Son of Farquhar

Greetings all,
I think I remeber noticing a few of you have a Rover Discovery in your signatures.
I'd like to know if there are any years to avoid, any issues that I should be aware of, and just your general thoughts and impressions on the car itself.
My 911 search has not stopped;it's my cousin who's interested.
Thanks in advance!
Paul

Bins

What! Cant wait for the pepper?

pncarrerars

I used to have a Land Rover Discovery... Every time I went out in it I "discovered" that something else had fallen off or broken!

I would avoid all of them unless you enjoy repairing cars.

Pete, '93 964RS

Son of Farquhar

He he, <img src="graemlins/nono.gif" border="0" alt="[nono]" /> no suv for me, thanks. It's for my cousin, she asked me if I knew anything about them. The only thing I heard was that they would break often;suppose I wanted thoughts straight form the source

Flyin Elvis

The best years to stay away from are 94-97. A clean 97 (low mileage with records) doesn't scare me as much as the previous early years. DO NOT buy a 94-95 under any circumstance; they have what's known as a 14CUX engine management system that is a headaceh to all who own them. Last, and most important, take prospects to a dealer for PPI and get warranty history printout. Discovery can be a great car if treated well and serviced properly. I'm a service director for Land Rover in Massachusetts. And yes, the Patriots are going to do it again! <img src="graemlins/xyxwave.gif" border="0" alt="[bigbye]" />

996Millennium

Hi,

My first post here.

I own a 97 Discovery SE. You did not mention the interested party is looking at new or used Discovery. I do not know much about the new ones but I agree with the previous poster that 97 is the earliest MY they should consider. Pre-97 Discos had a whole bunch of problems with build quality and other issue.

My 97 has been very reliable in the past and with regular maintenance, will last a long time. If you can find a used 97 or later with full service records and regular maintenance, it might turn out to be a good vehicle.

The LR Discovery is not in the same league as the Toyota Landcruiser as far as reliability is concerned but is an excellent vechile. They are pretty rugged bone stock and can pretty much go anywhere. IMO it boild down to what kind of vehicle the person wants.

If you would like more details, let me know.

You can also visit <a href="http://www.discoweb.org" target="_blank">www.discoweb.org</a> for all kinds of information on the Landrover Discovery.

Hope this helps.
Jay.

Son of Farquhar

Thanks for the great responses (as well as the link to Discoweb)!
The car is a 99 Series II with 54,000 miles on it.
Asking price is 23K

Paul

George 911-V8

SOF: Stay away from them all they are JUNK!!!!
Get yourself the best SUV on the planet 2002-2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE 4x4.

<a href="http://pws.prserv.net/4play/911chevy/index.html" target="_blank">SWAMP MONSTER</a>

awis321

"It's part of the charm..." is how I'd like to phrase it. Owned a '96 series-I and now own a '99 series-II, both purchased new. Night & day difference between both -- the '96 was pretty reliable, this one is one finicky S.O.B.

The new series-II are worlds better as far as comfort and bells & whistles go. However, that may also be it's downside - seems to be a LOT more that can go wrong the it. But then again... I did purchase the 1st year of a major model renovation.

If what you're looking for is something to get in and drive, stick with a Toyota, ALL LR's (also owned 2 Defender 90s) are "high-maintenance" litterally & figuratively speaking. Why do I put up with it... just watch any video of the Camel Trophy!

Eric-17

Hi:

Couldn't help adding my experience with an SUV. Bought an '88 Toyota Landcruiser with 100,000 miles on it (after PPI). Used it to move from San Diego to WI and ended up keeping it for years. Drove it daily and other than general maintenance only had to replace the fan. Ran like a champ, looked awesome, hauled a lot of stuff and sold it with 235,000 miles for $3,500 cash to the first person who looked at it. If I were to buy another boat, it would be another Landcruiser...... Bye.

