blackwolf wrote:

My personal view is that the Disco 1 through Disco 4 are probably the best true multipurpose private vehicles the world has ever seen, and are not likely to be bettered now. My own favourite is the Disco2, which had many of the Disco1 problems ironed out, is a little larger, and (provided you didn't get the air suspension) had the best handling and most durable suspension set up, and of course the Td5 motor. Functional, fairly sophisticated, but simple enough to maintain entirely yourself.

It is just a crying shame that the D2 is so prone to chassis rust at the back (does anyone know why they are so rust-prone form the back axle backwards, there must be a reason - the front doesn't rust, just the back)?

I know that the D3 and D4 have many fans, but my personal preference is for the D2. WIth current prices (when a D2 is worth more as parts than as a running vehicle) you get an unbelievable amount of vehicle for your money.

I often find myself agreeing with you however overall I think the Land Cruiser from the same period as the D1 and D2 is a much better vehicle. I would agree that the Discovery is better looking has a nicer interior but from a build quality perspective I still feel the LC is much better. I have had a couple of Discovery 1’s and they have been fine but as they got older I seemed always to be plagued by electrical and corrosion problems. Mechanically they were pretty good I admit but I think the LC has a better engine, the Aisin gearbox is bombproof and never leaks and things generally don’t seem to go wrong. Land Cruisers are not perfect but pitting my 24 year old Colorado against the same year old Discovery I know which I would have and I’m a Land Rover owner of over 45 years. There is a reason why you see NGO’s the World over using Land Cruisers.

Slideywindows wrote:

An early Discovery is a nice vehicle.

But a cheap as chips (and economical) workhorse without the rotting chassis and rusty tinwork is the Freelander1, Td4 diesel.

So overlooked......

But it is much smaller and nothing like as capable. And it was designed by the Great Satan aka McGovern.

AJC wrote:

it also scrubs up well and chain harrows the field in more comfort that the Massey


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Looks the same as my ES Premium - 98k miles and a good chassis


Click image to enlarge BORG - Bucks & Oxon 4x4 Response Group