| Author |
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Karel
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 28, 2003 - 11:03 pm: | 
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Hi all!
I want to buy a 4WD and really like the Discovery. But I was warned from few friends that it is not a very reliable car. So I started to search the internet and find out some competing information.
So I think the best way how to figure out is to ask current Discovery owners! Are you happy with the reliability of your car? How is it? What about breakdowns, troubles, etc? I can buy a secondhand Discovery, V8i, 50 000 km (35 000 miles), 1997, for 23 000 Australian $ (12 000 US$). Do you thing it is a good idea? What shall I be careful about?
Help me please.
Thanks
Karel |
Prescottj (Prescottj)
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 28, 2003 - 11:10 pm: |
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that sounds like a good deal to me but I don't live in australia so I don't know about prices. |
Karel
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 28, 2003 - 11:19 pm: |
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Thank you! But what about the reliability? That is the key issue for me!!! |
paul londrigan (Neversummer)
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 28, 2003 - 11:28 pm: |
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They are reliable as all hell, mostly. rovers aren't the horror stories that people make them out to be other then the usual stuff. I just sold my disco and I put fifty thousand miles on it in two years, for those miles I had to do a bunch of gaskets and seals of sorts, she never left me stranded once on the road. Just once in a parking lot, just the distributer cap and plugs though. The only down side is that Discos love to eat rotors and pads, at least mine did. You just gotta get into the right one and for that price sounds like a grand one. |
Prescottj (Prescottj)
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 28, 2003 - 11:35 pm: |
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my 96 d1 has 90k and nothing major has been replaced other than normal stuff and stuff that breaks due to the mods. But everyting engine related is orginal. 30k of those miles I would say are off-road. But other people have had a whole lot worse and I don't know all about the v8i engine. search this website in the archives and you will find lots of info on it |
BW
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 29, 2003 - 12:07 am: |
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In my view, if your buying a 4X4 to go offroading as a hobby, then nothing is better than a rover. You'll have more leaks, more electrical problems and other mysterious problems than the average GM or rice burning product. However, every rover is made tough and built to last. You'll likely never have to replace a major component(likely). DWEB is an excellent resource for maintenance issues. You probably will not find another vehicle with the same "following" other than jeep.
If your buying a 4X4 just to have for "just-in-case" conditions, then buy something else.
However, many guys here on this web bought their first rover as a "just-in-case" 4X4 and ended up getting rover fever . . . and that's why they are here.
BW |
Carter Simcoe (Carter)
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 29, 2003 - 12:07 am: |
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Damn you must get to offroad a lot. Is your disco your daily driver also? |
Keith Kreutzer (Revor)
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 29, 2003 - 12:12 am: |
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Lets see...97 F350 Powerstroke.. One window motor at 48000 miles.. 99 Ford Expedition... Nothing but oil 59,000 miles.
97 Discovery.....how big can this reply be? I would say compared to my new purchased vehicles I have seen far more "trouble" from these little trucks... BUT I haven't owned one since new..
It's not about reliability I think, I have one because it is now the ONLY truck of it's kind that can do what it does and that is 4 wheel right up there with the best of them, in comfort, style and at a reasonable cost... Plus they're fun! I want another one... It's like a puppy.. |
Karel
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 29, 2003 - 02:30 am: |
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To BW: A good point!
Unfortunately I want a 4x4 as a ‘just-in-case’ solution cause here in Australia you never know…. If you want to travel around you have to have one. No way! But I do not want to go some hard offroad and want to use it on day-by-day bases so no leaks, no electricity problems, no mysterious problems.
But on the other hand wondering like if I would buy a disco in a good condition and wouldn’t play hard with it like some of you guys do then where does the leaking and other problems have to come from? It should be a solid car, right?
