mfreeman17
Observer
Hi Michael, sorry I didn't receive your email, I don't see it in my junk folder as well.
ExpoPortal is an incredible resource of information and seasoned practitioners use many platforms and products for their adventures. I've been a reader for years, attended most of the Expo's but not one to post too frequently, for whatever reason.
To avoid my opinion to your response going awry, please note I think there are many benefits to many platforms, each with their own set of plus/minus. For opinion sake, I greatly like and appreciate Toyota products (I had a 100 Series, built, and on my second Tundra). I own 2 old Willys jeeps, one restored completely one mechanically restored. Friends of mine have JK's and they are great and have loyally seen us out of some really rough terrain on multi-day trips. I've owned 6 LR's, 2 Defenders (one NAS 90, and 2005 110 when we lived in Switzerland), and four Disco's. 1 Series I and three Series II. I have good and bad to say about all of them. Mostly good.
In my opinion, for your situation my truck would be a good option for the type of trips you mention, especially value for money. It will get you out of wherever you go, it's been hugely reliable, and just because it has lockers, winch, racks, lights etc. doesn't mean you HAVE to use them. For your needs, they are good to have when you need them, not to see if you can create a situation where you are forced to use them.
In regards to drivability/freeway etc, driving a Series II verus say an LR4 is quite a different experience. The LR4 is much more refined, quieter, more comfortable, on-road clearly - and logging roads etc. It has a host of electronic components that are incredible in their own right - however, this does give rise to the opportunity for more things to potentially go wrong. Many have expounded on having new vs. old technology. Highly depends on your skill level and what the main purposes of the rig will be.
This Disco is reliable and fine for freeway driving, but with the sway bars disconnected (which you could reconnect if you so choose), it can be, well, wobbly. It's loud with the BFG Mud KM2's. An All Terrain would be quieter and for your list of fun to-do's, probably a better bet. It would get you to your destination but not as comfortably as some of the other platforms out there.
General maintenance is simple and similar to most vehicles. Oil changes, diff gear oil, plugs and wires are all 'normal' procedure. Transmission flush and change is challenging (time consuming for me), I have RoverTechs do that for me and any other maintenance required.
I hope this information is helpful.
Feel free to PM me with any additional questions or if I can expound on anything further. Good luck in the search, I'll let you know if for whatever reason the sale falls through.
ExpoPortal is an incredible resource of information and seasoned practitioners use many platforms and products for their adventures. I've been a reader for years, attended most of the Expo's but not one to post too frequently, for whatever reason.
To avoid my opinion to your response going awry, please note I think there are many benefits to many platforms, each with their own set of plus/minus. For opinion sake, I greatly like and appreciate Toyota products (I had a 100 Series, built, and on my second Tundra). I own 2 old Willys jeeps, one restored completely one mechanically restored. Friends of mine have JK's and they are great and have loyally seen us out of some really rough terrain on multi-day trips. I've owned 6 LR's, 2 Defenders (one NAS 90, and 2005 110 when we lived in Switzerland), and four Disco's. 1 Series I and three Series II. I have good and bad to say about all of them. Mostly good.
In my opinion, for your situation my truck would be a good option for the type of trips you mention, especially value for money. It will get you out of wherever you go, it's been hugely reliable, and just because it has lockers, winch, racks, lights etc. doesn't mean you HAVE to use them. For your needs, they are good to have when you need them, not to see if you can create a situation where you are forced to use them.
In regards to drivability/freeway etc, driving a Series II verus say an LR4 is quite a different experience. The LR4 is much more refined, quieter, more comfortable, on-road clearly - and logging roads etc. It has a host of electronic components that are incredible in their own right - however, this does give rise to the opportunity for more things to potentially go wrong. Many have expounded on having new vs. old technology. Highly depends on your skill level and what the main purposes of the rig will be.
This Disco is reliable and fine for freeway driving, but with the sway bars disconnected (which you could reconnect if you so choose), it can be, well, wobbly. It's loud with the BFG Mud KM2's. An All Terrain would be quieter and for your list of fun to-do's, probably a better bet. It would get you to your destination but not as comfortably as some of the other platforms out there.
General maintenance is simple and similar to most vehicles. Oil changes, diff gear oil, plugs and wires are all 'normal' procedure. Transmission flush and change is challenging (time consuming for me), I have RoverTechs do that for me and any other maintenance required.
I hope this information is helpful.
Feel free to PM me with any additional questions or if I can expound on anything further. Good luck in the search, I'll let you know if for whatever reason the sale falls through.
