Help on a search to Discover a Discovery...

[Drinkin40s]

Well we made up our minds to pick up a Discovery II. We are looking at 04/03 models. The dealer said the only difference is that the '04 has a diff lock and wider roof bars. Does this sound right...you know dealers! I contacted Land Rover NA and I can extend the warranty to 100k as long as 1-month and 1,000 miles remain within vehicle warranty which should get me some piece of mind. On what to look for, does anyone have any helpful hints on what they did or didn't get that they now regret? I think I would like the SE7 for the extra seating. Did these ever come with NAV? We have a BMW with it and love it...I guess aftermarket could be an option to consider. My Wife totally is in love with the design and I would hate to have her get something that is in the shop constantly, would anyone have any strong arguments on staying away from a Disco II? So if anyone could offer up any help or suggestions to a newcomer it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Cameron

[Drinkin40s]

Also, anyone have any input on Land Rover of Bedford? Thanks!

[02disco2]

A Disco with a warranty is a good thing, and yes, grab the 04' over the 03' model, the CDL is a great tool to have.

Look over the fine print on the warranty. If it is the Land Rover Certified Plus warranty, then you HAVE to have your preventative maint. done at the dealer, and the dealer is the only place that can perform any warranty work. Nice thing, LR covered all scheduled maint. until 50K, but part.. the 60K is EXPENSIVE!

Reliablity? Well, there are many members here who have never had any issues, and there are others that seem to have a steady stream of issues (like me). It's really hit or miss on these trucks. Don't let that be something to sway you from ownership though. The nice part is the warranties are rock solid and the dealer do a great job accomidating you the best they can (at least at my dealership anyway).

Navigation, The HSE model had navigation but it isn't anything to write home about. You'd be better off with an aftermarket unit.

All in all, I like my Disco but it is short lived in my hands. I simply out grew it's size for what my needs are. I can tell you this, if you can afford the LR3, that might be a better road to take.(FLAME SUIT ON) I feel they are more refined and unless you are going to be off roading extensively, the interior is more comfortable, they have more power, more cargo room, and they ride much, much better on the road. However, those are just my opinions.

[Drinkin40s]

The dealer has a used '05 LR3 with 10,563mi for $36,865 so I will check it out - they don't look very tough to me (almost too carlike) - are the LR3 still as capable? I have a Jeep background so I would like to have some offroad fun and build it up slightly. Do the Disco II's have an airbag suspension? Two of my friends with Ranges lost their airbags and switched over to coil systems - I didn't know if it is a potential problem I could face down the road. Thank you again for the input.

[Muddy Oval]

If it is the Land Rover Certified Plus warranty, then you HAVE to have your preventative maint. done at the dealer, and the dealer is the only place that can perform any warranty work.

Actually, that would be illegal. You have to have it maintained per their requirements and schedule, however it can be done at any shop. Keep detailed records.

[Rovin4life]

The LR3 is more then capable and actually better offroad then the previous years.

Used cars are your choice. always depends on the deal.

The Nav on the LR3 is way better. Its a color screen based like your BMW. The 04 disco isnt really that good.

LR certified is the best. Why, cause everyone else puts used parts on your vehicle. LR certified doesnt. Doesnt matter the price they put new ones on.

[Muddy Oval]

"better offroad" requires some clarification... They have potential, but they don't seem to do well in harsh use.
Few LR3's show up at offroad events, but every event I've been to had LR3's leave on flatbeds. Even at the LR3 training in MD, I've seen them blow their suspension and squat- also at their dealer release training they lost one on the trail as it blew the suspension.

[Rovin4life]

They have fixed most if not all the problems. The first years were problematic.

Even having a weak battery will cause problems.

Well I will say this over the older Discos. A hell of alot less leaks.

[Drinkin40s]

So beezel, you say the 04 Disco's aren't that good? I would have thought (with the last model year) that it would have most of the gremlins ironed out. I am leaning towards and 03/04 (4.6) or should I be looking at a different model year? Is there a year known for 'best' reliability/functioning?

[02disco2]

As stated earlier. If you must own a D2, then the 04' model year is the one to have, hands down. But, at least do yourself a favor and drive the D2 and the LR3 prior to limiting your criteria search. I bet you'll enjoy the driving experience WAY better in the LR3, especially in the SE/HSE trim with the 300HP V8.

Yes, the D2 looks "tougher" but looks can be deceiving. The D2 had an option rear air suspension in the ACE package, and all 7 series have the rear air suspension option. Most people don't wheel their 50K LR3, just like most don't wheel any Land Rover product. The only difference is, the D2 has been around since 99, so obviously there are more ont he road. Either one you choose, welcome to the family.

[rmuller]

If you want to get into offroading go with a D2.. you talked about doing modifications.. there are far more modifications available for the D2 now than the LR3.. I dont think anyone has lifted an LR3 yet, and I believe there is only 1 or 2 types of mud terrains that fit it? I don't discount the LR3, I just don't think it is ready to be offroaded a good amount yet.

[Muddy Oval]

Comparing a $28K Disco to a $58K LR3? I'd take the LR3 too if they were the same price. Not ALL "7 series" Discos had air suspension- I've worked on several S7's that didn't.
Save yourself the trouble and buy my 04 G4 Disco. L.R. Extended warranty, DVD system....

[Drinkin40s]

Yes, I would like to do some modding. I put an Old Man Emu suspension in our Wrangler and absolutely love their products. We will do some trail running, but nothing exteme like rock crawling. We have an appt at the dealer tomorrow. If I get the 100k warrantly I guess I wouldn't worry about the air suspension. How come these things drop in value so much? I have an MGA so I know about the british reliability, but is that it? They seem so much more well built than other SUVS out there. That is my main reason for going used - yes you save money, but it's the front end depreciation that I don't like losing. I am amazed that I can pick up something about 2 years old for almost half of it's original selling price.

[Drinkin40s]

I personally couldn't take a $58k LR3 on the trail, but the dealer has a used LR3 for $35 with 10k, we drove by to look at it this morning (dealer is closed Sundays). I still think the D2 looks a hellava lot tougher. Yes, I still need to drive them both!

[Drinkin40s]

Is the 4.6 the same one that Ford uses in vehicles like the Mustang/Explorer? Just wondering about the 'Ford Family' influence.