1996-2004 Land Rovers - Which would be best to buy for 16 yo Daughter?
- Thread starter MTAA
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LR Max
Local Oaf
Good choice, really. Your daughter will tear it up. I just bought a 4 runner that was driven by a high school girl. The thing was a mess when I got it. A Rover wouldn't have lasted 4 months.
As for the radiator and transmission thing, get a new radiator and flush the systems. Should be good maintenance anyway.
As for the radiator and transmission thing, get a new radiator and flush the systems. Should be good maintenance anyway.
DividingCreek
Explorer
My 21yr old son drives a 110 with a rrc 4.2 and auto transplant, my 19yr old daughter drives a 95 d1. But hey, what do I know....
Yeah, but would you put just anybody's daughter (or wife) in an unknown Disco and send them off? It's one thing if the kid has green blood, quite another if they're a typical teen and just want a car that goes without any thought required. I mentioned earlier that I know an 18 yo kid driving a 'well used' DII as his only transport about 12 hrs away from home while at school. But he grew up with Rovers and knows what's what pretty well. He also has a good support network of friends he can access by phone/email/web. Sadly, it seems few kids these days are enthusiasts. They seem more interested in hacking their phone than learning how to keep a vehicle on the road.
(please note that despite this I never recommend the automotive appliance that is Toyota)
jymmiejamz
Adventurer
Plenty of people I went to high school with drove Disco's, and none of them were enthusiasts.
I grew up on water cooled VWs, so I learned the hard way. No surprise, I still punish myself and drive a D2 daily. But, both had/have character and community like no other.
That said, I'd prefer Toyota/Lexus for my wife/daughter. The less time I spend on their vehicles, the more I get for mine.
I also don't like either of them driving the D2, as I know what to look for in signs of trouble and they don't. It's inevitable that the engine light or my ultra gauge will sound a warning while they are are in it and they of course don't say anything until later. Most of the time it's nothing, but it only takes one time to not be.
That said, I'd prefer Toyota/Lexus for my wife/daughter. The less time I spend on their vehicles, the more I get for mine.
I also don't like either of them driving the D2, as I know what to look for in signs of trouble and they don't. It's inevitable that the engine light or my ultra gauge will sound a warning while they are are in it and they of course don't say anything until later. Most of the time it's nothing, but it only takes one time to not be.
Well, I wouldn't go so far as to punish them with a toyota, but your last paragraph sums up why I wouldn't put just anyone (man or woman) into an older Rover. Some people are more attuned to what they drive and for that person sure. Others (most) just turn the key, plant their foot, and never give a second thought until it won't go anymore. Those people will never be happy in any Rover.
Must be a wealthy school. Few high school kids can afford to run / maintain a Disc if they're not diehard enthusiasts that does all their own work. Even then it's a stretch.
XJLI
Adventurer
I'm assuming you went to HS in/around the boroughs/westchester/LI/CT? Yea, thats not a fair comparison.
Read above... I see 7-8 L405s a day. The tri-state area is not a fair comparison on Rover ownership to the rest of the country.
jymmiejamz
Adventurer
I went to high school in Richmond, Virginia.
This made me laugh! But, I have to admit an affinity for the brand. That said, many look very plain and appear to have undersized wheels/tires.
I worked at a production plant building the Camry and Avalon for four years back in the mid to late 90's, so I can attest to their build quality.
One recent example of many Toyotas owned: we sold a Matrix with 168k on the clock that we'd owned from new ... Only repair I can remember was replacing hubcaps.
Even with all of the above said, I still prefer my D2. I'd proudly own a land cruiser, tundra, 4Runner, Supra Turbo, etc., but I wouldn't get the same feeling that I get from the D2. And, when you factor cost of entry?!?! It's no comparison.
Well, if you held my feet to the fire I'd probably admit Toyota builds a reliable vehicle. I just like to give them grief. Not exactly like it means anything but I used to live in Princeton, IN when they opened the Tundra plant there. Lost one of my employees to them back then. I think I have an in-law working there as well.