Hello All,

I cannot decide what to do!!

I currently have a D2 TD5 (manual) that I have had since it had 170k KMs, and it now has 320K Kms. It has been a great car, and although it has had quite a number of things go wrong, I still like it.

Repairs that I have had so far:
clutch + new transfer box
injector seals
FPR (twice)
injectors (and seals)
fuel pump
fuel cooler gasket
alternator
AC compressor
radiator
condenser
A/C fan
shock absorbers allround, and front turrets

I think that is all.

Now, I THINK that two of the bearings are failing.

Then... 3 weeks ago (approx.) I bought a L322 TD6.

It drivers brilliantly. It is SO much quieter and more comfortable than the D2.

Now, I have the chance of getting another L322 TD6 (probably for €3000). It has a fair amount of work to do on it. Most of it is cosmetic, but I know that one of the suspensions struts needs replacing, and the gearbox may need replacing.

So... what should I do? The D2 is really nice, but it doesn't compare (comfort-wise) with the L322. The D2 has proved to be pretty reliable, and is still actually in quite good condition. The chassis isn't too badly rusted.

What would you suggest?

I've still got my D1, although sorned, I can't bring myself to part with it as it's been so reliable. I feel your pain.

Well, you know what they say about the Disco.

It means you can't quite afford a proper Range Rover

rodp wrote:

I've still got my D1, although sorned, I can't bring myself to part with it as it's been so reliable. I feel your pain.

^ Short answer, no.

Car plus reconditioned gearbox and new torque convertor will still leave you with a car that's cost only slightly less than a very good example which has had the gearbox done...... and you'd still have all the other faults to fix.

That's me looking at UK prices though and just my opinion.

I think the prices must be higher here because my L322 that is cosmetically in near perfect condition was €8000, and I had to spend €2100 on a new gearbox.

If I buy this other one for €3000, that gives me nearly €5000 to put towards repairs.

New window = €500
gearbox = €2100 (if it needs it)
back bench = not sure, but I could try to repair it using a kit from leather clinic.
rear lights off ebay aren't very expensive.
rear suspension = €500 (I can install it myself)

so... If the gearbox is not F*!+cked, I think that it will cost approx. €1500 to get it reasonable again, so total price of €4500. The bumpers can wait.

Id hold off and keep the Disco especially since you know what sort of a life it has had.
you could end up with a lemon.

I know your pain tho, my old car (99 focus) was fantastic and far too good to scrap. In the end i gave it to a friend of mine.

Keep the disco and use it for the tough messy jobs. use the Range for the nice life

I still have my D2 which I have had from new in 2003. It hasn't done the mileage that yours has but I keep it because it is a very good workhorse. It doesn't owe me anything (a bit more fortunate here as there is no VED so it only costs the insurance).

I think you are looking at a headache if you go for the other L322. The problems you mention are only what you know of. There will, in all probability be hidden others. Even what you mention will add up to a heavy cost.

In your position I would keep the D2 as the workhorse. John
2008 Stornoway Grey 3.6 Tdv8 Vogue
2005 TD6 Java Black Vogue - Written off!!
GAP iiD BT
2003 Discovery TD5 Auto, Nanocom Evolution - gone to a new home!
MasseyFerguson 152 - No electronics!! - Sold

berkshirelad wrote:

Well, you know what they say about the Disco.

It means you can't quite afford a proper Range Rover

No, what it means is after buying a nearly new 3.9 Classic Vogue for the wife in 1993 Range Rover went downhill rapidly. The diesel Classics were rubbish (under powered and noisy) ,later V8's suffered liner problems, the less said about the P38 the better, it then took several years for Range Rovers to become a decent buy again in my mind. The TD5 is out of the question, too frail and tempremental for me, the 300TDI is bomb proof (probably more by accident than design).
However, as someone who's always run series and Defenders my requirements are probably different to most RR drivers.
It's taken this long for me to accept RR's again and as it is at the moment I'll only buy TD6. I have another post up about what's the most reliable RR made and could possibly consider a later one if they're reliable.

At the moment the D1 is on standby in case the RR throws a shoe, in which case the jury is out on whether to repair it or go back to the faithfull old D1. Oh, and the D1 is very very tidy.