Thread: Buying Disco 2

Originally Posted by beanie_205

I'm a Suzuki Sierra owner who's been bounced one too many times, tho I think they're a great 4wd, so been looking at series 2disco's, so far this is what I've come up with, please correct any false assumptions:

I'll stick my toe in and start off the debate

1: 1999-2001 had plastic dowels in the Td5 and should be avoided.

I cant answer this, im a V8 owner

2: The air suspension can malfunction- better avoided for remote touring

The air suspension has its pros and cons, eg: level ride, better departure angle... its reasonably robust but is more complicated than springs. Any D2 with SLS is probably about due for new airbags and compressor at this stage in its life and so if it hasn't been done yet allow $1k to replace them.

3:2001-2002 had no CDL- major problem for serious 4wding (I go Vic High country a bit in winter, would never trust TC)

TC does a pretty good job, but it is always reactive instead of proactive and in reality is just a poor mans diff lock. Don't discount the early D2's with CDL internals but no CDL lever.

4: 2003 (2a) had the CDl back and most electrical issues were ironed out

The price jump from a D2 to a D2a is significant and there isn't that many changes between them. Any D2 will have been back under warranty to sort any major issues out by now.

5: the auto is bomb proof and the pick over manual.

I would have to disagree on this, the auto is very nice but not bomb proof.

6: 16 in alloys are better than 18's for off roading.

Primarily due to the tyres available for 16's over 18's. I reckon the 18's look better than 16's though. 16's are dime a dozen so you can always run street tyres on 18's and muddys on a spare set of 16's.

7: dark colours are dodgy due to heat affecting the electrics (generally, not just disco's)

Nah i don't think so, the lighter colours don't show the scratches as bad as the darker colours, but the paint on mine is quite amazing i have a multitude of bush pinstripes and on the one occasion i gave it a polish they all came out!

8: They're awesome off road and soooo comfortable (i have driven one)

They are a good compromise where they perform well off-road and on road, but parts are expensive and there's less choice than Pootrolls and Land Crushers

9: value for money and as 4wd they pants other makes

As with everything there are hidden costs... but they have a soul and just like a wife/GF can give you heart ache at times.

Which all means I should buy a 2003+ 5 seater D2 Td5 w with 16in wheels that isnt black, but at 25k'ish that's too much.

See above ... maybe ?? ... but things like ACE tended to come out on 7 seater's with 18" and SLS. The 7 seaters have a second Air-con unit that would make even a Brit cold on a 40deg day.... i cant answer this.. depends what you find for sale, at what price and how it is being used.

Am I better with Disco 1 considering what it's for (touring) or is Series 2 worth the dosh? Thanks

D1's are great but they are really a different vehicle to the D2 as is the D3 to the D2. It really boils down to your budget and what you are using it for. I think if i was after a something for bush only it would be a D1, for mixed Hwy and Bush a D2 and if i had the money a D3

What he said!
I have a 200D2 dark grey retrofit CDL & lever, SLS in rear; previous experience 300tdi Defender; 200tdi Disco 1.. D2 is very different to D1 with respect to the different diesel engines. SLS system just like any other; has its vulnerabilities so take spares/emergency fixes to cope - but the ride is great. Traction control in mud is awesome but I also wanted the CDL - you can buy aftermarket cdl internals and lever and fit fairly easily...

as for colours,, check out the sticky in the D2 forum,,
not many light colours!!
The D1 was built on bombproof 30 year old RR tech,,
The D2 is longer, wider, and a rocket scientist in comparison.

Dont start me on the SLS/coils thing,,


Good Luck with your purchase.

Don't forget that the MY03 (2a) was released in Australia in 2002. I think it was October 2002. So when you search internet sites by year of manufacture, put 2002 to 2005 and that should include all D2a's available.

I just thought I'd post this because a 2002 D2a might be a little cheaper if you're trying to avoid paying 25k for a D2a.

Also, bear in mind that the asking prices may be a couple of thou higher than what sellers actually achieve.

Cheers
Martin

I just bought a late 02 D2a MY03 auto in Greystone, with 177,000kms in Adelaide for $19,000 private sale. It was also a couple thou less than the asking price. I was previously looking at 03/04 cars which were private sale and in yards for $25ish. It is the update with CDL, dual headlights etc and I love it!!!!!!
Good Luck with hunting

Paul

Thanks for the tips- I find it's all abit of a jigsaw trying to work out what to buy, so every little piece helps. One thing I'd like to know: if I bought a D2 model without the CDL, as in 2001/2002 with no internal parts for it, how much would a retro fit CDL be? Where could I source parts? Thanks!

Ashcroft Transmissions is what went in mine...

I run a '99 D2 7 seater chipped. Yes, there were a few problems - Head at 180thou. SLS went down after going through a deep puddles, took me ages to find the problem. Turned out a plug was not sealed off properly at the sensor.
The arm is on the CDL just got to save up for the lever assembly.

Discos love em