By Karen Jones on Saturday, August 04, 2001 - 07:31 pm: Edit

Hello All,

I read with great interest all the posts here about the ACE performance package (as well as everything else I could read, this site is wonderful!) before I set out on my test drive today. Apologies in advance for asking yet more ACE questions than have already been asked, and thanks in advance for any advice. First time in a Land Rover, and my husband I and drove a 2001 Discovery. We both drove a non-ACE vehicle and then an ACE equiped vehicle. Armed with everything said here about wheel/tire sizes, swapping out 18's for 16's, tire availability/lack thereof/European vs. US bundling and all the rest, we wrestled with the test drive. Our impressions are: We felt only a small difference in body roll without the ACE, and we performed identical test circles in the same parking lot. The ACE equiped vehicle felt better overall on the street test. Neither of us were moved at all by the look of the 18 inch wheels and low-profile tires. I am concerned about the additional noise created by the system, my husband less so. I asked most of the questions of the sales rep as I've been the researcher. He seemed to think 18 inch tires were easy to come by, whereas it seemed I read here (geez, I hope it was here, I've been reading a lot) that the options were far more limited than in the 16 inch size. I'm concerned about a pricey system that is only a couple years old. How long do hydralic lines last and how expensive are they to replace? Does Land Rover even have enough data to answer such a question? I know of the 1999 problems and that they've been resolved. Where I thought I really would like the ACE, now I think we're leaning toward not purchasing it. We really felt the on-road feel was nicer with it, but I wonder if when the stock tires wear out if we could get a better ride with Michelins perhaps, or some other tire? Overall we liked the vehicle a lot and it's our top pick of the class so far (I'm trying to be really adult about not falling in love too easily). O.k., so I love the style, always have, am stupidly smitten truth be told, but feel I should drive a couple other vehicles in the class before I shuck my bucks. Things about us to factor in to decision-making: We keep cars a LONG time. We currently have a 1987 Volvo 240 DL (stop laughing, it's been good to me ;)) and a 1987 GMC Dually pick up. Safety is high on our list, as is longevity, reliability, and a body style that isn't trendy and looks dated in 18 months. This would be our first SUV, and we can see from today's drive that there are adjustments that will need to be made (entry and exit methods to name one). We think we're ready, but are leaning toward spending the money other than on ACE. Am I missing anything? Oh, the lion's share of this vehicle's workload would be on-road, though we'd like to think about getting into a little off-roading, or at least having that option. Have really enjoyed this site, your pictures and stories, thanks very much for any help!

{I just re-read this and I sound annoyingly suburban commuter sedan-needy. You guys sound so off-road worldly...I'll try and expand my horizons! I live in the country, if that gains me any points in the hipness quotient. Please tell me the Discovery will take me down my snowy country roads this winter, my Volvo sucks in bad weather. Also, how is the defroster for un-fogging the windshield? If I get another horrible defrost, I'll kill myself, literally, but hitting something I can't see.....}

KJ

By Rob Davison (Pokerob) on Sunday, August 05, 2001 - 05:46 am: Edit

sounds like you have been doing some research. most of the people that are posting here have a disco1 (like me) and we get around just fine without ACE, heck a lot of us have taken off the sway bars for better offroad performance... and we still get around.

i think like all things , you will adjust to how to drive your new disco and whether you have ACE or not, will be just another thing to get used to in those first few weeks.

What are the real advantages of ACE? lets you go farster around a bend... is that something that you really should be doing fast in a big boxy SUV? i dont think so. i say slow down 5-10mph and you wont miss it. besides you'll save 2k which you can spend on a liftkit bumper and winch


-rd

By Moe on Sunday, August 05, 2001 - 07:42 am: Edit

Living in the country definitely increases one's hipness quotient It sounds like you might have already decided on the non-ACE. Save the money and spend it on the cold climate package. For the snowy conditions you might want slightly more agressive tires. BFG Track Edges work brilliantly as an AT (they can be studded too). 215/85 or 245/75 are good sizes to go for. Finally, pick up a tow strap and a couple of heavy shackles for those snowy days when you will be pulling other SUVs back onto the road.

