Land Rover Discovery and Discovery II

legaldudenj · January 2002

I just discovered this group yesterday and honestly don't have the time to read thru everything. So pardon what may well be a newbie question. I want to buy a Disco II and live in NJ at Jersey Shore (near Red Bank). Does anyone have experience - good/bad with the 3 dealers that are generally in central NJ??? Would love to hear. Also, is it important to buy where you will also get service?? I ask this as it seems these vehicles are historically "quirky" to say the least. I've had a Toyota 4 runner and basically haven't had to do anything so I'm a little squeamish about dealing w/ constant problems and service. Thanks for whatever input you can give!

lonestar98 · January 2002

Here's a pic and some info. Finally we get the 4.6! Can't wait!

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/volvospy/newnews/newsarticle.php3?id=4013

expert1 · January 2002

What is so quirky about oil and filter changes? These new vehicles are just like any other. They do take a little more oil (6 quarts) and the differential fluid needs to be changed at 7500 miles (90000 thereafter), but all in all they are just a body, tires, transmission, and a motor. Their brakes may need changing a little more often, but that is what you get if you want a permanent 4X4, built like a semi truck. They are stout, so parts seem to wiggle loose more often and they can't be just driven without looking at them every so often. I fully inspect mine every oil change. It is so easy with all the undercarriage room. Ever tried to look under a Exploder? Good Luck in you decision.

justi491 · January 2002

Hi to all. I have been reading this site for some time and this is my first post. Thanks to everyone for all of your knowledge. You helped me purchase 2001 DII at the end of Dec. that was a dealer loaner. So far, so good.....

I'm wondering if anyone has had any success with the heated seat switch kit that was discussed in the thread about a month ago. When I made my purchase, I was told by the salesman that heated seats would cost me $400 to $500 and be a real pain in the butt for the service guys because they had to take the seats out.

I had the Disco in last week to get the brush bar put on that I bought at purchase time (but was on back order). I asked the service manager about the kit and was told that the wiring for heated seats is there, but the heating elements are not. They would have to rip out the seats to put in the heating elements and it would be about $500.

The heated seats are certainly not worth $500 to me, but are worth $60. I'm now wondering if my service manager knows what he's talking about. Any comments would be appreciated.

Also, does anyone know when the new cupholders will be available? The older model is driving me crazy.....

Thanks.

expert1 · January 2002

For what these guys say. I also thought that the wiring for the CD changer was in. NOOO! Also the service guys don't even know what is included in these rigs. Did you know that they install two different radios in the DiscoveryII? Or that the heated windshield wiring isn't there either. I always thought that it was cheaper to include all the wiring to everything at factory and then you could add it later, but I was wrong. I am just as happy without my heated windshield, heated seats, CD changer etc. If you wanted them at the purchase it is better to have it installed at the factory. It also just found out the hard way about replacement windshields. My wind noise, which I thought was covered, was a bad install and second quality glass. The windshield must of been replaced before I bought it(6000K). I guess the non-LR dealer didn't want to spend $930.00 for the factory glass. He also reused the rubber and moulding buttons. Oh, Well, live and learn. Maybe that it why I got it at low blue.

tincup47 · January 2002

You didn't say whether you have an SD,LE, or SE. On the SD models they started leaving out the seat heater pads for non Cold Climate Pak cars in mid 2001, it is my understanding these are still in the SE model. MY99 and 2000 vehicles all came with the wiring and pads. All of the wiring for the CCP is in all of the vehicles as a cost savings, even the heated windshield wiring. After 1999 they stopped including the CD Data cable in the SD/Cloth Models as a cost savings(SD,SE,LE model designations started again in late 2000, after being dropped in 99 and 2000 for the DII.). There have always been 2 levels of audio in the DII, the highline 11 speaker system standard in the SE/Leather equipped cars, and midline in the cloth/Duragrain SD/LE models. These have had 2 different audio head units, with a change in specs and resultant different parts required for the 2001 MY to accomodate feature changes.

tidester · January 2002

I have been reading this site for some time and this is my first post.

justi491,

You did really well for a first timer - welcome aboard!