Karel |
Scott-OZ
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 29, 2003 - 03:01 am: |
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Karel, I have a 2002 Disco - my wife a 95 v8i auto - fully optioned. I got it the 95 second hand for $16 from an auction. The 97 is the better one. The 95 has a distributor that can cause some hassels - the thing is beautiful after replacing some minor electrical components. They are very safe dependable tanks in my opinion and I am happy that I have got my wife into one. There is a lot of bad press because they are British. Dont be fooled - they are a full off road machine. If you take into account that LandCruiser has a much heavier engine (cast iron block - and big) and that LC has steel guards etc whereas disc II has a number that are still lighter alloy then you will see that the rover is bloody heavy (read strong) in the chassis and overall. They are legendary in being safe. They are also full of character.
Get one and love it.
S
PS I am in Queensland - you? |
macca
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 29, 2003 - 04:13 am: |
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SCOTT,Brisbane here macca |
Dave M.
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 29, 2003 - 07:58 am: |
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Unfortunately I want a 4x4 as a ‘just-in-case’ solution cause here in Australia you never know…. If you want to travel around you have to have one. No way! But I do not want to go some hard offroad and want to use it on day-by-day bases so no leaks, no electricity problems, no mysterious problems.
Given that, I'd say you'd be better off with something Japanese. Don't you guys still get the stripped down Toyota Landcruisers? That would be a cool truck. Or maybe a Mitsu Shogun. |
Paul T. Schram (Paulschram)
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 29, 2003 - 08:05 am: |
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My 1995 has 160K miles on it... Need I say more?
Yes, it has had its share of minor problems, yet nothing that has permanently stumped me and being painfully honest (something I am very good at) most of the failures of my vehicle have been pilot error induced. I also drive my truck nearly 100 miles each day to and from the workplace.
Unlike some, I consider the '94 and '95 model years to be the most desirable, mainly because I like the distributor (luddite that I am), however I would like the functionality of the OBD II over the limited on-board diagnostics on the '94 and '95s, but again, I did just recently have the OBD readout assist me in fixing my truck.
Peace,
Paul |
cartner
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 29, 2003 - 09:14 am: |
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150,000 miles and no major problems or leaks, just wearing out sensors and brake parts, that sort of thing, some electrical annoyances, but its never broken down, or left me, and its ALWAYS got me home. They are very reliable and great drivers if you maintain them...but you have to maintain them to insure that you will get home, I say get one you'll love it.. |
R. B. Bailey (Rover50987)
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 29, 2003 - 12:07 pm: |
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Lots of crazy little stuff, but considering that I have put 15k on it in a year, plus actual off-roading at least once a month - it has been totally reliable. Never broke down, never did anything that made me question driving it.
Ya, Toyotas are awesome, probably engineered better, no worries and all that. But you can't get past the fact that I still have not had any problems with my 105k mile Discovery.
http://landrover.mrbaileyshistory.net |
Prescottj (Prescottj)
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 29, 2003 - 01:45 pm: |
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carter,
When I first got the truck I would go wheeling almost everyday and didn't really use it too much for the daily driving becuase gas mileage. now I relocated the vehicle in Washington for a daily commuter while I live here and It stays up here when I leave WA . but I do still take it quite a bit up here. You could almost call 1-5 between Tacoma and Seattle a trail! But you live in Arkanasas and about 3 years ago I was driving a M3 cross country for my brother and I drove through arkansas and had to get about $1500 worth of work done on the car in Oklahoma city because of the crappy ass potholes on the interstate |
Greg French (Gregfrench)
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 29, 2003 - 08:32 pm: |
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110,000 1997. In 3 years:
5 alternators
1 clutch
3 sets of plug wires
1 fuel pump
4 Injectors
3 sets of plugs
1 stepper motor
Still not running right.
Yet...for some reason I love it.
If you're not the sort that would, buy a Toyota. All the fun...none of the repairs. |
Jason T. Barker (Speedminded)
| | Posted on Thursday, January 30, 2003 - 12:20 am: |
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Greg,
5 alternators? Did the dealer just say they are bad or was it taken and tested by someone that actually knows something about them? I don't know of any reason for a vehicle to go through that many its entire life much less 100k miles unless you were running a complete living quarters out of the vehicle with microwave, refrigerator, few thousand watts worth of lights, etc.
