Which Discovery?

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ccozens

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I am new to the forum and just looking at which Discovery to buy.

I will give you some background so you may help me. Well my normal drive is an XKR so I am used to V8 and some power.

I have in the past had an 300 2.0 MPI and also a 300 TDI, I am also familiar with P38 DSE.

My budget would stretch to 3.5k, and I am looking at the huge selection of 1999-2002 MODEL TD5 or V8s that are available.

I really would like to have an auto and leather, and a nice contrast between body colour and trim - some discos are quite plain looking if not in the right colours...i feel?

All diesels I am looking at are higher mileages about 90k~ but this does not worry me too much. I have also been offered a 2004 TD5 but with 170k miles....and thats too much..

My main question is in relation to ownership? How does the V8 and TD5 compare. I am not too bothered about economy, (but good to hear peoples thoughts), but functionality in terms of being reliability, what to look for in either models...

I think in summary I could get a low mileage V8 or a higher mileage TD5...what are peoples thoughts?

Thanks for any help you can provide.
 
I wouldn't worry about milage on a TD5, especially if it's 2002 or newer (isn't that when a lot of earlier problems such as plastic dowls in the head, and some other problems were ironed out?). Overall condition and well-looked-after with TLC are more important at this age. Mine's at 140k miles, and still doesn't smoke or use oil. I've owned it from new, and it's been well-serviced and well-cared-for...it still looks and drives like the first year I owned it (only the drivers seat is getting shabby, but I'm looking to get that re-covered). The body is still amazing, and the (waxoyled) chassis is clear of rust.

I would consider a Petrol, especially with a LPG conversion...

If you find either model which has been well looked after by an enthusiast, it should be sound imho.
 
Would've thought that if economy doesn't bother you then a V8 would be the only way to go, especially as you'll get a lower mileage, better car for your money.
 
Surely a LPG-converted V8 is a more economical vehicle than a TD5? LPG is around half the cost of diesel, so the difference in MPG makes LPG a cheaper cost per mile?
 
I have a TD5 manual 2004 (July) so one of the last to be made, alough you occasionally see a 54 plate, but they are few and far between.
It's clocked almost 136k now, with little problems, I have replaced the discs all round at 120k, it's still on it's second set of tyres as well (BF Goodrich AT's) and drives likea dream, no oil consumption, smoke etc. I am a stippler for maintenance, changing the oil and both filters religiously at 10-12k. The only complaint is the gear box which can be a real cow, getting 1st or reverse but that's pretty normal, it is a LR after all.
I'm planning to get to 200k before changing . . . . for another Disco of course !!!!
 
disco_steve said:
I have a TD5 manual 2004 (July) so one of the last to be made, alough you occasionally see a 54 plate, but they are few and far between.
It's clocked almost 136k now, with little problems, I have replaced the discs all round at 120k, it's still on it's second set of tyres as well (BF Goodrich AT's) and drives likea dream, no oil consumption, smoke etc. I am a stippler for maintenance, changing the oil and both filters religiously at 10-12k. The only complaint is the gear box which can be a real cow, getting 1st or reverse but that's pretty normal, it is a LR after all.
I'm planning to get to 200k before changing . . . . for another Disco of course !!!!
Click to expand...

Great to hear some positive feedback for a change :)

My TD5 has 125K. I've had incremental improvements by blanking the EGR and cleaning the MAP sensor and freeing the wastegate arm.

Just recently I cleaned the element of the MAF sensor with some cotton buds soaked in contact cleaner. I had no running issues, just decided to tinker. The car is running way better now. Much smoother and keen to rev. Pulling better in lower gears and is happier sitting at 60 mph. After 10 months I now feel that I have finally got it running properly. It may be doing better MPG as well.

Cheers

Andy
 
Thanks guys for all your input...Initially I was V8 keen and then started looking TD5 because of resale value...but to get a TD5 auto in a nice colour with leather - breaks the budget, or compromise on condition, or mileage.

There are some steals at 5k I have been offered 2004 TD5 Newer shapes, under 100k miles, but they dont have leather and are manuals, and thats too much of a compromise even though I have tracked down leather for 450.00. Its just hassle.

In the end I have 3 x V8s lined up for consideration, for viewing this weekend, and I have chosen to keep to a budget of 3k ish.

I have a 1999 GS with 68k on the clock, its not silver, not beige, but an inbetween colour?? Its ok but has grey leather - thats 3.2k

I have a 2000 XS with 96k on the clock, in red, with grey leather and thats 3k

I have a 1999 ES with 85k on the clock, in beige, no leather and thats also 3k..

What you maybe able to assist with is what is XS, GS, ES which is the top model?

What are the differences?

Often these differences can be made up by options, I am thinking thats more important....
 
The ES is the top model out of those three, although there are ltd edition models above ES from time to time.

The Disco2 range goes E, S, GS, XS, & ES.

Good hunting

Dave
 
Thanks Dave, Is there a buying guide on this website, or things I need to look out on Disco 2 or V8s in particular....obviously normal bits and pieces, but what does go wrong on them?

When I get it I will have to post lots of pictures, I bet i will be modifying after a few weeks - already looking at the light conversion...dear oh dear...
 
ccozens said:
Thanks Dave, Is there a buying guide on this website, or things I need to look out on Disco 2 or V8s in particular....obviously normal bits and pieces, but what does go wrong on them?

When I get it I will have to post lots of pictures, I bet i will be modifying after a few weeks - already looking at the light conversion...dear oh dear...
Click to expand...


There's loads of stuff on here about buying - just use the search engine for "buying Disco2" and see what comes up.

Good luck, hope you know what you're doing with Disco V8's and fuel consumption :jaw: :hurt:
 
There are so many out there to choose from, I'd stick with your preferences and wait for the right one.

I did this for both of mine, wanted a strong colour, leather, auto etc and I didn't have to wait very long. Also found a major price advantage by being able to travel as prices are softer in the North than they are down here in the South or at least they were.

Accepting my V8 is a late Disco 1, I think that is a brilliant machine so a 2 should be even better. Certainly my TD5 is a nicer place to be although feels so slow compared to the older one.
 
thebiglad said:
The ES is the top model out of those three, although there are ltd edition models above ES from time to time.

The Disco2 range goes E, S, GS, XS, & ES.

Except in the last year (2004) when the Pursuit and Landmark were sold as special editions, with the Landmark being the top range with pretty much all the bolt on goodies available !!

Steve
Click to expand...
 
andymach23 said:
Great to hear some positive feedback for a change :)

((My TD5 has 125K. I've had incremental improvements by blanking the EGR and cleaning the MAP sensor and freeing the wastegate arm.))

I have heard SO much debate over the EGR on TD5's - does it actually make much difference, I know it means that no exhaust gases are fed back into the intake, but does it not take longer to warm up now ??
Click to expand...
 
Well I picked up the discovery on Saturday...

Its a 2001 V8i XS - in dark red (sure some people will know the proper name of the colour) - half grey /alcantra interior. 1 Owner from new, 12months MOT with no advisories :) It was a main dealer part exchange, and was supplied and maintained by them since birth!

It made it to Germany last night - and I have covered about 500miles since purchase - it returned a respectable 20.9MPG - which I am really quite happy with.

Photos will follow, when I get round to washing and polishing....or do we not do this to 4x4s? is muddy better?

Off to East Germany next weekend - to find some very muddy fields :)
 
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