Discos II

[TobiH]

Hi all,

before I start, let me say that I drive a perfectly reliable Freelander but I know all about reputation etc.

The Disco II also has a somewhat tainted reputation (at least here in wild Africa) but what have you boys and girls found to be the main problem - I have a bit of a soft spot for the Disco II and am toying with the idea of getting one or a Defender.

I would look at post 2003 cars...

Thanks
t

[Dirk]

Hi all,

before I start, let me say that I drive a perfectly reliable Freelander but I know all about reputation etc.

The Disco II also has a somewhat tainted reputation (at least here in wild Africa) but what have you boys and girls found to be the main problem - I have a bit of a soft spot for the Disco II and am toying with the idea of getting one or a Defender.

I would look at post 2003 cars...

Thanks
t

Very happy with mine, I don't think the Disco 2 has a tainted rep, rather the brand as a whole.

The post 2003 Disco 2 is an awesome vehicle, you cannot compare the traction it provides to the 99-2002 (pre-facelift) models.

Virtually as capable as a defender, but comfortable as well.

[TobiH]

I have heard such horror reports but the same goes for my Freelander and it is just fine.

What are the different models of the Disco II ?

There seem to be versions called GS, ES, etc ?

Is that their "luxury" rating or are there other differences ?

[Beans]

I drive a disco 1 3900cc Drive it dust like i drove my Hilux and have not brocken anything yet. Sorry faster than my hilux with the same fuel consumption

[Dirk]

I have heard such horror reports but the same goes for my Freelander and it is just fine.

What are the different models of the Disco II ?

There seem to be versions called GS, ES, etc ?

Is that their "luxury" rating or are there other differences ?

The GS is the basic spec, no fancy air suspension, self levelling suspension etc, IMO that is the model to look for. There's bit a quite a bit of reported problems with the SLS, air suspension etc. Many owners convert back to coils.

GS spec is 5 seater, no jump seats.

Other than that the higher specs come with armrests, cruise control and couple of goodies you don't need.

Cruise control can be fitted to the GS spec at a cost of about R1500.00, I did mine last year.

[Barto]

Sorry faster than my hilux with the same fuel consumption

Mine is even faster than my V8 hilux...then again, I don't have the balls to take a hilux on 35's over 170

You must see the people gawk when I past them at 170km/h in a the disco on the highway, especially other LR owners.

As for disco 2.....unfortunately 2 of my friends bought 2000&2001 models respectively in Cape Town(from the landy place in Montague Gardens) and they are both very unhappy, the electronics seem to be giving constant problems and the 2000 model has holes rusted through at the roof corners.

[TobiH]

As for disco 2.....unfortunately 2 of my friends ... are both very unhappy...

that's the thing - i have heard nasty stuff about people that know people that have a disco II and it is always stuffed

thought i'd canvas the disco II direct for some info !

t

[henkc]

As a Disco 1 driver, I may not be the best person to comment, but a number of my friends have Disco 2s and are happy with them. I would agree with the suggestion of a GS spec, but that could just be my innate fear of too much complexity. For wild Africa I would try to limit the electronics to the minimum, as they appear to need the occasional reset on warning lights and so on.

If you are a happy Freelander owner, you should now know that Land Rovers have their issues and require regular maintenance, like any other vehicle.

One piece of advice which I got before I bought my Disco was that they are less truck-like to drive in the city than Defenders. The Disco 2 is even better in this regard.

[TobiH]

If you are a happy Freelander owner, you should now know that Land Rovers have their issues and require regular maintenance, like any other vehicle.

I am happy with the Freelander, had no issues but the boot is just too small for the kind of holidays I would like to have and I don't want to get a trailer.

But I agree, maintenance is your friend !

[Dirk]

Hang on! The Freelanders are MUCH more tainted for problems that the Disco's!

A good source of info will be on ZALRO, join the list, otherwise on www.discoweb.org.

[Dirk]

On another note, comparing pre and post 2003. If the pre 2003 model suffers any kind of electronics failure you loose virtually all offroad ability and it relies solely on TC, the post 2003 model offers CDL still.

