Disco Vs Defender Vs Freelander
Discussion
Quick ask for some advice.
My Dad has approx £4k to spend on one of the above. He lives up the side of a hill on a Scottish Island...lots of winter snow etc and trips to the shops required (30 mile round trip).
He's on about a Defender 90.... but looking at the prices...he's going to get either a very high mileage or a very old one for that money.
The Freelander would prob work...if the K series is reliable...
which leaves the Disco.
Seems to be lots of 100k-120k milers around the 2000/2001 mark. All ES models, with the toys and Diesel.
Is that the best choice for all round ability? Any obvious objections?
My Dad has approx £4k to spend on one of the above. He lives up the side of a hill on a Scottish Island...lots of winter snow etc and trips to the shops required (30 mile round trip).
He's on about a Defender 90.... but looking at the prices...he's going to get either a very high mileage or a very old one for that money.
The Freelander would prob work...if the K series is reliable...
which leaves the Disco.
Seems to be lots of 100k-120k milers around the 2000/2001 mark. All ES models, with the toys and Diesel.
Is that the best choice for all round ability? Any obvious objections?
In terms of ability to get around, any of those on the right tyres will be perfect. But in terms of ability to carry stuff / people and do longer journeys in comfort (if that's important?) I'd go for a Disco. If it's more of a winter toy and generally for pottering to the shops etc. then a Defender would be lots of fun and seem right at home in that environment. If a Disco is too big and Defender too basic then the Freelander will fill the hole in the middle brilliantly, they just don't seem as special (in my opinion) as the other two.
Ruari
Ruari
How about a Freelander Diesel (TD4)? The Freelander is OK but does not have a low-ratio gearbox like the Disco and Defender. Watch the early 'Defenders' as some are not!! Before 1991, they were just called 90's or 110's and had crap (pre-200TDi) engines. Early TD5s for £4k could be problematic, and apparently can suffer with head issues if before 2002 model year. £3k should get a really nice Disco 300 TDi - but saying that, I've been looking for a while and not found anything yet I like!!
Cheeky Jim said:
Quick ask for some advice.
My Dad has approx £4k to spend on one of the above. He lives up the side of a hill on a Scottish Island...lots of winter snow etc and trips to the shops required (30 mile round trip).
He's on about a Defender 90.... but looking at the prices...he's going to get either a very high mileage or a very old one for that money.
The Freelander would prob work...if the K series is reliable...
which leaves the Disco.
Seems to be lots of 100k-120k milers around the 2000/2001 mark. All ES models, with the toys and Diesel.
Is that the best choice for all round ability? Any obvious objections?
For the money you'll buy a newer, tidier Discovery than you will a Defender/Ninety.My Dad has approx £4k to spend on one of the above. He lives up the side of a hill on a Scottish Island...lots of winter snow etc and trips to the shops required (30 mile round trip).
He's on about a Defender 90.... but looking at the prices...he's going to get either a very high mileage or a very old one for that money.
The Freelander would prob work...if the K series is reliable...
which leaves the Disco.
Seems to be lots of 100k-120k milers around the 2000/2001 mark. All ES models, with the toys and Diesel.
Is that the best choice for all round ability? Any obvious objections?
It's also worth remember that under the body a Defender and Discovery are almost identical. This means in terms of mechanical off road ability they are also equal. The Disco only loses out on longer overhangs and slightly more bulky.
For this money you might get a DII, some have TCS which is good too.
I'm a huge Defender fan and Land Rover fanatic. But if you want a more comfy Defender - don't buy a Defender. LR have done it for you with either a Disco or RRC. They are more comfy with more elbow room.
Freelanders I quite like, but it depends what you are doing. If you get one, get one with TCS and HDC. Without it they won't be anywhere near as good, with it they are arguably better in the snow or on wet grass than a Defender or Disco without TCS.
1.8 is a nice engine, although I prefer how the diesels drive.
Thanks for reply's... I've also been digging around PH and other sites...
I think that the Freelander is probably the best all rounder.
With their budget, I think they can stretch to a 53/04 plate TD4 ES Freelander. That I assume comes with the hill decent etc Add a sump guard and I think that would fit the bill.
They don't need anything really big.. and looking at the MPG for the Disco...it's mid 20's at best really...
Yep, I think the Freelander could be the one..
I think that the Freelander is probably the best all rounder.
With their budget, I think they can stretch to a 53/04 plate TD4 ES Freelander. That I assume comes with the hill decent etc Add a sump guard and I think that would fit the bill.
They don't need anything really big.. and looking at the MPG for the Disco...it's mid 20's at best really...
Yep, I think the Freelander could be the one..
Cheeky Jim said:
Thanks for reply's... I've also been digging around PH and other sites...
I think that the Freelander is probably the best all rounder.
With their budget, I think they can stretch to a 53/04 plate TD4 ES Freelander. That I assume comes with the hill decent etc Add a sump guard and I think that would fit the bill.
They don't need anything really big.. and looking at the MPG for the Disco...it's mid 20's at best really...