By the way, if you "refresh" the page right after submitting a post you'll end up with a duplicate post - it's a feature of our software! ;-)

tidester
Host
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expert1 · January 2002

After 4 days and many phone calls it is done. With a new radio, new windshield, doors adjusted, new master cylinder, new transmission breather hose, thermostat checked, I am sitting in tall cotton again. They even washed it. I hope that Scott and I don't become too good of friends in the future.

justi491 · January 2002

I have an SE. Are you saying that all I need is the switches and the "heating element story" I got from my trustworthy service manager was just a story?

Does anyone have a history with the Dublin, OH LandRover dealership or service dept?

tincup47 · January 2002

If the heating pads are on the seat, there will be plugs from them that are not connected to anything. It shouldn't require removing the seat covers to check. Unfortunately the gentlemen in the UK like to change the vehicle specs without letting the US know at times, so I can't be sure of what is actually on your vehicle. I'm sure the service manager was giving you information he had experienced from other Discoverys, and was not trying to mislead you. Unfortunately there has been a long standing problem getting consistent information from the factory on what is standard installed parts on the vehicles.

Sporin · February 2002

I've seen some very reasonalby priced Discos for sale lately. It's quite tempting. Any signifigant differences between '95, '96 and '97 model year trucks? I don't mean trim and feature differences since I can find those online easily enough. I mean is one a better buy then the others? Are there signifigant mechanical and reliability differences?

CarPoint's "reliability ratings" get better for the '97's. Was there something changed or fixed that year?

expert1 · February 2002

This is what rovering is all about. I thought that road and wind noise was part of the SUV experience. Big tires, stiff suspension, permanent 4X4 can come with its trade offs, but WOW!! what a smooth, quiet ride now. Riding high above all the others is a big plus. Can't wait to take it up to Plymouth this weekend for some off roading.

tincup47 · February 2002

BMW bought Land Rover in 1995, Ford in 2001. There have been improvements to the vehicles every year since, especially accelerating in the las year, due to increased funding and attention to quality issues. Most of the problems on Discoverys tend to be annoyances more than major catastrophies.

rainboy · February 2002

It seems that all of the wiring is in place for the cd attachment. But have not yet found a compatible cd player. Wondering if anyone has any experience or advice for this dilemna.

thanks
brian

nanuq · February 2002

You might take a look over at:

http://catalog.roversnorth.com/wwwboard/w3bbrr.html

I believe this is a fairly common question over there... I've just never paid any attention!

Regards, -Bob

tincup47 · February 2002

The Factory changer has an MSRP of $499, part # AMR3053, and is readily available. This is a Pioneer unit, which will match the Pioneer head unit in the Discovery I.

nanuq · February 2002

It was a great weekend, we did some winter camping out at zero degrees, saw lots of northern lights, buried the Disco a few times... a good time was had by all. Along the way I managed to demolish what was left of my front brake pads so as a gentle reminder to all...

If you haven't checked your pads this month, now is a good time! This is my fourth set in 68,000 miles.

Can I blame this on Lord Lucas? Not hardly... I'll chalk this one up to too much fun!

FWIW, it stinks trying to rock yourself out of snowdrifts when your truck has ABS. You get all 4 wheels spinning forward, then a quick stab at the brakes, shift to reverse and gun it, trying to get her rocking fore and aft. But the ABS foils your efforts, preventing you from instantly stopping your drivetrain for that all-important fast shift! And I just can't bear to throw her into reverse when the drivetrain is rolling forward at 20mph! Arghhhhhh. I guess this is why God made square-nose coal shovels.

expert1 · February 2002

Have you ever imagined what you would do if you were driving a Durango or Explorer? I hauled 6 90# bags of concrete and 4 60# bags of motar mix in my rig this weekend. It didn't even hesitate or squat. A Explorer would look like a snail going down the road with that much weight in the rear. Probably leaving a snail trail of transmission fluid or rear end parts to boot.

wasko · February 2002

Your post reminded me of one I made quite some time ago:) I searched through the Edmund archives and came up with the following, about the time I hauled around 1600lbs of rocks and trees in the back of my Disco:

wasko "Land Rover - Part III" Jul 4, 2000 2:04am
====================
Took the Disco down to the farm where I grew up today. We live in the city, and wouldn't you know it, they charge $2-3 for rocks around here!

