| Author | Message | ||
     Paul Ohryn (Stroker) New Member Username: Stroker Post Number: 4 Registered: 02-2004 |
Hi there folks, I hope that everyone out there ishavingagreat day. I have a huge delema here on my hands, although I really reallyreally want a disco I'm not toooo sure if it's the right choice. I'm now wondering if somthing like a tahoe might suit us better I posted a thread earlier called BUYING A DISCO II does anyone have any input and experience with both discoverys and tahoe/yukons? fuel milage,size,towing,tough ect. Thanks for your input pko | ||
| Bill Mallin (Billmallin) Senior Member Username: Billmallin Post Number: 438 Registered: 09-2003 |
What exactly is it you plan on doing with the truck? Pull a boat? Cross county trip? Drive off road through the mountains of CO? Haul the curtain crawlers to school and soccer practice? Spend a lot of money? "Should I buy a 911 or an F350?" Well it depends.. Make sense? | ||
| Paul Ohryn (Stroker) New Member Username: Stroker Post Number: 5 Registered: 02-2004 |
I wrote a little more in other string "Buying a disco II" if you read that one you"ll understand my situation a bit better. thanks pko | ||
| Bill Mallin (Billmallin) Senior Member Username: Billmallin Post Number: 439 Registered: 09-2003 |
Looks like Matt answered your question pretty good... Also looks like you answered your own question... FWIW.. I have an '01 Disco. It's not given me any problems at all, though I am not in the cold climate like you. That said, I'm in Houston where it is a gazillion degrees in the summer. Still though, no problems. Some '01s have the stub for locking the center diff, the newer production ones for the year do not. None of them have CDLs from the factory, you have to engineer some sort of linkage (lots of discussion on that in here) if your truck has the stub. My truck does not have ACE or SLS. I've not heard anyone say anything good about either, but that is not my first-hand experience--just word-of-mouth. If you plan on making it a trail rig like you mentioned in your other post, avoid both. Here's my recommendation: buy a Tahoe for the family and a Disco for you. Done.  | ||
| Greg Hirst (Gregh) Senior Member Username: Gregh Post Number: 494 Registered: 10-2002 |
I vote for the 911... | ||
| Dave Statler (Falconx84) New Member Username: Falconx84 Post Number: 17 Registered: 02-2004 |
I actually just went through the same dilema, although it was between a 98 d1 and a 98 tahoe -- college student = low funds. I ended up deciding on the disco because I got a better deal and because my dad has a tahoe, so I can borrow it when needed. I had originally decided on the tahoe. I figured anything made by landrover was waaay out of my price range and wouldn't happen. Then the dealer made me an offer I couldn't resist. I've taken the tahoe (2002) and my disco back the same roads (on and off), and for me it truly is a toss-up between the two. The chevy has a nicer ride on and off, and is noticably heavier. It's also much better powered with a 5.3L V8. Acceleration in the tahoe is much better, and at times the tahoe actually did better at one offroad section just because of the weight(snowbank). Also, once you're used to driving the disco, the tahoe's steering seems really really light and easy to steer -- probably due to the awd on the disco. The first thing that drew my attention to the disco was the style. I was just like -- wow. They aren't very common, and even at college I've seen less than 10. The backseat area and cargo area's were a bit smaller than I liked, but the additional height of the cargo area makes up for it if packed properly. I liked the higher step-in level of the disco, made me feel like I was driving a real truck. The dual sunroofs are just great, not much more can be said about that . The auto transmission was extremely nice and and I especially liked the locking differential with the low/high ranges. The disco was also setup for towing stock (a plus) whereas the tahoe it's an option that costs several hundred dollars. The towing capacity leaves something to be desired, but then I reasoned I could borrow dad's tahoe if needed. As far as a comparison between the two, it's really hard to say. Gas mileage and on-road handling are about the same. The tahoe is actually cheaper to run because it runs fine on 87 gas instead of 93. The tahoe has a larger towing capacity as well as engine and cargo area. The disco has a distinctive style and feel. The tahoe tends to be a little top-heavy, but the disco is suprisingly stable for it's height. It has a steel frame and an aluminum body, whereas the tahoe has steel for both. the tahoe also has the best ABS of any vehicle I've ever driven -- roughly 40-ish (car freak). And the disco -- I've driven for like 3k miles with the ABS warning light on I suppose I've gone on long enough with the extended "general" overview. I decided on the disco because I got it for about 5k less than the comparable tahoe. If you have any questions or anything, feel free to e-mail me - falconx84@hotmail.com or dstatler@vt.edu - I'll also be following this post in case anyone else would be interested. I've driven both and I've had positive experiences with both, so let me know. | ||
| Matt Talley (Discoverytn) New Member Username: Discoverytn Post Number: 6 Registered: 12-2003 |
