Discovery 2 Trim Levels

[Clivey]

OK, let's make this simple: I'm very interested in a Discovery 2 as a practical "do anything" vehicle so that I can also get something ridiculous (TVR) later. I want all the creature comforts (leather, heated seats etc.) but after having spent hours researching, I can't find any definitive answers as to what the exact differences between the following models:

• ES
• ES Premium
• Landmark
• Metropolis

As I understand it, the latter two are special editions (Landmark not as good as ES, lacking electric adjustment and armrests on the front seats, whilst Metropolis is basically an ES with Sat Nav) Am I right and/or what am I missing?

Thanks for any help in advance!

[camel_landy]

To further complicate, the spec level may well change with age...

I don't get involved with spec type stuff but if it's any help, my old 52 plate ES did also have sat nav.

M

[Clivey]

camel_landy said:

To further complicate, the spec level may well change with age...

I don't get involved with spec type stuff but if it's any help, my old 52 plate ES did also have sat nav.

M

Forgot to mention; I'm only interested in facelift models with the CDL. AFAIK that's 2004 '04'-reg or newer?

[camel_landy]

Clivey said:

Forgot to mention; I'm only interested in facelift models with the CDL. AFAIK that's 2004 '04'-reg or newer?

Errr... You're not going to get newer than '04 as that's when the D3 came out!

M

[Clivey]

camel_landy said:

Errr... You're not going to get newer than '04 as that's when the D3 came out!

M

I thought that too, but have since seen a couple on '54' plates. - They must've been "old" stock etc.

[miniman]

If you are desperate for the diff lock, it can be retro fitted to the cars without it as all that is missing is the linkage.

My 2002 ES has heated leather electric seats, twin roofs, rear audio, dimming mirror, folding mirrors, Harmon Kardon.

[camel_landy]

Clivey said:

camel_landy said:

Errr... You're not going to get newer than '04 as that's when the D3 came out!

M

I thought that too, but have since seen a couple on '54' plates. - They must've been "old" stock etc.

Sorry... When I was talking about '04, I was referring to 2004, not 04 Reg. So yes, I'd expect to see some still on a 54 plate too but as you say, they'd probably be old stock.

IIRC - The first of the D3 launch cars were registered on '54 plates.

If the diff-lock lever is important, would you consider an earlier car and retro-fitting one?

M

[Clivey]

miniman said:

If you are desperate for the diff lock, it can be retro fitted to the cars without it as all that is missing is the linkage.

My 2002 ES has heated leather electric seats, twin roofs, rear audio, dimming mirror, folding mirrors, Harmon Kardon.

The 'ES' models seem very nice. - Do you know what the 'Premium' bit adds?

camel_landy said:

Sorry... When I was talking about '04, I was referring to 2004, not 04 Reg. So yes, I'd expect to see some still on a 54 plate too but as you say, they'd probably be old stock.

IIRC - The first of the D3 launch cars were registered on '54 plates.

If the diff-lock lever is important, would you consider an earlier car and retro-fitting one?

M

No worries. And yes: I'd consider an older car. - I just assumed it would be less hassle (and less expensive) to just buy one with it in the first place. - I'm not really bothered about the age; just condition (it will be a daily driver and likely kept until D3 HSE prices come down to an affordable level).

This sort of thing really appeals though (except TD5): Columbia Rovers Discovery 2 Project

Edited by Clivey on Sunday 24th March 10:38

[camel_landy]

Clivey said:

No worries. And yes: I'd consider an older car. - I just assumed it would be less hassle (and less expensive) to just buy one with it in the first place. - I'm not really bothered about the age; just condition (it will be a daily driver and likely kept until D3 HSE prices come down to an affordable level).

Most of the D2 transfer cases have the diff lock already there, it's just a case of adding linkages... I say 'Most' as they were built without for a short period of time (I can't tell you when but if you 'Google', you'll find the info).

As for the linkages, again 'Google' is your friend but IIRC you can just use the same bits from a 300TDi Disco.

HTH

M

[bakerstreet]

You aren't interested in the hassle of retro fitting of difflock?

If you don't like hassle and grief, is a Land Rover really the right vehicle for you? Yes, they are hugely capable and comfortable, but it will have niggles.

D3s now start from £7.5k and upwards if you don't mind a high miler. I admit that cars in that price range will be missing a few toys, but at least its less to go wrong

[Clivey]

bakerstreet said:

You aren't interested in the hassle of retro fitting of difflock?

If you don't like hassle and grief, is a Land Rover really the right vehicle for you? Yes, they are hugely capable and comfortable, but it will have niggles.

D3s now start from £7.5k and upwards if you don't mind a high miler. I admit that cars in that price range will be missing a few toys, but at least its less to go wrong

I didn't say I wouldn't consider it...it just makes sense that if you can buy one with the difflock for the same price as one without, why would you mess around?

[miniman]

There's a fairly comprehensive breakdown here:

http://www.discovery2.co.uk/discovery_spec.html

(excellent site in general actually, lots of handy stuff)

I suppose it really depends on what options were put on. According to that list, mine must be a Premium. It didnt have cruise. but that's an easy £60 retro fit.

[camel_landy]

Clivey said:

I didn't say I wouldn't consider it...it just makes sense that if you can buy one with the difflock for the same price as one without, why would you mess around?

...absolutely but it's a useful backup plan if you can't.

M

[Clivey]

miniman said:

There's a fairly comprehensive breakdown here:

http://www.discovery2.co.uk/discovery_spec.html

(excellent site in general actually, lots of handy stuff)

I suppose it really depends on what options were put on. According to that list, mine must be a Premium. It didnt have cruise. but that's an easy £60 retro fit.

Thanks...though that seems to suggest that the 'ES Premium' isn't as good as the 'ES'.

camel_landy said:

...absolutely but it's a useful backup plan if you can't.

M

Agreed! To be honest, I'll probably end-up fitting more than just the CDL. - Can you still get new steel rear bumpers for these (AFAIK Safarigard are no more)? I don't fancy tearing the standard plastic one off due to the departure angle.

[camel_landy]

Clivey said:

Agreed! To be honest, I'll probably end-up fitting more than just the CDL. - Can you still get new steel rear bumpers for these (AFAIK Safarigard are no more)? I don't fancy tearing the standard plastic one off due to the departure angle.

Pass...

...but I'm sure there'd be something out there, even if you find an old one and get it powdercoated.

M

[Clivey]

camel_landy said:

Pass...

...but I'm sure there'd be something out there, even if you find an old one and get it powdercoated.

M

Sorry; I completely missed the fact that you'd replied...and yes; getting an older one powedercoated seems sensible as it would no doubt get used & abused anyway.

As far as I can tell, the Landmark spec is the same as the ES but sans electric front seats and front seat arm rests. I have no idea what the "Premium" adds to the ES though!