My wife is starting a landscaping project and needed some decent (40-90lbs) rocks to build up a couple of areas around the lawn. Since I grew up on the farm and picked 1000's of yards of stone in my time, I knew there were some really big piles left down there. We folded the rear seats and loaded the entire back (had a load mat and a tarp down) of the Disco with stones - probably 1300lbs worth (and, judging by city rock prices, probably $150 worth).

On the drive back, my wife saw a nursery and we stopped. Ended up buying a 6' blue spruce (for 2/3 less than in the city here) that weighed around 300lbs with the base of dirt. So, with nearly 1600lbs in the Disco with strong winds, we trekked slowly back home. An hour and a half to get there (empty), over 2 hours coming back loaded.

She definitely swayed back and forth, but we kept the speed around 50-60mph and made it back with no problems. Rear springs still had a fair amount of travel in them to.

While loading the tree, the guys commented that some guy in an Explorer had a load of rock and trees 'similar to what you have here' and he broke his rear axle. They were SOOO concerned that I was going to experience the same fate. Also, they had never seen a Land Rover before. I explained that the axle was nearly twice the thickness of an Explorer axle and that Land Rovers were manufactured for military use in many countries and they looked at me like I was from another planet. I believe they thought I was full of it!

Oh well...

nanuq · February 2002

....I can top it! Of course, I'm an ALASKAN.

Just last Fall we decided to refloor the house in hardwood. So I went to the flooring place and we made our choice. I backed up to the loading ramp and the guy came out with a forklift FULL of flooring. We had somewhere close to 2000' sq. He looked at me and said "Don't you want to do this in two trips? Last week we had a Subaru in here and he only took half this much load, and he literally could not MOVE when we got him loaded." I grinned, and we loaded Anuqa up. With the seats folded down I could barely get all 42 cartons of hardwood in, and mind you, these are the 58" long planks of wood. I shut the door and stepped back... she was barely sunk on her suspension so I waved a cheery ta-ta and away we went. And not ONE PROBLEM on the drive home! Plenty of suspension, plenty of power, absolutely no worries whatsoever.

Sorry Wasko.

nanuq · February 2002

Besides the "junk" part, I'd have to agree. And your point is????

For a vehicle that will go 650,000 miles on one rebuild (talk to Mike Green at West Coast British) and will cost me LESS over the course of 10 years than two of any other 4WD, I'll put up with a drop of oil on my garage floor. The rest of the world seems to think it's an acceptable trade-off for the durability and capability the Rover offers. If you can't get past the drop of oil, you better buy a Toyota Land Cruiser.

Just my $.02 -Bob

loma1 · February 2002

Hey nanuq, when can we see some photos of your adventures?

Gary

Sporin · February 2002

If it wasn't leaking, weeping or seeping, how would you know it has fluid in it? :-)

expert1 · February 2002

Expect to see the leaks appear? 13,000+ and still not a drop from anywhere. I haven't even replaced the brass gasket on the oil plug yet and I am into my 5th oil change now. My kids cars also have the crush gaskets on their cars, a Toyota and a Nissan, with over 80,000+ on both have still not replaced those gaskets either. I was told that LR even supplies new bolts with their brake pad sets. What's up with that? A good grade bolt should last forever. The caliper mounting bolts on most cars are a number 8.

Maybe LR or Lord Lucas thinks that by the time you do a brake job one or both bolts will have fallen off by then so they have you covered.

nanuq · February 2002

You better take a look at your pads... I get about 15,000 from each set of mine. In fact, I just replaced the fronts again last night, that was the 4th set in 68,000 miles. There are no bolts supplied, just 4 pads, 4 springs and 4 cotter pins (front axle only).

