Had a 94 hilux surf diesel 2.8l auto for years, as daily driver, but it had a fundamental design flaw that caused it to overheat when towing a horse float. Torque converter was on the way out at 120k miles. Parts really expensive as well.
Replaced it 10 years ago with a 96 Diesel discovery 1 2.5 auto which has always got some niggles going on, (especially electrics) its 220k miles now on original engine, and I love it. It’s slow but can tow anything (3.5 tonnes capacity). Does 30mpg on a run but given fuel costs nowadays is a “second” car not daily driver, does the odd 4wd outing. Ridiculously cheap parts. Great driving position.
Would I recommend a mate to buy a Discovery 1? not unless he had enough mechanical skills to own an A10
The series landrovers are definitely in the “classic” arena now, expensive, and yes are very basic. I wouldn’t want one except for going on classic car runs etc. Same pretty much goes for the later Defenders….the latest Defender , without a chassis, is a different car completely.
My disco was made under BMW ownership (94-2000) then Ford owned LR, then Tata. It’s not even British