newbie here - got some questions on buying a used discovery

[whiskeynipple]

hello all,
I am considering buying a used (1997 to 2002) discovery with about 80k to 100k milage -
are there any 'bad years'?
is there any quorky issues?
how is thier maintainance after 100k?
what years are the best for offroad?

when it comes to maintainace - (I worked in a auto shop a few years back) could a non-tool-******** person take care of most of the upkeep?

basically this is going to be the family vehical for the wife and I cant afford alot of maintainance on it

 

[joey]

Your kind of asking questions that go either way... let me explain.

97 - mid 99 is D1
mid 99 - 04 D2
05 - current is LR3 or D3 depending on where in the world you are.

Bad years, I have heard and read 94 - Current have all kinds of issues... my 97 runs great with minimal issues.

Qwerky issues.... pre D2 are more mechanicaly, but use Lucas electrics
D2's are more electrical issues and are Bosch electrics.

Maintenance after 100k... normal stuff. (Fuel pumps, alt, bearings, etc) it all depends on how it was maintained.

Best off road... very opinionated question. My '97 does very well off road, but if you doing off road stuff, then it probably will have more issues and you wife will not like the mud everywhere.. unless you are a very lucky man.

Maint, D1 anyone can fix with some basic tools. D2 requires dealer or someone with high dollar Land Rover specific computer/software. But alot of things can still be done with and OBDII scanner and tools.

D1 rides a little rougher, not as creater freindly.

Hope this helps.

 

[whiskeynipple]

thanks Joey - that was exactly what I wanted to know!!
I think I am looking for a D1 - I really dont want to paying hefty bills at a dealer b/c I cant work on the dam thing!

Does the D1 have that 'jump seats"or 3rd row of seats?

And yes I am a lucky man - (or quick thinking) - she was complaining that our Honda Civic is to small (2 kids) and I should sell my Jeep and get a mini-van - so I said only if we get a Land Rover will I sell a Jeep!

I really appreciate you taking the time to educate me

thanks
chris

 

[meyersd]

thanks Joey - that was exactly what I wanted to know!!
I think I am looking for a D1 - I really dont want to paying hefty bills at a dealer b/c I cant work on the dam thing!

Does the D1 have that 'jump seats"or 3rd row of seats?

And yes I am a lucky man - (or quick thinking) - she was complaining that our Honda Civic is to small (2 kids) and I should sell my Jeep and get a mini-van - so I said only if we get a Land Rover will I sell a Jeep!

I really appreciate you taking the time to educate me

thanks
chris

Yeah the D1's have the Jump seats in the back. Look fort a LSE or SE7 model.
D2's are a little bigger in the back, but they cost a lot more.
Also D1's have the CDL.
D2's ride a little better...

 

[bdog]

I was kinda in the same situtation as you and I decided to get a 2003. Mine is basically for the road, to and from work, but I do wheel, just not rock climbing. If I did alot of heavy wheeling I would get a D1 w/ the CDL, but when mine becomes an off-road beast (when I get higher miles on it and it's paid for) I will just get lockers. My friend had a 97 and I like how mine rides and the response of the 4.6l better. My friends has 80,000 miles and he has replaced the water pump, brake job and the catalytic converters. Other than that it been good to him.

 

[roverman]

I don't know what you mean when you say you can't afford a lot of maintenance on it....but the parts for a LR aren't Jeep cheap. You should look at roverparts.com or some sight and check out the prices for typical replacement parts to decide whether it suits your budget.

 

[Moose]

If looking for a D1, seek a 1998 or 1999. BMW controlled quality control and manufacturing, and the hand-built "close enough" tolerances were eliminated. Also newer, and more likely to have been better-maintained.

My next Rover will be a Series IIa or Range Rover Classic -- I'll actually be going with an older truck, rather than newer!

 

[whiskeynipple]

Newbie-here - D1 - CDL - need some education - true/false

I did some research but still not real clear:
1. it seems the CDL works with the auto-tracktion control? - T or F
2. if I dont want the computer to use the ATC (for off-roading) I turn it off? - T or F
3. the D1 comes with the CDL? - T or F
4. the D2 does not come with the CDL? - T or F


if anyone has a link to a site that would describe the drivetrain etc. of the Discovery's and maybe a little info on the changes in the different models - that would be awesome!

thanks for everyone taking the time to help me - I really appreciate it!

thanks
Chris

 

[joey]

Ok more help:

CDL will work with Traction control (only D2's have Traction Control)
Not sure on 2, I have a D1
D1 does have CDL
Some D2's have CDL, just not hooked up... mid 99 - mid 01.

Then the added it back in 04.

 

[whiskeynipple]

MOOSE & JOEY
you have been very helpfull - thanks
If you were me - what model would you go with?

thanks again
chris