FWIW, once you've got her jacked up and the wheel off, each wheel will take you MAX 15 minutes. It's a truly enjoyable job.

CAVEAT: DO NOT push the pistons back into the calipers w/o cracking open the bleed screws. The ABS pump does not like dirty fluid. Simply open the bleeder, push the pistons back in (even the near pair that are hard to see), close the bleeds and replenish the fluid at the reservoir.

I'm back to Lucas pads now (gotta appease the Olde Goat somehow) but I prefer the Wagners you can get at aftermarket shops. Nice soft pads, they wear quick but they preserve the rotors. Both seem to work equally well in snot and snow.

Regards, -Bob

expert1 · February 2002

I downloaded the instructions from the John Lee site on the replacing of the pads on a DII. I thought there must be something special, but no there wasn't. They are the same for every car that I have ever done. My boys' Nissan 4X4 was the easiest so far, kind of like the LR. The thing I didn't like about Lees' site was using a set of "rounders" to push the pistons back in. A 6" "C" clamp works the best, using the old pad to protect the piston surfaces. My old Voyagers' pistons were plastic so damage to them was easy if you didn't look out. I should have clean fluid in my rig since the master cylinder was just replaced. I did check when I rotated the tires last and I have plenty of pad left. My wife usually gets about 19,000 on any set of pads, no matter what car we own so replacement is near. Better safe than sorry. I have had to replace the rotors on her van at every pad change, since little noises up front don't bother her too much. Luckily my buddy owns a clutch and brake wholesale house here in town so they are cheap, under $20 a piece. She even wraped the rotors on my Burb and I won't tell you what a pain that job was or what it cost.

dodgeram10 · February 2002

Here are few concerns with Land Rovers, 1}You pay 60k for a vehicle that has a Buick V-8 designed in the 60's,2}These vehicle leak from every seal on them. Oil Leaks, Timing Cover Gasket,Intake Gasket,Head Gaskets,Valve Cover Gaskets, Rear Main Seal,Cross Seals,Transfer Case Output Shaft Seal,Both Front & Rear Axles Seals,Coolant Leaks
Water Pump & all these leaks start about the same time. These are a poor design & I would buy a Jeep before I would own a Land Rover, & the Jeep can go anywhere the Land Rover can go & cost a lot less
for a vehicle that is far superior to any Land Rover on the road.

tincup47 · February 2002

Land Rover Discovereys start at $33,000 and top out at $45,000. The Range Rover is the $60,000 Land Rover. With your lack of knowledge of these vehicles, I find it safe to assume you are only passing on thing's you have heard, and have no first hand knowledge of the vehicles. Do you have a lot of Land Rover owners bothering you on the Jeep and Dodge sites? Is that what started your tirade? Not all Land Rover's leak, just like not all Jeep Grand Cherokee's puke their transmissions regularly. Just because I like chocolate ice cream, doesn't mean I make fun of people who like vanilla or other flavors. People who do must have problems with their own choice if they have to denigrate other people's preferences.

nanuq · February 2002

You're right, not all JGC's puke their transmissions... some do it three times. My sister in law had it happen to her. My other sister in law has lost her JGC's differential twice. Both these trucks *never* went offroad.

Okay, I have to admit... I am exaggerating my leaks on my Rover. Okay so the power steering hoses weep a little when I don't remember to tighten the hose clamps twice a year. Sorry all...

expert1 · February 2002

I also was a Chrysler man. I have owned Valiants, vans, both full size and Voyagers, Furys, etc., but when it came to a SUV I decided I would buy a real SUV. I know that Dodge does make good 4X4s', but the old military Power Wagon wasn't for me. I test drove the Durango, but an enclosed, small Ram pickup wasn't for me. Plus the price for a fully equipped one was more than what I paid for my DII. I also checked out the Edmunds site for the Durangos and the comments by owners wasn't good. I don't mind tightening a clamp once and awhile, but tranny and engine problems drive me nuts. I do know now that Mercedes is supplying transmissions to the truck division now and they have a new aluminum V-8 so maybe it will change. For my money I will stay with a proven, sturdy,permanent 4X4, that in my instance, has not dropped a ounce of fluid yet. Time will tell and good luck with your purchase.

