Land Rover Discovery Shoot-out

[@ihmesekoilua]

As a Td5 Discovery 2 owner, this was not a surprising... eh.. discovery. A lot of the newfangled tech of the D2 can be left by the wayside, and you end up with a slightly larger D1 with a brutish but functional traction control system. For me, it's the perfect balance of being the last of the old-school solid axles, a real competitor to a stock Defender in terrain driving, while being far more comfortable for daily driving. I just wish it would stop rusting. And leaking. And blinking.

[@claytontopkin7426]

As an LR3 owner I must say that you've managed to capture the essence of Discovery and the evolution of each of the platforms very well. Well presented, no embellishments, honest about each vehicles shortcomings and entertaining. Very well done!

[@octopuseye6990]

Proud original owner of my 1995 D1 and still going strong!!! Great balanced review...I will say the D1 is truly the most fun to drive on and off road....

[@calsurflance5598]

Retired Air Force vet here. I love the fact that you chose simplicity and character over refinement and all out capability. Excellent fun video! Thank You for your service!👍🇺🇸🇺🇸✈️✈️

[@ExpeditionPortal]

And thank you for your service as well. Enjoy retirement!

[@andyperry2973]

Great review. I would be interested to see how well the D1 performed using the front and rear lockers.

[@brackipas]

The others wouldn't get close.

[@hughsmitham722]

It would dominate.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Great vid! Despite the comfort and capability of the LR4, the older ones are so much cooler!

[@ExpeditionPortal]

So true

[@emikearizona]

Great video, I would go for the discovery II because of the wheelbase regarding where we live near the Grand canyon.

[@christiansaywhat4492]

Finally acquired my dream rig (5.0 LR4) a month ago. Already threw an ARB bumper and some Prospeed goodies on it but I gotta say the funnest part so far was pulling a Tacoma out of a ditch in southern Utah.

[@scotttarrant5039]

Great review! I have a 2000 D2 with 2” OME lift, cdl, arb front bumper, winch, SD rack RTT, etc. Also have an ‘09 LR3 HSE waiting to get off-road ready. Love them both for different reasons. Really like the creature comforts of the LR3 but definitely have a soft spot for the D2 having owned it for 15+ years. And sure, have done head gaskets and lifters a couple times.

[@stonepa]

I owned and built a 2000 LR Disco Series 2. Bought it new and immediately installed front and rear ARB lockers, 2" lift, OME suspension, ARB winch bumper, Hella driving lights, and 12.5k Warn winch. Also modified the transfer case to install the rod for center diff lock. It was a great vehicle when it worked. Absolutely loved it off road - rock climbing, deep mud and water, etc.

[@ExpeditionPortal]

Your Disco sounds proper!

[@LuaiADV]

You will not find Scott’s vocabulary anywhere else. Educated presenter. I enjoy watching him speak

[@ExpeditionPortal]

Thank you for the kind words.

[@paachi]

Couldn’t agree more. I am an avid listener of his podcast and his vocab and delivery is amazing. Yet such a humble dude. Would love to meet him someday

[@dexburwell]

Great content! Awesome review! I have an old D1 - well maintained... had once considered a LR4 to my collection but was uncertain...now reconsidering

[@overlandready]

Hey Scott! Just going through some of the older stuff... You have got this one perfect! Yep the LR4 should be so much better at things than the D1 and D2 a bit better than the D1, but the D1 is the fun drive, more brain power has to go into the drive, something you loose with the LR4 I think, I went greenlaning last week and followed one, it was effortless, taking not a hint of issue where a Series truck got crossaxled... But if you had the 3 keys on hooks and you could take any of them, I bet the D1 keys would be never there! Loved my 300tdi D1... A good bus, albeit rotting now... 😞

[@darkmatter151]

I have an ex australian army defender and a V8 D1. The D1 is my daily driver. You cant beat the sound of that 3.9 V8 winding up...

[@johnlombardi9619]

Love my Discovery 2!!

[@brackipas]

Had a D1 auto diesel. Great cars. Very reliable. Now have locked defender with a few other mods. Will never get rid of it.

