Thread: Why should I buy a LR D2?

I think you will find the Disco2 to be significantly more advanced in its technology in comparison to the Jeep. But that said, there are a lot of Disco2's that tour this land reliably.

Personally, I would just be choosing the vehicle you like best, ensuring it is maintained and taking it.

Food for thought... Did your car break down in the last 4-6 weeks? Or the 4-6 weeks before that? Or ever. I think a lot of people put too much thought and expense into what happens if the car breaks down on a trip, something that probably wont happen and if it does you can get the parts. I have no doubt that any mechanic that has seen a vehicle newer than 1995 will be able to sort the car, and I would argue the modern car is more reliable that what they used to be anyway.

I would think the way to have confidence in a vehicle is to have owned, maintained and driven it for a good length of time.

The D2 is fairly simple mechanically and has a few electronics sitting over the top, none of which are more likely to be show stoppers than on any other comparable vehicle. If the security or engine management system on any vehicle craps out, you're stuck, but the vehicle will likely drive despite most other electrical faults.

Big ticket items vary little across makes - a rebuilt gearbox, for example, will be a few grand whichever way you look at it, and the chance of requiring one will be directly related to the driving and maintenance history of the vehicle, both of which being difficult to guage without having a good chat with the previous owner.


If you want cheap, keep your existing vehicle. If you want minimal risk, buy brand new, if you are hands-on, buy the vehicle in your budget range that gives you the biggest hardon.

Mate have some faith in your current vehicle, only buy a D2 if you want too, not because you think your's won't be reliable enough to do the trip, what happens if you buy the D2 and you hate it, then what.

Stick with the Jeep, a bullbar is not essential for 4 to 6 week trip, keep your driving hours to after dawn and before dusk and you'll be fine, only get a roof rack if you really need it (ie) not everything will fit in the car AND camper/poptop.

Put higher output globes in your high beam, only buy spotties if you really want them(you see my logic here) save yourself the money for the trip and have a great experience

Baz.

We currently own a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD, which is really a brilliant
vehicle (with an incredible engine) - albeit quite difficult to work one due to
a lot of electronics etc., and I'm sure even more difficult for parts/mechanics
in rural areas. I tend to presume a D2 is slightly less modern so therefore
easier for the local mechanic perhaps to have a look at/guess?

I have to question some of your assumptions. If something electronic goes wrong with either a Jeep or D2 in a remote area, it is unlikely that any local mechanic will be able to diagnose either. Most outback mechanics seem to only be familiar with Toyotas/Nissans and be either afraid of anything different or just scornful.

However you can lessen the impact of this by buying the appropriate diagnostic tool which will identify the area of electronic failure, but probably not mechanical failure.

You really do not NEED bullbars , lights,etc , and if towing a camper trailer you may not even need a roofrack.

A D2 is now 10 years old minimum and starting to enter the area of DIY enthusiast car.

Having said that I just completed a 3 month "lap" in my D2 but not without a problem in Kununurra, where my fuel lines rubbed through. I have NRMA premium insurance so it was a relatively minor inconvenience.

If you were to buy a D2 for the trip you would need to have it completely checked out by a Land Rover Specialist, who knowns the quirks and weaknesses of D2s , such as the oil pump bolt, the oil in harness, the starter solonoid problem, the fuel line rub through problem,the fuel pressure regulator problem,the front driveshaft CV joint problem, and the three amigos.
It would probably also be worthwhile to fit new shocks at the least to either car, and maybe lifted springs to the D2 , as the front springs can sag leaving little room above the bumpstops.

If you budget say $2000-3000 to have all of the potential D2 problems inspected or rectified prior to the trip, the odds are it will be trouble free.

Personally if I were you I would keep the Jeep if you have had it a long time and know it's service history and faults and spend some money on upgraded suspension etc. and preempive checking and fixing of known faults. "Better the devil you know"

Unless you plan to travel at dawn, dusk, or night IMHO the odds of hitting roos are moderate so its up to you on Bullbars , lights,etc. although I know all the magazines claim that these are crucial.
Regards Philip A

I would stick with the Jeep.
Rural/remote touring should involve pre trip vehicle servicing (replacement as required) of cooling system, suspension, brakes and tyres.

You will be doing this to either vehicle.

A breakdown if any vehicle these days usually brings a flat bed and parts ( other than normal service items) for any make are rarely stocked even at country dealers.

Originally Posted by Slunnie

I think you will find the Disco2 to be significantly more advanced in its technology in comparison to the Jeep. But that said, there are a lot of Disco2's that tour this land reliably.

Personally, I would just be choosing the vehicle you like best, ensuring it is maintained and taking it.

Food for thought... Did your car break down in the last 4-6 weeks? Or the 4-6 weeks before that? Or ever. I think a lot of people put too much thought and expense into what happens if the car breaks down on a trip, something that probably wont happen and if it does you can get the parts. I have no doubt that any mechanic that has seen a vehicle newer than 1995 will be able to sort the car, and I would argue the modern car is more reliable that what they used to be anyway.

Ditto Land Rover are usually years ahead with technology and then other manufacturers copy.
There weren't many other 1999 model 4wds around with Tractrion control and Active cornering enhancement, self leveling suspension and height adjustable suspension, all these run by electronics

As good as a D2 is, I'd say better the devil you know, and stick with the Jeep.

Given the lead time, if it was me I'd stick to the Jeep if you haven't had to many problems with it. If you had longer and could find a D2 which you can run for while to sort any underlying issues then a D2 is a good option. All 10+ year old vehicles would have wear and tear issues which you wouldn't want to find out in the middle of your trip. I've had my 2003 TD5 since new and would happily take it around the country