mattfera · February 2002

I am about to purchase a 98 50th ann. discovery. It has 32k miles and is in fine shape. What should I be concerned about? Should I get an extended warranty? I don't know anything about fixing cars. Is this a trustworthy investment?

norbn · February 2002

Ummm, don't ever consider an everyday car an investment. Use it up like the comodity it is.

norbn · February 2002

So I'm about to lease a Disco using the Land Rover lease special. Is this a good lease? Anyone?

expert1 · February 2002

You will read on this forum of the costs associated with owning a LR. You said that you are not mechanically inclined. Most of the costs are not of a mechanical nature, unless you think oil changes, squeak checks and making sure things are attached and tight are mechanical. Like Tincup has illustrated, most LR problems are not mechanical, they are annoyances. Loose this or that, noises, fluid leaks etc. If you don't want to touch this truck at all a extended warranty will do you no good. They do not cover wear items such as brakes, hoses, belts, fluid changes etc.

kbowen · February 2002

Jeeps don't just puke transmissions, they blow front drive shaft CV joints. TWICE the Grand Cherokee I ownED left me and my family stranded in canyon lands UT, far from civilization. We only had two wheel drive to get out and it was quite difficult requiring a lot of "road building" and digging. Besides being sturdier in ALL respects, the DII has a MUCH more solid front drive shaft and an enormous U.-joint that is not likely to blow like the whimpy CV joint Chrysler put in the Grands. In fact, the dealership where I had the Grand repaired on those two occasions recommended I convert the CV to a U.-joint, but the thing had so many other problems, it wasn't worth it. The Grands would be OK I guess if you are a soccer mom who stays on the road, but I question even that (read on). I only have about 7K on my DII now, but no leaks and no real problems, quite unlike the Jeep that was in the shop the first week I had it because it stalled when my wife took it to the grocery store; it would not restart and had to be towed. I could go on and on, but suffice to say, I will NEVER, NEVER, EVER consider a Chrysler product again. Happy motoring in your dogeyram thing, but I know I won't be seeing you at the top, or anywhere else for that matter where the going gets rough.

nanuq · February 2002

If you guys want a good laugh go read the Durango thread. Replaced wiring harnesses, trucks being flatbedded, "not meant to go offroad", etc. etc.

At least they're honest...

expert1 · February 2002

This is a LR site. I think we all have a horror story recanted to us by a former or present Chrysler 4X4 owner. When I was in the market for a 4X4 our friends' had a 94 JGC for sale. It was fully loaded, less than 80K and at a good price, BUT!!! After talking to them for 5 minutes and getting their laundry list of what was repaired or replaced I decided to walk away. (Which probably what I would have done if I bought it, WALK) AC, tranny, valve job, electrical work etc. etc. "It's just like brand new."

rkoesler · February 2002

Well, I've been keeping my trap shut for a long time now, but when I read that DODGERAM10 crap I could no longer contain myself. I'm on 26,000 miles on my 00 DII and have yet to have a problem, leak, or complaint. It's my best vehicle out of about 32 yet. One of my colleagues just dumped his RAM for a Toyota (even though he had no problems with it). I've not had to spend any $$ on DII because all my maintenance is free for 4 years and 45,000 miles. And off-road, the bloody thing is the best!! It will knock that RAM off it's rock and on it's [non-permissible content removed] like a .300 Weatherby. Happy Rovering!

ckreiter · February 2002

Just got my LR Discovery SE last week. We have really enjoyed it so far. One problem we have encountered. The sticker for the vehicle shows that we have a Weather Band radio installed. However, following the instructions in the manual, there is no WB when pressing AM 3 times. The dealership said that they must have discontinued that mid-year and were checking to see what they could do. Anyone else run into this?

tincup47 · February 2002

The weather band function was dropped mid year.