By Steve (Steve2) on Sunday, August 05, 2001 - 01:02 pm: Edit

karen-

the ace is a superb system designed for the aggressive driver coming out of / used to more spirited handling. you can always purchase the 18" rims to mount on a non-ace car if you like the look. i think the mondial wheels are just too sexy. the ace equipped car is heavier than the standard - by about 150ish pounds. the british press have praised the discos with ace and without the ace. i think the series 2 far out handles a series one on the road, the ace even more so.

i think the clincher would be to see how much or your time you will spend off road vs. on road. the extra 3K could easier go to other fun stuff.

as far as your choice of car - i am totally smitten with my series one and just love driving it, and am convinced it is without question the most handsome suv on the road save the range rovers or freelander (ok d90 also!). i had a cherokee prior and the quality does not compare and sure the car has it weird quirks - but i would not be without them. the l/r centre treats me like a person and as an added bonus - there are all these cool land rover magazines to keep the flame alive....

if you are going to be driving dirt roads - then i'd go sans ace. as said - you can have the 16"s with some at or my tires for the heavy stuff and a set of 18"s for summer fun -

you can't loose either way - what color are you getting?

steve

By Karen Jones on Sunday, August 05, 2001 - 06:29 pm: Edit

Thanks to Rob, Moe and Steve for taking the time to answer my newbie questions, the effort is much appreciated! I'm doing the best I can to sort it all out, and we are thinking that perhaps the money is better spent for us on something else. I'm still open to any accurate, compelling reasons to spring for the ACE, but so far it sounds as if we might do just as well without it. Any thoughts about the ready availability of a wide choice of 18 inch tires, or the lack thereof? And my husband asked if anyone could comment on the defroster in the Discovery (no newbie non-owner can use the term "Disco" I don't think). Moe, rest assured we'll be certain to get the CCP (don't I sound clued in? LOL!), so I wonder if that will have a positive effect on windshield fogging? I'm really tired of running my a/c in the winter just so I can see through my Volvo's windshield. Also, I've seen the limited crash testing that has been done and safety is a biggie for us. Looks like the driver's left side is somewhat vunerable in the data I've seen. Seems that the annecdotal evidence is positively compelling, how high on the list is safety for most of you here, and how do you feel in your Discoveries? (Sorry, my Volvoness is showing, )

Steve, clearly you're a wicked man, asking me what color we've chosen, LOL. Truth is, we're not sure yet, but I like the certainty that you're feeling that we'll be doing just that soon!

KJ ;)

By Perrone Ford on Sunday, August 05, 2001 - 08:26 pm: Edit

Karen,

I'd like to add a few things if I could. First your concerns about ACE are well founded. The system is very gimmicky, and I've seen more than one system fail. I've also heard the "other" side of the noise problem from owners. They are being told that the excessive noise is "normal". Consider this: You can remove the stock fitted shocks and replace them with Bilsteins for about $350-$400. Same tight feel as the ACE equipped Disco, MUCH cheaper, and nothing to fail. Bilsteins are standard equipment on BMW, Mercedes, and Porsche, and some of the other best handling cars in the world. They are a little stiff for the tough off-roading but will last 200,000 miles easily and work GREAT in any conditions you are likely to see.

As for 18" tires, there is a good selection of them out there, but DAMN few designed to be mounted on a truck. The 16" wheels will give you more choices than you can keep up with, at a MUCH better price. And unless you intend to go over 90 mph, you'll not notice that much difference.

As for how it works in the snow? Well, with proper tires (drive from the dealer to the tire shop and fit decent tires bypassing the crap they install from the factory) you'll have the most capable SUV currently sold on the planet except for maybe a Hummer (no flames please). Your Disco will take you through 8-10" of snow without so much as a whimper on the proper tires.

As for its crashworthiness, I'd stake my life on one. I recommended a Volvo to my parents but I feel my Land Rover is safer. It really doesn't do that well in crash testing into non-moveable objects because of its frame construction, but when striking moveable objects, its stout frame allow it to be the winner in almost any scenario.

