By Discovirgin on Wednesday, October 24, 2001 - 10:40 pm: Edit

I'm looking at purchasing my first Disco next month and was wondering if there is any merit to buying a used disco vs. the latest model. Given all the latest enhancements on the new models will they degrade my ability to do more offroading or make it easier (ie, ACE, hill descent control etc.). Any advice on accessories and options would be good to.

Jorge Oaxaca, DDS
Seal Beach

By r0ver4x4 on Thursday, October 25, 2001 - 10:43 am: Edit

I wouldnt get ace. i think all the stuff in there that keeps the body roll down would cause problems with more miles.. HDC seems to be effective but ACE wouldnt be needed off road plus it is hard to find tires for those 18" wheels...the older discos are ok since they have the shorter wheel base..I like the older ones better but the new discos have potiental too. IF you could find the odler disco with few miles and a goo service history get it..they are both awesome 4x4..although my only problem with the new disco is the traction control and no differental lock like on the first discos. but you can fit the old diff lock to the new disco.. both are very capable and everyone knows that when a rover is working that they are the best 4x4xfar

By Danno on Thursday, October 25, 2001 - 11:27 am: Edit

the disco's have the same wheelbase (100"), just the Disco II has a longer ass. either will perform well, you can add CDL to the DII.

By Discovirgin on Thursday, October 25, 2001 - 12:26 pm: Edit

thank you for the input so far! Only 4 weeks till my big decision. What is the cost on the Diff lock for the new discos?

By Axel Haakonsen (Axel) on Thursday, October 25, 2001 - 01:36 pm: Edit

CDL linkage is not a dealer option, it's an after market add-on.

By p m on Thursday, October 25, 2001 - 02:01 pm: Edit

look at the prices of a new/2years old disco, and decide whether you're ready to take the depreciation hit. Besides, there are likely to be fewer bugs in a 2 years old (fixed by P.O. under warranty).

peter

By r0ver4x4 on Thursday, October 25, 2001 - 06:43 pm: Edit

yeah the new discos have fat asses reminds me of some of the girls I know...I didnt know they had the same wheel base as the previous disco...

r0ver4x4

By F.J. (Rovercon) on Thursday, October 25, 2001 - 10:08 pm: Edit

I bought my Disco used for the purpose of learning how to off road and slowly build it up as I progress with experience. Sort of taking the approach that I should learn how to drive off road before I get all the "goodies."

Considering that I saved over $20G versus the cost of a new Disco, it was (and is) a good buy for me.

Off road, initially I don't think you will miss much with a Disco 1 vs. a Disco 2. With the money you save, you can buy whatever you may need if you feel that there's something inferior about the Disco 1.

As far as on the road driving, I had a chance to drive a 2001 Disco for 2 days when the dealer did the 60K service in my Disco. I could defenitely feel that the 2001 LSE 7 was a "smoother" handling truck than my '96 one. But since I bought mine to off road, it was a moot point for me.

By Mike D1 on Friday, October 26, 2001 - 01:00 am: Edit

Jorge,

It depends on what you want to do. The D1 is better off road with the addition of a rear locker. I have been off road a number of times in which the DII could not follow my 97. The DII is wider, longer and heavier (not a plus to us serious off road nuts). But for road trips, easy access camping etc. it's a little upgraded. More room (not much) more power. The dealers are dying right now and would love to see you. What I would recommend is you get a lease return. The 98s are flooding the used lots right now and you can get a top of the line low mileage D1 for 20K or less. This is a great deal. I got my 97 this way and love it. I can afford a new DII but I wanted a D1 for serious off road. If you go D1 don't go earlier than 97. This was the first year BMW had influence on the truck and they did improve it. I know a guy in the S.F. area that can get you the color and options you want. Let me know and I will pass on his name. He is a local used dealer in Marin for 30 years.

Good luck

By Kevin Novakowski (Kln) on Friday, October 26, 2001 - 10:18 am: Edit

6 months ago I had a D2 for a couple of days while my 95 was in the shop. I was not able to take it off road. My on-road impressions are:

Roomier.

