Right, so after watching many buyers guides on YouTube, and talking to a few people it seemed the general consensus when looking for a D2 was that the TD5 was probably the better buy, and that really you should get the best one you can afford with the lowest mileage as much history as possible.

So last weekend I took the plunge..

Its a 2003, V8 model with 154k, zero history and 10 previous owners and was pretty much the cheapest one in the country.

It’s an ES edition with 5 seats, HK audio, cream leather etc. and I have to say I’m a little smitten.

I gave it a good polish, and have already ordered a bunch of goodies for it. I’ll post more pics as and when the bits arrive and get added but here’s one for now.

the “story” is that it has some money spent buy the previous owner, new discs and pads, new brake lines, some bushes etc. And then a little retaining pin that holds a cog on disintegrated and the timing chain came off and it bent some valves. At this point the owner gave up and decided to cut his losses. It was then sold to the guy I bought it from who stripped the engine down in situ, put reconditioned heads on (using the 4.6 ones) new gaskets, timing cogs, chain, cam, hydraulic tap heads, sump, expansion tank, gearbox oil, full service with filter and a few other bits. And then I cane along and bought it.
The rear chassis is solid and everything works even things like the electric mirrors, seats, etc.

The MOT history doesn’t read too bad, rarely a mention of anything serious and the guy seemed a nice bloke.

I’ve ordered a set of 5 modulars with an aggressive offset, and a few other bits and pieces.

I’m also keeping some cash in a little slush fund for when the inevitable happens and it needs some money spent.

I do have a question though, a 2” lift. What’s the best way to achieve this? I’m happy to put a full terrafirma spring and shock kit on it. But have been told blocks are the easier way to go.

I’ll be doing very few miles a year as this is only really a toy, and realistically whist I’m going to see about a little offroading, it will do 90% of its mIles onroad.

Any recommendations?
 

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2" blocks will be your cheapest bet, I assume it has coils on the rear too then and not air?
If you leave the standard shocks on, this will limit your articulation, if you changed the lot for extended shocks too, you will need to be looking at extended rear brake flexi's IIRC.
 
What offset modulars have you bought? The most "aggressive offset" I can find for a D2 et+25 that isnt alot and then et-35 that will stick out 93mm a side more than standard wich is insane!
 
2" blocks will be your cheapest bet, I assume it has coils on the rear too then and not air?
If you leave the standard shocks on, this will limit your articulation, if you changed the lot for extended shocks too, you will need to be looking at extended rear brake flexi's IIRC.

It’s still on air. Fully working, and working ACE system too
 
What offset modulars have you bought? The most "aggressive offset" I can find for a D2 et+25 that isnt alot and then et-35 that will stick out 93mm a side more than standard wich is insane!

I think it may be the -35 IIRC

I’ll be adding the extended arches as well as the 2” lift. The guy on the call at 4x4tyres said it will have a wide stance. I explained what it’s main function will be and he recommended cooper tyres for it too
 
Make sure you stick a pic up with the wheels and arches. 7.2 inches wider track and only 4inches more arch!
 
seemed the general consensus when looking for a D2 was that the TD5 was probably the better buy,

So last weekend I took the plunge..

Its a 2003, V8

Huh? o_O

The TD5 is often the better buy, more economical and with a remap etc can be made more powerful.
Amusing that you've started blinging it up already!
Hope you have money set aside for when the block gets porous!:( Note you said "I’m also keeping some cash in a little slush fund for when the inevitable happens and it needs some money spent." Dead right thinking! We love'em but they can be moneypits.
Anyway, welcome to the asylum, help will be on hand!
(And I is only takin the P cos I have a V8 and a TD5 so lots of fun/troublel!)
 
Huh? o_O

The TD5 is often the better buy, more economical and with a remap etc can be made more powerful.
Amusing that you've started blinging it up already!
Hope you have money set aside for when the block gets porous!:( Note you said "I’m also keeping some cash in a little slush fund for when the inevitable happens and it needs some money spent." Dead right thinking! We love'em but they can be moneypits.
Anyway, welcome to the asylum, help will be on hand!
(And I is only takin the P cos I have a V8 and a TD5 so lots of fun/troublel!)

I understand the logic for the td5, and if a good one had have come up in my area I’d’ve considered it for sure. But I’m partial to a V8 having owned a few in the past (although the performance feels comedic compared to the BMW lump in the e39 M5)
but who buys a Disco to go fast!?
 
Check your air filter, spray clean the MAF sensor, spray & wipe clean out your throttle body/plate and IAC valve, check the black plastic oil separator valve in the rocker cover isn't clogged which they usually are and check condition of spark plugs and the gap.
 
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