1995 vs 2003/2004... which is better?

[macklow]

I have a '95 disco, and sometime I'd like to install a 4.6.

However, the 2003s are getting so cheap that it seems cheaper to buy a 2003 (with 200K fewer miles than my '95), rather than buying a used 4.6 (and probably used tranny and xfer case).

I realize the 2004s come with the diff lock; I assume that given a choice the 2004 is a better bet than 2003.

Are the late-year DIIs that much of a headache compared to a simple reliable '95? I'd be using it only for weekend trips and gravel-roading in the desert; maybe road trips to SE Utah or Cabo. I thought about picking up a ML320, or an X3, or an RX, or an MDX... but I'm not sure they'll handle the kind of bashing I've given the rover.

Plus my '95 has been terribly reliable, so unfortunately I'm biased towards Land Rover .

 

[MUSKYMAN]

if I could choose between a perfect 95 and a perfect 2004 the 95 would get the nod in a blink.

but this is a almost worthless comparison since good 94/95 disco's are damn near non-existant.

 

[rovercanus]

O Lord, here we go again.

 

[keepitwildtv]

Why not build up the '95? Rebuild the 4.6, trans & TC and it will be like new...even if it's more $$$. You'll have 0 miles on the biggest parts and you'll know what you're getting.

I'd do it just not to have the plastic wheel arches, big butt and "UFO" tail lights. The '95 has a bit more classic look is what I'm trying to say.

Daniel

 

[macklow]

Why not build up the '95? Rebuild the 4.6, trans & TC and it will be like new...even if it's more $$$. You'll have 0 miles on the biggest parts and you'll know what you're getting.

Well...
used 4.6 + rebuild + new front cover for distributor + whatever else needed for 14CUX
+
rebuilt tranny
+
rebuilt TC
+
R&R engine/tranny/tc

and I think I'm looking at a bit more $$$ than 15K (I'm not going to be doing the work myself). I can get a used 2003 for under $13K, that's asking price and I only looked for 1 day!

On the other hand, I suppose my tags will be much cheaper on the '95 (around $40 vs probably $500-$600 for a 2003/4), didn't factor that into the equation.

 

[rmuller]

and I think I'm looking at a bit more $$$ than 15K (I'm not going to be doing the work myself). I can get a used 2003 for under $13K, that's asking price and I only looked for 1 day!

If you keep looking, you can find 2004's in that range too.

 

[antichrist]

Or buy a low mileage wrecked 2004 as a donor vechicle for engine and gearbox, and sell the rest as parts.

 

[gmookher]

Or buy a low mileage wrecked 2004 as a donor vechicle for engine and gearbox, and sell the rest as parts.

i like this idea..