I had two Tahoes(98 and 99) before I bought my 03 DII. While I enjoyed the size and room of the Tahoes, I like the feel of my Disco more. Along the lines of gas mileage there was not much difference. If you are going to compare mpg make sure you are comparing a 4wd Tahoe to the Disco. Both of my Tahoes where 4wd and like I said they got a couple more miles per gallon than the Disco. I did have problems with the electrical systems (Computers) in my Tahoes. Knock on wood, I haven't had any issues with my Disco. | ||
| KJ (Karen) Senior Member Username: Karen Post Number: 228 Registered: 02-2002 |
I looked at Tahoe, 4-Runner, Discovery, and a couple others that totally escape me at the moment, when I was looking to buy new in 2001. Tahoe screamed road trip at me since it was wildly roomy. It was SO American, with all that fuzzy sort of velveteen material on the interior and the plush-plush. But, overall it felt cheap and when I drove it it felt VERY tippy when doing such mundane moves as pulling a u-turn on the highway. When I pushed it even mildly I thought the salesman riding along would hurl in fear. By contrast, the LR sales guide simply gave us the key and off we went alone. We drove the Disco with ACE and without and simply couldn't feel much difference between the two. BUT, the difference between the Tahoe and either Disco was immense. I couldn't force the Disco to feel tippy and I pulled donuts, quick, hard turns, etc. The interior fit and finish of the Disco was far superior and felt as if it would last longer under normal wear. I've always loved the styling of the Disco and I liked the thought that I could probably find it in a parking lot as opposed to searching through the endless sea of Tahoes. I was willing to give up some interior elbow room for the rest of the positives I found in the Disco. The 4-Runner was simply too cramped inside to even consider for my tall husband. I didn't read your other note, but these were the things I found in test-driving the two vehicles in August 2001. Karen | ||
| John S. Bleazard (Injun) New Member Username: Injun Post Number: 25 Registered: 12-2003 |
My sister-in-law has an 01 Tahoe and hates it. With 60K on the odometer, the leather seats are cracking, the plastic interior is simply cheap and (LR has better plastic) the thing looks and feels massive. One morning, after a hard night rain, they found pudles of water in the floorboard. The dealership said this was a problem with the new Tahoes. Some kind of structural gap in the cowl drain. It was a first to me. Comparing it to my 70K 98 Disco I would give the edge in maneuverability, off-road performance, on-road bad conditions performance, styling, and quality of interior and exterior to the LR. On-road the Tahoe drives much smoother, quieter, and has much more power than the Disco. Mechanical reliability and customer service would have to go to the GM product. Ive had a blast in my Disco and dont regret getting it (yet), but when something tears up - and it will - it will be a challenging time. I would suggest the Disco and an extended comprehensive warranty. A good test is what KJ said. Go to the Mall and count the Tahoes. I would bet that out of 10 vehicles, you will see 4-6 Tahoes. | ||
| Justin Kurosaki (Kurosaki) New Member Username: Kurosaki Post Number: 1 Registered: 02-2004 |
Paul, I have both, a 2002 Tahoe and a 2000 Disco II (as well as a 2001 Land Cruiser). It really depends on what you are looking for as to which is better. For what most people want in a vehicle, the Tahoe will probably better suit you. Better gas mileage, more reliable, better resale, better towing, more powerful, roomier, and a better ride... Now if you want something more unique, by all means join Discoweb and get a Discovery II. The Disco is easily better offroad, feels better behind the wheel, and in general is more enjoyable to drive (simply because it makes me feel special). Read a few posts on this site and see if a Rover suits you. Hope this answers your question. -justin | ||
| Matt Anderson (Disco01) Senior Member Username: Disco01 Post Number: 261 Registered: 10-2003 |
John, you gotta be kidding me. There is no way Tahoes are more reliable than the Disco. I am often on the MCT forum due to the fact that I drive a 2002 Silverado a lot and I will tell you a few things most Tahoes do. First off, the clunk when you step on the gas due to wear on the splines of the dshaft. In my truck they put an nickel plated job in and it fixed the trouble, although for some reason they only make the nickel plated shaft for an extended cab shortbed truck, the rest of them (Burban, Tahoe, Silverado) just have the clunk. It is really more of an annoyance more than anything else though. The 4L60E trans is the same unit you will find in the minivans and deals with 285hp as about as well as can be expected. They are replaced like crazy. As someone mentioned above, the seats simply dont last. Expect cracks by 40k. The engines have a pretty big problem with piston slab, and you have two choices in the matter, you can either get it fixed and lost the warranty from there out or GM will extend the warranty on the engine. The intermediate steering shafts break frequently, if you feel like the wheel shakes up and down when you hit a bump it is on its way out. The door catches need to be reriveted often as they will pull away and make cracking noises. They have a pretty big problem with window regulators failing, pinion seals blowing, oh gosh there is more I am just not thinking of them all right now. Bottom line, I would drive a Tahoe--they are big smooth refined trucks and I am not dogging on them, but be aware that they are probably more prone to probles thatn a LATE MODEL Disco. Yeah there are some D2 owners on here (one in particular) who will chime in and tell you horror stories, and I think he has the right, but I also think he has a lemon while a lot of us D2 owners have had trouble free trucks. John, I did not mean to attack you in the first line, but I think if you comapred a 01 D2 with at 01 Tahoe you woul see a big difference than your 98. I will finish with this, my 01 Disco has twice the miles and has had half the problems (neither vehicle has ever had a problem serious enough for me to not recommend then however) of the 02 Silverado. Paul, look back at my old post for you last time again. | ||
