Disco 1 or Disco 2 ?

[jasonsanford]

Hello I am looking to purchase my first ever Land Rover truck after watching clips of the great Camel Trophy. I need advise if I should buy a Disco 1 or Disco 2. I plan using this truck as a off roading toy and do not plan on driving everyday in it. I am also a college student so my funds are not the best but I do have some money saved up. I need some help on deciding what is best for me.

There are a lot cheap D2s in my area, but not many D1s. There is a 2002 D2 that was impounded by a towing company and they say they do not know why it does not start. I can probably get it for under $1000 but I just don't know whats wrong with it it might have major problems. I still need money to buy tires and a roof rack. It is a pretty clean truck as well Should I take the gamble or wait for a D1 to pop up? Overall I am asking which do you guys prefer and what are the pros and cons of the D1 and D2.

Thanks -Jason

 

[4Runner]

I currently have both and have had all three versions. The D2 has more power and is more comfortable but is a bigger pain to work on. A 94-95 is the easiest to work on but has the least comfort and power unless it’s had some engine work. I thought my 96 D1 was a great combination of workability, comfort and power. All D1’s have locking transfer cases. You have to be choosey to get a D2 with one. Beware of rust on all Disco’s. If you have the mechanical ability and pocketbook to rebuild an engine or worse, then a cheap D2 can be a way to go. BUT you would probably be ahead of the game to get one that’s already been sorted out for 3-8k depending on how nice you would like it. Be cautious about one that’s just had a bunch of work done to it and is now for sale. Better to find one that had the usual repairs 20k miles ago. Welcome to a rig that you will love and hate and will probably buy another one while you are hating on the one you have.

 

[4Runner]

I think everyone here has an opinion on which version is better and why, but a mildly sorted, reliable Disco of any version will get you most any place you care to go.

 

[Knightspirit]

D1: Pretty reliable, easy to work on and less electronics. Also a few inches shorter than the D2 (like 6 I think). Look for a later year - as the early ones had dash peeling issues.
D2: More electronics, traction control (not a bad thing?), had many engine problems (on some, not all) regarding head gaskets and cylinder sleeves slipping. I have spoken to D2 owners who wished they had a D1 - for what that is worth.

When I bought my first Land Rover - I asked the local rover shop in Portland OR which Disco I should get - and they hands down voted for the D1.
Just sayin'.... There are some experts on this board who can dive into this in much more detail!

A non running D2 could be something really expensive - so don't jump in without some real research. I bought my "99 D1 for $1200 and drove it home. I later learned that the head gaskets had been replaced and after just some minor repairs - it is mechanically sound.

 

[German Gruner]

Currently have both and love them, but D1 is in my opinion more off-road minded as D2. Camel Trophys Discos were D1's.
D2's anti-roll bars with ACE are the best of this model but also its Achilles tendon.

Regards

 

[Tugela]

I am also a college student so my funds are not the best but I do have some money saved up. I need some help on deciding what is best for me.

Based on this statement alone the best Disco for you is a Toyota Corolla. Even if you already have a comprehensive tool kit and the aptitude to do all your own work, buying parts adds up. Even when they're used parts. I've seen it often - a Disco sweeps a guy off his feet, he falls for the great looks and great ride, but the expense becomes a deal breaker. If you have disposable income, it's easier to keep the love affair burning along with the hole in your wallet. Plus, once you own a Disco, then you start looking at Range Rover Classics, and before you know it you have 4 trucks parked in your driveway, of which only one is running at any given time. It's a slippery slope.

 

[bri]

Based on this statement alone the best Disco for you is a Toyota Corolla. Even if you already have a comprehensive tool kit and the aptitude to do all your own work, buying parts adds up. Even when they're used parts. I've seen it often - a Disco sweeps a guy off his feet, he falls for the great looks and great ride, but the expense becomes a deal breaker. If you have disposable income, it's easier to keep the love affair burning along with the hole in your wallet. Plus, once you own a Disco, then you start looking at Range Rover Classics, and before you know it you have 4 trucks parked in your driveway, of which only one is running at any given time. It's a slippery slope.