[@Cdmxforever]

I got a discovery sd 1997 all stock with 283 000 miles so far I have replaced alternator, water pump, hoses, gas pump and radiator and still running strong engine is quiet and steady! 👊💥🇲🇽

[@nlynn75]

You almost... almost made me want a Land Rover again;).

[@ExpeditionPortal]

HA! I feel you.

[@timebadlyspent]

Great video. Can I ask you to clarify your comments about reliability with the D2? Do they relate to the v8 only or generally across the vehicle as I'm considering a TD5.

[@topbeer6872]

where can i get the roof rack on the D1? cheers

[@checa160]

In Europe, disco 2 99 and 00 models had actually the center diff locker installed. They lacked the lever, so you had to install a disco 1 300 lever or build a linear or rotary engine with a switch as we do nowadays. But the locker was there.. That's one of the main reasons to go for a 99 or 00 instead of a newer one. The re styling model, 03-04, had the locker only on demand, as an extra, on certain finishes(the expensive ones)... 01-02 were the transition models, with fixed things and improvements respect to the prior ones, but "less equiped" for offroad... Cheers

[@hughsmitham722]

My '01 D2 came with a CDL just no linkage here in the States. IIRC, the '02-'03 had the case but no internals as LR thought the traction control was enough. As he mentioned the '04 here in the States saw it equipped with a fully functional CDL.

[@checa160]

@@hughsmitham722. Yes. 01 was transition year. Some still go with cdl as they were built in ‘00. Some come with old ecu, some with flashable one… They’re some mixed equipments in some units in 01 as well in europe as it was chamging era

[@gazmo847]

We installed the lever & linkage assembly from a 03/04 and purchased a new centre console sticker too.

[@gazmo847]

​@checa160 fortunetly, our 2001 TD5 ECU had an Australian, BRUCE DAVIS Performance Tune for Max boost 17-20psi & Low end TQ.

[@checa160]

@@gazmo847 that’s the way to go. Torque in low rpm, wich is the main downside of the small td5. A good remap gives it some life from 1500rpm and makes it a lot more driveable

[@ronaldrrootiii6040]

Would left-foot braking even helped on a climb with the discovery 2 having traction control? Better yet would hinder that because I know with abs they say to just let it do its job so I thought maybe the traction control was the same way current so my question is if you literally do left-foot braking will traction control come in and grab even more so? Cuz I own a disco 2 with CDL and traction control and I've never done left-foot braking with it but I've never thought to because of that. I almost thought I would disturb the traction control kind of how can you use the brakes with Hill descent it disturbs it

[@warren6899]

From South Africa disagree, why no td5 ? With centre diff lock, TC, HDC auto ?

[@TommyboyGTP]

2,000 manuals total with the Discovery line, or was that in 1995?

[@benhendricks260]

D1 with no advanced traction aids will of course struggle. Pop those diff locks on tho…

[@bobbyshaftoe]

It seems silly to not *also* include the Disco1 with air lockers engaged

[@ExpeditionPortal]

Which is why we also showcased it without the lockers engaged on the same obstacle.

[@Ankeneering]

good god that r380 D1 is absolutely perfect. Ive been lucky in that D1s are basically considered disposable for the last 20 years, and that they retro-inherited the merited shit reputation of the d2s. Id kill to be able to bring in a euro manual trans for the d3 and install it.

[@davidmscott4409]

Moral of the story, get one of each and be happy.

[@anthonyjoe6442]

so your telling me that from 97 on the discovery you only could get ato ?? or how meny gears did the manuel have thank god i live in australia 2003 discovery 2@ cdl factory with 5 speed manuel

[@woytekkubow53]

well here is something for you i have a 300tdi 5speed auto did they make them? ihave a 3 door disco with 3.9 l i live in australia

[@woytekkubow53]

and also we got the disco with centre diff lock

[@InMused]

Pitty the USA never got the real pinnacle pf Land Rover Discoveries: The TD5 Discovery 2. And yes, I won one.

