Old vs New! How Does this old Discovery II compare to the today's Discovery? Find out here as we take both of them up Gold Mine Hill: th-cam.com/video/hYDZIDk-X1s/w-d-xo.html
The Fast Lane Car you should do a review on the reliability issues the D2 faced and what are best options for rectifying and keeping your D2 going strong. One of my favorite vehicle designs of all time. However, I’ve always avoided buying one due to reliability concerns. So I bought an older Land Cruiser instead
If it makes you feel any better, the door handle surrounds and other areas are add-on 'wood' features. The only factory wood is the belt-line on the dash.
Excellent review. I don't think you missed a thing. I owned three of them (a Series 2 and two Series 3s - at least, that's how they were designated in Australia). The last of the Series 3 was the best one by far (as they re-introduced the ability to activate the centre diff lock). I loved it. It was the best highway car I ever had (the handling was augmented with the astonishingly effective active anti-roll suspension [ACE]) as well as being enormously capable off-road. It had one major drawback - it was an absolute gas guzzler - hideously expensive to drive around town. But that was offset with how good the Disco looked. They have absolutely mangled the latest one - too high tech, no rail frame, and it looks like every other softroader on the market. I can't imagine it's going to be reliable after a year or two - especially with 56pounds of boost... crikey - that's a disaster waiting to happen. Anyway - top marks for your excellent run down. I hope you get many many enjoyable adventure miles (or kilometres) out of yours.
My dad bought me a 2001 Land Rover Discovery when I turned 16 in 2010 for $9k. At 29, I still drive it and it is an absolute beast that I will never get rid of. Granted, it has had...a couple of trips to the mechanic over the years hahaha. But man I love that truck.
Was originally looking for older Toyota land cruisers but these LR Discovery’s are really catching my eye. What kind of mpg are you getting and how reliability are they?
@@alexbrutlag6022 MPG is not great, like 12. Reliability is okay. Its not so much how often they break, its how expensive it is when they do. Everything on these cars are 3x the price of parts and labor on "normal" cars. For example, to have a mechanic replace the radiator in these is like $1,500+. To do it on, say a jeep wrangler for example, would be like $500. And that goes for literally every single part on them.
Tell me about it. I’m in my second Discovery I as my daily driver - and it goes without say… preferred off road adventure rig (which my Jeep can’t compare).
Thanks for the video! I inherited my sister’s Disco 2, after she drove it into the ground and parked it into a corner, to be forgotten. I gave her a few bucks for it and 5 thousand dollars later in parts and my own labor, my new to me Rover is running like a beast. I’m currently in the process of dumping 10 thousand dollars in overlanding gear from ARB, to match with a Warn winch, Old Man Emu lift kit, poly bushings, new suspension components, EBC green stuff brakes, BF Goodrich AT, black 16” steel rims, Safari snorkel, Baja Rack and off road lights. I’m keeping my Disco 2 for life. And especially love working on it and learning how to fix it, for the purpose of self recovery while out on the trail. Thanks to your well detailed video, I learned a few more things about my rover. Like the miles to kilometers conversion. Thanks!
My Disco II turns 21 next month! Never had a problem with it! Still going strong! She gets serviced every year and has only done 175000KM! Off-road, she is remarkably capable and only asks for more juice:) She is washed every week and, well, we love her! Boom!!!
Finally! An optimistic review. I just got one and I’m so tired of everyone telling me how much work it will be. I just love it and she’s gorgeous - it makes me so happy!
Awesome. Always had a weird fascination with the discovery II. Knew i'd eventually get into my dream vehicle when the time was right. I remember buying it up in the Colorado mountains after i finally found the one i wanted on craigslist. Drove it back home to Wyoming, Re-built half the engine with a buddy (who also bought one at the same time) and then proceeded to try and do most of the repairs all us discovery owners will end up doing in their lifetime. This thing took me all over the place and I made way too many memories in it. From driving it home from colorado to Wyoming to rebuild it's new life, taking it over the Golden Gate bridge to see my parents, having my first trip out of the United States while towing same friends discovery II across the Yukon and British Columbia in Canada on a move to Alaska. I am 28 now and I've had my 03 Disco II for +6 years. Now i live in Colorado, still have it, still chugging along making more memories. Me and my wife went on our first date in this vehicle. Then me and my wife drove our newborn daughter home from the hospital for the first time in this vehicle. lol I will keep this vehicle forever. How could I ever part ways with it? I had no idea the "places" this thing would take me. What a time it's been.
My mom bought this legendary vehicle when I was a kid. Even took me to school on my very first day in 1st grade. Now I've finished university having used it, myself, to get me there everyday. I'm hoping it'll do the same for my kids one day in the future.
My father bought one in 2001… we still have it as my wife’s daily vehicle!! Since then it’s collected both my new born sons from hospital, taken me and my wife to out wedding and honeymoon and lots more… we’ve had some epic road trips from well up inside the artic circle to the southern tip of Spain! We’ve just completed a 2500 miles of the alps.. what is nice is that my eldest son learnt to drive in it and passed his test and my youngest has just started! It’s a true family vehicle which has given us great memories.
Great review, well thought out. Tommy is right about the newer Rovers. Without the large windows, low belt-line, high ride height, and high seating position, they lost their appeal.
Mines 15 years old! Had it from new. Looked at Disco 4, then bought new chassis for Disco 2 instead! Loads rotted out here in the UK. It's been in 3feet of water, through snow, off-road, and it's still my daily drive. Only 2 breakdowns- one seized rear brake caliper, and one blown blanking hose on the oil cooler unit (It's a TD5) Trust it anywhere!!
I had a Discovery 2 TD5 manual in South Africa. Really loved that car, it felt unstoppable off road. Interesting fact with the diesel manual and the Hill Descent Control - in first gear low range you would be going slower than the HDC setting and the compression from the diesel engine would hold you back so even on a very steep decline the HDC would still not activate.
@@markswanson2716 Oh god, good luck with that.... I had one for two years and it was hands down, the most unreliable vehicle I've ever owned. First it blew a turbo, then a transmission, total cost $11k aud. Then it got a massive diesel leak while we were off road, we got that repaired and a week later it threw a power steering hose. Then a few months later it started running roughly and we worked out that it had a leaking seal that was allowing oil to run down into the ECU unit. Got that fixed, then it threw and injector rail....got one shipped from the UK, then the indicator stalk stopped working. Got one of those shipped from the UK, then we got a brake sensor error in the dash....we replaced the sensors as the brakes were fine, then a few months later it came back and stayed for the duration we owned the car. These are just some of the things that I can remember, there were certainly many more. Such as throwing an alternator while we were on a camping trip....😂😂
They are so unreliable. I took my 1999 from Wisconsin to Denver, then to Moab where I towed a Toyota out of a ditch. Vegas, Santa Monica. down 40/ Route 66. Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest. Snow in Vail and 110 in Baker. In the end 4965 miles. Yes we had failure. Somewhere on 76 it got real loud. Trip to a dealer in Colorado Springs for an exhaust manifold collector gasket, installed myself. Grand total, $7.50.
@@jjt1093 because they are greedy and gas makes way more money than diesel. I would love to have a diesel fueled car or even flex fuel. But no they make all these gas guzzling cars. Hell hybrid vehicles are a lovely thing too. A diesel and electric car would be a travelers dream.
True brother have had a few and alway got at least 185K miles out of the "unreliable motor", without any real maintenance at all. It is also easy to buy a compleat engine from UK and put in a OEM diesel engine, by just changing engine mounts, wiring is plug and play.
I had a 2000 Disco II from 2002-2006, wasn't the motor I found unreliable, was the electronics... Loved the way it drove and the seating position...swore I would never own another but now feeling a strong dose of nostalgia for the ex-girlfriend and the ride!
Land Rovers are addictive. People are always talking about unreliability but so far after owning a Classic, a D2td5 ,two p38 ,one L322 and now an L320 tdv8 I have never encountered any issue with them that make me change brand. You want to get hooked up with LRs? Just get in the mud and wait and see. Best 4x4 ever!
Luis Tejeda I’ve never had problems with my LR, I have a DII with 187,000 miles original 4.0 nothing done except maintenance the people who say they are unreliable are either too lazy to work on them or too posh to understand how vehicle maintenance works
My Disco 2 was the coolest car I have ever owned. My favorite feature was the handles on the headrests on the front seats. Also I loved the way the piping looked on the tan interiors. As for yours, someone added the wood trim on the doors an moor roof control. The only factory piece of wood was above the glove box and, if you have a 2004 HSE model, at the gear selector.
I have a 2002 V8 Discovery 2 ,bought second hand in 2003 with 40 000 kms on the clock.She has now done 300 000 kms .The engine has never let me down and has never had any repairs done to it save for regular oil changes.Does not use a drop of oil. I live in South Africa and have driven at least half of its life on gravel roads.She has been up mountains and through deserts in Namibia. Great car ,great comfort great reliability.
It's the coolest car I've ever owned by far! I've always wanted one and finally pulled the trigger 5 years ago. Spent another a month sorting everything out. It is not just a car but more of hobby. I would never recommend the Disco to someone who doesn't enjoy working on cars.
