4th Station WagonOK, time to retire our 4x4 Aerostar van... Multiple attempts to smuggle another full size jeep ("wow, see that green Grand Wagoneer? Must be Final Edition!") in the family brought no luck; soft warm looks thrown at every FJ60 Land Cruiser served no purpose. Used Gelaendewagens, LR Defenders, and late Land Cruisers didn't pass the reality check. Grand Cherokees are too noisy (why didn't we get a Toyota Camry?) and lightweight (that's why). A new car in the family should satisfy the following stringent requirements:
3rd 4x4
2nd Brit
1st
After some quick research, one candidate emerged hands down - a Land Rover Discovery. So, two hours were spent on search and two more - at a dealer (Pioneer Centres in San Diego), and off we took in a Snow-White
'96. Do away with all electronic and mechanical gizmos - Hill Descent Control, sway control, jump seats, moon rooves, etc. - and get your "basic" Discovery!
The unexpected outcome was a common perception that Land Rovers are VERY expensive - in fact, they are just as expensive as more common Grand Cherokees, and by far cheaper than leather-clad Suburbans or other Urban Assault Vehicles. A sight of a Disco sitting on a parking lot (other than the mall) soon causes remarks like "check this one out, dude, some SOB's gettin' paid wa-ay too much!" Well, we gotta live with that. Plus, in a nice neighborhood where we live we can smuggle it rather unnoticed. Another defeat - it wouldn't fit in the garage! This thing is nearly 2 meters tall.
In a few short month that we have the Disco we've put quite a few highway and off-road miles on her. Overall - very nice and friendly vehicle, not too powerful but quite capable in the fast lane, not a monster off-road machine but will match or beat most competition in the rough (see the Land Rover - Grand Cherokee - FullSize Cherokee comparison). Sure enough, there's plenty of "Welcome to LUCAS realm" surprises - red lights come on and off on the instrument panel, windows cease to operate, etc. So far, dealer would help us out in no time, but (as with a jeep vehicle) - get an extended warranty!
Check the TRJ Getaways pages for off-road adventures!
| Full Time four wheel drive (Salisbury axles) |
| Engine: 4.0l OHV V8, 188 hp |
| 4-speed automatic transmission (ZF) |
| five seats + some cargo space |
| top speed
- I would guess over 100 mph.
comforable ride - anywhere up to the top (give her some twisty roads and some cross wind you'd back out on the go pedal) |