[@ExpeditionPortal]

TD5 is such a great motor!

[@jakubstrumillo]

TD5 pinnacle? In case of 4 glow plugs (on 5 cyl engine) blowing heads and 5 cyl isuues its not pinnacle in any means :P More powerfull than 200/300tdi but much more complicated and easy to overheat. :)

[@thommassful]

I own a TD5 and never had a problem with engine. Fixed leaking roof, an abs sensor and one weel hub. Good maintaining is the key.

[@sketcham9234]

I own multiple Land Rovers including an off-road built D2. People complain about reliability, if your willing to get your hand dirty and do some work yourself they’re not any more unreliable/expensive to up keep than a Jeep.

[@ExpeditionPortal]

It is the comparison against Toyota in our experience. Thanks for the feedback!

[@overlanding4less419]

Or any other vehicle in my opinion. I have 7 land rovers and a Nissan and a Ford. All vehicles need maintenance. Availablity of parts, workshop manuals and diagnostic software is key.

[@jeremyjohnson6438]

Do you think the engine is as a reliable as the Jeep 4.0 straight 6?

[@sketcham9234]

@@jeremyjohnson6438 I’ve owned a Jeep 4.0 in a build XJ, and I can say unequivocally yes...

[@jakubstrumillo]

Nothing more to add here, agree that LR4 or Discovery 4 are the best performing one (if it works) but lightnes, simplicity and overall fun was always on D1 side. Even if it's not standard one but fully kitted and from what i remember 2.8 swapped. I own 200 tdi early Disco, and i love this car, even if it got more than 350.000km on clock and already tired drivetrian :D

[@ExpeditionPortal]

I would love to have a 200 tdi Discovery!

[@jakubstrumillo]

@@ExpeditionPortal you will quickly regreat his 10 spline axles. ;) Its almost as bad in reliability department a my other 4wd, UAZ 469b :D

[@sarahdell4042]

Land Rover used to be such a fun company! I owned an SE II back when it was new, such a timeless design. Sucks they are so awful to own. Mine was in for warranty repairs constantly, till the bitter end 🤣

[@ExpeditionPortal]

That is the heartbreak of the brand. So much to love, but it can be difficult to trust them in remote areas. Although the newer ones are better on the whole.

[@sarahdell4042]

@@ExpeditionPortal Indeed. The LR3 is fairly stout for a Landy. I know two techs who work at dealers, and the defender hasn’t been without trouble sadly... It’s going to be scary once they go full EV! 😂

[@joytekb]

Great video.Why don’t paint them in yellow :)

[@StaplesInTents]

Great break down on Land Rovers. We considered them, but the reliability/durability made it off limits.

[@johnkemple]

I have a 94 range rover LWB I added tru-trac diff to the rear and a similar Ashcroft diff to the front. On top of that i had an LT230 transfer case built by Ashcroft with a tru-trac type center diff as well. I have traction control on the rear and with the torque biased center diff I have front to rear automatic limited slip (sort of) this makes it amazing on the sand and gravel roads. I felt this made it better than it was originally by a wide margin. The LR4 is quite sophisticated and very capable. But my setup delivers switchless, cordless differential action aided by the traction control (rear) . It is actually driving all 4 tires all the time, self adjusting side to side and front to rear, all mechanically and automatically. Great Video break down. Your right, I want to drive the one I have. Take care..

[@kearnsey64]

Just bought an 2013 LR4 with 75K, one owner, southern car. This thing is mint! I'm not taking it over that kind of terrain though, some muddy roads at best LOL!

[@RuiRomaoTVd]

And if you go to Africa for overland you also probably want to take the Disco 1. I'd say

[@Adventures_For_Miles]

I mena I know the 2004 is the best d2 but saying the 02 is the worst hurts. My 02 has been a reliable tank. Also I put a CDL in. With that being said the D5 is the worst. It’s ugly as all hell.