Haha 100% my dream car since my freshman year in HS was a dsicovery 2 and I got an 03 over here in Cali for 1600$ and all I had to do was change the fluids put a new radiator in and change the trans filter 😁 love my disco 2 but def would agree, not for the mechanically inadept
Jon Redd ... Exactly..! It needs a special guy to owned..! This Disco, is NOT FOR ANYBODY..!!!!!! I'm the crazy one who own one, and will NEVER be for sale ever. Will stays with me ! Hate / Love relationship.! Hate to spend on , Love to drive...!
I also love my 2000 D2 I bought one from a Police auction for $800 that had the slippy sleeve and bought a wrecked 2001 D2 for $1000 that only had 100K and swapped in the good engine.
Great presentation! Reminds me of my lovely old 1991 Range Rover, which I had for 10 years. It NEVER ONCE broke down, let alone maroon me. We drove it all over (even in Hawaii), to some very strange places. Bought it at 30K miles. Kept it to 130,000++. Then, for reasons passing understanding, I sold it. As Tolkien might have written, "Curse me and crush me!" I think it was the poor gas milage that finally got to me. I weakened, and then it was too late.You would be amazed to know what I would do not to have done that. I listened to everyone who said to me that it would quickly die, "like all LRs," and bankrupt me. I didn't find out about neat tricks like ditching the hydraulic suspension, along with other system simplifications, until much later. Your presentation resurrects old memories, and my health is on the edge. I wonder if it would work to try and resurrect an old RR or Disco to be "my last ride." I'm not being morbid; I turn 68 next month. It would be nice to revive and pamper an LR/RR to drive, then pass it on. T'wouldn't be cheap, though, would it? Subbed. Glad I stumbled onto your channel. Will follow. BTW, you guys know you are not altogether normal, don't you? Thanks - I'll show myself out...
You should've bought a Diesel. Then you wouldn't have to care about mpg Sucks that American government screws the population and doesn't allow Diesel to grow stateside cause they want to protect their dumb economy decisions
I have had a Disco 1 and am on my 3rd Disco 2 that has been chipped and performs 20 % better than the 2 Disco 2 I had previously. All were purchased with 225,000 plus kms. My first disco 2 was written off in a rollover with a 25ft caravan on behind (that is a story). The strength of the Disco saved my wife and my life. All have been reliable (apart from the 3 Amigos). Just got rid off them on my current rig. Complex but nor hard to work on I managed to do a full engine loom and injector loom change myself (with the help of You Tube and a full handbook. Your summary is spot on. Fantastic to drive on or particularly off road. Wife wants to get something smaller but "bad luck wifey ain't gonna happen anyway soon". Love my Disco!
Solo Vagant a darn shame. Damn America and the emission laws. I want the diesel Subaru engine in my wife's crosstrek it gets better mpg. I want the tdi version of this rig.
Here in the UK I had a D2 ( 2002 2.5 diesel ) took us all over Europe towing a caravan ( trailer ) and never let us down.I did however maintain the vehicle well it wanted for nothing.I was so confident with the vehicle I sold it to my daughter who only had one problem a heater hose rubbed through.I then bought a new D4. It has broken down twice and it is now on 15,000 miles, so the D2 a great vehicle.My daughter sold the D2 to a guy who works in the paint shop next to my independent LR garage so I still see it.
There is no interlock (can move freely between without pushing the button) between 3rd and Drive (works both ways) so when you go to put in to drive, 95% you hit Drive or 3rd so just push forwards to guarantee you're in Drive.. You therefore hit Drive without having to look. The reason for no interlock between 3rd and Drive is for towing up hills (check out the owners manual).
Had a 95 Disco and currently a 95 Range Rover Classic, love these older Land Rovers. Glad you seem excited about your Disco 2. Once you drive them everything else seems regular.
Those cup holders really are an add on for the US market, we didn't have them here in the UK, the cup holders folded out from under the radio and AC unit control, they may not be the most reliable trucks ever made ( trust me iv had 4 disco's and 2 freelander's ) but they really are unbeatable off road!
I think you need to go a little further offroad than the patch of grass outside your house mate (try going down a dirt track on a farm after a few days of heavy rain and you'll see how far the traction control system will get you)
@@leighmackay9192 LR traction control system has been in use since the 90's and has only recently started appearing on new vehicles as though its something new. If you can't get through with TC you wont get through with anything.
The mouse sized cubbie is for sunglasses, and you originally had 2 wheel chocks and a tire iron that stored in a black bag in the rear door cubbie. The cubbie under the Passenger seat held a 6 CD changer that has been rendered useless. Your interior is in absolutely wonderful condition, and you guys have kitted it really well.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my old Discovery I !!!!!! I had to replace every window actuator (luckily I had the extended warrantee!!) but after that my Disco was very reliable!! Only thing I didn't like was it wanted to drink only premium fuel! I wish I still had it! Far and away my favorite car all time!!!!
Discovery 5 is an abomination. To me, this is the classic Disco. Timeless design and I still think it looks really good. Shame about the reliability though....
I thought this was one of the coolest vehicles on the road and bought a Disco II some years ago. It was both under powered and thirsty and was by far the most unreliable vehicle I have ever owned. Everything that went wrong with it was always ridiculously expensive to repair. Happy the day I got it but so much happier the day I got rid of it.
Well I did it! I’m officially a member of the nuthouse...I went and bought an 04 Disco II SE. Been wanting one for years but Y’alls videos pushed my over the edge. Already bringing smiles to my face...so far, knock wood. Wish me luck!!
The window controls are situated in the middle of the Disco as the thing can be converted right and left hand drive. Look at the shifter numbers - on both sides of the shifter. The passenger air bag can be removed to accommodate the steering and instrument panel. Love my 98 Disco!!! Still turning heads! ... and I bought it for $1700 Canadian dollars (probably $500 US) over 8 years ago :D
Only Discos for me, I own a 2003 Disco Se7 and have gone everywhere in it. Sure it requires routine maintenance but if you stay on top of it, it will deliver every time 🤔🙄😜
I had a 2004 Disco. Lifted, OME springs, safari rack, snorkel... the whole bit. It was an absolutely amazing vehicle but you would never want to own one outside of factory warrantee! One point you missed, and it's one of the best features. You can compound low range it in AWD (no diff lock) so you can use the low range transfer case on the street. I used it a lot when towing my 8,000 pound 28-foot boat to the marina. The rand rover disco II also had an incredible tow rating. 7,500 pounds and that engine made plenty enough power. It would pull that boat over Snoqualmie pass at freeway speed. The traction control is incredibly responsive and I loved the feedback to the driver when the system was working. I've never driven a better vehicle in the snow qualified by being a previous owner of H1 Hummer, 2012 Power Wagon, 2016 Power Wagon and 2018 Subaru. The 2004 Disco II kicks the $hit out of all of them in the snow and ice.
Had some great adventures in my D2 and other assorted Land Rovers...will always have a soft spot for them. Glad to see you guys giving it an upfront treatment, the negatives are real - but can't damper the feeling of Land Rover ownership!
Awesome job! The only thing I would add is the third row jump seats and the rear step. You have definitely caught the Land Rover bug. Welcome to the club.
@@TFLcar in other words, if the truck floods the first thing to die is the CPU for you transmission. I wouldn't have picked that spot, but another unique thing I guess.
I love my 2004 disco. My wife hates it, mostly b.c I have some work to do on suspension and o2 sensors. 2 weeks and we'll both love it again, if not I'm sure I will. This truck is my forever truck. I've bought and sold so many awesome vehicles over the years, I've almost always regretted every sale. I'm not selling this one! Great video. Thank you.
This is my second discovery, had an 03 and now an 04. We recently drove our discovery Croats country NYC to LAX via the national parks ( Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Nevada & California ) the car was a dream, very comfortable and reliable. Had a oil change in Vegas, and to replace the aging fuel pump in Oklahoma City, beside that miner ( 7500 miles later ) not a single drop of oil on the ground. This car is classic.
I had an ‘02 Disco. Absolutely loved every inch of it. After 2-3 yrs of ownership I never faced any mechanical issues. I must have been one of the lucky ones lol. Some day I’d like to get an ‘04 model and fix it up, maybe take it on the occasional off road trip or something. These are special, the leather, the 4WD, just a very unique driving experience compared to anything else out there. Love that you guys are doing videos of this rig.
I also loved my 2004 Disco II but it was very unreliable in the summer. In the 2 short years I had it, I got a new transfer case, changed the water pump 3 times, and replaced most of hoses and the battery. Smh but it was a dream on the CO Jeep trails- drove like luxury in the mud.
Be careful with this hand break. Just like you said it tops ONLY the drive shaft, not the wheels. On slippery roads, left wheel can rotate forward and right wheel can rotate backward causing the truck to roll dawn, of course only in neutral. I have Disco I with no traction control so I also suggest to lock the central diff if you are on any slippery road. When you go side ways open diff means that when the slide starts all the power will go to the wheel/s which lost traction making the situation even worse. Best wishes from Poland.
Your video is thorough and gives me hope. My '04, one owner, 240k miles, has been marooned in our one car garage here in Maine, awaiting its fate. While the '13 Jeep Wrangler that has never given a lick of trouble is outside in the cold. Unfortunately, mine has rust on the chassis from the crud they put out on the roads here in winter. I can resource a partial chassis from those great guys in VT, but with labor, many $thousands. It still looks as beautiful as it did the day I drove it off the lot in '04. The guys down in Scarborough thought I was crackers when I installed a fully rebuilt engine 100k miles ago, and pressured me into getting a new LR4, that looks more like a Subaru. Wish me luck. Nice to know I'm not the only fool for love of Landy's.