[henkc]

I am happy with the Freelander, had no issues but the boot is just too small for the kind of holidays I would like to have

Sounds like an important issue to me :-)

[TobiH]

Sounds like an important issue to me :-)

it is ! had a look at the new freelander when i came across one by chance at the dealer (they had a car there from a show) and it has a bigger boot than the current model but i want loads of space...

[Craigb]

I have heard such horror reports but the same goes for my Freelander and it is just fine.

What are the different models of the Disco II ?

There seem to be versions called GS, ES, etc ?

Is that their "luxury" rating or are there other differences ?

Howzit Tobi,

Not sure if you followed my latest thread on the disco that I bought. Here are a few things that I learnt whilst looking and deciding: (repeating some of what Dirk has already said)

GS is the base model
No air suspension (most say a good thing).
Drivers airbag and
generally no roof racks - although they are worth pot in any case. Manual states max 30kg loading! I just think they look good!

XS is the mid range
Driver and passenger air bag
SLS air suspension
Cruise control
No CD player - strange!!

ES top of the range - everything that opens and closes!!

In terms of boot space, the Disco is good, although with the rear seats folded down, there is zero space. My little girl insists on sitting in the back, hence my purchase of a trailer yesterday!

The much talked about centre diff lock -
I have tried to find as mush as possible on the subject and the general and I imagine correct opinion is that it is a must and improves not only off road performance, but safety as well. If you are considering the facelift model, then I believe they all have the manually operated centre diff (As Dirk has pointed out), so no need to worry. On the mid 2001 to 2002 models - like mine it is a hassle to fit.

In terms of reliability, I cannot yet comment - only had her a week now. Have a look at various forums. There are MANY MANY disco drivers that are over the moon about their vehicles. Best thing is to get the vehicle to an independant Landy specialist before buying. I did and it helped bring the price down!!! Now, I am aware of the possible problems.

I seem to find that many people comment on the electronics in a post series I discovery. My feeling is this:

Why do you jump in your BMW and do 1200 km to Cape town without a second thought for what the electronics will do in the middle of the karoo?? Just my thoughts and opinions as a new discovery driver ]

Anyway, I bit the bullet and am going to find the answers out first hand. Wish me luck and you too if you end up getting one.

[TobiH]

Wish me luck and you too if you end up getting one.

Wishing you the best of luck !

I am still in two minds : Defender or Disco II

Will let you (and the forum) know what I end up buying - have been looking at Defenders since end of last year now but will look at some Discos this weekend.

Would probably buy one from a LR dealer - how good is their guarantee or rather willingness to pay out on it if sth does go wrong ?

[Craigb]

On the 2002 model, the LR dealership will offer a warranty, but it is basically a motorite formula 16 warranty.

Not sure about their other warranty on a newer vehicle??

I also looked at buying from a stealer, but their prices are naturally higher. For the same model that I have, they charge in excess of R160k. I got it for R142k, but I guess you have more comeback if something does go wrong?

That said, LR centurion were good to me when I went there to sort out radio code, keys etc.

[TobiH]

Not sure about their other warranty on a newer vehicle??

Land Rover Approved Used :
- 2 year / 60 000km warranty
- Optional 2 year 40 000km / 60 000km maintenance plan
- Comprehensive Pre-Sale Check
- Roadside Assistance
- 14 day Exchange Agreement
(Terms and conditions apply)


I also found the LR Centurion guys reliable. Most of the dealers are friendly but they struggle to revert on time

[TobiH]

Consumer Report - big USA publication :

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/c...-406/index.htm

CR BAD BETS

These vehicles showed multiple Used Car Verdicts that were much worse than average, according to our survey respondents. They consistently had more problems than other models overall.
...
...

Land Rover Discovery
Land Rover LR3
...
...

[RichardS]

Would probably buy one from a LR dealer - how good is their guarantee or rather willingness to pay out on it if sth does go wrong ?

Hi Tobi,

I've had extensive use of my Motorite policy through LR Midrand (Bought at the same time as the vehicle). They did not quibble once although they did send an assessor out every time.

Cheers

Richard

[TobiH]

Hi Tobi,

I've had extensive use of my Motorite policy...

Hi Richard,

thanks for that - it sounds like a good report for the policy but rather bad for the car

extensive use ?