The biggest issue in purchasing a Land Rover is not any of the things you have mentioned here, the real issue is "can you afford it?" And I don't mean the payments. I mean the vehicle DEMANDS strict maintenance, and if you can't do it yourself, you had better be prepared to gain serious wear on your credit card or checkbook. DO NOT think you can skimp on the maintenance, or your new purchase will leave you on the side of the road like a jealous love.

Best of luck to you and I hope you enjoy your purchase no matter WHAT you buy. Feel free to email me directly if I can be of further assitance. But you are in quite good hands with the people on this site.

-P

By gil on Monday, August 06, 2001 - 02:45 am: Edit

". I mean the vehicle DEMANDS strict maintenance, and if you can't do it yourself, you had better be prepared to gain serious wear on your credit card or checkbook"

huh?? a 2001 Disco costs no more to maintain than a Honda. thats the beauty of newer Rovers, its called "warranty"

By Perrone Ford on Monday, August 06, 2001 - 05:30 am: Edit

Ah yes, the warranty!

That great luxury for those buying newer cars. Have you actually SEEN how dealers do warranty work? They have VERY slim profit margins on warranty work so they will use the cheapest parts, and the newest an most inexperienced techs. This is not a LR only problem. And trust me, when you get stranded in the rain at night, that warranty won't seem like the utopia it's portrayed as. And when the dealer tells you he can't take the car for 3 days, and then he has it for another week, while you are paying rental costs, how great is the warranty? Or does the new warranty cover rental fees?

And what fun you get to have when the warranty runs out and all the problems become your own. Or you want to trade in on a new truck and they only want to give you 30% below wholsale on your trade. Our trucks kick butt on the trail and in the wallet. I love them, but they can be expensive.

-P

By MA on Monday, August 06, 2001 - 05:49 am: Edit

Save the $3000 on ACE, it's a waste of money for a Land Rover. If you want something that can handle excellent in all types of roads then go for a 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX(really fast and really stable) or a BMW 330xi. The Discovery is a truck, no matter what you do to it...it will still handle like a truck. I too did the same thing you did, I test drove 2 Disco II's(one with ACE, the other with-out) and I could barely feel any difference. The ACE equipped Disco handled better, but the difference can only be felt when you really take the corners. The ACE equipped Disco was also louder on-road, due to the low-profile tires. I agree with Perrone, go with Bilstein shocks instead, it makes a noticable difference on and off-road. I don't know of any company(in America) that makes AT or MT 18" tires. If you get the 16" wheels, the choices are endless. Just my opinion.

By Karen Jones on Monday, August 06, 2001 - 06:14 am: Edit

Once more, my thanks to everyone who took time to reply to my novice questions. The real world experience of the members of this forum is invaluable. I really think I've deep-sixed the ACE as an issue in our car-buying adventure. If you can deal with any more questions from me, I'd be most appreciative. We're getting perilously close to a purchase, and now I'm wondering about delving into the Land Rover accessories kit. Some dealers *seem* to do a small amount of discounting if you make kit purchases at point of purchase rather than later. As I'm so far away from my most local dealership (nearly a two hour drive), it's not an easy thing to jump in the car and good have a look at the accessories. I imagine every vehicle usage creates it's own needs, and I'll admit that at this point I've no earthly idea how much off-roading we might get into. Frankly, at this early point when I use the "Build a Land Rover" utility on the web site, all I can do is choose what looks good to my eye, which seems like a pitiful way to spend my hard-earned cash. Nothing will even really look quite the same in person anyway, so that seems a doubly bad idea. From a utility standpoint, it's probably radically foolish to buy anything from the kit until we have the vehicle for a while, but are there any basic things we really need regardless of what we plan to do in the future? Do you avoid running boards if you think you'll off road later? I just know so little, and there's nothing on the Land Rover site that even explains what the kit accessories are all designed to do. Roof rail extensions, just as one example, I can only surmise it's to carry more cargo on the roof? Are accessories (in this case I mean things like bars and boards made for Discoveries specifically) available only through Land Rover, or are there any discounters out there? If this is the wrong place on this forum to ask such basic questions, please let me know that, too. You guys have been very kind to me, but I know from my own line of work that repeating oneself over and over to novices gets tiresome. Think I'll hit the archives a little harder, too. Oh, and I know.....whatever I do, buy a winch, right? (grin) Many thanks!

