Subtopic	Posts		Updated
	To buy or not to buy!	2		04/13 01:43pm

By Greg Stebbins on Wednesday, April 11, 2001 - 07:21 am: Edit

OK! We will be buying a new LR Discovery some time in the next few weeks/months. I'm interested in hearing pro's and con's as to what is best option wise. I'd like to limit $$ to under $50K

The vehicle will be used in the Colorado Rockies as serious (way) off-road transportation. Far from service or gas with actual octane ratings for weeks at a time (fly fishing, I can't help it). I've been making these trips for about 15 yrs now.

I am well aware of English auto idiosyncrasies (I'm an old Jag guy) but would be interested in particulars.

By Bill Gill (Bluegill) on Wednesday, April 11, 2001 - 07:36 am: Edit

For $50K you can have your pick of the litter. Choose your options and off-road-worthiness additions (suspension, tires, extra spare, bumpers, winch, skids, racks, etc.) and have the dealer install it all so it's covered under the new-car warranty. Yeah, it'll be expensive at the dealer, but it shouldn't be hard at all to stay under $50K. These really aren't expensive vehicles (like the Range Rover); especially if you get a basic SD model. You want to build-up the basic model because all the extras on the higher-end models are meaningless after you do your upgrades - sounds like you won't want the auto-levelling air suspension, hydraulic anti-sway actuators, etc.

By hadaz on Wednesday, April 11, 2001 - 07:21 pm: Edit

Forget the Discovery. If you want a vehicle that you can use "far from service or gas with actual octane ratings for weeks at a time" go to either East Coast Rover, http://www.eastcoastrover.com/
or Rovers North http://www.roversnorth.com/ and look at having a vehicle built for you. They can even put in the 300 TDI which will probably better suit your needs. There is nothing wrong with Disco's. I have one that has been modified. ECR probably does more custom work then RN.

By Moe on Wednesday, April 11, 2001 - 07:50 pm: Edit

Greg, what vehicle has been getting you to your choice fishing spots so far? A stock Discovery might work fine.

I would suggest buying a lower mileage stock '97, getting a shop to upgrade the suspension and tires, throw on a bull bar and winch, and a few extras and you would still have over $25k for new fishing poles and trips to NZ to see how they do it down there. Just a thought.

Ian

By Ron on Thursday, April 12, 2001 - 04:38 am: Edit

Greg,
If you want I can have the dealer here "build" you a truck to your specs. I have a good contact there and they have done similar things before.

May I suggest:

2001 Discovery LE or SE to your liking
SG Front Bumper
Superwinch X9
SG Rear Bumper with 2in reciever
Rovertym Rock sliders
OME HD lift
33x10.50 Swamper TSL radials
Front and rear dif gards
Hardened steering linkage

I think this could be achieved well under your budget. We could also order you all the necessary recovery equipment you will need and have it in the truck upon delivery. We could also set up a private training sessions with a Camel Trophy instructor, if you are so inclined.

Email me if you are interested and I will put you in contact with the sales guide.

Ron

ronald.brown(at)funb.com

By Paul on Thursday, April 12, 2001 - 05:22 am: Edit

Greg, define you "serious" off road needs. I used my Disco extensively last year throughout Colorado, Nevada, and Montana for my fly fishing pursuits. I have my favorite areas in Colorado well scouted out and for the most part you do not need a seriously outfitted rig. Get some good tires, a roof rack and perhaps a winch and you will be set. (A 2" lift would be choice as well.) Except for the interior room space the Disco is a great adventure vehicle for extended fly fishing vacations.

Paul (paul@geotrail.com)

By Greg Stebbins on Thursday, April 12, 2001 - 06:35 am: Edit

Ian, Previous were Toy Land Cruiser them a truly heroic Trooper (1991). The Trooper pulled duty until 3 yrs ago when after 180K she was retired. Her replacement is a Dodge Durango (what was i thinking?)

Paul, Have you tried Heart Lake? The the trail over the divide (13.5K ft)to Silverton afterward? How about the back trail to the top of Bristlehead? No fishing but a real test. We have a house in the shadow of Bristlehead.

Ron, I'd like to use the local Dallas, Tx LR dealer but the list does sound interesting.

By disco2guy on Thursday, April 12, 2001 - 10:59 am: Edit

What part of CO? That's all I do, and I'll build your DSII to suit. Used to sell/service at the Denver dealers. Holler at me for specific info. Also you should probably get into the aftermarket and enthusiast group for the DSII.

disco2guy

http://www.disco2.com

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/disco2owners/join

By Chris on Thursday, April 12, 2001 - 11:43 am: Edit

Greg,

If you want to use a local dealer, I would go to the Ft. Worth dealership instead of the one in Dallas. I have used both and found the Ft. Worth dealership far superior. The most notable difference, from my observations, is that the sales guys in Dallas are there because it is a job, while the guys in Ft. Worth are actually "enthusiasts". If you would like to know who to contact specifically, feel free to drop me a line and I would be more than happy to put you in touch with one of the sales guides.
Best of luck with your decesion!

Chris Condon
chris.condon@radioshack.com

By Paul on Thursday, April 12, 2001 - 01:20 pm: Edit

Greg, I have not quite been to Heart Lake. I just found it on the map and I worked a gold project up there in 89 but never made it to the lake. I've fished the upper Rio Grande in the area, going over Stoney. For "most" of the San Juans you really don't need all that radical of a vehicle. Back in College, Durango, I made it a bunch of places with my old Isuzu Diesel Pup.... Lot's of quality Fly Fishing in that area. I will be down this summer.

Paul

By Marcel Fortney on Friday, April 13, 2001 - 01:06 pm: Edit

I'm ready to buy a Discovery and am wondering what to expect for reliablity. Is it a worthwhile vehicle to drive or should I just drive an american or japanese SUV?