I don't disagree completely. If you do not know LR, then you need to pay to have it looked at. I have been doing LR shit for years. Mostly maintenance and aftermarket upgrades. Big electronic and big part issues are out of my capability. Also jobs that take a week, take me 2 or 3.

I would much rather pay 5k for a nice running D1 that I spent $300 on to know its issues.

My worst experience with a LR was a cheap range rover. Fortunately I had the seller take it off my hands. I would probably walk from any LR that was $1000, unless it really was a simple no start issue and everything else was relatively good.

If the choice was only D1 or D2.

Go D1.

D2 is not much different than P38, from my limited knowledge.

I would go P38 and just make sure it is sorted and/or has the EAS gone.

I love my P38, most reliable LR I have owned (YMMV, knock on wood).

 

[Harv]

I think we'll see a lot of answers here. Virtually all of us love our LR's, which says something in itself. I don't know much about the D1. Having a D2, I think it's only unforgivable fault is the poor departure angle, without a rear bush bumper (which I have yet to get) the bumper and hitch drag very easily. I disagree with bri's concern on the P38 EAS. EAS sets it apart. You just need to sort out the air leaks that happen on a 20 year old vehicle. Tugela is probably right about the Corolla. We got our D2, not running, for just above scrap price. The problem was an ECU, which cost about $100 from a wrecker. If you're prepared to work on it yourself I'm pretty sure you'll love whichever one you get, either one will be a great choice. If you don't plan on working on it yourself you probably should look at something else. I really love all 3 of my LR's.

 

[SCSL]

I love my P38, most reliable LR I have owned.

Said no one else, ever

 

[K-rover]

Ive had my D2 for going on 15yrs. I love my truck and wouldn't trade it for anything else, but looking back a D1 would have been better starting point for what I do with it. If its a second/weekend vehicle, go with a D1. As mentioned above, they are easier to work on and are setup better for offroad stock vs A D2. Try and find one an enthusiast owned and took care of. Then learn how to work on it yourself. While parts can still be kinda pricey, saving the labor costs will make ownership a bit more feasible.

 

[jasonsanford]

I currently have both and have had all three versions. The D2 has more power and is more comfortable but is a bigger pain to work on. A 94-95 is the easiest to work on but has the least comfort and power unless it’s had some engine work. I thought my 96 D1 was a great combination of workability, comfort and power. All D1’s have locking transfer cases. You have to be choosey to get a D2 with one. Beware of rust on all Disco’s. If you have the mechanical ability and pocketbook to rebuild an engine or worse, then a cheap D2 can be a way to go. BUT you would probably be ahead of the game to get one that’s already been sorted out for 3-8k depending on how nice you would like it. Be cautious about one that’s just had a bunch of work done to it and is now for sale. Better to find one that had the usual repairs 20k miles ago. Welcome to a rig that you will love and hate and will probably buy another one while you are hating on the one you have.

Thank you. I’ll be sure too look for some rust next time I check one out

 

[jasonsanford]

Based on this statement alone the best Disco for you is a Toyota Corolla. Even if you already have a comprehensive tool kit and the aptitude to do all your own work, buying parts adds up. Even when they're used parts. I've seen it often - a Disco sweeps a guy off his feet, he falls for the great looks and great ride, but the expense becomes a deal breaker. If you have disposable income, it's easier to keep the love affair burning along with the hole in your wallet. Plus, once you own a Disco, then you start looking at Range Rover Classics, and before you know it you have 4 trucks parked in your driveway, of which only one is running at any given time. It's a slippery slope.

I understand where you are coming from I’ll take it into consideration.

