| Author | Message | ||
     Randall Rabalais (Randy) New Member Username: Randy Post Number: 1 Registered: 03-2003 |
Greetings from a new member, The SO and I are looking at a nice '99 LR Discovery in great shape with about 49K miles on it. I've done a considerable amount of web surfing to find out what I can on this vehicle and what I have found isn't too encouraging. So, that being said I thought I'd ask the people who know best - Discovery owners. Most info I've found focuses on four main points: 1. lousy gas mileage 2. poor quality control 3. prone to mechanical failure 4. REALLY good off road performace Now let me set the stage for who I am and how I'd use it. I live in small Colorado mountain town but commute about 25 miles one way to work in a larger city. My neighborhood tends to get some big snow storms so rock solid four wheel drive is a necessity. I'm not into four wheeling for fun but do take friends and relatives off road when they're visiting. In the past I've used my SUV's to pull dead trees out of the ground, other cars out of ditches, and to pull my utility trailer when I'm buying landscape materials. I ski a lot which puts me in potentially nasty climates at high altitudes. I've owned a Jeep Grand Wagoneer (old body style) and Ford Exploder. I loved the Jeep's 4 wheel drive and V8 engine but hated it's lousy gas mileage and mechanical problems. The Exploder is okay but with its age and high mileage it's starting to cost me some bucks and is rusting badly. My old Wagoneer had the power and torque to bust through snow drifts but the Exploder just doesn't have the guts. On the other hand the Exploder gets around 19 mpg on the highway as opposed to the Jeep's 10 mpg. I'd like to own something I don't see in every driveway, something that's well built and can take us out to fancy places yet do the occassional tough stuff I need it to. I've found a gorgeous Disco that I can afford a and would appreciate your feedback. Thanks! Randy | ||
| Paul Long (Humveewannabe) New Member Username: Humveewannabe Post Number: 4 Registered: 03-2003 |
D1 or DII ? | ||
| Randall Rabalais (Randy) New Member Username: Randy Post Number: 2 Registered: 03-2003 |
Paul, It's a DII. Thanks for any info you can supply! Randy | ||
| John Moore (Jmoore) Senior Member Username: Jmoore Post Number: 539 Registered: 10-2002 |
Welcome, I hope the Discovery works out for you. They are great trucks and from what you decribed would fit the bill for you. FYI - They average 12-15 mpg. A D2 is a sophisticated vehicle with a several computers controlling various functions of the vechile. I bring that up, because you will need a dealer or other LR shop with a interface (testbook) to help perform some repairs. (You mentioned you live in a small town) The build quality is good in the D2, they do have some quirks, but I wouldn't say they are prone to mechanical failure. The disco will definately be able to bust through snow drifts, pull trees, etc and do it in style. Hope it works out for you. Let me know if you have further questions. -John | ||
| Randall Rabalais (Randy) New Member Username: Randy Post Number: 3 Registered: 03-2003 |
John, There are three LR dealers within less than an hour's drive from my home so service shouldn't be a problem. Thanks for your feedback, this is just what I'm looking for. Can you expand on what you mean by "quirks?" Also, since this beast requires specific service from an authorized dealer what kind of costs will I be looking at when I need to get routine work done? Are there specific things I should look out for in terms of certain items that are prone to failure? Sorry to hit you with all these questions! For what it's worth I belong to a BMW motorcycle discussion board and have spent many hours responding to similar questions from newbie's and prospective owners so I apprecaite your time. | ||
| Eugene (Eugene) New Member Username: Eugene Post Number: 18 Registered: 02-2003 |
Randall, Robinson Service has a good write-up on things to look for in a DII. You can find it here: http://www.robisonservice.com/servicedep/rover_advice1.asp#discoII FWIW, I think Rovers are more finicky with maintenance than compared with other cars, but are much more rewarding to drive. For those who are mechanically adept, you can handle most items yourself (with some help from DiscoWeb). It is a wonderful car. -ema | ||
| John Moore (Jmoore) Senior Member Username: Jmoore Post Number: 540 Registered: 10-2002 |
Randall, I do most repairs and service myself. The Robison article points out the weak points, radiators & rockers. However, if the vehicle has been maintained regularly and continues to be so, many of those problems can be avoided or at least postponed. Land Rovers are surprisingly easy to work on. The engine is based on a 1960's buick aluminum V8 and is simple in design. Also, note that LR's require premium fuel. I don't mind the newbie questions, FYI - I just bought a 70 MGB and I am currently bugging guys on a MG BBS! | ||
| Paul Long (Humveewannabe) New Member Username: Humveewannabe Post Number: 5 Registered: 03-2003 |
I purchased my 99 DII at approx. 40,000 mi. 1.) Fuel mileage not much worse than my full size Ford pick up. Gets better mileage with 93 octane and you can feel the lag as soon as you use anything lower. I get around 20 mpg highway. 2.) I've seen no quality issues with these models since by now any warranty work and any bugs should be worked out by the first owner. 3.) Mechanical failure; not in the sense of leaving you stranded. However when you need parts, be prepared to wait. When mine needed front rotors at 45,000, they were back ordered and at the time, hard to get. Just ask for brake pads, or something simple at a local parts store. There are no simple parts available at local parts suppliers. Oil and air filter is about it. The Champion plugs recommended are a dealer item. The exhaust valve carbon build up is still an issue on this model. Be prepared for a $2000.00 valve job from a dealer. Parts only are about 700 if you can do it yourself, but now the rebuilt heads are using a black nitite coated valve that so far is the best fix. Just don't know if you can get these valves without purchasing rebuilt heads. Bottom line is WHY even have this conversation of rebuilding top ends with under 100,000 mi. on them! This should not happen on ANY vehicle, then alone a high dollar vehicle. But it remains an issue. Also remove the radiator cover at the top and look down the back of the radiator BEFORE the warranty runs out at 50,000. The originals leaked down the left side (facing engine), if it hasn't already been replaced. 