By BradNC on Sunday, September 30, 2001 - 09:14 am: Edit

I am looking at purchasing a Disco, and by the way, this is by far the best site I've found. I am trying to decide whether i should spend the extra money, which would be a bit of a stretch, and get a series II. I want to go fourwheeling and will probably do some upgrades, but i'm not into it full time right now. I'm also tall, 6'5, so the extra room may be of need. But any input anyone would have would be well appriciated, and i just want to own one of these fine vehicles.

By Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) on Sunday, September 30, 2001 - 09:32 am: Edit

Brad,

This has been gone over a LOT here, you can get a lot of info if you try the "keyword search" feature.

In short, both are good trucks; some things were improved with the DII (such as the higher windshield for better visability), but then they left out the CDL lever on them (a frequent grumble).

If you want a DI, the rule of thumb is the newer, generally the better. Lower miles, remaining warranty, etc. But, a '99 SD can run the same as a '99 DII; only by going to an out-of-warranty truck will you substantially lower the cost.

I'd suggest going to the Mid-Atlantic Rally (http://www.roav.org) next weekend and riding along with both types of Discos and see what floats your boat, and then check out a site like Bear Valley (http://www.bvlandrovers.com) to get a feel on pricing on used trucks.... a late-model low mileage truck, while not free, should be significantly cheaper than driving a new one off the lot!

Good luck!

-L

By Steve (Steve2) on Sunday, September 30, 2001 - 11:08 am: Edit

brad-

i too was in the same boat- last of the old - or first of the new. i ended up with a 99d1 sd7, and ya know - i'm ok with it. if something were to happen to it - i'd look for a the best of a s1 or a s2, i really like them both.

one option is to take advantage of l/r lease on the 2001 sd's - quite reasonable. i did a purchase as i drive too many miles a year - but then again if you are going to keep it, what's i matter?

my only regret is that mine is not white - its epsom green, but you know that ok too. we get along fine.

also the d1 seems to be the preffered choice for hard core enthusiasts, as the lack of a cdl and longer butt seems to be an issue. a plus side of the d2s are the larger wheel well openings and sublte improvements. with your stature- the d2 may be the only choice- also look at the range rover as they quite reasonable used

best of luck
steve

By Marc on Monday, October 01, 2001 - 05:28 am: Edit

Brad -

I am 6'5" also, so I wanted to let you know - on a D1 there are stock holes in the front seat rails that allow you to move the seats back about 1". It makes a huge difference in leg room. Not hard to do either.

Haven't heard if the same is true of a D2.

Also, where are you in NC? I am in Wilmington, and need an occasional wheeling buddy.

By BradNC on Monday, October 01, 2001 - 11:51 am: Edit

Mark,
Thanks for the info on the D1. I'm in Charlotte, so we could possibly go wheeling somewhere. I don't really know many places to go so if you know some that'd be a good help. All I know know is in the Uwarie National Forest. Do you go wheeling often, and do u go with other Discos or what?

By Ron on Monday, October 01, 2001 - 11:57 am: Edit

Brad,

There are some good disco/rover owners in Charlotte area. I suggest you look up Old North State LR club and talk with them. Also if you want to drive up to VA this weekend you can go to the MAR and after that you should be able to make up your mind.

Ron

PS as an FYI I found DII to give less legroom than DI. So much so i could not comfortably drive one (this was a 99 DII). The best legroom was actually in manual seat DIs (look for a 97 SD) and even better are RR classics. I am told however that some electric seat DIs did have extended leg room for some reason (the later ones? I dunno) have to sit in them I guess.

By R22tech on Monday, October 01, 2001 - 01:18 pm: Edit

Had 'em both. A 96 SE7 and presently a recently acquired 99 SE7. The old one had a better opening for the middle row passengers to get in and out. The new one has larger, more comfortable front seats. Being a technician myself, the new SHOULD be more reliable based on the technical aspects of the truck. That being said, I'm glad I can fix them myself as both are not what I call reliable. Off-road would be a toss up, both have their individual strengths and weaknesses. However, they both are world-class 4x4s so this shouldn't be an issue. Based on form- the Disco II wins.
Based on function-the Disco II should win.
Based on financial- my 99 SE7 w/ $2000.00 worth of gear and a certified L.R. warranty of 5 yrs/62,000 miles and only 31,000 on the clock was a bargain for $28,000.00 walk-out.
If I were you, I would opt. for the Series II if you got the coin! No offense to any R.R. people but, STAY AWAY FROM R.R. 1996-2001. Nuff said....

By BradNC on Thursday, October 04, 2001 - 11:32 am: Edit

I was wondering if anyone knows of a website out there or somewhere on this site where there is a direct comparison of the two and the major differences. I'm sure it has to be somewhere but if anyone has a link i'd appriciate it. Also, anyone know anywhere to buy a good DII, dealers are a little expensive.....

By BradNC on Wednesday, October 10, 2001 - 05:36 pm: Edit

Hey,
I've found a 1997 Range Rover 4.6 HSE for $19,500 with 112,000 miles on it. Does this sound like a good buy to people and would this be recomended over a disco, with the air suspension and other luxuries and all?
Thanks,
Brad

By JC on Thursday, October 11, 2001 - 12:26 am: Edit

Brad,
I'd stay away from the new style Range Rovers, especially one with mileage that high. Too many problems, and too many expensive parts.

I live in Charlotte and I have a 95 Disco that I use for off-roading and as my daily driver, as well as a 1998 Disco LE that is currently for sale. They are both great trucks, and much better than the new style Range Rovers if you plan to do any off-roading.
Feel free to drop me a line.

By Barry on Friday, October 12, 2001 - 12:46 am: Edit

Brad,

I am 6'6" and drove a friends DI before buying a new 2000 DSII. Tilting my head to see traffic lights ( in the DI) was not an option I wanted to live with.

Having a Center Locking Diff in a DSII is a vital necessity for safety issues alone should you decide to travel trails with challenging inclines. For my wheeling needs, having the DI CDL linkage installed was very much a necessity. You could always do the same as a future upgrade. Word of caution.... be it a DI or DII .... a "few" upgrades will quickly turn into lustful obsession ;^)

I learned something new tonight from a previous post... would be great if the DSII has front seat rails which can be moved back! I'll check it out this weekend

By han chung on Saturday, October 13, 2001 - 02:54 pm: Edit

brad,
ds1 and ds2... off road upgrades are a bit differently done between the 2. i have a ds2 and have 265/75 tires on. i also know a few people who have 255/85's on ds2 without major changes on driveability and road manners though some trimming and lift necessary. if you were to do the same thing on a ds1, different approach w/ more mods required to fit bigger tires. this is just one example. course it all depends on what you'r planning to do w/ your vehicle in terms of mods and use. imho, i like the ds1 body form better for it's more unique look.
rr??? not the new ones... go for the rr classics they look bad ass.

good luck
han chung

By Steve (Steve2) on Sunday, October 14, 2001 - 09:43 pm: Edit

brad-

i just got back from truckhaven where we did some amazing off roading - the d90s are special unto themselves - but i am seriously impressed with the d2s - i think a d2 with etc and a manual cdl is the way to go.

i have a d1 which is fine for now - but if i could switch out - i would

steve

By KJ on Sunday, October 14, 2001 - 10:16 pm: Edit

Steve, I was ready to send out the dogs to look for you! I thought you might have been wooed by some nubile young thang of the female persuasion, but now I realize it was FAR more serious, LOL! How was Truckhaven? Maybe you should start a Truckhaven thread....

Karen