dodgeram10 · February 2002

If you wanted a real suv you would get a Mercedes M-Class which is much better then any Land Rover Discovery, & if you wanted a real fullsize suv you would need to get a Mercedes G-Class which is better then any Range Rover. Does the name DaimlerChrysler mean anything to you people since you all want to compare suv's. Mercedes builds the best suv's on the market right now, & at least they are not using a Buick V-8 from the 60's. Because they can design there own V-8 & there V-8's do not leak oil from every seal. Mercedes can even design there on transmission instead of using a ZF trans. When Land Rover starts building there on drivetrain compents let me know then I might buy one.

dielectric7bb · February 2002

ignore (X)on ()off

goodbye

and by the way...it's own not on ya little 5 year old

tincup47 · February 2002

Oh, now we throw in Mercedes, as if anyone from Dodge had anything to do with them. While I have great respect for their product, the heavy handed way they took over Chrysler in their so called "merger of equals" was deplorable. The Mercedes M-class has had it's share of problems also, if you have checked on Consumer Reports reliability indexes. The Mercedes G wagen is an excellent vehicle for a fancy military truck, but hardly a practical road vehicle. I think the new Range Rover is going to be the new leader in the luxury SUV class, with excellent on and off road manners. And while it doesn't have it's own engine design, much of that goes to the fact that Land Rover is a very small company, it's BMW V8 is a world class engine. Also many companies use ZF transmissions, including Mercedes Benz. This is the last response I will have for you, because any further responses will be a waste of time. Enjoy your vehicle, don't berate other's.
PS. It's "Than any Land Rover" , not "Then any Land Rover"

mrwhipple · February 2002

Mercedes didn't design their own transmission for the M-Class. They use Borg-Warner. Good company though. Most of the parts on come from American based companies. If you don't own a Land Rover, why even worry about it? M-Class doesn't fair all that well off-road. They all have their in & outs. So what. Grab a lollypop! Rent a movie. The first year M-Class was a nightmare of problems. It's very well documented. Original SUV's were much more truck like, go anywhere vehicles. Real suv? What really do you mean? Hopefully Mercedes can improve on those Dodge interiors.

Sporin · February 2002

The G-Wagon is nice, but the M-Class is a fancy, AWD minivan not meant for anything more "off-road" then graded dirt lanes. You really can't compare it to the Disco... apples and oranges.

If the "ancient Buick V8" is the best part of your argument then so be it. It IS old, but it works really well and can be fixed by almost any mechanic. There's somehting to be said for that.

rkoesler · February 2002

Well, Ramboy, you should learn to spell, and maybe work on the grammar as well. What I like most about my DII, is the "old engine". It's not like it is a '62 Buick, just because it's based on one. It's as "modern" as any push-rodder. Also, I have not yet had to have my engine's piston rings replaced due to a design fault, like MB on their newer V-8's which suck, and burn oil.

And yes, I agree totally - the MB G-wagen IS the BEST off-road vehicle made but hardly affordable. Especially the 3 locker version. The rest are no better than any LR off-road. Put lockers on a LR, and they're equal. And for the price difference you can build a LR to do anything.

nanuq · February 2002

Soooooooo how come all of a sudden Rammie-boy is holding up the G-wagen as the Rover's master offroad? I thought that spot was reserved for Jeeps?

Unless... he's saying a Jeep is the equivalent of a G-wagen?

denver8 · February 2002

I checked dodgerams profile and some of his other posts. He is someone that likes to go into discussions and try and get people fired up. By the way his truck is a 2wd, so I am not sure why he is commenting on 4wd vehicles. And another thing: it is "their" not "there"

expert1 · February 2002

For Jeep was their association with Chrysler. As soon as Chrysler started supplying transmissions for their Wagonner the era was up. Jeep went from a mountain goat to a "flat hauler." At least AMC had the sense to not mess up a good thing. I can't believe that for less than $30K my rig is being compared to a Mercedes "G" ride. Thanks!!! All things being equal, when I was shopping for a SUV, the best value was LR.

tidester · February 2002

C'mon gang - let's drop them!

tidester
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