 

[jasonsanford]

I think we'll see a lot of answers here. Virtually all of us love our LR's, which says something in itself. I don't know much about the D1. Having a D2, I think it's only unforgivable fault is the poor departure angle, without a rear bush bumper (which I have yet to get) the bumper and hitch drag very easily. I disagree with bri's concern on the P38 EAS. EAS sets it apart. You just need to sort out the air leaks that happen on a 20 year old vehicle. Tugela is probably right about the Corolla. We got our D2, not running, for just above scrap price. The problem was an ECU, which cost about $100 from a wrecker. If you're prepared to work on it yourself I'm pretty sure you'll love whichever one you get, either one will be a great choice. If you don't plan on working on it yourself you probably should look at something else. I really love all 3 of my LR's.

I plan on doing all the work on it that I can so I can really learn the ins and outs of the truck

 

[SCSL]

1998 Discovery 1 - Oxford Blue - wheeled and well-loved

She was my pride and joy for 20+ years, and I still love her- but my D90 is getting all of the love and it's incumbent on me to find her a new home. Just as I have lovingly restored every. single. piece. of my Defender, I know someone wants to do the same with a Discovery. Since selling off the...

discoweb.org

 

[discostew]

Said no one else, ever

I love the P38 too. But would never call it the most dependable anything. That thing is expensive to keep going and I do all the work myself. It all comes down to that BECM. Youhave a tail light out and it's that $1200 monster under the right front seat.

But I still love the thing.

 

[discostew]

I think all the advise given here is pretty good. I personally feel like the Disco1 is your best choice. Do some research on your own. Do some Google searches of drivetrain and suspension stuff. Wheel bearings and what have you. The trucks look kind of similar, but are very different. Disco1 will rot out because of dissimilar metal issues. You could park the thing in a garage in the dryest state in America and it will still rot from the inside out. Disco2 kind of fixed some of that by having steel door skins, the Disco1 has an aluminium door skin attached to a steel door frame. But then the Disc2 has a problem with the rear of the frame rusting out. If you decide on a Disco1 we can help you learn how to find that hidden body rot I'm talking about.

In the end there really is no correct answer to what Disco is better. Unless your hanging out with me, then it's a Disco1 for sure.

 

[Howski]

I’ve enjoyed both the 02’ and 04’ D2 I’ve owned. Really enjoyed the traction control and extra space compared to a D1. Of course there are drawbacks such as more cooling/liner issues and more limited rear articulation. The most important thing with either is a well sorted and maintained example to start with. I feel like there are many neglected D2’s out there. Best of luck in your search both are great vehicles

 

[Swedjen2]

What Tugela said.
When I was a young punk with only chump change and going to college, I had a '69 2A - easy to work on and maintain. If you didn't treat it like a dick, it didn't treat you like one...was nearly bullet-proof. (except for the generator and a few leather seals). The days of decent Series 2As for $2K are gone with the wind.
A D1 and esp. a D2 are much more expensive and would be a much bigger PITA for a college kid if something big went wrong.
I hope your major is engineering...mechanical engineering.

On second thought - you could make your Disco the subject of your Master's Thesis entitled, "What Were They Thinking - Failure Analysis". Win/win!

 

[Gordo]

Disco 94-95 with the 3.9 are the easiest to work on. I’ve had a few now. We have a gems 1996 5spd now with 185k on it and it runs awesome. Never owned a D2 and would personally take a D1 over it. They all like the wrench I just think the 3.9 with simple electronics is the best disco.
Oh and P38s are great if you can deal with some electrical gremlins

 

[Harv]

My P38 had been neglected for the last few years before I got it, but was overall in reasonably good condition. I've had it almost 3 years. It had problems continuously for the first year I had it. I haven't had any issue with it for the past year. The D2 had also been neglected for the last couple of years before me, again in reasonable condition. I've had it close to a year now. Its first year with me was much easier than the first year with the P38. I got both of them fairly cheap due to the neglect. If the price is right, and you plan to sort out the issues on your own, a neglected LR might be a reasonable choice. I've got 2 really nice Rovers for much less money than most people spend on one nice 4X4.