Karen

By Steve (Steve2) on Monday, August 06, 2001 - 06:31 am: Edit

karen

wicked eh? cruel perhaps but always with a gentle touch! re: the defrost of the front windscreen - not sure what the ccp is so i can only relay my experience that unless it is very humid that i have not had to use the defroster. not sure it that answers your q. re: genuine kit - it's the most expensive - but fits the best right out of the box BUT there are plenty of aftermarket manufacturers out there. personally i think the best add-on for light off roading is a set of spot lamps on the front bumper. if you must have something on the front - i like and did the factory a bar, or you can get a mini bar that attatches to the top front bumper. adding any kind of brush bar will cut down slightly on your freeway mpg. also some kind of rear cargo area securing device to keep items in place is good thing. i'd start with just the car, you can always add the kit later (unless you want to make it part of the car payment) and there are several companies that sell genuine off of list. also if you really get fanatical - you can order parts from the uk for specialy items. if you live in a rural area or have a dog - then the rubber mats are a good thing as are seat covers. small simple items to help you enjoy your landie.....

the disco is immensely competant off road right out of the box - and with minor upgrages you can change it slightly to suit your tastes whilst maintaining it's overall utility.

steve

By Perrone Ford on Monday, August 06, 2001 - 09:29 am: Edit

Karen,

Smart decision on the ACE. That's good money you can spend on getting decent tires and some Bilsteins. As for getting genuine kit, LR stopped making decent accessories in the 70s. Almost everything they sell is image products. The brushbars are a joke, the roof racks are weak (unless they are the Brownchurch), and the other pieces of equipment likely won't last a year with any good use.

Consider that LR make NO offroad accessories. They buy everything from someone else, re-badge it, and add 50-100% to the price. I KNOW it feels good to walk out of the dealer with a nice vehicle that says Land Rover all over it, but if you spend time looking at the vehicles of people who REALLY use their trucks, you'll see that they have spent time researching the BEST products in the world and almost without fail you'll not see LR accessories anywhere.

I'm very excited for you and your purchase and I hope it brings you many years of enjoyment. Take an off-road instruction course if you can as that will raise your enjoyment and appreciation of the vehicle tremendously. These vehicles are more capable off-road than 99% of the owners. You do not have to modify it much for it to take you anywhere you want to go. We modify our trucks so much because we have learned and tested its limits and are extending the limits a bit. And we often go places we shouldn't!

Best of luck to you.

-P

By Ron on Monday, August 06, 2001 - 09:51 am: Edit

Karen,

Where are you? If you are anywhere near Philadelphia I will be happy to help point out some things. In any case you want to get the heated windscreen which comes with the ccp (cold climate package). LR accessories are hit and miss. The good thing is you get them waranteed with the truck so if you really want a winch the genuine kit might be a good idea. personally I would not get it as there are better options but its up to you. The standard brush bar is a waste of money.
Do you avoid running boards if you think you'll off road later?

Absolutely, get RTE sliders instead.

The genuine roof rack is great but $$$$, the extention bars are ok at best.

Good choice on non-ACE. I would also avoid the SLS but I think that is a lot smaller issue as coil spring can be retrofitted easily.

Cheers
Ron

By Blue Gill (Bluegill) on Monday, August 06, 2001 - 10:20 am: Edit

So, back to the really important question: What color?

