Which year to buy??? sorry newbie....

[6cuda6]

Hi folks. i´m sure this is one of the most asked questions.....what year/ model do you recommend??? Looks like our budget will allow us to buy up to a 2000 model year.....I am a licenced mechanic, so repairs are not a problem but i would like something reliable. Sorry for the newbie question...thanks, Dean

[Serg]

Model??? Well are you talking Range Rover, Freelander, Defender or Discovery... all 4 are very different.. You need to decide what it is you are going to use it for. Be more specific so people can give you better input.

Welcome aboard!

Serg

[Bdog]

If it's a Discovery and you can buy up to a 2000, get a 2000. 1999 started the Discovery II's and 2000 got some first year bugs fixed. I just got a 2003 for a good deal and even though it doesn't have the locking transfer case, I can probably pick one up cheaper than an 04 would have cost me.

[Rippers]

Originally Posted by 6cuda6

Hi folks. i´m sure this is one of the most asked questions.....what year/ model do you recommend??? Looks like our budget will allow us to buy up to a 2000 model year.....I am a licenced mechanic, so repairs are not a problem but i would like something reliable. Sorry for the newbie question...thanks, Dean

you want to buy my truck

[Geobloke]

Originally Posted by 6cuda6

Hi folks. i´m sure this is one of the most asked questions.....what year/ model do you recommend??? Looks like our budget will allow us to buy up to a 2000 model year.....I am a licenced mechanic, so repairs are not a problem but i would like something reliable. Sorry for the newbie question...thanks, Dean

Hi Dean glad you made it across fella! Good luck finding your new LR!

[6cuda6]

Thanks guy´s...i guess i should have been more specific...lol....what is the best year to buy a Discovery??? I understand the D1 ended in 98...and with the$$$ we have available the 2000 would have to be a higher mileage one, so is it better to pic up a low mileage D1 than a 99 D2 or high mileage 00D2??? And if a D1 is the option what years to avoid....thanks,Dean

ps: i´m not a big fan of electric gadgets, just more electrics for me to fix in the long run but if it give a better ride......

[Muddy Oval]

The DII is slightly longer in the back end, but has the traction control. The DI has diff lock and slightly shorter. Miles don't actually mean anything- it's all about condition. I'd rather have a perfectly maintained 100K mile truck than a beat and neglected 40K truck.

[vwfye]

my 'new to me' 1997 disco was 5600 with no leaks and 83k miles. personally, i'd look for a 97.

[BIG JIM]

i am kicking around the idea of buying another disco. we had a 97 a few years ago and i fell in love with it. it was for the wife and it made me buy my 90 classic. the kids got bigger and we sold it and got an ex ex ex expedition, what a piece of crap. but anyway, i would get a 99 D1. they had both models (D1 and D2) in that year. the 97 was easy to work on and i think the 99 is almost identical. the d1 has a lot less electronics in it i think. these things are a work of art. some sweet 99's on auto trader.com and cars . com. i wouldnt hesitate to fly from the chicago area to a more milder climate and buy one from a private seller and drive back. well, just my two cents. p. s. i am a newbie to this forum and this is my first post. hope it turns out o k i've been typing this for 15 minutes. jim 90 classic 97 landcruiser 99 f f f ord ex ex ex expedition

[ish]

Originally Posted by BIG JIM

i am kicking around the idea of buying another disco. we had a 97 a few years ago and i fell in love with it. it was for the wife and it made me buy my 90 classic. the kids got bigger and we sold it and got an ex ex ex expedition, what a piece of crap. but anyway, i would get a 99 D1. they had both models (D1 and D2) in that year. the 97 was easy to work on and i think the 99 is almost identical. the d1 has a lot less electronics in it i think. these things are a work of art. some sweet 99's on auto trader.com and cars . com. i wouldnt hesitate to fly from the chicago area to a more milder climate and buy one from a private seller and drive back. well, just my two cents. p. s. i am a newbie to this forum and this is my first post. hope it turns out o k i've been typing this for 15 minutes. jim 90 classic 97 landcruiser 99 f f f ord ex ex ex expedition

It's ok Jim..we have all driven and owner non LR's here.....lol Ifeel like this is an AA clinic...lol
My wife had a 99' Expedition EB for a while she loved that big ass truck
then a couple of years ago she trading it in for her 1st Mini Cooper S......lol Yeah she's a little wacky!
Anyway I had a 2000 and a 2003 and I loved them both...the 03 a little more cuz of the 4.6l....but I must say I would stick with the D2

[Funrover]

Well....... I have friends with a 94's.....both do great...From what I have read the 96 model is what to stay away from.....Honestly I like the D1 more...But if this is gonna be a family rig and spend more time on rod then get a 99 or 00

[6cuda6]

you´ve hit the nail on the head...it´s going to be the family mobil with the occational trailer hauling. What i am finding is i can get a great vehicle like these for the same price as the comparable year import SUV....i dought it will see very much offroad(in the true sense that is) hence my dilemna about the model year to purchase. I didn´t know the D2 was a little longer, learnt something new today, that may be enough reason for a purchase, but it´s gonna be hard to pass up some of the low mileage 97´s and 98´s (with good history).

So from what i´m reading maintenance is the key selling feature to watch for?? Now is dealer service better in most cases??? (meaning that the product is better looked after...not that the local garage is not good)

And i sounds like the first run doesn´t have any teething problems (ie. 94 D1 and 99 D2) or is this just a hit and miss???

[FrankyRizzo]

I love my 94 I bought off my neighbor. He sold it to me when he bought his 97. Now he has a ton of problems and mine keeps on ticking.

[disco12]

If your gonna be wheeling it than the D1 will be a better choice it is slightly shorter and easier to build and it comes with the CDL I have a 96 D1 and it hasn't giving me any probs xcept for a starter otherwise it has been a very reliable truck and it is definetly safe and very strong. If your more into the light wheeling and mostly mall and office travel then the D2 will suit your fancy not to say it isn't a good off-roader because it is but it will be a little more to build and is a little bigger. To top off all Discoveries are great trucks from 94-04 if you do go with either Disco make sure it was well taken care of and keep it happy.