[@SiCrewe]

Hmmm... I guess it's different in the US market, where the V8 was never the most reliable engine, but I'd rather have a 300Tdi or TD5 to a TDV6 any day of the week. Spent decades driving Defenders and, honestly, I'm over the whole "barn on wheels" thing but a D1/D2 is as close as you can get to a Defender with a reasonable level of comfort.

[@doominic1882]

Cant stop laughing, lr4 and reliability I have not heard in the same sentence before. Too many electrics to be a true off-roader.

[@ExpeditionPortal]

We did not experience any issues during our three years of ownership

[@tyronvangreunen]

disagree, just been across south africa on an expedition trip with my LR4, heard every LR joke there is from fellow toyota owners in the convoy, amusingly it was one of the land cruiser 200 vx's that went back home on the back of a flat bed due to one of it's spark plugs overheating and melting a harness. my SDV6 LR4 never skipped a beat on trip, from rock crawling, mud ruts, river crossings. 185 000km now on the clock and still going strong.

[@doominic1882]

@@tyronvangreunen stop it you killing me 😂😂😂Lucky that time. Tdv6 is know for being a terribly bad engine. Its not if .. its when.

[@gsmcvideos]

1:00 actually the 2003 discovery is the worst ever made, I know this because I own one

[@ExpeditionPortal]

HA! You might-well be correct.

[@InsaneBimmer]

Well, this hasn't aged well has it? Disco 3 and 4 are broken garbage. Makes sense that you'd drive home in a D1. At least you'll get home.

[@realguy268]

As the owner of a 2002 discovery I feel attacked 😂

[@Adventures_For_Miles]

I feel you bro. I have a CDL I put in as well so I’m big salty

[@notsofast2325]

I hear you big guy, I have a 98 D!, runs great. My experience is i see a lot of LR3 and 4's with problems. a lot of electrical issues.

[@gazmo847]

Same, we fitted the CDL linkage/lever from the 03/04 to our Australian TD5 model.

[@grahameroberts8109]

You lost me when you repeated the word reliability too many times. That word has been the albatross around the neck of LR since some idiot journalist used it years ago. It’s time to stop.

[@westernwanderer8397]

I know the D1 is your choice, but without the diff lock on the D1 engaged, it was still not a fair test. You handicapped the D1. I don't understand why you would test the D1 without the same advantages of the others? Doesn't make sense! The traction control should have been turned off on the D2 and LR4. I love my D1 and have almost 200k miles on with with very little issues. Very reliable 3.9 liter; a bit weak, yes, but it will get you there eventually.

[@ExpeditionPortal]

We did engage the center differential lock. It was only the aftermarket front and rear ARB Air Lockers that we did not engage.

[@BugattiONE666]

Its bizarre watching an american, reviewing or even mentioning a british car....and not just slandering it...

[@dr.dre-1024]

Wrong D1 is the winner

[@ExpeditionPortal]

Have you tested the D4?

[@dr.dre-1024]

@@ExpeditionPortal I’m just partial to vehicles with less electronics.

[@micah_mudflaps]

So help me god I will never sell my ‘97… unless the price is right. ;)

[@fingerbass915]

You keep talking to much 🙉🙉🙉

[@ExpeditionPortal]

Too many big words?

[@sebastiaanpeters7358]

You lost me at reliability. Land Rovers are not reliable they are all built and engineerd by a bunch of idiots. Everyone who claims otherwise hasn't owned one or also believes pigs can fly. That said the solid axle Land Rovers still have a soul, so it doesn't matter that they have electical issues or breakdown from time to time. Because we can play rough with them and they work hard so we love them and their shortcomings. Nothing a bit of elbow grease and some pocket money won't fix. However all those Land Rovers with independent suspension and airride that is a whole different ball game. Those cars are nothing more then luxury shoppingcarts with the best traction control system available at the time. Take it properly offroad and you will break it multiple times. And when you break stuff on these newer Land Rovers you'll pay the price. The everage guy or girl can't work on these cars the prices they ask for spare parts make it that they can't afford it to own them aswell. People who buy new Land Rovers sell them before the warranty expires those who don't like to live dangerously.