By Karen Jones on Monday, August 06, 2001 - 03:53 pm: Edit

HAHAHA, deciding on color might be the toughest chore of all! My husband and I poured over all the shocks/tires/kits tips everyone gave me today, and I'm almost having to take notes to keep up. We're pretty game for some simple retro-fitting straight away if it makes good sense to do so. I wouldn't do anything dramatic until I know something about these vehicles, and man, there's a lot to know! Ron, thanks for the offer of a first hand tour, we're about three hours South of Philly. Just for grins on a brutally hot day, I test drove a 4Runner today. Lovely car, not for me. I even took out a Tahoe, as it was easy enough to do at the same dealership. Again, cushy, VERY American creature comfort-y, and not for me. I felt I owed it to myself to tour the competition, but the damned Discovery has already stolen my heart. Now I'm zeroing in on the best deal. BTW, I have already had some unfavorable contacts with my most local Land Rover dealership. My B.S. detector has been working overtime with those guys which is a drag because I expect they'll be doing my service. Hope they don't mow down any old geezers while they make unauthorized use of my Discovery.....(grin). Thanks again for the help, you guys are the best. Not to mention you always keep a straight face, even with subject headers that sound like the worst troll bait ("Why does my shifter get so hot?"). ;)

Karen

By Moe on Monday, August 06, 2001 - 04:42 pm: Edit

Karen, avoid running boards and accessories untill you give it more thought. At least get them to throw in some heavy duty rubber mats and a few extras to cinch the deal, but don't go handing them money for overpriced stuff you might not need.

How many salesmen you met without a high BS factor? If you are choosing between dealers, you want to investigate the service department. Call and ask how long for an appointment. Maybe chat with the service advisors and and check out the garage and see if you can get along, as these will be the people you will end up having to deal with for any problems that are bound to pop up.

By Ron on Tuesday, August 07, 2001 - 03:51 am: Edit

Karen,

Email me. I think I know some people local to you and I can put you in touch with someone who can help.

Cheers
Ron

evilfij (at) yahoo (dot) com

By Blue Gill (Bluegill) on Tuesday, August 07, 2001 - 05:56 am: Edit

damn, we missed the joke inherent in the "why does my shifter get so hot" thread....we're slacking, guys Kudos to Karen for picking up on it - she's got my vote (but A.C.E. & 18" chrome sure don't)

By Karen Jones on Tuesday, August 07, 2001 - 06:12 am: Edit

Heeheehee....well, you guys are a serious crew, leave it to the newbie to see the double entendre.

Alright, in all seriousness...well, a little seriousness....about color. We thought we liked lighter colors (I was partial to Whitegold or White) until we saw a darker color or two that we liked (Epsom Green has possibilities). Having said that, I can get a Whitegold with lightstone leather at no extra charge (usually $500.00, don't ask), but if I do, will you guys laugh at my Chick Car color combo? If I leave it muddy, will that keep me in good graces here? I'm afraid I'm eroding my hipness quotient again .

KJ ;)

By Ho Chung (Ho) on Tuesday, August 07, 2001 - 06:16 am: Edit

white.
can't go wrong with white.

By Bill Bettridge (Billb) on Tuesday, August 07, 2001 - 06:22 am: Edit

dark colors = shows all the brush scratches
(I've got Rioja Red - or what formerly was - I know)

white = shows none!

By Blue Gill (Bluegill) on Tuesday, August 07, 2001 - 06:25 am: Edit

Whitegold is a cool color, too. On a DII, I'd screw convention and go with the orange (kinversand). The lighter metallic green (kent green?) is classy, too. A blue DII decked out with chrome looks great for a city car. If I had it to do again on a DI, I'd go with that crayola-grass-green; I prefer to blend in with the background. Wish they offered "desert dirt brown".

So, have you abandoned the ACE idea?

By Tate on Tuesday, August 07, 2001 - 07:23 am: Edit

Having bought an Epsom Green DI because it looked great, all nice and shiny at the dealer, I can reinforce that you will rethink that decision each time:

1: there's any pollen or dust in the area and your hood disappears
2: you touch it with a leaf while offroad (most buff out, but the less buffing you do, the more paint you leave on)

It does look great when buffed, washed, and waxed, but I'd go with white or another really light color if/when I bought/buy again. If you don't deal with either of the above conditions, or if you don't mind them, then go ahead. Like I said, it is a sweet color when clean.

Good luck with your new Disco!

