Looking at a DII, What can you tell me?

[Funrover]

Okay I have a sickness. I love my 92 RRC and I really enjoy when I can use my parents 97 P38. Now comes a new car for the wife. We both love Rovers and know that they take time/love. That being said she really.. and I mean REALLY wants one. I found a 2000 DII. 112K. New Radiator, serp belt, tensioner, all services just done. in great shape. Has SD rack, trailer wiring. It's missing the front fog lights, (escuse to trim HEHEHE) and needs a shuttle valve (which I can only find a "repair kit", is there a new one?.. what does this all do? Affect traction control somehow?) Asking $5300 and won't budge on price. It seems well priced and looks great. I am just wanting to see what others in the Disco world might have to offer for advice.

Thanks

Also this will be a DD as well as a light trail/camping rig

 

[Funrover]

So I will check the front Driveshaft for grease zerks, if not.. replace that and I found some interesting information that may mean it doesn't need the valve

 

[yubert]

The "shuttle valve" is the shuttle valve modulator. There is a LR kit for around $100 that might fix this but just about every LR mechanic I've talked to say it doesn't work or a gamble of time and $$.

From what I recall, a new LR shuttle valve is around $2200 but LR is supposed to have another kit that replaces the electronics and costs $800 to $1000.

Considering the mileage and condition of this D2, $5300 seems high, even with that SD roof rack. If you look around you can find D2's with lower mileage and better condition for $5K or less.

 

[jham]

i got edited last time i said this but... price is too high. I bought a 2kD2 with less miles and a new engine for less than $5k.

 

[MuddyOval]

I would agree that you could shop around for one with less of a gamble on the brakes. There IS a TSB on those for a bad ground that will make the ABS act up. I'm not sure if they care if you link to other web sites here, but PM me if you want to pursue that particular truck.
That's not a 'jump on it now' price. I've seen later ones with lower miles for that. You may consider shopping for one with a messed up bumper etc or a few dents and scratches and get uber cheap. I got a 2002 SE7 with a smashed front bumper and a leaking front cover gasket ($16) for $1500. The dealer told them the engine had to be replaced. :Wow1:

 

[Funrover]

I keep looking but can't find anything. Honestly that is cheap around the Colorado Springs/Denver area. I will keep looking and see what I can find.

 

[MuddyOval]

Even if you shop outside your local area, plane tickets can be cheap. Check out Arizona and find some old dude with a low mile Disco and fly out and drive it back. Rust free.

 

[SCRover]

hey, aaron. i know you're looking at DIIs, but i just found this D1 in San Francisco area. sounds pretty good, but the price, for a D1, is high.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/1273152997.html

good luck.

-Mark (GriffSC)

 

[pangaea]

That D1 does seem a little on the high side. KBB lists private party value on a 99 D1 with that mileage at $2,600.

 

[evilfij]

Don't spend more than 3k on a 99-00. They sell with motor issues for <$1500 around here. I would buy one of those if I could deal with a DII or any rover made after 1995 for that matter.

 

[MuddyOval]

There's an 04 SE listed around here for $7K. Keep shopping, you'll find something.

 

[Antichrist]

Is there a particular reason you/she wants a DII?
I didn't know about the shuttle valve repair costs, that's another shocker for me. There is no such beast on a D1.
Another repair cost comparison that shocks me is hubs. DII hub, about $300, rebuild a D1 hub, $30.
Granted, a DII has better road manners, but you may want to find a really nice D1, even if it's out of your price range, and test drive it to see if that's a factor for you/her. Then do some repair cost comparisions before you decide. Assuming repair costs are even a concern.

 

[MuddyOval]

DI ABS systems can fail too- the DII usually suffers from a bad ground, there's a TSB on it. The shuttle valve repair kit usually works, it's just not fun to install.
The DI might have some cheaper parts- comparing the cost of generic parts to rebuild a hub to the cost of a whole oem hub assembly is interesting, but not sure it proves anything. The DI is simpler to a degree, but is less capable and has less room inside. The cost to repair swivel balls/cvs is higher than the cost to repair the open CV on the DII. Get an 04 Disco and the power difference is amazing- and the ABS won't kill you like the sub-par system in the DI.
I can't imagine wanting a DI over a DII.

 

[FortyMileDesert]

DI ABS systems can fail too- the DII usually suffers from a bad ground, there's a TSB on it. The shuttle valve repair kit usually works, it's just not fun to install.
The DI might have some cheaper parts- comparing the cost of generic parts to rebuild a hub to the cost of a whole oem hub assembly is interesting, but not sure it proves anything. The DI is simpler to a degree, but is less capable and has less room inside. The cost to repair swivel balls/cvs is higher than the cost to repair the open CV on the DII. Get an 04 Disco and the power difference is amazing- and the ABS won't kill you like the sub-par system in the DI.
I can't imagine wanting a DI over a DII.

Here here! :coffeedrink:

 

[Antichrist]

DI ABS systems can fail too

D1 parts for the ABS system are cheaper, and there are fewer of them. Additionally, the ABS system can be easily disabled or removed and is pretty commonly done. And it won't affect it's driveability, performance off-road or electronics.

- the DII usually suffers from a bad ground, there's a TSB on it. The shuttle valve repair kit usually works, it's just not fun to install.

And it's expensive, just for a kit that "usually" works.

The DI might have some cheaper parts- comparing the cost of generic parts to rebuild a hub to the cost of a whole oem hub assembly is interesting, but not sure it proves anything.

I've seen a lot of people complaining about leaking hub seals. A $300 repair on the DII vs. $5 on the D1, $30 if you also install new bearings. What the comparison shows is that the DII hub is a stupid design on an off-road vehicle.

The DI is simpler to a degree, but is less capable

Assuming everything is working on the DII. Though a D1 could be made just as capable as a DII for probably less total $ (including purchase price) than a DII costs.

and has less room inside.

At the cost of a crapier departure angle on the DII.

The cost to repair swivel balls/cvs is higher than the cost to repair the open CV on the DII.

You mean the more exposed to damage CV on a DII?

Get an 04 Disco and the power difference is amazing

I won't argue with that, but other than for towing heavy loads, I've never felt the D1 was underpowered.

I can't imagine wanting a DI over a DII.

I can't imagine wanting a DII over a D1. In fact, we're looking for a Discovery for my wife and a DII isn't even being considered.

Obviously people have their preferences. My point was just to consider costs beyond just the purchase price, and that newer isn't always better, depending on your needs.
For some people, a DII is a better choice, for others, A D1. There's is no "better" vehicle.