Had an ‘03- it was unique and I enjoyed my time with it but it broke down badly within four years of ownership. Learned an important lesson from it- to buy Japanese and Japanese only moving forward.
Wonderful demonstration and thank you for covering everything about this wonderful car. I am in the process of purchasing a car and I was contemplating getting a 2004 Land Rover Discovery SE. After watching this video I am definitely purchasing it!!!
I have a fully rigged out 2003 and it's my hurricane mode transporter. I love my truck and my kids love it even more when I put kayaks and things on top heading to the Florida keys. Very fun and reliable truck. I wouldn't sell ever. If you're lucky to own one with all things taken care of, your good to go anywhere. I see you also replaced the original wheels! I did the same with larger sizes. My family looooove this truck. When they see me grabbing the keys, the know the shit is about to hit the fan!!!
I've got an 03 also!! Love mine, just done your average if not more maintenance on it filters etc oil change every 7k and it's been awesome! Have you had to get a new engine yet? Or have yours remachined?
I feel the same, can't give up my Disco II Se7, never. My children love it, especially camping time and climbing the ladder. It's the perfect family truck. It's not perfect, but if you stay on top of the routine maintenance it will always pull through. I fully understand some of the complaint's but I believe it's all about good scheduled routine maintenance and fully building up the truck for what it's really designed for, off-road ability and not a cute show car, get a BMW for that 😂
Not only that but a Land Rover does something the other brands don't and that's teach you about maintenance and basic engineering, it's handy to know these things, with modern cars nowadays people don't know what to do! They don't even know how to change a wheel check and change all the liquids and fuses clean filters or just do some basic trouble shooting by listening to the engine/gearbox/exhaust! Just knowing these things can save you a lot of money! I don't own a Land Rover but I've learnt all the above mentioned because I'm a delivery driver and we have to know the basics and the knowledge I've learnt helps me with my car now if you don't drive for a living you don't tend to know all these little things but if you own something like a Disco that needs the attention you get to learn all these basic things every car has in some shape or form! It's better having the knowledge than not!
"and some oil, because you need because it's a Land Rover." I love that phrase. I just bought a 2000 Discovery 2 today! I love it! My family loves it! I look forward to learning more about this British built SUV!
You did a superb job describing all of the idiosyncrasies of the Disco II. I use to drive them as loaners and loved their sound systems. On the road, they are not bad. I never took them off- road as I did my Rangie.
By far the best review I've seen of the Disco 2. I'm looking to change our MPV & I've long looked at the Disco 2 as it's replacement, I love its' looks'. My local mechanic warns me about mechanical & body problems but I'm sure "The One" is out there waiting for me. Thanks.
Petrol is not a good idea for a off-road vehicle imo. Diesel was made exactly for this purpose, it's more economic, stronger and can tow more weight, has more torque. All the upsides that a 4x4 vehicle or a heavy vehicle needs. In fact Diesel was made for farmers in mind, to be cheap to run (on veggie oil). I believe in Rudolf Diesel's dream, high underappreciated visionary
I prefer the P38a Range Rover, from which the majority of these unique features present in the Disco2 originated. I love Land Rover, even though they are problematic. Cheers
Very nice review and knowledge as always,My dad drove range rovers for years and the service costs were always ridiculous.They were also worthless after 10 years.I drove his 1990 in a bad snowstorm upstate NY once and it was unstoppable.Than so was my 1990 jeep.
I say this review is spot on. Lots of thoughtful design features that make for utility and functionality like: contoured steering wheel that give a natural grip for the hands and fingers, massive dual sunvisors, roof gutters that keep rain from dripping into the car when opening the door or when having the windows partially opened. I particularly LOVE the worm & roller steering box that still affords the driver some road feel while completely isolating the drivers hands from the sudden torque shocks when hitting obstacles. I owned another suv with rack and pinion steering and almost broke my thumb when I accidentally hit a tall curb, which the Discovery 2 would have just climbed over without blinking. The Discovery2 amazingly also rides and handles quite nice IMO for its dual live axles, though it did bottom out in the front a few times. The only griep I had for that car was the engine w/c you had to have replaced with a beefed up version from British Atlantic for 5grand.
Our 2003 had the same as 2004 with the center diff lock. We had a SE7 HD Safari pack. Loved that truck. We now own a Disco III HSE HD. The HD comes with a full size spare tire and the center diff option and a tow PAC
There must been few variants. All 03 I have seen don't have it or even the stub on the Tcase to turn on. I got an older Tcase so I can at least crawl under to engage it. Yours may been a later when they was going to 04 style. Lucky those little shifters are expensive.
D1 and D2 had no panels the same. There is nothing interchangeable mechanically either . Even the wheels don't swap. You can "swap" some of the glass as the window frames in the doors are similar, as iss the windscreen aperture, but the glass itself is different. The bonnet looks the same, but the lock panel is different. Even the chassis ( frame, I think you guys call it ) is completely different. I know. I have one of each, both diesels.
"I read all the comments, even the mean ones"-Tommy . Listen Thomas, don't ever let the haters get you down. You are doing what you love and you're good at it which is more than most people can say about themselves. Keep on going
Awesome and detailed review! I truly appreciated your matter of fact approach to reviewing this truck. It never felt like you were hyping it or disparaging it. Thanks!
Tan leather is an unusually American obsession. Very, very few people in the UK or Europe would choose it because it's too easy to to get dirty and is considered dated. Most European cars have black leather or a patterned cloth interior. This explains why the steering wheel is black. Also, during the late fifties, sixties, seventies and eighties, notwithstanding the Range Rover and its variants, all Series Land Rovers had selectable 2WD/4WD, none had locking diffs (although the centre diff locked when 4WD was selected) and as a general rule, only military models had limited slip diffs. Locking differentials is also something specifically American and until the Nineties, was generally not considered necessary (in the UK), due to the strict laws prohibiting off-roading, due to the fact that the Country is so small and the ownership of large tracks of land dates back to families who have existed since Saxon and Norman times, so generally, all land is owned by somebody, even if it is the Crown and so most off roading is trespassing, except by invitation or if you are a farmer (there are exceptions to this). Switching between miles and kilometres would be a throw back to UK models where driving in Europe is difficult because nobody understands km, so would change this when driving on the Continent. The system where the key is pushed twice to double lock or dead lock the car was introduced for the UK initially to counter the horrendous explosion in the number of vehicle thefts at that time. Many vehicles today still have to employ this system, especially commercial vehicles.
Light colour interiors give an air of luxury and dark interiors sporty. I hate the limited availability of light interiors in the UK. Makes vehicles cabins a dark miserable place with all black. You make it sound like Europeans cant keep a car clean.
paul davison with regard to not being able to keep the interior clean, I didn’t mean that at all but it is just a fact that over time, light coloured leather interiors pick up dirt and stains, that are impossible to get rid of without having the leather re-treated. If you’re the kind of person who only keeps your car for three years, as most of the UK public seems obsessed with, then that’s fine but some of us buy new and keep until the car’s effectively dead, so this is an issue. Oh, and cream is soooo dated that relegates cars into the grand-dad owner category. I own one of the only Toyota Tundra’s in the UK and even that came with a grey interior!
@@sailing_raptor I always prefer light interiors as dark are just dull and sombre and look cheap. I'd rather be a grandad than that. Kids,dogs and long term ownership and all last just as long as a black interior just down to looking after them. The only refreshment I've ever had is for damage and that doesn't relate to colour. Buying black because it copes with stains better is alien to me because I clean and treat my trim correctly so that kind of problem isnt as issue. The rest of the planet using light interiors seem to cope OK also.
Lightstone and alpaca beige are easily the most popular colours in P38 Range Rover and Discovery2 ... both beige ... alpaca is the interior colour of this discovery. Very popular across the world. Granite grey and ash black are less popular.
Honestly, after watching this, I feel much admiration for this vehicle. It actually seems more fascinating than the latest Discovery in spite of its age.
At 2:55 - there is a reason for thin doors. I had a '98 which I took off road, and when you're without a spotter, having the ability to be close to the door (note how the arm rests are not deep either), you can lean out that low slung window and see the placement of your front and rear driver side wheels. It's designed that way for a purpose.
As a driver of the same land rover I have never had a issue with shifting from P to D I have never shifted to 3rd by mistake. (And I am only 16 so I haven't driven that much compared to someone else)
Great review Tommy! I actually wanted to buy this generation of Discovery when they were new. I would still want one in good shape, but the number of "good" ones are declining fast.
Agreed. He only missed three points and I cannot criticize him for missing them. The 3 points are heated windshield, ACE and SLS systems, and the cubby under the front passenger seat is not storage but for the CD player.
Very well done video. I've owned my 2002 D2 For 7 years and learned Something I didn't know before: I rigged up a center differential lock actuator but wasn't sure if the 2004 Models that had CDL We're supposed to operate in Conjunction with the traction control Or turn off the traction control Which is what happens if you shut the car off and turn it on with the CDL engaged; Now I know! Thank you! Nobody else read this next part: (TFL Car: I didn't want to say this in front of everybody: it's Foot Pounds not Pound Feet of torque. I can see why you got it wrong since half the car commercial scriptwriters/narrators make the same mistake). Thanks again, great video!