By Eric N (Grnrvr) on Tuesday, August 07, 2001 - 08:00 am: Edit

One other thing about the darker color besides the dust, pollen, and scratches is that in the summer out in the sun that puppy is going to get hot inside. The lighter color will help to keep the car cooler in the summer by reflecting some of the sun instead of soaking it all up and making an oven for you to sit in. I have a Canton Green 98 D1 and it gets pretty toasty. I would hate to see what the Dark Blue or Black is like after sitting in a parking lot for a couple of hours on a hot afternoon.

By Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) on Tuesday, August 07, 2001 - 08:18 am: Edit

Mine is the Epsom green; I was a little more partial to the Oxford blue, but the wife was really pushing for the green (better a Green Disco over any-color J**p).

We used to have a light-gold J**p Cherokee, and that was a VERY practical color... never washed it, but it always looked fine. I do like the Epsom green, and it doesn't look bad from a distance, but from the driver's seat the hood will look 'rough' w/in a week of washing, if not sooner. There's a Rioja red Disco on a lot here in town, have to admit it catches my eye when drving by.

I'm not fond of the Kniversand color at all, but the real orange used on the later Trek vehicles is eye-catching; but 'everyone' loves a Sandglow Rover.

Reds, blues, darker greens... all are fine for drivers, if you're into keeping it washed and waxed. Black might be sexy but it's a pain in the a$$ to keep looking good, and is hot inside.

White is practical, but everytime I see a white Disco I think that someone from the UN is lost from their convoy. (Just IMHO!!)

I'd say the light gold /"White sand" or the light green /"Kent green" colors would be the "best" colors.

But choose what 'you' like.

-L

(Half-hearted looking at a white Disco w/ a dead engine to be a rebuild into a project car... if it happens, you'd better wager that it'll be resprayed w/ Sandglow!)

By Chris Browne on Tuesday, August 07, 2001 - 11:43 am: Edit

Karen: I agree with others ACE is not worth it on the s2 and I'll add avoid the air rear suspension too. If its anything like the Classics it will die on you in a few years. Yes to the Bilsteins my stock shocks died by 20k.......
One useful accessory is the rear ladder but really as something to grab while opening and closing the door-.
pocket the $2k, drive the car, get to know it and make your decisions on what to add based on your own ownership experience uses etc

By MA on Tuesday, August 07, 2001 - 12:29 pm: Edit

I'd get the White-gold color. It's a limited edition color and very rare. If you're going to buy dealership accessories...go with the Disco 2 skid-plate package. If you're going to do a little off-roading, then go for some 265/75-16 BFGoodich All-Terrain t/a KO tires.

By Karen Jones on Tuesday, August 07, 2001 - 05:19 pm: Edit

E-YIKES! I think I'm standing on the high dive looking down, and there are too many people on the ladder behind me to get out of jumping, LOL! LOADS more water under this bridge for us today, and to answer a few questions: Fred is dead, baby, and so is the ACE for us. We'll be skipping that option, and happily so I think. SO glad I asked about color, as the dark color comments were incredibly helpful and made perfect sense. We're leaning toward Whitegold. I'm visiting another dealership tomorrow and if they don't act like total wankers they might get our business. I've had so much help from everyone here, and some more in private email, and amazingly my BS detector hasn't gone off once with you guys. Not so when I've dealt with some of the sales staff at my local dealerships....I've spoken with some lovely sales guides long distance, why the heck are my D.C. area guides such....hmmmm...fill in with any negative descriptive. So, tomorrow may well make my decision, and trust me, your comments will be pinging in my head like isotopes. I'll keep you posted, wish me luck and thanks again!

Karen, fingers crossed

By Alex Schubow (Alex) on Tuesday, August 07, 2001 - 05:31 pm: Edit

Karen, you might want to read the rattling sunroof thread before you buy. They seem like a sexy option, I know, but if rattles annoy you you might just want to skip them. I would also go for cloth seats with seat covers instead of leather--the cloth seats are much more comfortable IMO (unless you have had cars with leather seats before and REALLY like them). Manual seats are also a plus over the electric. These are all persistent problem areas for these vehicles, and while they seem like neat-o gadgets you may regret buying them later on, when the vehicle is out of warranty. Skipping the premium stereo w/CD changer is also a wise move -- you can have an aftermarket stereo installed for much less money that will, frankly, kick the LR premium system's ass.

