| Author | Message | ||
     Travis Parsons (Tparsons) New Member Username: Tparsons Post Number: 1 Registered: 08-2003 |
Hey guys - I'm about to retire my '89 Cherokee to enter your world of LR's! I'm anxious to do so and would like any advice on what to watch for when I shop for '95 thru '97 Discoveries. I was thinking about getting into a 4-Runner, but you just can't beat the style of the Disco. So, with Toyota reliability aside, I'm ready for my first Land Rover. Any thoughts are appreciated! | ||
| Jamie (Rover_puppy) Member Username: Rover_puppy Post Number: 228 Registered: 05-2003 |
Buy Land Rover for sure. It is guaranteed to be the best love/hate relationship you've ever had in your life. Don't shy away from Discovery that has been used off road -- check it out of course, but I think you are more likely to get well maintained rover from someone who has taken their rover off road. I could be wrong, but from my experience, off roaders seem to care way more about taking care of their rovers. This is awesome place to learn and ask questions. There is even someone on this board who I was told "can build a Land Rover out of popsicle sticks". FORGET any other choices, you can't beat the way a Land Rover DRIVES. | ||
| Travis Parsons (Tparsons) New Member Username: Tparsons Post Number: 2 Registered: 08-2003 |
I'm completely prepared for the "love/hate" relationship with my LR (I DO drive a Jeep). The way I see it, if I didn't know anything about fixing vehicles, I wouldn't go near a LR. But, since I have experience in working on vehicles, I feel truly lucky to be able to purchase a Discovery and have the ability to fix it. Can't wait! | ||
| Travis Parsons (Tparsons) New Member Username: Tparsons Post Number: 3 Registered: 08-2003 |
By the way guys - Automatic or 5-Spd? Are 5-speeds really as rare as they seem? I know of one for sale, but not sure about the mileage 133K. Any thoughts? | ||
| Greg French (Gregfrench) Senior Member Username: Gregfrench Post Number: 562 Registered: 11-2002 |
I have a 97 5-speed with 120K on it. They are pretty rare. Only around 10% of the US market. I like it a lot, and had to look for a long time before I found it, but I have always owned 5-speeds. I just like the feel of them. It doesn't get any better milage than the autos, nor does it have any more power or pickup, and can be a pain in the ass off road (on hills and stuff) but if you are used to them (5-sp) then it will be a piece of pie. I had to replace the clutch around 70K. It was acting up a few months ago (going into gear hard) but I changed the gear oil and haven't had any problems since. On the plus side...I am able to push start in if it breaks down...which happens more than I would like to admit! If it has been well maintained, I wouldn't worry about 133K miles. | ||
| Travis Parsons (Tparsons) New Member Username: Tparsons Post Number: 4 Registered: 08-2003 |
Thanks for the input! I drove a 97 Auto and it seemed to lack power considerably compared to the 95 5-Spd. I had a/c on in both. I was just curious whether the acceleration between the two should be that different. I obviously need to drive a few more and I plan on it since I'm very picky when it comes to this truck. I have to admit I'm a little apprehensive about it, but they're just so damn cool compared to all other options. | ||
| Phillip Perkinson (Rover4x4) Senior Member Username: Rover4x4 Post Number: 421 Registered: 02-2003 |
Are you hell bent on a 5spd. I would opt for the auto in the Disco but thats my preference. I drive a manual however, I like both gear boxes depending on the application. | ||
| p (Pfb) New Member Username: Pfb Post Number: 27 Registered: 08-2003 |
Just be prepared for a shock if you bring the Disco to a dealer for a pre-purchase inspection. They will likely show you a "recommended repair" estimate damn close to the going price of an early disco... | ||
| Blue (Blue) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Blue Post Number: 405 Registered: 04-2003 |
I traded up to a 96 Disco (auto) from a 96 Cherokee Sport (also auto), and I've never looked back. I had them both for about 6 months, but NEVER drove the Cherokee once I had the Rover. I'd love a 5-speed, but I hate to picture the road rage after mornings & evenings in Phx rush hour 5 days a week... | ||
| Andrew Maier (Newman) Member Username: Newman Post Number: 151 Registered: 04-2003 |
FYI, there are a couple 96 or 97 D1's on EBay that are 5-speeds. Might be informative. Wish I had the links... | ||
| Scott Scott (Scottoz) Member Username: Scottoz Post Number: 107 Registered: 02-2003 |
I have a 2002 with a five speed. It has considerably more pick up and outright acceleration compared with an auto. It also sounds better. As for hills - going up is not as good as an auto, but coming down steep hills is way way better - engine braking from first low is incredible and HDC does not often get a go becuase of the engine braking. I would prefer to come down the pointy end of a mountain safely and slowly any day than have the extra tractability of an auto on the way up. Besides which for those of us without the "LUG" and have to make to with ETC I find the instant response of the manual on the way up hills better when the going gets slippery - quick bit of throttle and the ETC kicks in straight away and a few wheel spins later the babey is rocketing off - what I am saying is that because ETC works by wheelspin essentially, the quicker you can get them spinning when things are looking bad the better, because thats when drive is transferred around and you get going again. TCW S | ||
| Blue (Blue) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Blue Post Number: 423 Registered: 04-2003 |
sounds good, Scott, but regarding I would prefer to come down the pointy end of a mountain safely and slowly any day than have the extra tractability of an auto on the way up. all you have to do is pop the autostick to 1, 2, or 3 and you're locked in that gear as far as engine braking is concerned. | ||
| Scott Scott (Scottoz) Member Username: Scottoz Post Number: 108 Registered: 02-2003 |
Blue - I am aware that the D2 electronic slush box has that feature, but you still have the problem of the fluid flywheel that allows the engine to spin higher and therefore road speed to increase - auto with HDC does not come near manaul for engine braking - I have driven both; I doubt that there would be too much opposition to this proposition. Cheers mate | ||
| Blue (Blue) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Blue Post Number: 432 Registered: 04-2003 |
I don't know about the D2 & the HDC, I'm just talking about the D1, but I do see your point. | ||
| R. B. Bailey (Rover50987) Senior Member Username: Rover50987 Post Number: 640 Registered: 07-2002 |
It doesn't sound like you need any advice - ditching the Jeep for the LR is putting you on the right track all ready! | ||
| Bob (Yomtov) Member Username: Yomtov Post Number: 94 Registered: 01-2003 |
Good Luck with your purchase ! My first Rover was a 93 RRC LWB was sorry to let it go but want to experience other Rovers in particular the MKII 4.0/4.6 but I first have to make a stop with the Discovery for $$ reasons and continue my climb !Well at least you can consider the Disco the most reliable Range Rover which is a good start for you to get your feet wet ! | ||
| Corey (Discobro) Senior Member Username: Discobro Post Number: 260 Registered: 12-2002 |
Travis - I too am a Jeep turned Disco owner (I actually still have my 88 Cherokee - good for backup while working on the Disco). I just got through with an 80k mile tune up, changed all fluids and I'm good to go for another 30k. The only advice I'll give (there is a lot of it here) is to use regular maintenance and fix problems when they happen. These rigs (and all Euro autos) are finiky when it comes to maintenance so the more the merrier. Have fun and be patient. Discoweb should have an answer to any question you may have in the future regarding these fine vehicles (no sarcasm intended). Happy Rover-ing! |