Karel,
I don't think of my Discovery as being less reliable than any other vehicle. I do know parts can be expensive but there is always alternatives to buying from the dealer. Its just a machine made of pieces combined to perform a certain function. Yes, Jaguar and MG had their share of problems back in the 60's-80's with the Lucas wiring (same as D1) but they must have improved since then because I have yet to have an electrical problem with mine. ('96 122k miles)
All vehicles have problems, its a machine...if its not taken care of it will break down. Routine maintence is required on everything. Yes, some Japanesse makers are known for the extreme high mileage their engines are capable of but Volvo has probably had just as many cars reach 1,000,000 miles. I think american made cars are less reliable than others. Then again, what is American? Very few "American" cars are actually made in the US. Its all relevant to what you want.
What are your options for a 4x4? I don't know too much about Australia but I assume there are diesel Discovery's there...it seems like every country but the US has them. What are your intentions to use it for? Are you interested in a vehicle capable of extreme off-road with poor gas mileage (even though the Land Cruiser V8's drink just as much or even more gas) Is safety a concern? Despite the Discovery's appearance it is no less stable than any other 4WD vehicle (short of say a BMW X5 or Mercedes ML). I suggest you drive not just one or two, but several discoveries and other makes/models and see what you like. Talk to mechanics, see what they think and suggest...Nearly everyone here is going to say they love their Land Rover and wouldn't have it any other way. We come from all over the world and everyone has there preferences.
I hated Discovery's for years after the first one I saw at a car show in '94 when they came to US... stupid green house windows, sat tall and funny looking, etc. It was the cheapest Land Rover made (until the Freelander). I would have taken a RR County Classic over a Discovery anyday. I didn't start liking them until after I saw it perform off-road nearly 7 yrs. later. Then I test drove a few and really started to like them.
I soon started searching like I do all used cars and try to find one that I knew the history on, didn't want several owners or one that had been through an auction. Look for signs of body damage where it had been rebuilt after an accident. I am not a "professional" mechanic but I do all the work on my own vehicles yet I still had several other people (mechanic friends) check mine over before I bought it. Determined what it needed done and made a list. Best bet for the average person is pay the dealer an hour labor to check the vehicle out. Its normally about $60-75 p/hr at a dealer (the LR dealer here is $66 I think). They will pick through the vehicle with a fine tooth comb and try to find everything they can (especially if you tell them you will allow them to do all the work, ;-) ... they should have an inspection checklist to go by. It all comes down to if it is really what you want and what you need.
Sorry for being so long. |
Karel
| | Posted on Thursday, January 30, 2003 - 08:28 pm: |
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To Scott, Macca and other Ozy mates: I’m in Sydney-eastern suburbs-Vaucluse!
To Jason: Great points!
You see, my options…. Need something relatively cheep. All Toyotas and other Japs cost 50% more… And then I like the LR charisma…
The thing is that there is a small garage next to the place I live and they have this Disco for sell – 1997, V8, alloy, air backs, 53 000 km, looks like in good condition, 23 000 Ozy$. They told me it was owned by a lady… Every day I leave the house and come back I see this lovely car waiting to be bought. BUT, still not sure I have to do it because it seems to me it may bring some additional costs. I mean I may pay 7 000 mote and get a ‘no-maintenance-needed’ Toyota. So the question is if its worth to save 7 000 but expose myself to the dander of getting a bad unit and have to spend maybe more then 7000 to maintain…. I know I may get one with no troubles at all for next 100k km, but after reading this board I feel the risk is high. Some of you guys have big troubles with your Discos….
BTW just wondering how much does the V8 consume? And is here anyone who has troubles with his/her Disco despite good maintenance and going off-road just occasionally and gently?
Thanks mates
Karel |
911p-car-buff
| | Posted on Thursday, January 30, 2003 - 09:55 pm: |
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My first Disco (96 SE-7) was a reliabilty nightmare and i sold it with 40,000 miles on the clock in fear of being out of warranty!