LR running gear and chassis are built tough as hell, but the electric gizmos do fail. The fewer of them, the better, I say.

Do get the foglights in the air dam if you can - when you get rid of the air dam, and you probably will eventually, you can use the wiring and switch to hook up some decent driving lights and not have to run new wires or glue the silly hella switches on your dash.

As for vehicle kit items, the only ones that are worthwile are rubber mats and cargo tiedowns for the load space. The rest are either crap, overpriced, or overpriced crap.

Perrone was spot on about maintenance - there is a lot of it, and it MUST be done on time. It WILL be expensive if you use the dealer for service, and only slightly less so if you go to an independent mech. This is not a Honda

Good luck--It sounds like you will be happy with the vehicle--knowing what you are getting into goes a long way towards this.

Alex

By Ricardo on Wednesday, August 08, 2001 - 03:38 am: Edit

I like the whitegold and the kentgreen.
As for what to do with the extra money,check in on an extended warranty. I have one fron Intercontiental warranty and its paid for itself almost three times and I still have almost 20k left on it. The new vehicles usually get better deals on extended warranties. I got mine through my credit union when purchasing the Disco.
With your record of how long you keep your vehicles then thats something you might want to consider.My warranty is 6yr 100,0000mi. and it cost around $1,500 on a used Disco.
If you decide to do any mods later then you willfind that attending some events such as the Mid-Atlantic Rally, SOLAROS, or Kilington would give you ideas that you would could never imagine doing to you vehicle.

Good Luck.

Rico

By A on Wednesday, August 08, 2001 - 04:06 am: Edit

Rico,
I have to know where you found that warranty program. I found one 2yr 24k for that price. Now, it is supposedly bumper to bumper, but we'll see what they consider covered.
Is this a powertrain only warranty that you have?
Thanks
A

By Steve (Steve2) on Wednesday, August 08, 2001 - 06:35 am: Edit

karen-

go for the gold... (use the force) etc - the white gold is totally a 'chick' colour - but hey i think you have earned it! if i am not mistaken, white gold and kent green are only available with upmarket discos - so leather or partial leather and sunroofs are standard as might the sound system. while there might be aftermarket options out there you will not get a 4 year 50,000 miles warranry on them. the factory packages are nice, were designed for the car and have spares readily available. bear in mind most of the people here are hard core off roaders and their recommendations are skewed toward that end. the lighter user will find most of the ammenities on the disco2 to be just fine. the fog lamps -though they do not compare to a set of hella 1000's - work much better than the series one fogs and will help on foggy nights.

can't wait to see pics of your new disco!

steve

By Karen Jones on Wednesday, August 08, 2001 - 09:02 am: Edit

Progress update for all my helpful pals here: I spent a couple hours at a dealership today and am pleased to report that it was a far better experience than my other dealership experience recently. No B.S. that I could detect, seemingly straight answers to all my concerns (time alone will tell if they were accurate answers) and finally a tiny test drive to demonstrate the non-tipping aspects as well as the various handling features of the vehicle. All I can say is TOO COOL! I LOVED the little slant hill (you know the one, stop laughing!) and all the rest. I knew you guys were bold and brave from looking at your pictures, but I really can't imagine how it feels to traverse some of the terrain you guys take! I mean, at least everything we did was DRY! Too fun! I want me a WINCH, LOL! So, we're in negotiation and we'll see how it all nets out, perhaps later today. I got a really nice mail from someone this morning entitled "Disco Fever", but now I think I'm heading straight into "Disco Inferno"! LOL, I haven't had this much fun in ages......thanks for being part of it!

Karen P.S. The Wanker Alert never sounded either, but we're not done yet....fingers still crossed ;)

By Eric N (Grnrvr) on Wednesday, August 08, 2001 - 10:37 am: Edit

Karen, What dealer did you end up going to? I got mine from Land Rover Alexandria in VA and they were very nice and no B.S. from them either. All and all the sales, service guys, and mechanics are really nice and tell it like it is.

