Which Disco? Advice sought

[Sabre]

I've been looking for a DII for a long time, searching for that elusive combination of great condition, low miles, and reasonable price. I've just found two of them and want to seek the opinion of you lot.

For comparison's sake, I'll tell you that both vehicles are in excellent shape with no known mechanical or electrical gremlins. No three amigos, no evidence of having overheated, everything functional, etc. No evidence of having been ill-treated or even taken off-pavement. Both look like the classic "little old lady only Sunday driven" vehicles.

#1 is a 2000 with only 41,000 miles. It literally looks like a year-old car; it's pristine. Fully appointed with the twin moonroofs, brush guard, driving lights. Leather looks like new. Engine, trans and driveline are dry and lovely.

#2 is a 2003 with 80,000 miles. It also looks like a very, very lightly-used car. The car is almost as pristine as #1, with the exception of a fairly well-worn driver's seat leather seating surface and a small tear in the back of the passenger seat where that snap likes to snag when you fold down the rear seats. Equally well-appointed, but no moonroofs. Engine, trans and driveline are as lovely as #1.

They're both available for just under $8,000.

Which would you choose, and, more importantly, WHY? I'm all ears....

 

[robertf]

I would go for option #2. it has enough miles that the oil pump cracking shouldn't happen and it has the 4.6. I would then find a cash for clunkers 2001 or newer and swap transfercases. No sunroofs is a positive, not a negative.

#1 costs too much for a 02 or newer disco, though the mileage is attractive and it should have the ability to lock the center diff.

 

[ptschram]

I would stay away from DIIs in all forms.

 

[LuisC]

My preference is a D1. But if all I had to choose from were the two, I would go for number two. 99 and 00 were the introduction of a new model. The bugs had not been worked out yet. And at just 41K miles there may still be some that have not come out of dormancy yet.
The 03 and 04 models were more refined. Even at 80K miles, any major issues would most likely have been found and fixed by now.
One last thing. Vehicles that have been driven by little ole ladies to church and the grocery store are not generally considered good cars. These cars need to be driven hard from time to time to keep from building up carbon.

 

[Paul K]

I'd go with #2. As long as you are still prepared to put money into it, you'll be fine.

I wish mine didn't have moon roofs.

 

[Sabre]

I appreciate the responses. I rebuilt and drove a Series IIA in my callow youth, but alas I find myself entrenched in suburbia now. Honestly, this will be a family car and will likely never see anything more hairy than a Forest Service road or the odd snowdrift at the end of my driveway. I fully recognize the potential danger of low-mileage vehicles, what with the buildup of carbon and acids, but with mild family use that low odometer reading looks very attractive. Is the '03 that much more refined than the Y2K? I agree with the sunroof issue...less is more in many cases. I know a lot of you serious Rover guys prefer the D1's, but in fairness I'm a lightweight and won't be using the car anywhere near its potential (yeah, I know...sorry!). I save my gnarly adventures for the motorcycles....

Thanks so much for the feedback!

 

[LuisC]

By looking at the poll......

00 D2 - 0 votes
03 D2 - 3 votes
1 undecided or no response

80K is not a lot of miles for a 2003.
And yes I believe the 03 is that much better.
4.6 vs 4.0
The 2000 models had radiator issues and if I'm not mistaken the cooling fans are know for grenading.
Something I think LR may have addressed by 03.

 

[Paul K]

Is the 03 white?

 

[rovercanus]

I'll be the voice of reason and say the 2000. The 4.0 has less power but also less problems (oil pump, slipped liners). The cooling is the same as the 03 as is the fan and radiator.
Well worn drivers seat is a dead give a way for high mileage/short trips or a lard ass.
The only thing I would do is upgrade the slabs to an srd500070.

 

[no694terry]

ill sell you one cheap lol

 

[SGaynor]

The 2000.

It already has the CDL on the transfer case; the 2003 does not - you will need to replace the TC.

 

[WAAPMAN]

I appreciate the responses. I rebuilt and drove a Series IIA in my callow youth, but alas I find myself entrenched in suburbia now. Honestly, this will be a family car and will likely never see anything more hairy than a Forest Service road or the odd snowdrift at the end of my driveway.

Then get a camry, it can handle snowdrifts and those gravel "forest service roads" it also gets great gas mileage so in 3 months you wont get on here and start asking "why do I get such poor fuel economy" Why would you go through all the hassles of DII ownership just so you can take it to the mall??

 

[roving disco2]

I've had alot of DII's and now a DI and have to admit I like the D2's better. The 99 and 00' model years I had where no less or more problematic than the 01 or 03 that I owned. Yes the 03 is a bit more refined but nothing that noticeable compared to a 99-00. Yes the 03 doesn't have a CDL but it really doesn't sound like your going to ever use it. I like the low mileage and I also like the newer headlights. All things considered I'd pick up the earlier one, I'll always steer clear of the 03 cause of oil pump problems. Good luck

 

[CandiMan]

He already stated he has no interest in off roading. So the advantages of 4WD capabilities doesn't apply. Even before he stated what the vehicle will be intended for, my choice would have been option #1. As rovercanus stated, aren't the 2003 knowm for oil pump issues. Why take a chance even if the VIN doesn't fall within the range.

 

[LuisC]

I appreciate the responses. I rebuilt and drove a Series IIA in my callow youth, but alas I find myself entrenched in suburbia now. Honestly, this will be a family car and will likely never see anything more hairy than a Forest Service road or the odd snowdrift at the end of my driveway.

Then get a camry, it can handle snowdrifts and those gravel "forest service roads" it also gets great gas mileage so in 3 months you wont get on here and start asking "why do I get such poor fuel economy" Why would you go through all the hassles of DII ownership just so you can take it to the mall??

Get a Subaru. Can handle mild forest roads and snow drifts and gets decent fuel mileage.
The Camry is not AWD and has low ground clearance. Then you won't feel so bad about getting 12 and 14 miles per gallon for hauling groceries in a LR. And you won't crunch the spoiler on the curb like on a Camry.

 

[roverMc]

03's are nice but no CDL, but for around $400 you can add one yourself.