Thread: Advice about 00 Disco II with 18" tyres

Hi All,

I've just recently sold my beloved 90' V8 Rangie. Was starting to cost a lot of money in repair and fuel, so thought, time to upgrade. With a little research decided on 00 Disco TD5 (7 seater), primarily for fuel economy and apparent 4WD ability. I love to go off road, sand driving and camping mostly so was important to keep that. The rangie never got stuck anywhere and glided over spots that had others digging themselves out.

Anyhow when buying the Disco, I wasn't wise enough and didn't think about repurcussion of it having 18" tyres. I've been trying to read other links and speak to tyre shops about my options. Most are negative about it saying, the car was designed for that tyre, so changing to 16" rims and tyres is not the right way to go. And then also saying 18" are not designed for off road, so I shouldn't be trying to use it for that. Not to mention having trouble accessing an 18" off road tyre if I get stuck in the outback

I'm left frustrated and worried that I've bought a vehicle that won't be able to take me where I want to go and I'm going to have to sell it.

Its also had a few other problems since I bought it. Had to do new head gasket at $3,500, a radiator issue and now it is starting to jerk in first gear on and off.

Have I bought a lemon?? Any advice?? I've also moved to Mackay from the Gold Coast. Does anyone know a good dealer/ mechanic in Mackay for Disco's / Landies??

Any advice or info greatly appreciated.

Well thanks for all of the info and advice. I'm smiling again!

The tip to go to Landrover Mackay was the best advice. They were great and I'll be seeing some more of them over the next few months to get set up. A wealth of information and they know what they are talking about with no BS.

Anyhow it seems I can simply swap over to 16" rims without an issue which has lightened my load considerably. The SLS problem turns out to be the compressor, so I'm getting that replaced next week for around $900. I asked about replacing with other suspension but after talking with the guys at LR and about 5 other guys who were there at the time with their own rigs, I'm sticking to the SLS - apparently fantastic when towing or 4WD and much better for overall stability as opposed to other options. The gear issue turned out to be a problem with an airfilter not being in the right position and getting sucked in, which lead to a hose doing the same and therefore no air getting into turbo. Again fixed in no time by the guys.

Now I'm seeing light and my Disco being up to scratch for my trips, so am excited!! Anyone wanting to sell 16" rims or AT tyres, feel free to contact me!

Thanks again everyone. I'm staying tuned on this site, heaps of great discussions and information.