By lynden on Wednesday, August 08, 2001 - 11:58 am: Edit

Karen,
Thought I'd chime in hopefully I'm not too late. I would echo the sentiments above that the extra elec. gadgets should be avoided. I recently bought a '96 and in searching for the one we bought we drove quite a few. The sun roofs will rattle, we tint our cars really dark so we didn't necesarrily want sun roofs (even though having two of them is totally cool!!!). It seemed every one of the rigs we drove had rattly sun roofs. We also purchased one w/ manual seats to avoid problems w/ the elec. seats. These are just little things to think about, unless you're buying it to only drive during warranty period, then buy another one. If that's the case I'd buy w/ all the whistles. Good luck!!! You'll love it!!!
Lynden
PS the hill climb/traverse is what sold the car to my wife. I already wanted it, she couldn't believe it would do that!!!

By Ricardo on Wednesday, August 08, 2001 - 12:05 pm: Edit

A,
The warranty I have is from the original purchase date and total 100,000 miles. Its not bumper to bumper but the have covered alot so far.
Here is a partial list.
Swivel pin housing that was leaking,abs sensor,oil pan leaking,transmission leaking,power seat switch,rear main housing of engine leaking oil,tension pully and several other items that I didn't think they would cover.
I got the warranty through GTE FCU but I'm sure other offer it to.
The dealer I use says that they are great to deal with and call back with approval usually within 15 min.
Here's the number.
Intercontinental Warranty Services,Inc.
1-800-333-3028

Good Luck
Rico

P.S. Karen, sorry for posting this here. Maybe it will help ou also.

By Karen Jones on Wednesday, August 08, 2001 - 04:32 pm: Edit

Rico,

Thanks for posting this information! I've been wondering about the extended warrantees, and when the time to buy it was, etc. Does it make sense to buy one on a new vehicle at point of purchase, or can I wait until my factory warranty is soon to expire? Buying it upfront seems like loaning my money out years in advance. I drive very few miles a year compared with most, so it's possible I'll hit 4 years before I hit 50,000 miles. What about the Roverguy warrantee? Is that something I should look into also? As always, any advice is welcome.

I should know tomorrow about whether I have a deal or not on the vehicle I saw today.

Karen

By Ricardo on Wednesday, August 08, 2001 - 04:47 pm: Edit

Karen,
I honestly don't know weather or not it is better to buy one when purchasing a knew vehicle. I bought my Disco used with almost 40k on it. It was a certified preowned so the dealer gave me a 1yr/52k warranty. I knew that I would hit the 52k before the end of the year so I got the warranty.
If you decide to wait on the warranty,then don't wait until yours is up because it may be hard to find one at a reasonable price. You probably don't need to be to concerned for a couple of yaers due to the factory warranty,but don't forget about it in the future.

Rico

By Wes Legaspi (Wes) on Wednesday, August 08, 2001 - 06:45 pm: Edit

From the research I did when I was looking for an extended warranty on my '95 disco, most warranty firms only sell warranties for vehicles under 40K miles (but there are some out there, try Rover Guy, that's where I got mine). If you don't do too much driving, then your probably better off with getting one later in your disco's life...

By Alyssa on Thursday, August 09, 2001 - 08:17 am: Edit

Karen, buy your warranty when you are nearing the end of your 4yr/50k. LR actually doesn't even HAVE a warranty to sell you right now (due to the whole Ford purchase). The best thing is to wait until you know you're going to keep the car & then get it. Let me know if Alexandria doesn't work out... we're still here for you at Main Line!
Alyssa

By Karen Jones on Thursday, August 09, 2001 - 05:05 pm: Edit

Hi Alyssa!

First, thanks for all your help, you've really been a peach to answer all my questions. Looks like Alexandria will be getting my business after all. I left details on another thread here. I remember now being told the same thing about Ford offering no extended warranties until September or thereabouts. I think it's best to wait until I'm nearer the end of my factory warranty and then delve into the extended possibilities. Tomorrow's my big day....well, my second "big day"....I'm already married to a man! ;)

Karen, wedded to a payment book again!