Thanks and just an FYI: We were producing interesting quirks reviews long before Doug was on yourtube. Check it out: th-cam.com/video/Sl1JcQMXEZU/w-d-xo.html ;-)
Thoroughly enjoyed the review. I've had my current 04 D2 since 06 & 100K miles.. LOVE it. Mine is similar to yours except I also have the Terra Firma wheel spacers, diff guards & tank guard, plus the Mantec snorkel. All useful kit for Arizona off roading.
This was a fun video to watch because the host gives so much technical information. That said, back in the day when this SUV was new most never left the pavement. All of my friends who had one used them to hall the kids to school, commute to work or drive to the mall. It was just a trendy vehicle to drive around the city. So, now its fun to see that the younger generation has an appreciation for them as off road vehicles.
Great essay Tommy. Isn't it a pity that with a name and heritage like Land Rover has, that they can't produce one that will be mostly trouble free and last for years?
@@leighmackay9192 Yes, they sure did Leigh,..my brother in law, had one, a Series 11A with gasoline engine, this was in the late 1960's into the early 70's. He and my sister with their four children, would tow his 18 foot Caravan ( camping trailer ) all over our Province here in Canada during summer vacations. His first one was the short wheel base model and it did have free-wheeling hubs on it too. He must have really enjoyed his Land Rover's because he went on to buy two or three more and ended up with the Range Rover model.
I remember seeing plenty of these, back then, as a kid. Like the Toyota Land Cruiser, 4Runner, Lexus LX470s, and so many other SUVs made for beating up and off roading on top of the usual road trips, these trucks still hold up in terms of solid capability and durability if you look past gas mileage and robustness. I do like the cabin size, luxury, and utility of these all in one truck. Nostalgia!
Great video. I bought a 2004 Land Rover Discovery 2 a couple years ago, and I love it to death. But these things are mechanical messes, unfortunately. So I'm always working on it, or getting something done to fix it. By the way, the cubby hole under the passenger seat is for the optional 6 disc CD player, which mine came with.
As a daily driver of a Disco II, I thank you for posting this vid :) PS that 'super sneaky cubby' under the passenger seat was where the CD cartridge changer originally would have gone
Love my 99 d2. Best part of the steering wheel is not only how thick it is but that it is oval or egg shaped. Fits your hand more naturally than a perfectly round wheel. Nice video.
Surprising Truth - the fact that this Disco 2 still runs and drives makes it a special unicorn. If he had tried 95% of them in 2002 or so I doubt his review would be as glowing, what with the constant electrical and electronic breakdowns, leaking windshields and sunroofs, transmission failures, bad engines, and lack of parts (in the US). My 2000 Disco 2 was dreadful from new, ands only became reliable after the dealer's shop rebuilt a large percentage of it. Then it was solid. All that being said, I later built it for off road use with front and rear lockers, center diff lock modification, ARB winch bumper with a 12.5k SuperWinch, 2 inch OME lift and suspension, etc.and used it extensively.
I was recently shocked to find out that the LR Discovery 1 was actually also re-badged as the Honda Crossroad - the only "Honda" to ever have a V8. Sadly, it came with the crappy build quality and horrible unreliability that is the hallmark of Land Rovers. A Discovery with Honda reliability and build quality would have been a holy grail vehicle.
I have a 2003 Disco 2 TD5 - manual transmission with over 330,000 km's on the clock and still running very well. One of the design flaws that Land Rover did when they started with the Disco 3's and upwards, was to take the spare wheel off the back door and put this under the back of the car. I've had to change tyres before in the hot Kalahari, and I count myself as fortunate that I could access the spare easily. I've heard people complain that when they've tried to change the tyre on a Disco 3 - and the car is sitting low in hot, thick sand - it is a nightmare to get the spare tyre out from underneath the car.
I'm so glad that you did this video to give a new owner a better understanding of the functionality of the "bells and whistles" of this BEAST! Got some stuff to do under the hood (get rid of the 3 amigos and battery cables need replacing) but it's a sturdy truck!
Just bought my first Disco II this weekend up in Sacramento, a 2001 edition. This video's been super helpful as I've been getting more acquainted with my new ride. Very excited! Thank you much! :)
From a Landy owner I approve this message ...and for those talk about reliability I come to from jeep brand and both brand have a big list of problems so don't come and say jeep is better because 12 year ago I was driving a jeep commander and was like 17 issue to fix and then I switch to Land Rover LR series but also the best Jeep I own was a ZJ Grand Cherokee in red with 6 inline but died from the Transmission...both brand have is own history but if you tale me what brand you used to cross the Amazon's. Hand up with a Land Rover LR3 stock with snorkel , 18 BF T/A ,Roof tent, m4 rifle for the free of the bold eagle country and all kind of groceries,rope with chain,winch, and the list continue..why I don't select jeep. because is small and never make a full camel trophy event.think about that.
I think all off road-based vehicles have their own unique problems. I once had an ex-friend who had a 2002 Land Rover Discovery Series II Kalahari Special Edition and that thing has been in the shop so many times to the point where the cost to repair the vehicle doubled with the original price of the vehicle itself. (Broken engine lifters, leaking transmission, poor mpg, stuck 4WD shifter lever, leaking coolant, etc..) Premium gas and because it had a 3 inch lift and 33's, average mpg in the city was 7 mpg. Yep. On expensive premium fuel. Now I'm not saying that Jeeps are better either because they're really not. (I say that as a Jeep owner myself). All off road vehicles have their pros and especially their cons. You just choose which cons you love and want to deal with 🤗 I personally love my Jeep despite her quirky reliability here and then
Same for me. I've had a fair number of ZJs and WJs and none of them were more reliable than my Rover. (I've had a CJ5 but that's apples and oranges.) I also love my Rover a million times more than any Jeep I've had. The only thing I miss from my Jeep days is the steering. Jeeps (ZJ, WJ, XJ) do have a better steering system.
Old vs New! How Does this old Discovery II compare to the today's Discovery? Find out here as we take both of them up Gold Mine Hill: th-cam.com/video/hYDZIDk-X1s/w-d-xo.html
u could have a centre diff lock button fitted from the factory when new u had to ask for it and they didn't tell u u could have such a thing
The Fast Lane Car you should do a review on the reliability issues the D2 faced and what are best options for rectifying and keeping your D2 going strong. One of my favorite vehicle designs of all time. However, I’ve always avoided buying one due to reliability concerns. So I bought an older Land Cruiser instead
BMW owned Land Rover in the early 2000, they were the ones that brought forward the L322 RR.
If it makes you feel any better, the door handle surrounds and other areas are add-on 'wood' features. The only factory wood is the belt-line on the dash.
Excellent review. I don't think you missed a thing. I owned three of them (a Series 2 and two Series 3s - at least, that's how they were designated in Australia). The last of the Series 3 was the best one by far (as they re-introduced the ability to activate the centre diff lock). I loved it. It was the best highway car I ever had (the handling was augmented with the astonishingly effective active anti-roll suspension [ACE]) as well as being enormously capable off-road. It had one major drawback - it was an absolute gas guzzler - hideously expensive to drive around town. But that was offset with how good the Disco looked. They have absolutely mangled the latest one - too high tech, no rail frame, and it looks like every other softroader on the market. I can't imagine it's going to be reliable after a year or two - especially with 56pounds of boost... crikey - that's a disaster waiting to happen. Anyway - top marks for your excellent run down. I hope you get many many enjoyable adventure miles (or kilometres) out of yours.
My dad bought me a 2001 Land Rover Discovery when I turned 16 in 2010 for $9k. At 29, I still drive it and it is an absolute beast that I will never get rid of. Granted, it has had...a couple of trips to the mechanic over the years hahaha. But man I love that truck.
Was originally looking for older Toyota land cruisers but these LR Discovery’s are really catching my eye. What kind of mpg are you getting and how reliability are they?
@@alexbrutlag6022 MPG is not great, like 12. Reliability is okay. Its not so much how often they break, its how expensive it is when they do. Everything on these cars are 3x the price of parts and labor on "normal" cars. For example, to have a mechanic replace the radiator in these is like $1,500+. To do it on, say a jeep wrangler for example, would be like $500. And that goes for literally every single part on them.
The major problem with an old Land Rover is that you get addicted to them!!!
Paulo G very true even tho they have there problems I still miss mine I want to buy another one
+Jon Froio that's how I feel about Jeeps
Steve Rivera I love jeep too I’d love a 1996 jeep cherokee country or a. Wagoneer
Green Oval sickness. It gets expensive.
Tell me about it. I’m in my second Discovery I as my daily driver - and it goes without say… preferred off road adventure rig (which my Jeep can’t compare).
Thanks for the video! I inherited my sister’s Disco 2, after she drove it into the ground and parked it into a corner, to be forgotten. I gave her a few bucks for it and 5 thousand dollars later in parts and my own labor, my new to me Rover is running like a beast. I’m currently in the process of dumping 10 thousand dollars in overlanding gear from ARB, to match with a Warn winch, Old Man Emu lift kit, poly bushings, new suspension components, EBC green stuff brakes, BF Goodrich AT, black 16” steel rims, Safari snorkel, Baja Rack and off road lights.
I’m keeping my Disco 2 for life. And especially love working on it and learning how to fix it, for the purpose of self recovery while out on the trail.
Thanks to your well detailed video, I learned a few more things about my rover. Like the miles to kilometers conversion. Thanks!
My Disco II turns 21 next month! Never had a problem with it! Still going strong! She gets serviced every year and has only done 175000KM! Off-road, she is remarkably capable and only asks for more juice:) She is washed every week and, well, we love her! Boom!!!
