2004 Discovery or 2005 LR3

[Eriazon]

So,

The last few months I have been looking around for a series I Disco. Not much luck. They're out there, but I haven't found one that fits. Reason in wanting a Series I is... look, off-road ability, I know how to work on them (sort of), and I have the cash to buy one out-right.

Sadly to say, after talking to my wife, we have decided to stay away from older cars. we need something that's newer, more reliable, still can cruise comfortably on a high way and is a safe vehicle for children. Don't have any yet but you never know when stuff like that can happen.

We have a 2008 Saturn Vue. No payments. Full warranty. That?s my wife's car. I am driving a 90s Subaru and dying to drive a Rover again. So, after some thinking, some talking, and some test-driving, the question is this: I am pleased with both the 2004 Disco (CDL) and the 2005 LR3, which one is the better move?

F.Y.I.

I did a search for similar topics. Couldn't really find what I was looking for. So please be nice.

 

[michaels]

search... i'd say 04 DII, but i'm biased. i love mine.

 

[pdogg]

you didn't say what you intend to do with it...

the answer will be... it depends..

 

[Eriazon]

I intend to do easy to moderate wheeling. I made a promise to my wife I would keep it pretty. But I still want to take it on some trails. But nothing like the Rubicon or what not.

One more thing is, I have been doing alot of wheeling with my older brother. He has a 01 4Runner. He is the original owner, it has 198K miles on it and I am very impressed with what it can do stock. He is trying to push me to the dark side....I need a Rover fast!

 

[pdogg]

you might be better off with the DII.. not saying the Lr3 is crappy offroad... the traction control works nice... you just might not be comfortable doing things in it, as you would in the DII with solid axles.

I wheeled with a guy in an LR3 a couple weeks ago, and he was dragging metal over some rocks.. He hit so hard once, his entire offroad system shut down on the trail... he had to shut it off and restart the truck.. the DII would not suffer nearly the damage..

 

[Eriazon]

Hmmm, thats good to know.

I havn't been able to compare the DII and the LR3 side-by-side. The new air suspensions vs. coil?

 

[gmookher]

I intend to do easy to moderate wheeling. I made a promise to my wife I would keep it pretty. But I still want to take it on some trails. But nothing like the Rubicon or what not.

One more thing is, I have been doing alot of wheeling with my older brother. He has a 01 4Runner. He is the original owner, it has 198K miles on it and I am very impressed with what it can do stock. He is trying to push me to the dark side....I need a Rover fast!

LR3 is fine for easy wheeling
but mark your own words, you will hit ceiling on what the lr3 can be made or modded to do whereas my 04 d2 would be my pick for the way I wheel over any lr3,
hands down road manners the lr3 wins

the 04d2 will do better when modded against your brothers rig when modded, stock vs stock i'd say you'd be fine in a lr3 for easy and moderate

codes, errors, reliability and all, I am for the d2

 

[adriatic04]

04 S model is coil stock - I believe the others SE&HSE have ACE/SLS but easily converted to coil suspension.

are you keeping the sub and vue? if so, get a cheap rover for fun, if you are trading one of the other in, get something with a warranty so you are not killed within the first couple months of ownership via the wife.

 

[SDD2]

does newer = more reliable? these are rovers we're talking about ...

 

[gmookher]

04 S model is coil stock - I believe the others SE&HSE have ACE/SLS but easily converted to coil suspension.
.

Most of the HSE's I've driven had SLS; very few had ACE
Most of the SE SE7s didnt have either
just my observations

 

[Eriazon]

Keeping the Vue. She loves that car. Probably get rid of the suborghini.

I dont trust myself with a older Disco. I love them too much and would take it on a trail every chance I get. I would end up seriously hurting it. A newer vehicle would prevent me from being too stupid.

 

[Eriazon]

does newer = more reliable? these are rovers we're talking about ...

Very true.... but to my wife newer does = more reliability. All she remembers about my last disco was that it broke all the time.

 

[pdogg]

As far as the ride goes... the LR3 rides like a lexus in comparison... the interior is way nicer too.. roomier...

 

[Eriazon]

They are sexy. Are all LR3s 7 seaters? The one I looked at was. I didnt care for the third row. I couldnt fit and it was hard to get in.

 

[Ol'Drippy]

Not all LR3s have 3rd row.. I love my wife's LR3, very nice ride but would not want to scratch it. My mom got an '04 DII and I love that thing. If I had to choose between the 2 it would be the DII hands down.

 

[Eriazon]

It is looking like everyone loves their 04.

 

[JSQ]

Just buy this nice truck and you'll be happy.

 

[Eriazon]

I know. I was really considering that one. Its very sweet. He sent me some more pics of it. Roxorz teh boxorz.

 

[JustAddMtns]

FWIW - I love my 04 DII. I have had a 97 DI in the past also.

Go with the 04 DII.

 

[Eriazon]

The LR3 has a rear locker. Isnt that a plus?