Drove like a highway cruiser. Handling at any speed, especially high speed is much improved over the 95. I don't take my 95 over 110 kph except to pass. With the D2 pick a speed. Very quick acceleration as the gas pedal had a much shorter movement than my 95.

I was really suprised and disappointed at the reduced visibility, especially on the rear sides.

My impression was that they lost some off-road capabilities to cater to the "average" consumer.

I agree with Mike (D1) - the dealer here in Calgary is getting a lot of D1's back. You should be able to get a good deal on one just about anywhere.

kln

By Hammerhead on Friday, October 26, 2001 - 10:55 am: Edit

I can add that buying used is a far better way to go. I purchased a 1998 White/Gold LSE from a broker a little more than a month ago. Every option, front/rear air, jump seats, etc. (I do have kids, so this Disco will see more on-road use than off). 43,000 miles, absolutely beautiful and only 18,835. I have the original sticker and it was priced $42,780! I still have the balance of the factory warranty. The bank was willing to loan $26,400, so I took the extra and pocketed it for goodies and to purchase an extended bumper-to-bumper warranty when this one expires (that'll cost around $2,500). When I went to the broker, who is next to the second largest auction yard in the country, I had a list of all the Disco's which were on the block that week. Of 54, 5 of them matched our needs with mileage ranging from the high teens to over 50k. I'm never buying new again!

John K.

By r0ver4x4 on Friday, October 26, 2001 - 10:57 am: Edit

I am sorry to see ROver going down the poop chute too what is happening to 4wd........it sucks if I ever do have kids that they wont be able to enjoy cool 4wds like I have........r0ver4x4

By Mike D1 on Friday, October 26, 2001 - 02:03 pm: Edit

rOver4x4,

ALL dealers are in bad times, not just rover. I would worry more about what Ford is going to do to Rover. Screw a great truck, thats what. The Disco is going on the Explorer frame. What piece of junk that will be. The last solid front axle will be 2002 or 2003. Bye bye Land Rover.

By r0ver4x4 on Friday, October 26, 2001 - 04:47 pm: Edit

no shit.......I think that I might cry now...DIsco explorer are you fucking kidding me I dont even think I want a rover anymore no shit we need to have a doing away party for land rover..the "freelander" was an eye-opener for me that things a piece of shit..well maybe they wont molest the defender...I hope not...in I few years I think soilid axles will be a thing of the past yeah I mean I knew dealers were having tough times. but I think Rover in general is just going down down down down..
r0ver4x4

By Discovirgin on Friday, October 26, 2001 - 07:44 pm: Edit

The Land Rover being an Explorer just sucks, if I wanted a Rover that blows tires I'd get an Explorer! Well it looks like going the used route is the way to go, especially if I want a traditional Rover. The solid axle and some of the original rover innovations are what its all about. Thank you again for all your information.
go Rover!

By Bluegill (Bluegill) on Friday, October 26, 2001 - 07:57 pm: Edit

yeah, man...save yourself the depreciation blues and go slightly used. All cars just drop cash the second you drive them off the new car lot. If you can work the deal, go with a '99 D1 SD (base model) with balance of factory warranty and use the saves cash to get an extended warranty and mods that YOU want to add yourself.

By Mike D1 on Friday, October 26, 2001 - 09:38 pm: Edit

r0ver4x4,

Unfortunately the Defender will be on a Lincoln Navigator frame. This is according to a friend in the know a Land Rover/Ford. The housewives rule!

By r0ver4x4 on Friday, October 26, 2001 - 11:44 pm: Edit

you are kidding me right....

r0ver4x4

By Cartner on Friday, October 26, 2001 - 11:59 pm: Edit

OH NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! THe END IS NIGH!!!

By Mike D1 on Saturday, October 27, 2001 - 12:01 am: Edit

No, I think this guy is in the know. Parts for all older Rovers will continue to be available from over seas.

By no more r0ver4x4 n-e-more on Saturday, October 27, 2001 - 12:48 am: Edit

thats a damn joke I dont even like rover anymore..i think I am gonna get a BMW m3

no more r0ver4x4 n-e-more