Finally! An optimistic review. I just got one and I’m so tired of everyone telling me how much work it will be. I just love it and she’s gorgeous - it makes me so happy!
Awesome. Always had a weird fascination with the discovery II. Knew i'd eventually get into my dream vehicle when the time was right. I remember buying it up in the Colorado mountains after i finally found the one i wanted on craigslist. Drove it back home to Wyoming, Re-built half the engine with a buddy (who also bought one at the same time) and then proceeded to try and do most of the repairs all us discovery owners will end up doing in their lifetime. This thing took me all over the place and I made way too many memories in it. From driving it home from colorado to Wyoming to rebuild it's new life, taking it over the Golden Gate bridge to see my parents, having my first trip out of the United States while towing same friends discovery II across the Yukon and British Columbia in Canada on a move to Alaska. I am 28 now and I've had my 03 Disco II for +6 years. Now i live in Colorado, still have it, still chugging along making more memories. Me and my wife went on our first date in this vehicle. Then me and my wife drove our newborn daughter home from the hospital for the first time in this vehicle. lol I will keep this vehicle forever. How could I ever part ways with it? I had no idea the "places" this thing would take me. What a time it's been.
My mom bought this legendary vehicle when I was a kid. Even took me to school on my very first day in 1st grade. Now I've finished university having used it, myself, to get me there everyday. I'm hoping it'll do the same for my kids one day in the future.
And how was it on reliability?
My father bought one in 2001… we still have it as my wife’s daily vehicle!! Since then it’s collected both my new born sons from hospital, taken me and my wife to out wedding and honeymoon and lots more… we’ve had some epic road trips from well up inside the artic circle to the southern tip of Spain!
We’ve just completed a 2500 miles of the alps.. what is nice is that my eldest son learnt to drive in it and passed his test and my youngest has just started!
It’s a true family vehicle which has given us great memories.
Mine's 16 years old now, but every time I look under the hood it's a brand new Discovery!! 😂
Engine is crap
Cummins R2.8 swap that thing
😂😂
it’s called a bonnet not a hood
😂😂 Yooo you're Hilarious, New discovery? under the hood? sound like problems
Great review, well thought out. Tommy is right about the newer Rovers. Without the large windows, low belt-line, high ride height, and high seating position, they lost their appeal.
Mines 15 years old! Had it from new. Looked at Disco 4, then bought new chassis for Disco 2 instead! Loads rotted out here in the UK. It's been in 3feet of water, through snow, off-road, and it's still my daily drive. Only 2 breakdowns- one seized rear brake caliper, and one blown blanking hose on the oil cooler unit (It's a TD5) Trust it anywhere!!
Hi, i need to buy one. What are the key areas to look
I had a Discovery 2 TD5 manual in South Africa. Really loved that car, it felt unstoppable off road. Interesting fact with the diesel manual and the Hill Descent Control - in first gear low range you would be going slower than the HDC setting and the compression from the diesel engine would hold you back so even on a very steep decline the HDC would still not activate.
Good tip thanks. I just bought a Td5 manual a month ago.
@@markswanson2716 Oh god, good luck with that....
I had one for two years and it was hands down, the most unreliable vehicle I've ever owned.
First it blew a turbo, then a transmission, total cost $11k aud. Then it got a massive diesel leak while we were off road, we got that repaired and a week later it threw a power steering hose. Then a few months later it started running roughly and we worked out that it had a leaking seal that was allowing oil to run down into the ECU unit.
Got that fixed, then it threw and injector rail....got one shipped from the UK, then the indicator stalk stopped working. Got one of those shipped from the UK, then we got a brake sensor error in the dash....we replaced the sensors as the brakes were fine, then a few months later it came back and stayed for the duration we owned the car.
These are just some of the things that I can remember, there were certainly many more. Such as throwing an alternator while we were on a camping trip....😂😂
@@markswanson2716 Hi, Are you a Saffa? Im looking for a TD5 myself in SA.
They are so unreliable. I took my 1999 from Wisconsin to Denver, then to Moab where I towed a Toyota out of a ditch. Vegas, Santa Monica. down 40/ Route 66. Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest. Snow in Vail and 110 in Baker. In the end 4965 miles. Yes we had failure. Somewhere on 76 it got real loud. Trip to a dealer in Colorado Springs for an exhaust manifold collector gasket, installed myself. Grand total, $7.50.
I like the sarcasm but that will have gone over most Americans heads!
Put a blody diesel in it as most are in Europe for a reason, North Americans and the idea every vehicle needs to be gas engined I'll never understand
@@jjt1093 because they are greedy and gas makes way more money than diesel. I would love to have a diesel fueled car or even flex fuel. But no they make all these gas guzzling cars. Hell hybrid vehicles are a lovely thing too. A diesel and electric car would be a travelers dream.
True brother have had a few and alway got at least 185K miles out of the "unreliable motor", without any real maintenance at all. It is also easy to buy a compleat engine from UK and put in a OEM diesel engine, by just changing engine mounts, wiring is plug and play.
I had a 2000 Disco II from 2002-2006, wasn't the motor I found unreliable, was the electronics... Loved the way it drove and the seating position...swore I would never own another but now feeling a strong dose of nostalgia for the ex-girlfriend and the ride!
My friends love my discovery. Most of them don’t even know it was only $3,000. It’s a luxury off-roader that I just love!
mine was $6,000
Land Rovers are addictive. People are always talking about unreliability but so far after owning a Classic, a D2td5 ,two p38 ,one L322 and now an L320 tdv8 I have never encountered any issue with them that make me change brand. You want to get hooked up with LRs? Just get in the mud and wait and see. Best 4x4 ever!
Luis Tejeda I’ve never had problems with my LR, I have a DII with 187,000 miles original 4.0 nothing done except maintenance the people who say they are unreliable are either too lazy to work on them or too posh to understand how vehicle maintenance works
Auto Denver Yeah haters usually always talk shit about a vehicle they’ve never owned or driven before unless it’s proof lol
My Disco 2 was the coolest car I have ever owned. My favorite feature was the handles on the headrests on the front seats. Also I loved the way the piping looked on the tan interiors. As for yours, someone added the wood trim on the doors an moor roof control. The only factory piece of wood was above the glove box and, if you have a 2004 HSE model, at the gear selector.
I have a 2002 V8 Discovery 2 ,bought second hand in 2003 with 40 000 kms on the clock.She has now done 300 000 kms .The engine has never let me down and has never had any repairs done to it save for regular oil changes.Does not use a drop of oil. I live in South Africa and have driven at least half of its life on gravel roads.She has been up mountains and through deserts in Namibia. Great car ,great comfort great reliability.
Petrol mine is gas converted they good motors had it a day love it king of the road
It's the coolest car I've ever owned by far! I've always wanted one and finally pulled the trigger 5 years ago. Spent another a month sorting everything out. It is not just a car but more of hobby. I would never recommend the Disco to someone who doesn't enjoy working on cars.
Haha 100% my dream car since my freshman year in HS was a dsicovery 2 and I got an 03 over here in Cali for 1600$ and all I had to do was change the fluids put a new radiator in and change the trans filter 😁 love my disco 2 but def would agree, not for the mechanically inadept
Jon Redd ... Exactly..! It needs a special guy to owned..! This Disco, is NOT FOR ANYBODY..!!!!!! I'm the crazy one who own one, and will NEVER be for sale ever. Will stays with me ! Hate / Love relationship.! Hate to spend on , Love to drive...!
I also love my 2000 D2 I bought one from a Police auction for $800 that had the slippy sleeve and bought a wrecked 2001 D2 for $1000 that only had 100K and swapped in the good engine.
Ur damn right. I have it. All the way from dar es Salaam to kilimanjaro is amaizing
@@johnsonkiwia6577 bro niaje? Hv disco td5 iko poa au maana comments humu zanitisha.
Great presentation! Reminds me of my lovely old 1991 Range Rover, which I had for 10 years. It NEVER ONCE broke down, let alone maroon me. We drove it all over (even in Hawaii), to some very strange places. Bought it at 30K miles. Kept it to 130,000++. Then, for reasons passing understanding, I sold it. As Tolkien might have written, "Curse me and crush me!" I think it was the poor gas milage that finally got to me. I weakened, and then it was too late.You would be amazed to know what I would do not to have done that. I listened to everyone who said to me that it would quickly die, "like all LRs," and bankrupt me. I didn't find out about neat tricks like ditching the hydraulic suspension, along with other system simplifications, until much later. Your presentation resurrects old memories, and my health is on the edge. I wonder if it would work to try and resurrect an old RR or Disco to be "my last ride." I'm not being morbid; I turn 68 next month. It would be nice to revive and pamper an LR/RR to drive, then pass it on. T'wouldn't be cheap, though, would it?
Subbed. Glad I stumbled onto your channel. Will follow.
BTW, you guys know you are not altogether normal, don't you?
Thanks - I'll show myself out...
Get yourself an LR3 with the 5.0l v8 and enjoy the LR experience without the cost or worry :)
You sir are a poet! Somehow I felt like I was reading a novel with your comment lol excellent!
You should've bought a Diesel. Then you wouldn't have to care about mpg
Sucks that American government screws the population and doesn't allow Diesel to grow stateside cause they want to protect their dumb economy decisions
Buy one. Life's too short and if you enjoy driving it then who cares?