| Justin Kurosaki (Kurosaki) New Member Username: Kurosaki Post Number: 2 Registered: 02-2004 |
Matt, I'm a rover fan, but I'm going to have to disagree about the reliability of the Disco vs a Tahoe (or Silverado, Yukon, etc). Much of the problems you mention are more due to MCT being a online forum. This site has the same kind of issues. Heck, even the Toyota forum has its "lemons". Unfortunately, Land Rovers don't have the reliability they should have. A sad fact that I wish wasn't true. At least LR appears to be getting better. I've owned well over two dozen (we run a construction company) Silverado's, W/T's (base model chevy P/U), Yukons, and Blazers. All of which have taken unimaginable abuse. I will agree with you on one important point, the transmissions are not really up to the task. Of the several GM trucks I've owned, I have had 3 replaced. One under warranty, while the other two had about 125k on them (died while towing). Other than those issues, they have faired well with just normal wear and tear for trucks with lots of hard miles. -justin | ||
| Matt Anderson (Disco01) Senior Member Username: Disco01 Post Number: 262 Registered: 10-2003 |
Well Justin there is no right answer to the reliability question, just personal experiences. My personal experiences with three GM trucks is that they have lower quality than my two Discos. Of course this is all my own isolated experience. I think we could both agree however that neither the Tahoe or the Rover are as troube free as they should be. One thing I will concede, the GM trucks seem unaffected by how they are maintained, meaning they seem to hold up to the typical American negligent driver better than the Rover or any other European make. Also, Justin, it might be that you arent as picky about how your work trucks run than your personal vehicle. And if you are talking about an S-series Blazer than you gotta be smoking something. If you took all of the bad parts put on 4x4s ever you would pretty much have assembled one of those. I mean come on, my friend had one once that would not start unless the left blinker was on and the dealer told him it was a security system.......hahahaa......... strange since he did not have this security system for the first year he owned it. | ||
| Justin Kurosaki (Kurosaki) New Member Username: Kurosaki Post Number: 3 Registered: 02-2004 |
K-5 Blazer... One of my most favorite vehicles I ever owned. I agree with you completely, S-10 Blazers are crap. Which is embarassing as I had to be pulled out of a nasty mudhole once by one. Ironically the "Tahoe" name came from the S-10 Blazer/Jimmy(it was the name of a trim level). -justin | ||
| Matt Anderson (Disco01) Senior Member Username: Disco01 Post Number: 263 Registered: 10-2003 |
Man that is a relief. I never understood how GM could make such a crappy little truck and such a nice big one. I wonder how those new Colorados are? Inside still looks cheap to me. I bet you wish you still had that K5. | ||
| Justin Kurosaki (Kurosaki) New Member Username: Kurosaki Post Number: 4 Registered: 02-2004 |
Yes, the K5 was wonderful (lost my virginity in one)... I wouldn't give the Disco up (read that Paul?), but I would love to park a K5 next to it. I don't like the new Silverado front ends, but the I like the adapted look on the Colorado. Pretty mean looking. But as soon as I saw the price on one I nearly crapped my pants. No way in hell I would pay that kind of money for a mid-sized P/U. -justin | ||
| Geoff 93 RRC (Geoff) Senior Member Username: Geoff Post Number: 253 Registered: 11-2002 |
Had a GMC pickup a few years ago. Did nothing but fluid changes and never had ANY problems with it in 85K (not even brakes). Sold it to my father in law who drove it to 138K before selling it. He also did nothing but normal maintenance and reported it drove as new. I used to pull our boat with the truck through mountains. I often had my foot to the floor for over an hour. Never overheated and never burned any oil. I'm sold. | ||
| Wicks (Wicks) Member Username: Wicks Post Number: 138 Registered: 03-2003 |
Would someone delete this thread. | ||
| Scott Scott (Scottoz) Member Username: Scottoz Post Number: 159 Registered: 02-2003 |
Justin - - as a matter of interest how do you rate your 02 with the 2001 'Cruiser off road. | ||
| Justin Kurosaki (Kurosaki) New Member Username: Kurosaki Post Number: 5 Registered: 02-2004 |
Scott, I haven't tried offroading the cruiser... It is just too nice and too expensive for me to tear up ;). Given that it has running boards I doubt it would do very well. I will say the chassis is built like a tank and at least it has a CDL. -justin PS. I'm far from rich, I won the cruiser gambling in vegas! |