Yep, I think the Freelander could be the one..
TCS/HDC was an option on earlier ones, not sure about TD4's, but do check. TD4's is the best diesel although if I'm honest I don't mind the older ones either.I think that the Freelander is probably the best all rounder.
With their budget, I think they can stretch to a 53/04 plate TD4 ES Freelander. That I assume comes with the hill decent etc Add a sump guard and I think that would fit the bill.
They don't need anything really big.. and looking at the MPG for the Disco...it's mid 20's at best really...
Yep, I think the Freelander could be the one..
Mike_C said:
How about a Range Rover Classic? You'd get a very, very mint one for £4k (or less!), probably a late model 300TDi Soft Dash with a proper low range gearbox for those snowy hills.
Sounds good to me 
I've been looking for such a beast for quite a while but haven't found anything decent yet (or even reasonably decent!). I am looking for a manual gearbox though which narrows it down a bit!!
Mike_C said:
How come you need a manual cpas?
I think diesels tend to be manuals - most V8's are auto's, and all Vogue SE V8's were auto's I believe!
I just prefer a manual as I enjoy changing gear!! And I think that autos are more sluggish (relative I know with a Landy) and worse on economy.I think diesels tend to be manuals - most V8's are auto's, and all Vogue SE V8's were auto's I believe!
I'd recommend an auto for a few reasons:
- Much greater choice of vehicles available to you
- They suit the bigger cars better (I've always loved manuals, but in a big beast like these an auto just seems to "suit!")
- Will make very little difference to economy - they're all rubbish on fuel, you really won't notice the difference between 14mpg and 15mpg on a manual vs auto V8!!
- Stronger (I think)
- No clutch to need replacing!!
- Much greater choice of vehicles available to you
- They suit the bigger cars better (I've always loved manuals, but in a big beast like these an auto just seems to "suit!")
- Will make very little difference to economy - they're all rubbish on fuel, you really won't notice the difference between 14mpg and 15mpg on a manual vs auto V8!!
- Stronger (I think)
- No clutch to need replacing!!
Get a freelander td4, lighter than the others and much newer. No rust to worry about and will have a better spec if he gets an ES model.
That will come with the traction control and HDC, Td4's return 35-43mpg depending on what road your driving.
For getting about it will be fine, mine has had no issues with snow etc. Good tyres will be the key to whatever he buys.
Shame he's buying a 4x4 when they are in demand though so will be paying the "winter" premium for one.
That will come with the traction control and HDC, Td4's return 35-43mpg depending on what road your driving.
For getting about it will be fine, mine has had no issues with snow etc. Good tyres will be the key to whatever he buys.
Shame he's buying a 4x4 when they are in demand though so will be paying the "winter" premium for one.
Mike_C said:
I'd recommend an auto for a few reasons:
- Much greater choice of vehicles available to you
- They suit the bigger cars better (I've always loved manuals, but in a big beast like these an auto just seems to "suit!")
- Will make very little difference to economy - they're all rubbish on fuel, you really won't notice the difference between 14mpg and 15mpg on a manual vs auto V8!!
- Stronger (I think)
- No clutch to need replacing!!
But I still don't want an Auto. If I did, I may as well get someone else to drive for me and sit in the back!! I don't really want a V8 either.- Much greater choice of vehicles available to you
- They suit the bigger cars better (I've always loved manuals, but in a big beast like these an auto just seems to "suit!")
- Will make very little difference to economy - they're all rubbish on fuel, you really won't notice the difference between 14mpg and 15mpg on a manual vs auto V8!!
- Stronger (I think)
- No clutch to need replacing!!
cpas said:
Mike_C said:
I'd recommend an auto for a few reasons:
- Much greater choice of vehicles available to you
- They suit the bigger cars better (I've always loved manuals, but in a big beast like these an auto just seems to "suit!")
- Will make very little difference to economy - they're all rubbish on fuel, you really won't notice the difference between 14mpg and 15mpg on a manual vs auto V8!!
- Stronger (I think)
- No clutch to need replacing!!
But I still don't want an Auto. If I did, I may as well get someone else to drive for me and sit in the back!! I don't really want a V8 either.- Much greater choice of vehicles available to you
- They suit the bigger cars better (I've always loved manuals, but in a big beast like these an auto just seems to "suit!")
- Will make very little difference to economy - they're all rubbish on fuel, you really won't notice the difference between 14mpg and 15mpg on a manual vs auto V8!!
- Stronger (I think)
- No clutch to need replacing!!
Often slated but ours was great and easily out performs a stock Tdi.Mike_C said:
cpas said:
But I still don't want an Auto. If I did, I may as well get someone else to drive for me and sit in the back!! I don't really want a V8 either.
What??? No V8??? Aaaaah!!! I would love a V8, as they sound like nothing else. But I can't really warrant the fuel consumption. Having said that, it seems to be far cheaper to buy a V8 than a 200/300, so that would probably offset the difference somewhat!!
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