I enjoyed this comment! Hope all is well. 👊
I have had a Disco 1 and am on my 3rd Disco 2 that has been chipped and performs 20 % better than the 2 Disco 2 I had previously. All were purchased with 225,000 plus kms. My first disco 2 was written off in a rollover with a 25ft caravan on behind (that is a story). The strength of the Disco saved my wife and my life. All have been reliable (apart from the 3 Amigos). Just got rid off them on my current rig. Complex but nor hard to work on I managed to do a full engine loom and injector loom change myself (with the help of You Tube and a full handbook.
Your summary is spot on. Fantastic to drive on or particularly off road. Wife wants to get something smaller but "bad luck wifey ain't gonna happen anyway soon". Love my Disco!
Love my Disco 2. It's a real shame you Yanks didn't get the Td5 diesel engine...........
Solo Vagant a darn shame. Damn America and the emission laws. I want the diesel Subaru engine in my wife's crosstrek it gets better mpg. I want the tdi version of this rig.
With a chip and a better intercooler a 2.5 TD5 runs rings around the v8s, while using far less fuel.
I’ve got a 2004 TD5 here in Oz. 200,000+ miles on the clock. Owned it 12 years.
I agree! Maybe when we get rid of these shit bag liberals and communist we can do better. TD5 IS A GREAT VEHICLE
Its a shame you Brits never got the Suburban or Tahoe, those are real SUVs.
Here in the UK I had a D2 ( 2002 2.5 diesel ) took us all over Europe towing a caravan ( trailer ) and never let us down.I did however maintain the vehicle well it wanted for nothing.I was so confident with the vehicle I sold it to my daughter who only had one problem a heater hose rubbed through.I then bought a new D4. It has broken down twice and it is now on 15,000 miles, so the D2 a great vehicle.My daughter sold the D2 to a guy who works in the paint shop next to my independent LR garage so I still see it.
There is no interlock (can move freely between without pushing the button) between 3rd and Drive (works both ways) so when you go to put in to drive, 95% you hit Drive or 3rd so just push forwards to guarantee you're in Drive.. You therefore hit Drive without having to look. The reason for no interlock between 3rd and Drive is for towing up hills (check out the owners manual).
Had a 95 Disco and currently a 95 Range Rover Classic, love these older Land Rovers. Glad you seem excited about your Disco 2. Once you drive them everything else seems regular.
So true.
The parts can be spendie however the rovers have so much to offer most do not know
Those cup holders really are an add on for the US market, we didn't have them here in the UK, the cup holders folded out from under the radio and AC unit control, they may not be the most reliable trucks ever made ( trust me iv had 4 disco's and 2 freelander's ) but they really are unbeatable off road!
Until a jeep comes knocking at your door!
Cup holders I believe are 03 04. I have a 2001 parts truck and it has them on the dash pull out.
I think you need to go a little further offroad than the patch of grass outside your house mate (try going down a dirt track on a farm after a few days of heavy rain and you'll see how far the traction control system will get you)
@@leighmackay9192 LR traction control system has been in use since the 90's and has only recently started appearing on new vehicles as though its something new. If you can't get through with TC you wont get through with anything.
The mouse sized cubbie is for sunglasses, and you originally had 2 wheel chocks and a tire iron that stored in a black bag in the rear door cubbie. The cubbie under the Passenger seat held a 6 CD changer that has been rendered useless. Your interior is in absolutely wonderful condition, and you guys have kitted it really well.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my old Discovery I !!!!!! I had to replace every window actuator (luckily I had the extended warrantee!!) but after that my Disco was very reliable!! Only thing I didn't like was it wanted to drink only premium fuel! I wish I still had it! Far and away my favorite car all time!!!!
Discovery 5 is an abomination. To me, this is the classic Disco. Timeless design and I still think it looks really good. Shame about the reliability though....
Ls swaaaap
total abomination
Got to agree!! Disco 5 is basically a Range Rover. Took a while to get used to the 3/4 but the 5 does nothing for me!!
Damian Morgan and the msrp is up to $80k which is a joke. I can buy a full size new Range Rover for $95k.
Bailey O. Absolutely not.
I thought this was one of the coolest vehicles on the road and bought a Disco II some years ago. It was both under powered and thirsty and was by far the most unreliable vehicle I have ever owned. Everything that went wrong with it was always ridiculously expensive to repair. Happy the day I got it but so much happier the day I got rid of it.
Well I did it! I’m officially a member of the nuthouse...I went and bought an 04 Disco II SE. Been wanting one for years but Y’alls videos pushed my over the edge. Already bringing smiles to my face...so far, knock wood. Wish me luck!!
How is it?
The window controls are situated in the middle of the Disco as the thing can be converted right and left hand drive. Look at the shifter numbers - on both sides of the shifter. The passenger air bag can be removed to accommodate the steering and instrument panel. Love my 98 Disco!!! Still turning heads! ... and I bought it for $1700 Canadian dollars (probably $500 US) over 8 years ago :D
The reason for central switches has nothing to do with converting from right to left.
Only Discos for me, I own a 2003 Disco Se7 and have gone everywhere in it. Sure it requires routine maintenance but if you stay on top of it, it will deliver every time 🤔🙄😜
I had a 2004 Disco. Lifted, OME springs, safari rack, snorkel... the whole bit. It was an absolutely amazing vehicle but you would never want to own one outside of factory warrantee! One point you missed, and it's one of the best features. You can compound low range it in AWD (no diff lock) so you can use the low range transfer case on the street. I used it a lot when towing my 8,000 pound 28-foot boat to the marina. The rand rover disco II also had an incredible tow rating. 7,500 pounds and that engine made plenty enough power. It would pull that boat over Snoqualmie pass at freeway speed. The traction control is incredibly responsive and I loved the feedback to the driver when the system was working. I've never driven a better vehicle in the snow qualified by being a previous owner of H1 Hummer, 2012 Power Wagon, 2016 Power Wagon and 2018 Subaru. The 2004 Disco II kicks the $hit out of all of them in the snow and ice.
Could you please explain. Compound it it low Rando of the street ? Cheers.
Explain or elaborate I mean.
Had some great adventures in my D2 and other assorted Land Rovers...will always have a soft spot for them. Glad to see you guys giving it an upfront treatment, the negatives are real - but can't damper the feeling of Land Rover ownership!
Awesome job! The only thing I would add is the third row jump seats and the rear step. You have definitely caught the Land Rover bug. Welcome to the club.
One of the coolest thing on the 7 seaters is the rear step. Awesome.
I owned the first disco in Lebanon in 1994. seen insane amount of offroand and still going hard today. Been hunting with it in Syria too :)))))
Sounds pretty hardcore. What did you hunt in Syria?
@@nickcalnephone people I think
that door under the right seat was for access to the cartidge in the optional 6 CD stacker.
Yup, that's where mine is. It's weird, but whatever. Underneath the driver seat is where the stereo amp is and the transmission cpu.
Thanks, that's great to know.
@@TFLcar in other words, if the truck floods the first thing to die is the CPU for you transmission. I wouldn't have picked that spot, but another unique thing I guess.
That's where my CD stacker is too. The door is for accessing the CD cartridge.
@@MrVegiroth how would the CPU for transmission die ? It would just kill CD player right?
I love my 2004 disco. My wife hates it, mostly b.c I have some work to do on suspension and o2 sensors. 2 weeks and we'll both love it again, if not I'm sure I will. This truck is my forever truck. I've bought and sold so many awesome vehicles over the years, I've almost always regretted every sale. I'm not selling this one! Great video. Thank you.
I think this is the best review I’ve seen out of Tommy. Very professional and well done. Camera work is very good too.
This is my second discovery, had an 03 and now an 04. We recently drove our discovery Croats country NYC to LAX via the national parks ( Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Nevada & California ) the car was a dream, very comfortable and reliable. Had a oil change in Vegas, and to replace the aging fuel pump in Oklahoma City, beside that miner ( 7500 miles later ) not a single drop of oil on the ground. This car is classic.
"It's an experience every time you get into one". That's how I feel about mine.
Every trip feel like a holiday trip
Same here!!
I had an ‘02 Disco. Absolutely loved every inch of it. After 2-3 yrs of ownership I never faced any mechanical issues. I must have been one of the lucky ones lol. Some day I’d like to get an ‘04 model and fix it up, maybe take it on the occasional off road trip or something. These are special, the leather, the 4WD, just a very unique driving experience compared to anything else out there. Love that you guys are doing videos of this rig.
I’m genuinely stoked for you. You guys really lucked out and got a very nice Rover. Nice video, Tommy! Woot! 🤙🏽🤙🏽
I also loved my 2004 Disco II but it was very unreliable in the summer. In the 2 short years I had it, I got a new transfer case, changed the water pump 3 times, and replaced most of hoses and the battery. Smh but it was a dream on the CO Jeep trails- drove like luxury in the mud.
Be careful with this hand break. Just like you said it tops ONLY the drive shaft, not the wheels. On slippery roads, left wheel can rotate forward and right wheel can rotate backward causing the truck to roll dawn, of course only in neutral. I have Disco I with no traction control so I also suggest to lock the central diff if you are on any slippery road. When you go side ways open diff means that when the slide starts all the power will go to the wheel/s which lost traction making the situation even worse. Best wishes from Poland.
