D2 Off-road questions

[luckyjoe]

We reached the point were we are considering trading our 1996 D1 for a 2004 D2, OR, investing a large amount of cash into the D1 to get another 5-8 years out of it. So after looking at some shiny new D2's, I'm wondering just how great they are off-road. My experience with them has been at locally organized RTV events, with rather aggressive terrain, where the stock D2's were popping their rear bumper lights out, and sustaining major contact in the front bumper/rear bumper areas. So, can I expect to off-road the 2004 D2 in stock form (I see that the front bumper has much better clearance than the 2000-2002 versions).

Our 96 has OME springs, shocks, droop kit, rear skid plate and ARB bumper, etc, and is great off-road. It gets us basically everywhere we've needed to go, and has done a great job on the highway as well. But it is getting long in the tooth, so I'm debating the return on a sizeable cash investment at 105k miles, vs. buying an 04 D2. Of course the D2 would require even MORE cash...

Regards,

Tom P.

 

[LRWheelman]

Good Morning, Luckyjoe, Do I read your post correctly, your D1 only has 105k mi. on it? My D1 (96 also) has "only" 124k mi, and like fine wine seems to be getting better w/age! The D2 is a more "advanced" truck, but I don't know if you would be any better off. Your D1 may last many, many more years w/ proper maintenance, and not break the bank or your heart w/ offroad scratches and dings. Have you considered keeping the D1 and buying the D2? Or maybe another D1? Is the D1 your daily driver, or do you have an alternative vehicle to drive on it's "bad days"? I don't think I could sell my D1, the bond is too great! Thank You, LRW.

 

[koby]

Get the 2004, and deal with the rest later.

Can't beat the 4.6L motor and CDL from the factory.

 

[luckyjoe]

Well, our D1 is the primary family transport, and also doubles as our off-road and camping adventure vehicle. So, where it's adventure ability is holding strong, the day-to-day reliability is nearing the questionable point. Questionable in the fact that I now work long hours, so my previously generous garage time is severly limited. I do not want to get rid of the D1, but we can only have one Discovery due to a 1967 109 filling the other garage bay. I'm just not sure I want to depend on my wife *depending* on the D1.

Our D1 has been way above average repair-wise. In fact, it has been excellent. However, this further my concerns that good things cannot last forever. Also, the few thousand $ thrown into it now, would realy help with the next new vehicle purchase within a few more years, so why not save the time and expense and get an '04 before they are Fords and even more expensive.

I know it a personal choice, I'm just getting tired of thinking about it...

Tom P.

 

[Ho]

tom, you know how i feel. 04!!!

 

[Ron]

On a DII SLS or a 2in lift is required to keep the rear bumper on if you are wheeling "stock".

The traction of a DII w/ CDL is much better than a DI thanks to ETC

 

[wolfman]

After driving a couple of DIIs I was really taken by the 03 and 04s. The CDL on the 04s is really great. I like the 04s so much I traded my 02 DII in on a 2004 G4 (just like Ho's except he knows how to drive better). Speaking as a 2 DII owner, if you can afford it, keep your DI and get the DII. I offroad in my 2004 but it kills me. I have battle damage now so its a little easier. Good luck!

 

[ducati]

Buy the '04. The 4.6 alone will win you over, the CDL is a bonus. I have an '03 and feel gipped on that regard... But I still love 'er. Brakes are also quite good comparatively.

Do plan on lifting at some point, I am still running stock height (investigating lifts now) and only have 1 attachment point on my bumper. I have popped out my lights a few times, ruined one at the MAR this year. I have few issues with the front bumper, clearance is much better than the older D2's.

Also, free service for 4 years, and piece of mind for warranty. And if you're lucky you can find them for $25k (new) now, maybe a tad under.

 

[Discojunky]

Take half of what you would spend on the 04' payment per month and put it in the bank until something breaks (could be awhile) if it breaks you have the money to fix it. Take the money that you'll lose for trading in a D1 thats not broken yet and put lockers on the D1. Then you have CDL and real lockers and will drive past the DII's and LR3's on the trails and won't be afraid to put some beauty marks on your rig.

 

[luckyjoe]

D1 is here to stay!

Thanks to all for the viewpoints.

We decided to keep the D1. It's been such a great vehicle and we should squeeze another 100k out of her with a little cash and TLC. So she'll get a much deserved spa treatment in about two weeks...

Tom P.

 

[NVRover]

So Tom, what are you going to do to her? I'm having the same debate.