What to buy, What not to buy that is the question??

I'm new to 4X4s, I know the difference between a Freelander and a Discovery and that’s about it . The main reason for a 4X4 is because we have a caravan and go on the caravan camping club rallies. For anyone that has been on one, most of the sites are just fields and when it rains it can get boggy. Also the caravan is a heavy caravan just short of 1.5ton fully laden and our current car is just over 1.5ton. In % that makes the total weight I’m towing 97% FL and I’m new to towing, which is heavier the recommended. We would also like one to join in with the national 4X4 school run’s lol . We do live on the top of a steep hill and in winter a 4x4 would help, saves parking the car at the bottom of the hill and walking up as the car won’t make it up.
As 4x4 go we would like a Landrover as the wife’s family are a Landrover family. Yes I know I could ask them but they get in to arguments when it is brought up, bloody families . They seem to think I know what they are on about when they talk 4x4s. i.e. TD5 300tdi 200tdi and a mark 2a and a mark 3 We like the look of a Discovery we do need cruise control as the wife has a metal pin in her leg and can’t drive on a motorway for any longer then 20 min’s. A 7 seater would be good as I have 2 kids and a young brother and sister that like to go on days out with us. And something in the price range of about 10k. So what type of spec do I need to look at it would save me driving round and looking at Discovery’s that are not the correct spec . also what year or spec do I need to stay clear of?

Thanks
Martin

Personally, i'd go for a 110 csw 300tdi if i had @£10k to spend.... sole reason being... ease of maintenance/resale value.
Although Discovery's are much more comfortable, they dont hold their value like a defender 110/90 & they have alot more gadgets to go wrong.

Edit... Just read the cruise control bit.... Pretty sure you could get cruise control installed at a reasonably low cost.

I tow a caravan and i only Rally, so i know what you mean about fields.

For 10k i would be looking for an early Discovery TD5 (turbo diesel 5 cylinder), probably round T reg onwards. Also an auto with cruise would be nice.

Freelanders are ok but not very big, and you really do have to source a decent one from the ****e.

Try and get a very late Disco 1 300tdi (turbo diesel) and go for the "ES" spec which is fully loaded. This should leave you about £2k-£3k spare.
Full Service History is a must and get one with low miles. If you go for a Disco 2 the early ones don't have diff-lock so you will still wheel spin in a muddy field.

Buy a VeeDub Camper and get some dreadlocks. You and Jamaica Bob could chill together then