Eric

David_M

We have gone through 2 Discoveries. Our first was a 97 which was totalled after my wife veered to avoid a mini van that pulled into the intersection. Unfortunately she veered into a big utility truck from a hydro company at 40MPH. Both she and my 2 year old daughter walked away from the accident.

Our current Discovery is a 99 Series 2 which we have had for 15 months. It has 46K miles on it (bought with 29K) and we've had a few minor problems but it never left us stranded. Our local San Diego LR dealer's service department is FANTASTIC.

Years to avoid are pre 97. Land Rovers are like Porsche in that they need their scheduled maintainence so some history is good. A local LR shop can access the records for you. Do have a PPI. Comparing the Series 2 to the Series 1, well, if you're after a hard-core off road truck then most folks prefer the Series I for its locking center diff. If you're a casual off roader or a mall crawler then the Series 2 is a no brainer...its a real jump forward in engineering and comfort. Just avoid the ACE (Active Cornering Something) which has had its problems and looks like an engineering disaster.

Good luck.

nicoff

I do not get it. You guys are comparing a Landcruiser to a Discovery? I would think that the Landcruiser should be compared to the Range Rover not the Discovery. The Discovery is more in line with the 4-Runner.

In any event, you cannot go wrong with Toyota. Landcruiser, 4-Runner, Sequoia, you name it, no LR can touch them for reliability.

david914

I have a '97 Discovery that we purchased a year ago this past April. It had only 29K miles on it and appeared to be in great shape. After getting it home and giving it a complete detailing I noticed a rust bubble at the bottom of each C-Pillar. Although I was shocked and disappointed, I didn't initially worry as Land Rovers have a six year corrosion warranty. What I didn't know is that the "fine print" states that the vehicle must have an "annual corrosion inspection" in order to keep the warranty in effect. Since I am not the original owner (and Land Rover doesn't keep records of these "inspections" on their database - how "convenient") I didn't have a leg to stand on.

I have since found out that this is a common problem with Discoverys and that there is also a problem with rust along the bottom of the Alpine windows (which mine also has). Land Rover North America will not admit that they have a manufacturing defect and as a result, will not repair these areas unless obligated by law.

Sorry to be so long-winded, but as you might surmise, I'm very disappointed with Land Rover as a company. That said, I do like our Discovery. It's comfortable, has lots of room, and handles very well for an SUV. However, due to our experience with Land Rover North America, I doubt that I will ever purchase another Land Rover product.

BTW, the Discovery is more on par with the Toyota Land Cruiser than the 4 Runner. Interior-wise the Discovery is much larger than the 4 Runner(I'm 6'2" and there is BIG difference between the two vehicles).

sprbxr

Son of Farquar

$23K is too much for a 99 DII. I bought a 99 DII 63k on it for $17900 about 4 months ago. Tons of then are coming off lease right now so don't be in a hurry to buy one yet. Perfect shape except for two door dings and two worn tires. The newer the better. The DII has mostly Bosch electrical components. Our DII has been very reliable so far. My only gripe is that the rear passenger doors are very tight. It has peformed pretty well but it is definatly not as fun as my 930 . It is the wife's car after all. She thinks I am car crazy and should be driving a 750iL Luxobarge. Forget it. I am not old enough to drive one of those tanks.

Justin
80 930
73 911 RS (replica)

Flyin Elvis

David914 The corrsion warranty you mention does not change from owner to owner and therefore is not an issue. While the annual corrosion inspections can be a slight roadblock, if you push them a bit you'll get covered. Call LR owner care and in a firm but forceful way, push the issue. They will cover it. BTW, the heavy-handed enforcement of the inspections comes from father Ford who now owns Rover. They remain a great car and if we must talk SUV's, IMHO the Rnage Rover is the best one ever made. anywhere. See Automobile Magazine (April?) and if that's not enough drive one, you'll get the point. Of course it is $70k, but hey, we're Porsche owners, we got the money. <img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" />