Dartman, thanks for the info.
It all depends on the outcome on my Disco 2.
Now been 2.5 weeks in the workshop.
Fortunately i have a loan car from my garage.
I do like my Disco but donn't want to keep throwing money at it and am prepared to draw a line if necessary
I have no experience of FL2, but do like the car and maybe its time to downsize a wee bit

thanks again

Jim A

2002 Disco2 TD5 auto
1996 Disco 300Tdi auto(gone

Interesting you had a TDI 300, had a 97 version in auto from new, very reliable for 9 years, had early problems, steering pump and new chassis. Put off TD5 due to suspension problems with the anti roll and self levelling. The last ones were quite good but the price was set to get us used for the up coming D3. The FL2 does feel a bit cramped compared to the TD300 and 5 were like church halls, you could hold dances n them, but really perhaps it's due to the narrower centre console and the two arm rests, it's actually about the same width my PC is slightly to the right of Genghis
2012 HSE SD4 In Orkney Grey now gone, best car ever.

My disco 1 was a jap import 1996 model. Kept it for 9 years until 2013 and at 125k miles started to worry about big expenses.
No rust, superbly maintained, but decided i needed a change.
Bought the Td5 , went well for 15 months and the autobox packed up last December in Brechin.
New box from Ashcroft fitted on Christmas eve, lasted 1400 miles and packed up again.
Between box, labour, hired car pushed up to nearly £2000.
Although the garage man has admitted they were in a hurry and damaged the flexiplate which was only discovered after the car stopped 2 weeks ago.
Totally left it all up to him and have just had a call to collect Disco in morning.
SWMBO has lost faith in the Disco but will see garage in morning ans ask about real state of Disco.
thanks to all for the help so far

Jim A
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2002 Disco 2 Td5 auto
1996 300 Tdi auto(gone)

Just to add - Had an 03 disco 2 TD5 which was a lovely car, modest bills, nothing too dramatic (wheel bearing & fuel pump), bills as nothing compared to the D3 & RRS which followed for the next 8 years. (big BIG bills) FR2 very frugal so far, no probs, not the same as a D2 but as close as anything I guess. FL2 Ex D2, D3, RRS, etc. now all gone.

I've got a FL1 (2006 Manual and 52,000 miles) and a FL2 (2010 Auto 40,000 miles) on my drive and I can tell you now that the late FL1 cars with the BMW TD4 engine are superb and ours has been more reliable than the FL2. Unknown to many, the late FL1s were mules for some FL2 tech e.g. the rear axle. However, I have no experience of the FL1 Auto. In fairness, the overall driver experience and comfort level is better in the FL2 and the 'killer' for most blokes with the FL1 is the lack of seat height adjustment (The one on my drive belongs to the missus). As such, I suggest that you don't readily dismiss the FL1, especially the very late ones when all the problems were sorted ! However, as with any car, the later model you buy the better will be the driver comfort, fuel economy, availability of parts etc. FL2 HSE Auto Galway Green
Evoque SD4 Auto Blue.
FL1 HSE TD4 Manual Black - Gone.
RR Classic V8 EFI - Gone

latest update.
Got my Disco2 back on Saturady after 2.5 weeks.
Failure of autobox was due to slip up when putting the new autobox in 1400 miles ago.
Garage completely accepted responsibility.
Seems ok. Car is in good condition and now 109k miles.
Have decided at moment to keep the Disco.
However, if there is more trouble may have to bite the bullet and change for an FL2.
Can i say thanks to all for the valuable input sofar.

Jim A
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2002 Disco2 Td5 auto
1996 Disco 300Tdi auto(gone)