Disco 2 , what year to pick?

[KarmannMarco]

Hey guys. I'm currently a very happy 2nd gen Pajero/Montero RS owner and although I love my rig it's getting a bit old and the wife wants something newer , more comfortable and can seat 7 like my Montero. I had a short stint with a series 1 Disco before I got into Monteros and although in the reliability department it wasn't stellar I genuinely loved the experience of driving it. Despite all the reliably nightmare stories everyone talks about I've decided on a Disco 2. This truck will mostly be a trail/camping rig and occasionally a comfortable long trip vehicle.
I've got 2 kids and one on the way and although Monteros are reliable and bullet proof it's aging and we want a more modern/comfortable 7 seater. Besides that we daily drive BMWs but they aren't exactly roomy. Now I'm trying to decide. ... 99-02 or 03-04 ? I like the styling on the 99-02 best but the lack of center diff. locker is a big minus ( I'm used to a diff locker and rear air Locker stock on the Montero ) The 03-04 are more appealing in the fact they do have the diff locker , they are newer and have the 4.6L engine. However I've heard the most nightmare stories about these 03-04 rigs.
Regardless I'm prepared to preventively do headgaskets, driveshaft, electrikery etc... on any disco I get but what do you guys suggest given all the info I wrote?

 

[LR Max]

04. Yes there are horror stories about the engines but most of them have been taken care of. Or find one in good shape with the engine already blown, and go from there.

But really, the truck you want is an LR3. It is so much better of a truck. Yes it is more expensive but you get a better ride, increased reliability, increased on-road performance, increased off-road performance, better MPG on highway, and more interior space. Oh and yes, you can find them with a factory rear diff locker, but they are rare. That said, the stock traction control is REALLY good.

 

[DiscoDavis]

Can confirm TC is magic. Did Reddish Knob in VA/WV in the rain on almost-illegal worn street tires. I am glad you also responded as to which year is best. I did consider a D2 as well back in the day. Still super neat trucks!

 

[kcabpilot]

I own a 2001 and as much as I love it and I was able to connect the CDL I'd suggest going for an '04. After a long trip in high country with a loaded roof rack I decided to upgrade my truck with a 4.6 because it just seemed to be having a tough time of it with the 4 liter. With an '04 you'll get a 4.6 and the CDL already connected. If you get a late '01 to '03 it won't even have the CDL to hook up. It's also good advice to look at the LR3, especially with the size of your family. Discos have a 100 inch wheelbase and you can only fit so much in 100 inches.

 

[jgdisco2]

Coming from someone who has owned both generations of D2's(99 and 04 current truck), hands down I say get the 04 if you want the D2. You get the CDL, better motor, and in my opinion a little better style with the light upgrades. I was able to find a S model that already had the head gaskets done and no issues except valve covers and a leaky transfer box.

As mentioned earlier, the LR3 for a little more change would be a sweet upgrade. My girlfriend just purchased a 06 LR3 with the HD package and wow what a truck. Rides like a champ on the road, averaged over 19 mpg on the highway(14-15 in my D2) and a ton more room for everything.

 

[MLu]

I have a 99 with the center locker, though I haven't actually connected it. It was one of the reasons I wanted a -99 rather than a slightly newer, but in retrospect I should have just gotten the newest I could find. The TC gets me through a lot worse places than I'm really comfortable going. An 04 will likely turn out to be the cheapest one in the long run if you find a good one and keep up on maintenance.

 

[KarmannMarco]

Thanks for the advice guys. I'm not in a rush so I'll definitely wait for the right truck. My Montero has a 107 inch wheelbase but I think is more narrow then the Disco II
We fit just fine as is but with no rear AC I get lots of complaints out back. Also the truck came from Houston TX and the leather seats as very used and not as plush as they once were.
Amazing truck honestly but as I get a bit older and the kids grow up utilitarian doesn't cut it like it used to.
I'll keep an eye out for LR3s as well.
I also looked at a 3rd generation Montero recently. I was skeptical because of the 4 wheel independent suspension and the unibody contruction but it drove amazingly on the road , was quite roomy , felt super solid and seems like they wheel extremely well as long as I'm not rock crawling.
Maybe I should go with a modern Montero for reliability , comfort and long trips and later on buy a RRC ( one of my dream trucks ) or a Disco 1 for some more serious off roading...
So many choices......

 

[howirolla]

04
or move to the gen3 monty, most monty owners I have spoke with say it was the best up grade in vehicle they could have done. but if you are going to look at those, and have a soft spot for rovers, deff look into the LR3 due to how similar of a platform they are.