Following on from my recent topic on Subaru's, I spotted some Discovery 2's on Autotrader within my budget. Both manual and automatic are available with the TD5 engine and even the automatic should see similar mpg to the Subaru's petrol engines.

The examples are typically around 100k miles but is buying one a disaster waiting to happen? I have zero mechanical skills to repair anything myself either. Does anyone have any experience of the Discovery 2 and if so, what is your verdict? Any views on the auto or manual for the best gearbox?

Cheers LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

If you have no mechanical knowledge don't even contemplate a disco 2

I bought mine new and it was the best car I've ever owned, but like all Landrovers at 5 years old it was showing signs of starting to self destruct, so I got rid.

But saying that there are loads of independent Landrover specialists to use.

Iain

Ps yes it would be a disaster waiting to happen!!

Last edited by iain cooper on 2nd Aug 2015 3:36 pm. Edited 1 time in total

I had a D2 two cars prior my FL2. I loved it and only got rid because the underground car park at work was lowered and the D2 wouldn't fit!

I had a 2000 'Millennium' model which is basically a GS. It was manual, had 7 half leather seats, elec windows and manual sunroofs. Also roof rails and a tow bar.

I never had a significant problem with mine, either cosmetically or mechanically. I too am no mechanic but the few issues I did have were easy to fix, ie when in reverse the gear stick went floppy. Was a simple steel plate to replace from inside the car.

The sunroofs notoriously leak but only because the adhesive sealant tape that LR used was cack. It was a mornings work to remove and reseal both with sikaflex.

The TD5 engine was immense, the gearbox smooth and it pulled like a train. Not as much room inside (at rear or boot) as you might expect but great driving position. Really easy to add extra switches for spot lights, etc. I added OEM cruise control to mine - really simple.

I understand that it's worth checking the sub-frame for corrosion.

My only reservation would be that they look a bit old fashioned these days. I would look at the D2 Boys Club forum.

I bought this one when I sold my first FL2;



Driving position was great-better than the FL2. My main grumble with it was it was really slow! Would pull a house but felt under-powered with the auto box under acceleration. I would definitely drive both a D2 and a Subaru and see which suits you. In the short time I had mine I had two breakdowns and a couple of electrical niggles. I still like the retro look of them though and the air suspension is amazing off road.

Nice car and duly noted chaps. I guess a remap might make some difference to the TD5. LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

I had a 2000 manual model for a couple of years back in 2011/2012. Lovely car, and with all the rear seats removed (rather than folded flat) you could get pretty much anything inside. I had to get the clutch replaced at about 120,000 miles (dmf) and some rusty brake pipes but otherwise just normal service items.

And I sold it on eBay for more than I paid for it!

Lol. Forgot to mention. Had mine remapped by a 'reputable' company. Emperor's new clothes ..

The Doctor wrote:

Nice car and duly noted chaps. I guess a remap might make some difference to the TD5.

I was just curious and am constantly changing my mind on cars. Even high mileage low spec FL2's are out of my price range so for now Subaru's are still front runners. LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

My D2 was chipped (Wasn't aware of it until after I'd bought it in fact) and had a big intercooler - went like stink.

Worth bearing in mind that the exhaust manifold can be an issue on the TD5.  Freelander 2 2007 TD4 Manual HSE Tambora Flame
Discovery 3 2006 TDV6 Auto HSE Zambezi Silver
Previously: Freelander 2 2007 TD4 Manual SE Santorini Black

I had a D2 TD5 before my current Freelander. I had it for 8 years as my "everyday" car and loved it. It had that ability to always put a smile on your face.

My view would be that D2's are all now at least 12 years old and should really be considered an "enthusiasts" car now. If you are able to do most of your own maintenance and repairs they can be fairly cheap to run, but if you are having to use a garage then do not be surprised if you are paying out £1k to £2k a year to them for servicing and repairs

I agree that the D2boysclub is a great forum to follow. Amongst a number of other things, chassis rot has become a major issue to avoid when purchasing. Compared to a Freelander they are very slow, but a lot of people were very happy with some of the re-chips available.

Steve

Lost for Words wrote:

My D2 was chipped (Wasn't aware of it until after I'd bought it in fact) and had a big intercooler - went like stink.

Worth bearing in mind that the exhaust manifold can be an issue on the TD5.

And oil getting into the engine harness and blowing the ECU
Then the DMF letting go
Not forgetting the oil from the valve block mounted on the chassis below the drivers seat dumping its contents
Or the Rear Door Hinges seizing
Or the Windscreen Seal giving up
Or the Gearbox sticking in fourth and refusing to come out and go in to any of the other four available

Happy times, makes a Low Level Diff repair on a FL2 seem trivial. p****d off with a Digital Keyboard Warrior

Also leaking sunroof and ACE issues if you're lucky (or unlucky) enough to have them.

I was thinking with regard to performance upgrades in particular initially.  Freelander 2 2007 TD4 Manual HSE Tambora Flame
Discovery 3 2006 TDV6 Auto HSE Zambezi Silver
Previously: Freelander 2 2007 TD4 Manual SE Santorini Black

Never had a problem with mine apart from oil leaks, roof leaks, back door that would refuse to open, windows that wouldn't open, and a bit of rot in the chassis.

Having said all that, possibly the best offroad vehicle LR ever made! Td4 XS manual, Orkney Grey, MY2014