Do I really want a LR Disco?
 

I am looking to replace my beater Grand Cherokee. Would like to spend under 5k preferable $3500, remember, this is going to be a beater. I have been shopping for a replacement for weeks now, and no matter how hard I try, I just cannot get excited about an explorer, trailblazer, another jeep, or a durango. ML's, X5's, and XC 90's are out of my price range, and just a little to nice for my intended purpose.
I will drive it every day and more days than not , it will either have muddy bicycles , auto parts, or tool boxes, and home repair supplies stacked up to the roof in the back.
99-2004 disco's keep popping up in my price range, and I have found a few downright cheap, either needing head gaskets, or front end work , which is right up my alley. I know about the trio of lights, and that is not really a worry, seems my parts vendor has most of the maintenance parts I would need in stock, and there a few wreckers local, that keep a handful of these trucks in stock as well.
This is not really about the look at me factor, just that a Land Rover has been on my bucket list, for a while now, always wanted one, and hey, you only live once.
Am I asking for trouble? Remember, I am a tech, do my own work, and have access to parts. Will I be under the thing every weekend? I know a few of you have had them. How was your experience?
The jeeps have spoiled me. they almost never break, and when they do, repairs, are simple and cheap, but I am just bored with them for now.

In the UK Landrover products are not the most reliable cars available by a long way. The Rover V8( ex-Buick) petrol engine is reliable if you don't over-rev it, especialy from cold, and keep plenty of good quality oil in it(I use Valvoline 20/50 Racing in mine -high compression cammed, 4 barrel carb etc )and do regular oil changes and change the antifreeze frequently to prevent oxidation inside the engine.

Stay with the reliable Jeep - and just get some new music in it so it won't be so boring. ;)

Older Land Cruisers? run forever, parts easy to find, durable enough for 3rd world countries....

Step up to a LR3. Have had one since they came out in 2005. Ex wife kept that one. Recently purchased a 2006 from Colorado with 106K miles, no worries, now has 118k. All the major issues are known - air suspension compressor goes out, front control arm bushings go out, rear diff can go out if fluid if not changed at recommended interval, brake switch should e changed ($35 and 5 mins.) etc etc, tons of know how on line, check out the UK disco3 site. locking diff more bullet proof. Motor and tranny are bullet proof. Base LR3s are 5-10k. Being able to wrench most things is a plus. You won't regret it. Ravi.

Nooooooooooooo! Been down that road. Bought a seemingly solid 1995 Rover used in 2001, about 60k on it, all service records, etc. Proceeded to spend gobs of cash on it which it happily soaked up then proceeded to develop a new problem almost weekly. Sold it after 6 months at a big loss.
It drove great and ran great when it wanted to. Amazing off road but at a big cost. I understand the newer ones are better but not sure how much. Parts prices were staggering... Made 911 parts seem like chump change.

f**k no

I'd lean towards a Landcruiser over a Range Rover. By far.

Not on Fred's budget.

Just don't drive it farther than you're willing to walk home.

Fred really? You've got way more sense then that
Land Cruiser all the way The 92-98ish ones with 24v 6cyl motors are great

They are way cool but can be labour-intensive to maintain. Try to find an '04, since they had the best of everything. Sounds like you can keep it running yourself so I say go for it!

I am currently on my fifth LR, Btw...

I am a big fan of Land Cruisers. I had two, some of you know that. May I suggest a older 4Runner, pathfinder or x-Terror? Those are pretty solid trucks. Small, but good 4WD vehicles.

I love LRs.....but in your price range......no no no no

LR3s are awesome, but air suspension can be problematic. Arnott is a good supplier of air struts and compressors at decent prices. Replacing all of those is relatively straight forward and Arnott does how to videos. They also have thermostat housing issues.....they're plastic and like to explode....

I bought my Trooper with working AC and a 5 speed for $700. I have beat the s**t out of it. All ive done is put in ball joints and an alternator.

Land cruisers and patrols are not as nice to drive as the disco.
However tthe disco will need a constant supply of parts. They dont break down so much as they require constant maintenance

Friends 2003 discovery broke a camshaft. Yes you read that correctly.

if your get a Disco 2 make sure its a 2004,
or dont get one, best of everything plus the transfer case lock this will make it a lot more able
2003 didnt have the TF case lock

We don't have the Nissan Patrol here. Land Cruisers ride nice enough if you get the later V8 ones or 100 series. I had the 80s and yes they rode like a truck.

With your abilities and willingness to wrench on an LR Disco in you price range, I say go for it. Worse case scenario is that you fix it up and sell it for a profit if you decide that you don't like it. No need to drive a boring vehicle. ;)