The Disco Commercial is probably the most under-rated vehicle Land Rover ever produced. It had real potential but never really picked up sales, mainly because the average Transit-driving van buyer didn't think the word 'Land Rover' when asking himself 'what van shall I buy?'
If you want one as a load-lugger without needing to carry more than 2 people then the Disco Com has a bigger load bed than a Defender 110, with a wider tailgate and the side doors which mean you can easily get large, bulky loads in and out.
The cab is lifted straight from a Range Rover, with more modern additions, so it is very comfy and has all the creature comforts that the Disco needed as a 'normal' car. Ergenomics isn't brilliant, but you get used to it.
The Td5 engine is very reliable. Most problems are caused by minor electronic problems such as failed sensors, which rarely cause the vehicle to be disabled. It has large power and torque figures and can haul a Disco around on the motorway wihtout making lots of noice- and on a personal level I like the off-beat rumble (mixed with turbo whine) noise that a Td5 makes when running fast. The Td5 can be a bit thirsty, with about 25-29 mpg being normal for a Disco. It was introduced in 1998, so the early ones are now 'old' in modern day terms, and there seem to be no problems at all with the long-term reliability of the drivetrain.
Off-road the Commerical is as good as any other Discovery- that is, excellent. The rear overhang can cause problems in bumpy ground, but that's about it. There's plenty of wheel movement to keep traction and you get a proper twin-ratio transfer box and permanent 4WD. Beware versions that have Traction Control but no manual Differential Lock. It will work off-road, but quickly reaches it's limits. Get one with the Diff Lock, TC, plus Land Rover's baby, Hill Descent Control, and it's pretty much unstoppable.
The problem with the Disco, is that like all Land Rovers the basic mechanicals and structure are fine and well built, but it's the little things like electrical glitches, leaky roofs, squeaky trim and intermittent electrical services that let the side down. A Jap 4x4 will be solid and tough, but won't provide the car-like comfort of a Disco, few will be able to carry as much as a Commercial, and few will go as far off-road without modification.
Jack