Your video is thorough and gives me hope. My '04, one owner, 240k miles, has been marooned in our one car garage here in Maine, awaiting its fate. While the '13 Jeep Wrangler that has never given a lick of trouble is outside in the cold. Unfortunately, mine has rust on the chassis from the crud they put out on the roads here in winter. I can resource a partial chassis from those great guys in VT, but with labor, many $thousands. It still looks as beautiful as it did the day I drove it off the lot in '04. The guys down in Scarborough thought I was crackers when I installed a fully rebuilt engine 100k miles ago, and pressured me into getting a new LR4, that looks more like a Subaru. Wish me luck. Nice to know I'm not the only fool for love of Landy's.
Had an ‘03- it was unique and I enjoyed my time with it but it broke down badly within four years of ownership. Learned an important lesson from it- to buy Japanese and Japanese only moving forward.
Wonderful demonstration and thank you for covering everything about this wonderful car. I am in the process of purchasing a car and I was contemplating getting a 2004 Land Rover Discovery SE. After watching this video I am definitely purchasing it!!!
I have a fully rigged out 2003 and it's my hurricane mode transporter. I love my truck and my kids love it even more when I put kayaks and things on top heading to the Florida keys. Very fun and reliable truck. I wouldn't sell ever. If you're lucky to own one with all things taken care of, your good to go anywhere. I see you also replaced the original wheels! I did the same with larger sizes. My family looooove this truck. When they see me grabbing the keys, the know the shit is about to hit the fan!!!
I've got an 03 also!! Love mine, just done your average if not more maintenance on it filters etc oil change every 7k and it's been awesome! Have you had to get a new engine yet? Or have yours remachined?
I feel the same, can't give up my Disco II Se7, never. My children love it, especially camping time and climbing the ladder. It's the perfect family truck. It's not perfect, but if you stay on top of the routine maintenance it will always pull through. I fully understand some of the complaint's but I believe it's all about good scheduled routine maintenance and fully building up the truck for what it's really designed for, off-road ability and not a cute show car, get a BMW for that 😂
Not only that but a Land Rover does something the other brands don't and that's teach you about maintenance and basic engineering, it's handy to know these things, with modern cars nowadays people don't know what to do! They don't even know how to change a wheel check and change all the liquids and fuses clean filters or just do some basic trouble shooting by listening to the engine/gearbox/exhaust! Just knowing these things can save you a lot of money! I don't own a Land Rover but I've learnt all the above mentioned because I'm a delivery driver and we have to know the basics and the knowledge I've learnt helps me with my car now if you don't drive for a living you don't tend to know all these little things but if you own something like a Disco that needs the attention you get to learn all these basic things every car has in some shape or form! It's better having the knowledge than not!
"and some oil, because you need because it's a Land Rover." I love that phrase. I just bought a 2000 Discovery 2 today! I love it! My family loves it! I look forward to learning more about this British built SUV!
Hi, how's the car? I've got my eyes on a pretty red 99!
Dylan walker it’s pretty good. It does leak oil though. If you can handle that then you’ll have no problem with having one
For all their faults and quirks I wouldn't own anything else.
Nothing else drives, looks or compares to a land rover
Wow you really drank the LR koolaid
You did a superb job describing all of the idiosyncrasies of the Disco II. I use to drive them as loaners and loved their sound systems. On the road, they are not bad. I never took them off- road as I did my Rangie.
By far the best review I've seen of the Disco 2.
I'm looking to change our MPV & I've long looked at the Disco 2 as it's replacement, I love its' looks'. My local mechanic warns me about mechanical & body problems but I'm sure "The One" is out there waiting for me. Thanks.
I have exactly the same LR V8 2004. Drives like a dream and excellent off road
Petrol is not a good idea for a off-road vehicle imo. Diesel was made exactly for this purpose, it's more economic, stronger and can tow more weight, has more torque. All the upsides that a 4x4 vehicle or a heavy vehicle needs. In fact Diesel was made for farmers in mind, to be cheap to run (on veggie oil). I believe in Rudolf Diesel's dream, high underappreciated visionary
I prefer the P38a Range Rover, from which the majority of these unique features present in the Disco2 originated. I love Land Rover, even though they are problematic. Cheers
Very nice review and knowledge as always,My dad drove range rovers for years and the service costs were always ridiculous.They were also worthless after 10 years.I drove his 1990 in a bad snowstorm upstate NY once and it was unstoppable.Than so was my 1990 jeep.
The heated seat temperature matched the temperature of the climate control. The warmer the climate control, the hotter the heated seat.
Derek Really? That’s pretty cool.
Now that's a pretty interesting feature!
I say this review is spot on. Lots of thoughtful design features that make for utility and functionality like: contoured steering wheel that give a natural grip for the hands and fingers, massive dual sunvisors, roof gutters that keep rain from dripping into the car when opening the door or when having the windows partially opened. I particularly LOVE the worm & roller steering box that still affords the driver some road feel while completely isolating the drivers hands from the sudden torque shocks when hitting obstacles. I owned another suv with rack and pinion steering and almost broke my thumb when I accidentally hit a tall curb, which the Discovery 2 would have just climbed over without blinking. The Discovery2 amazingly also rides and handles quite nice IMO for its dual live axles, though it did bottom out in the front a few times. The only griep I had for that car was the engine w/c you had to have replaced with a beefed up version from British Atlantic for 5grand.
Our 2003 had the same as 2004 with the center diff lock. We had a SE7 HD Safari pack. Loved that truck. We now own a Disco III HSE HD. The HD comes with a full size spare tire and the center diff option and a tow PAC
Doesn't it also come with a rear electronically operated rear locker too?
There must been few variants. All 03 I have seen don't have it or even the stub on the Tcase to turn on. I got an older Tcase so I can at least crawl under to engage it. Yours may been a later when they was going to 04 style. Lucky those little shifters are expensive.
Apparently 80% of all land rovers ever made are still on the road. The other 20% made it home!
D1 and D2 had no panels the same. There is nothing interchangeable mechanically either . Even the wheels don't swap. You can "swap" some of the glass as the window frames in the doors are similar, as iss the windscreen aperture, but the glass itself is different. The bonnet looks the same, but the lock panel is different. Even the chassis ( frame, I think you guys call it ) is completely different.
I know. I have one of each, both diesels.
"I read all the comments, even the mean ones"-Tommy . Listen Thomas, don't ever let the haters get you down. You are doing what you love and you're good at it which is more than most people can say about themselves. Keep on going
It’s EXTREMELY unique - it’s still running and roadworthy!
Awesome and detailed review! I truly appreciated your matter of fact approach to reviewing this truck. It never felt like you were hyping it or disparaging it. Thanks!
Tan leather is an unusually American obsession. Very, very few people in the UK or Europe would choose it because it's too easy to to get dirty and is considered dated. Most European cars have black leather or a patterned cloth interior. This explains why the steering wheel is black.
Also, during the late fifties, sixties, seventies and eighties, notwithstanding the Range Rover and its variants, all Series Land Rovers had selectable 2WD/4WD, none had locking diffs (although the centre diff locked when 4WD was selected) and as a general rule, only military models had limited slip diffs. Locking differentials is also something specifically American and until the Nineties, was generally not considered necessary (in the UK), due to the strict laws prohibiting off-roading, due to the fact that the Country is so small and the ownership of large tracks of land dates back to families who have existed since Saxon and Norman times, so generally, all land is owned by somebody, even if it is the Crown and so most off roading is trespassing, except by invitation or if you are a farmer (there are exceptions to this).
Switching between miles and kilometres would be a throw back to UK models where driving in Europe is difficult because nobody understands km, so would change this when driving on the Continent.
The system where the key is pushed twice to double lock or dead lock the car was introduced for the UK initially to counter the horrendous explosion in the number of vehicle thefts at that time. Many vehicles today still have to employ this system, especially commercial vehicles.
That tacky tan is a hit with Americans. They also love shiny fake plastic wood too.
Light colour interiors give an air of luxury and dark interiors sporty.
I hate the limited availability of light interiors in the UK.
Makes vehicles cabins a dark miserable place with all black.
You make it sound like Europeans cant keep a car clean.
paul davison with regard to not being able to keep the interior clean, I didn’t mean that at all but it is just a fact that over time, light coloured leather interiors pick up dirt and stains, that are impossible to get rid of without having the leather re-treated. If you’re the kind of person who only keeps your car for three years, as most of the UK public seems obsessed with, then that’s fine but some of us buy new and keep until the car’s effectively dead, so this is an issue.
Oh, and cream is soooo dated that relegates cars into the grand-dad owner category. I own one of the only Toyota Tundra’s in the UK and even that came with a grey interior!
@@sailing_raptor I always prefer light interiors as dark are just dull and sombre and look cheap. I'd rather be a grandad than that.
Kids,dogs and long term ownership and all last just as long as a black interior just down to looking after them. The only refreshment I've ever had is for damage and that doesn't relate to colour.
Buying black because it copes with stains better is alien to me because I clean and treat my trim correctly so that kind of problem isnt as issue.
The rest of the planet using light interiors seem to cope OK also.
Lightstone and alpaca beige are easily the most popular colours in P38 Range Rover and Discovery2 ... both beige ... alpaca is the interior colour of this discovery. Very popular across the world. Granite grey and ash black are less popular.
Honestly, after watching this, I feel much admiration for this vehicle. It actually seems more fascinating than the latest Discovery in spite of its age.
Likeling your videos man. You're getting better as time goes on and it's shows you're time and devotion to your craft.