4.) REALLY good off road AFTER you get rid of the stock tires, fabricate some sort of center diff lock linkage to be able to lock the center diff without crawling under and burning your arm.... extend the rear axel breather up to where the front axel breather termination is, trim the front faring before the trail does it for you, and here is where the mileage takes a hit. Removal of the airdam kills the highway mileage, so I've left my air dam / snow plow alone. You're just very limited to where you can go. The ride height for snow over 18" isn't much, so when shocks are needed, may as well go with springs giving an extra two inches lift. I get hung up in deep snow easily at stock height. Once you can lock that center diff from inside, they navigate deep snow MUCH better. I was under the impression when I got mine that it was the go anywhere vehicle. Not without doing a few simple mods. I don't really off road for sport, just live in a mountainous area on a private road that requires more than a typical 4wd. I will say the payload is very good with stock suspension. I play with steam engines (full size) and have carried large lathe parts, 3 phase motors and heavy hunks of iron with little to no sag in the rear LOADED. It just handles it. I trailer the big parts on a single axle flat bed comfortably sometimes crossing states. Highway performance is better than my daily driver pick-up, but then I've only had to change the oil and check the gas for the last 160,000 mi. in the pick up. Not babysit it searching parts and advice on the net. It has been an experience, not necessarily all good. (If you can't pop the hood to see how much washer fluid is in it, somethings wrong. I have a problem with over engineering... | ||
| Phillip Perkinson (Rover4x4) Member Username: Rover4x4 Post Number: 80 Registered: 02-2003 |
what kinda steam engines? like locomatives? | ||
| Phillip Perkinson (Rover4x4) Member Username: Rover4x4 Post Number: 82 Registered: 02-2003 |
locomotives** | ||
| Paul Long (Humveewannabe) New Member Username: Humveewannabe Post Number: 6 Registered: 03-2003 |
Was a "heavy mobile equipment mechanic" GS 11, whatever that means in gov. terms at Steamtown. Steam has always been a hobby. Now I am into steam traction engines and stationary engines as well. Most are only a ton or so, but the larger one being a Corliss has a two ton flywheel. 12" cylinder X 27" stroke. The large engines you can get for scrap prices, no one wants to move 'em and make parts for 'em. Also play with steam pumps (Worthington), rollers and winches. (Quarry type with 8 and 10 ft. drums) | ||
| Paul Long (Humveewannabe) New Member Username: Humveewannabe Post Number: 7 Registered: 03-2003 |
Here you go; http://jacktown.com/absoluteig/gallery.asp?action=viewimage&categoryid=44&text=& imageid=274&box=&shownew= | ||
| Mark & Bev Preston (Markp) Member Username: Markp Post Number: 178 Registered: 02-2002 |
Randall, The standard warranty is 50K miles. Make sure everything works and have it covered under the factory warranty before it runs out. The Colorado Springs dealer is great and will take care of you. Get the VIN number and stop by the dealer, introduce yourself and have them print out a report on all work performed on the vehicle your considering. I'm in North Colorado Springs. Your drive from Monument should get you around 16 mpg. I have a 98' DI with full roof rack and get around 14-15 on the highway. While gas mileage isn't high, it's not bad for a 4500# vehicle. As for quality, not any worse than many others. Just this past week a co-worker was commenting on the poor quality of plastic in his 99 Toyota LandCruiser. People that I have had in mine notice how solid the vehicle feels. Hope that helps. - Mark | ||
| Randy Rabalais (Randy) New Member Username: Randy Post Number: 4 Registered: 03-2003 |
This is great! I viewed the Robinson site and am in the process of printing his buying advice which will prove to be extremely helpful. Thanks to all for taking the time to help out this newby. | ||
| TPH (Snowman) Senior Member Username: Snowman Post Number: 349 Registered: 12-2002 |
John- A 70 MGB, that's a great little car. Tell us about it, total restoration needed or ready to go? Post some pics if you can. I told you that year end bonus would come through!!  S- | ||
| John Moore (Jmoore) Senior Member Username: Jmoore Post Number: 541 Registered: 10-2002 |
I posted a few pics in another thread called "A Friend for Rover" Most people must have not looked at the thread, last time I posted about MG's several other dwebbers confessed to owning MG's too. Check it out. It runs but is currently not road worthy. Need a complete interior. I shoulld be able to get it on the road quickly though. Let me know what you think. -John | ||
| Randy Rabalais (Randy) New Member Username: Randy Post Number: 6 Registered: 03-2003 |
Well, the deed's been done. Sometime later this week we'll have a VERY nice white gold '99 Disco II. We looked at and drove several and ended up buying ours from a Denver used car dealer by the name of "The Sharper Auto." He specializes in high quality vehicles like Saab's, LR's, Porche's, Lexus, etc. This one's nicely equipped with 38K miles. We drove a '00 Disco II SE7 with the fancy smancy handling system. Hated it. Something wasn't right with that one, it felt way too heavy an tended to wallow around plus it was a dog. That's the short version for now but I know I'll be back with questions and comments. Thanks again to all who responded to my plea for help! | ||
| John Moore (Jmoore) Senior Member Username: Jmoore Post Number: 545 Registered: 10-2002 |
Congrats Randy! Hope you enjoy! -John | ||
| KJ (Karen) Senior Member Username: Karen Post Number: 120 Registered: 02-2002 |
White Gold, very nice  |
