When Land Rover decided to add a new car to its lineup in the late 80s they came up with the revolutionary Discovery, using many parts from the more expensive Range Rover it was the perfect car to inject into the high-end SUV market of the time.
After 10 years the first generation was retired in favour of the new Discovery 2.
Still heralded today as one of the best Land Rover products to grace the roads the second-generation Disco, as it is affectionately known, followed the ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ motto.
Using the same underpinnings as its older brother it kept its incredible off-road capabilities but offered more interior comfort for the occupants, like leather seats and even satellite navigation in some cases.
This example is presented in an excellent specification. With its black paint and 18” alloy wheels, the exterior looks stunning, as it is a facelift model it receives modern-looking headlights too.
Smaller details on the exterior such as the side steps and G4 challenge roof rails are highly sort after factory extras.
The interior is finished in sumptuous cream leather with electrically operated sunroofs, the latter appear to be leak-free, you will also see that this car is fitted with the ZF 4-speed automatic gearbox which makes this car a pleasure to drive. IAIIjW1uaxqVRHnnrIaIJwpcVaO9TJVgdZRSurp5.jpeg2.49 MB
The History and Paperwork
Built-in the Solihull plant at the beginning of September 2003 this car would be first registered for the road at the end of the same month.
It would live in the Midlands for the first part of its life and change owners a couple of times.
In the early 2010s, this Disco finds itself in the spiritual home of Land Rover, Surrey, where it is treated by the owner at the time.
There are quite a few invoices for work and parts from the time it spent in Surrey.
By 2020 it had only had 4 owners, which is remarkably low for a Discovery 2, it then moves to the Isle of Wight where that owner would use it sparingly until the current owner acquired it
Within the history folder, there are quite a few MOT certificates that go back as far as 2006, which would actually have been its first MOT.
There are lots of invoices within the history folder for parts such as wiper blades, ACE pump drive belt, and track rod ends. These have been photographed so a prospective buyer can have a read themselves
In 2020 it goes in for its MOT and comes out with some vital work having been carried out. Such as the front and rear pads being replaced, a new n/s/f lower ball joint, and a new n/s/r door latch.
At the start of this year, it goes back to the garage to have a new lambda sensor fitted and some other little bits of work
When the current owner acquired the car they spent a lot of money putting the front suspension back into a proper work order and now it rides great
Along with the invoices, there is also Land Rover original literature in the leather-bound owners' dossier.
The service booklet would suggest part service history with the gaps being a bit lengthy, but with these cars so easy to service on the drive a keen owner may have serviced it themselves.
Within the service book, we come across some very important details. The ZF automatic gearbox fitted to the Disco 2 are tried and tested technology, however, they should be regularly serviced too. In 2018 there is an insert that suggests the gearbox on this car was serviced at 57,000 miles
When the Discovery launched Land Rover decided to introduce a new technology, known as ACE or Active Cornering Enhancement, basically, an active roll prevention that makes it feel better through the corners. Anyway, this vital piece of kit was serviced in 2019 at 79,000 miles.
The most recent service in the book is from Ashby Autos on the 12/9/2020 where the coolant was also changed.
7-seat configuration, including rear passenger media controls
Uprated Harman Kardon sound system, Air-con, electric seats, electric sunroofs, and parking sensors are fitted
The cabin of the Discovery 2 is a light and airy affair, with more windows than you can shake a stick at and two big sunroofs the cabin is flooded with light 24/7. With the addition of a cream leather interior too it is a glorious place to sit and feel in command of the roads.
You will notice from the photos that the condition of the interior is in great condition, with all of the seats in good visual condition, including the two rear fold-away seats in the boot.
To aid with comfort the front seats are electrically operated, now this was an expensive option back in 2003 so it can be hard to find an example that has them fitted. Along with the electric seats the sunroofs are also electrically operated.
It must be said that although the rear one operates on the button the front one did not on the day the photos were taken, however, it does make a clicking sound like it wants to open.
The only real area that shows its age is the handbrake gaiter, but this is normal for a Discovery 2, and you can pick up a replacement online for a reasonable price. A small detail that is missing is a little boot stay that keeps the big rear door open.
All of the other small details on the inside of this Disco are in great condition, the coin tray pops out with a vigorous action as does the cup holder tray.
If there is one feature on the interior that should excite Land Rover off-road enthusiasts is the second gear selector placed just in front of the auto boxes selector.
This is for the hi-low ranges on the transfer box, the exciting part with this one is the fact it says, ‘Diff Lock’ and is angled towards the right. This would indicate that this Discovery 2 V8 has been fitted with diff-lock from the factory, not every car was, and it can be hard to find an example that has this.
Overall, the interior of this Disco is in incredible condition. Showing little signs of use it is a great place to sit and take command of this legendary off-roader.
Side steps, 18” alloys, and hard to find G4 roof rails fitted
The Discovery 2 is an iconic shape that is recognisable from miles away, with its unique stepped roof and slab-sided design it is an endearing car that is filled with character.
The first iteration of the Discovery 2 ran from 1998-2002 but from 2002-04 there was a newer, face-lifted variant. It is these latter facelift models that are more sort after today, with more modern headlights and a different rear light layout these facelift cars still look new today.
The exterior condition of this Disco 2 is great, having not been modified over the past 18 years it is a proper example of the 4x4 icon. Having a look down the side of the car the body panels all appear to be nice and straight.
If you have thought about buying a Discovery for a while you should have heard all of the horror stories about the issues these cars can have with rust. But this car appears to be solid all the way round.
The wheel arches aren’t showing any signs of paint bubbling, the shock absorber mounts seem to be solid, and the all-important chassis looks to have been cared for over the past 18 years.
Overall, the exterior condition of this beautiful old girl is in great condition and will always garner a look or two from passers-by.
The mechanical aspects are where the Discovery excels, the truck has extreme on and off-road credentials.
Fitted with a monstrous 4.0L V8 borrowed from the P38 Range Rover and a smooth 4-speed automatic gearbox this is a lovely car to drive.
This example has received some love over its 18 years on the roads with invoices to back it up, thanks to this the running gear is in lovely condition. The gearbox is more responsive than you’d think with no apparent slipping of the torque converter, the brakes bring the car to a stop at a reasonable distance and the steering is lovely and light.
A few added extras on this car over other Discovery’s are the rear air suspension and ACE system to improve cornering. It is hard to test the ACE without having a direct comparison but with an ACE service in 2019, it should be okay.
The air suspension appears to hold air properly with no worrying hisses from the rear bags, it should also be mentioned that not only is this suspension self-levelling but if you open the rear door for long enough it will squat down for you, so it is easier to get in and out of. A lovely feature if you intended to use the rear seats.
With the wonderful V8 burbling away on idle, it is no wonder why these trucks are loved by so many people. The mechanical aspects of this truck are amazing and the next owner will have a great run around capable of eating up the miles on longer trips.
What other car could you get within the price bracket that has a V8, smooth automatic gearbox, and sumptuous leather-clad interior? With this car's history file and recent mechanical works, it is now ready for the next owner to use and enjoy her.
The Discovery 2 has gained a somewhat untrue name for being unreliable, ask any Discovery 2 owner and they’ll tell you that these trucks are rather reliable. They are dependable work horses that will serve you well over your ownership.
With the prices of other classic Land Rovers on the up, the Discovery’s are the next car to experience a price rise so get one whilst you can.
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