At 2:55 - there is a reason for thin doors. I had a '98 which I took off road, and when you're without a spotter, having the ability to be close to the door (note how the arm rests are not deep either), you can lean out that low slung window and see the placement of your front and rear driver side wheels. It's designed that way for a purpose.
Really nice review, Tommy is really good at it and getting better and better!
but is it really the most unique SUV?
He’s actually pretty terrible.
@@littlegoatgt yes, you just have to own one or drive one.
As a driver of the same land rover I have never had a issue with shifting from P to D I have never shifted to 3rd by mistake. (And I am only 16 so I haven't driven that much compared to someone else)
Great review Tommy! I actually wanted to buy this generation of Discovery when they were new. I would still want one in good shape, but the number of "good" ones are declining fast.
Coming from someone who drives an 04 Discovery 2, tommy is truly an expert on this model. Super in depth review!
Agreed. He only missed three points and I cannot criticize him for missing them.
The 3 points are heated windshield, ACE and SLS systems, and the cubby under the front passenger seat is not storage but for the CD player.
One of my favorite rover features is the windshield! I love the defrost
My 2003 is still going strong every day. I have driven on solid iced over roads without ever spinning a wheel.
Nice looking rig you've got there! I've got a '91 range rover and an '03 disco. Love em both!!
Had a discovery 2 in 2001. Best driving position I've ever had!
Fantastic review old chap,keep up the good work,thanks from the UK
Very well done video. I've owned my 2002 D2 For 7 years and learned Something I didn't know before: I rigged up a center differential lock actuator but wasn't sure if the 2004 Models that had CDL We're supposed to operate in Conjunction with the traction control Or turn off the traction control Which is what happens if you shut the car off and turn it on with the CDL engaged; Now I know! Thank you! Nobody else read this next part: (TFL Car: I didn't want to say this in front of everybody: it's Foot Pounds not Pound Feet of torque. I can see why you got it wrong since half the car commercial scriptwriters/narrators make the same mistake). Thanks again, great video!
Great review Tommy! This reminds me of a Doug DeMuro interesting quirks and features review - which is a good thing.
Thanks and just an FYI: We were producing interesting quirks reviews long before Doug was on yourtube. Check it out: th-cam.com/video/Sl1JcQMXEZU/w-d-xo.html ;-)
Don't compare Tommy to that boy. Don't like him.
I’ve got the disco 2 metropolis, had it years and never changing it. Love it. Excellent review, enjoyed watching.
Big huge tires amazed me when I first bought it.The grip on highway is the secret.Very strong luxury car still to a nowadays
Thoroughly enjoyed the review. I've had my current 04 D2 since 06 & 100K miles.. LOVE it. Mine is similar to yours except I also have the Terra Firma wheel spacers, diff guards & tank guard, plus the Mantec snorkel. All useful kit for Arizona off roading.
they are reliable if it breaks its easy to fix better than my shogun
This was a fun video to watch because the host gives so much technical information. That said, back in the day when this SUV was new most never left the pavement. All of my friends who had one used them to hall the kids to school, commute to work or drive to the mall. It was just a trendy vehicle to drive around the city. So, now its fun to see that the younger generation has an appreciation for them as off road vehicles.
Great essay Tommy. Isn't it a pity that with a name and heritage like Land Rover has, that they can't produce one that will be mostly trouble free and last for years?
Reg Sparkes 😂😂 it’s all about the journey right? Disco drivers see plenty of roadside scenery.
they did make a trouble free one, the original landrovers were amazing bits of kit if you had the optional free wheeling hubs and enjoyed a bumpy ride
@@leighmackay9192 Yes, they sure did Leigh,..my brother in law, had one, a Series 11A with gasoline engine, this was in the late 1960's into the early 70's.
He and my sister with their four children, would tow his 18 foot Caravan ( camping trailer ) all over our Province here in Canada during summer vacations. His first one was the short wheel base model and it did have free-wheeling hubs on it too.
He must have really enjoyed his Land Rover's because he went on to buy two or three more and ended up with the Range Rover model.
buy a toyota, wuss
I remember seeing plenty of these, back then, as a kid. Like the Toyota Land Cruiser, 4Runner, Lexus LX470s, and so many other SUVs made for beating up and off roading on top of the usual road trips, these trucks still hold up in terms of solid capability and durability if you look past gas mileage and robustness. I do like the cabin size, luxury, and utility of these all in one truck. Nostalgia!
Great video thank you. I have a 1999 myself and I do love it.
Great video. I bought a 2004 Land Rover Discovery 2 a couple years ago, and I love it to death. But these things are mechanical messes, unfortunately. So I'm always working on it, or getting something done to fix it. By the way, the cubby hole under the passenger seat is for the optional 6 disc CD player, which mine came with.
As a daily driver of a Disco II, I thank you for posting this vid :) PS that 'super sneaky cubby' under the passenger seat was where the CD cartridge changer originally would have gone
Love my 99 d2. Best part of the steering wheel is not only how thick it is but that it is oval or egg shaped. Fits your hand more naturally than a perfectly round wheel. Nice video.
Just got one, so I thank you for this.
Surprising Truth - the fact that this Disco 2 still runs and drives makes it a special unicorn. If he had tried 95% of them in 2002 or so I doubt his review would be as glowing, what with the constant electrical and electronic breakdowns, leaking windshields and sunroofs, transmission failures, bad engines, and lack of parts (in the US). My 2000 Disco 2 was dreadful from new, ands only became reliable after the dealer's shop rebuilt a large percentage of it. Then it was solid. All that being said, I later built it for off road use with front and rear lockers, center diff lock modification, ARB winch bumper with a 12.5k SuperWinch, 2 inch OME lift and suspension, etc.and used it extensively.
I was recently shocked to find out that the LR Discovery 1 was actually also re-badged as the Honda Crossroad - the only "Honda" to ever have a V8. Sadly, it came with the crappy build quality and horrible unreliability that is the hallmark of Land Rovers. A Discovery with Honda reliability and build quality would have been a holy grail vehicle.
a discovery with honda reliability? you mean a 4runner?
@@niquemarshall 4runners are pretty sweet, but not quite the same cool factor as the discovery. Also no solid front axle.
@@WhiteCavendish to be honest that makes it drive better
@@niquemarshall on road, yes, I agree. Offroad, the solid axle has the advantage.
I have a 2003 Disco 2 TD5 - manual transmission with over 330,000 km's on the clock and still running very well. One of the design flaws that Land Rover did when they started with the Disco 3's and upwards, was to take the spare wheel off the back door and put this under the back of the car. I've had to change tyres before in the hot Kalahari, and I count myself as fortunate that I could access the spare easily. I've heard people complain that when they've tried to change the tyre on a Disco 3 - and the car is sitting low in hot, thick sand - it is a nightmare to get the spare tyre out from underneath the car.
This video was well assembled and very informative
I'm so glad that you did this video to give a new owner a better understanding of the functionality of the "bells and whistles" of this BEAST! Got some stuff to do under the hood (get rid of the 3 amigos and battery cables need replacing) but it's a sturdy truck!
Hey young man you are getting to be very good at what you do.Roman should be proud.
Agreed!
Wow those discos are WAY cooler than I thought ...although I get why people truly love land rovers. Anyway very nice and interesting review!!! 👌
Also the only one that has a descent mileage or reliable engine isn’t available in US the diesel model with a stick.
Just bought my first Disco II this weekend up in Sacramento, a 2001 edition. This video's been super helpful as I've been getting more acquainted with my new ride. Very excited! Thank you much! :)
From a Landy owner I approve this message ...and for those talk about reliability I come to from jeep brand and both brand have a big list of problems so don't come and say jeep is better because 12 year ago I was driving a jeep commander and was like 17 issue to fix and then I switch to Land Rover LR series but also the best Jeep I own was a ZJ Grand Cherokee in red with 6 inline but died from the Transmission...both brand have is own history but if you tale me what brand you used to cross the Amazon's. Hand up with a Land Rover LR3 stock with snorkel , 18 BF T/A ,Roof tent, m4 rifle for the free of the bold eagle country and all kind of groceries,rope with chain,winch, and the list continue..why I don't select jeep. because is small and never make a full camel trophy event.think about that.
I think all off road-based vehicles have their own unique problems. I once had an ex-friend who had a 2002 Land Rover Discovery Series II Kalahari Special Edition and that thing has been in the shop so many times to the point where the cost to repair the vehicle doubled with the original price of the vehicle itself. (Broken engine lifters, leaking transmission, poor mpg, stuck 4WD shifter lever, leaking coolant, etc..) Premium gas and because it had a 3 inch lift and 33's, average mpg in the city was 7 mpg. Yep. On expensive premium fuel. Now I'm not saying that Jeeps are better either because they're really not. (I say that as a Jeep owner myself). All off road vehicles have their pros and especially their cons. You just choose which cons you love and want to deal with 🤗 I personally love my Jeep despite her quirky reliability here and then
Same for me. I've had a fair number of ZJs and WJs and none of them were more reliable than my Rover. (I've had a CJ5 but that's apples and oranges.) I also love my Rover a million times more than any Jeep I've had. The only thing I miss from my Jeep days is the steering. Jeeps (ZJ, WJ, XJ) do have a better steering system.
Not to mention, Jeeps are now made by Fix It Again Tony, Fiat. 🔧
Ganbala , great , now try Japanese trucks