards in good nic-but then ya gotta pay for toys!
Thing is though if you want to go out & get proper wet & caked in mud, you want a motor that doesnt have a diagnostic nervous breakdown everytime you point it into a mud hole!!! Thats why id go 300tdi 90 personally.
I got as disco cos I wanted a bit of extra comfort for overlanding, especially with kids...

I mean basically, I could pick up a 75k S or T plate Disco-2 for £2750-3250. One owner fully serviced blah blah. That's not too much downside even if I roll it! A similar 90 would set me back £4500-6000. Once you to add the pimping costs the price is quite different.

This is a good link on the subject:
Defender vs Discovery - LR4x4 - The Land Rover Forum

BigJock2005 said:

I mean basically, I could pick up a 75k S or T plate Disco-2 for £2750-3250. One owner fully serviced blah blah. That's not too much downside even if I roll it! A similar 90 would set me back £4500-6000. Once you to add the pimping costs the price is quite different.

This is a good link on the subject:
Defender vs Discovery - LR4x4 - The Land Rover Forum

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F&*k me theyve come down in price! I gave £4.5 fir mine 2 years ago with 100k, 1998...& the 110 was nearly 10 years older!

Exactly, its VERY easy to spend £2k on guards, winch, sliders etc etc

Hi Jock
I had a 96 4.6 range rover and have just changed to an 03 D2 TD5 SE, i used the p38 around the shoot and although i havent tried this one yet i am confident it will do the job. I havent had to do any work yet on the Disco but i have been comparing parts prices with the p38 (and i did buy a lot of parts). I actually think most (not all) spares are quite a bit cheaper for the disco. I know the ace system can be pricey and a couple of other things but i got through 4 MAF`s on the rangie at £760 + vat each, after that the ACE system doesnt seem too bad. As for ride the suspension is a lot firmer and therefore you can feel the bumps more than the range rover but the disco is firmer through the corners, and imo the seats are more comfortable. Overall i find the ride and overall handling is very impressive and i actually prefer it to the range rover.
This is just my opinion and i hope it helps
Mark

Would you not consider a D1 at all? My 200tdi was had for £900 with very minimal rust and sound running gear, it's comfy and good offroad.

From what I,ve seen off road, the 200/300 tdi Disco,s seem to do the best !.( other than 90,s 110,s etc. )

Theres a vast array of bits to bolt on at resonable prices, and repairs seem to be cheaper. Biggest problem is finding a not too rusty one !.

However, I am hoping to use my TD5 Disco for purely off road fun when its retiered from family use in a few years time.( its a win, win situation, as all the mods I do to it now meet with the Mrs, approval as its mostly hers at the momment ).


Del.

jmattley said:

Would you not consider a D1 at all? My 200tdi was had for £900 with very minimal rust and sound running gear, it's comfy and good offroad.

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I got mine for £350.

Thanks for all the advice guys, it kind of confirms what I was thinking. A few terms in there I don't know (ACE, MAF??) but then having got to grips with P38 EAS (got to grips with it and then ripped the entire bag of s**t out) I'm sure it's no different.

I could pick up a 75k 3.9 EFi Disco-1 XS for under £3k, and it seems to me you can seriously upgrade those motors.

Sorry for yet another question, but I know something about the bodywork problems on the D1's but how are they for engine management electrobuggerance and overall engine reliability - I think the 3.9 is even tougher than the 4.0/4.6 no?