Now I have a 99 Disco II SE-7 with 63,000 miles and not one problem other than normal wear and tear maintainance. The truck is just so unique in every way, I just had to give it a second chance. I'm glad I did. One thing no one seems to mention but is a big issue with me, the exterior and interior finish and quality is outstanding on these trucks! My 96 and my 99 stay looking new and "wear-free" even after thrashing it! My brothers 2002 GMC Yukon looks like a 3-5 year old truck inside and out and he doesn't thrash it. So, at least your Disco will look good on that flatbed! |
John N (John_Tdi_Aus)
| | Posted on Thursday, January 30, 2003 - 11:34 pm: |
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If you are in Vaucluse .... any LR that you might buy you should have checked by Graham Cooper in Newtown. www.lrexpert.com.au
Other than that ... go for it.
John |
johnb
| | Posted on Saturday, February 01, 2003 - 05:59 pm: |
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you could buy the more expensive jap vehicle and still have extensive expensive repairs.i work in the auto repair field and see all makes and models with major malfunctions.buy the vehicle that appeals to you.but as suggested have it checked by a pro prior to purchase.even walking isnt free.enjoy,lifes short. |
Tim Ballard (Tballard)
| | Posted on Monday, February 03, 2003 - 08:35 pm: |
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96 Disco 1, 92K. Has never stranded me on or off road. Major repairs/expenses other than maintenance have been new ABS harness, new rotoflex joint, new VSS and new tires to replace those shredded while on the trail. I would consider it quite reliable, especially compared to the Saab's I drove for the previous 20 years. If you want character, go for it. Just remember, buying a Land Rover is not a strictly rational decision. |
johnruiz
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, February 10, 2003 - 11:04 pm: |
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Karel,
Since so many shared their opinions, I trust that one more posting may give you some additional insight. Owning three Land Rovers (1 Range Rover and 2 Discovery, of which one is a Series II) I can tell you that I agree with what Land Rover says "they don't design and build their trucks for the masses". If you want a car riding SUV buy a late model Asian vehicle. If you want a truck that offers uncompromising safety while handling confidently around town, cruising the interstate/highway with ease and offering you the ability to do (without modifications) what no other trucks can do off the road when you want to have some fun in the dirt, buy the Discovery! Yes, you will have repairs from time to time - figure on it...I agree too that you should spend a few dollars to have an experienced LR tech review the truck. And if you join the fraternity of Land Rover ownership...I am sure you too will get the 'Rover fever' and you'll be hooked...take it from me, I sold my 370 hp Supercharged Jaguar XJR for the Rangie. Good luck...you can count on the commraderie of Rover owners, as you see we are passionate about our Rovers! JPR |
Dennis Belgrado (Dennisuae)
New Member
Username: Dennisuae
Post Number: 1
Registered: 02-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 19, 2003 - 11:06 am: |
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I have 1998 3.9L V8i Petrol Discovery. I had 50,000Km when I first got it two years ago, now it has 145,000km on the clock.
In our part of the world where offroading activities are mostly on cotton-soft sand dunes, discovery is the best option due to its weight. 180bhp / 230ft lbs torque finds it hard to push the 2.750 tonnes of metals and aluminum body. In sand dunes one needs momentum otherwise end up getting stuck, I mean badly stuck. Compare to Jeep Cherokee Sport 200bhp with bag of crisp monocoque body weights just a little bit more than a ton goes every where.
Tried it once to climb a hard surface mountain and it perform superbly well.
I must admit the only time I was let down by my Disco when it broke its front diff. There are minor faults like stepper motor, ceiling falling off and AC.
If your a serious offroader you have to replace the stock suspension system. I put OME 2" COILS and KONI shocks, 275/70/16 tyres.
So far despite of some minor fault from time to time I still love my disco- because it is different from the rest!
Dennis |
Geoff 93 RRC (Geoff)
Member
Username: Geoff
Post Number: 44
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 19, 2003 - 09:38 pm: |
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I had a '97 in Australia. Needed new spark plugs leads at 12000 km, other than that no problems until I turned it in with about 35000 km. We took it off road all of the time and always felt secure in its capabilities. The solid front axle is a great thing off road.
I think the Aussie version has a lower tuned third world spec engine (lower compression) at about 160 hp vs the US version. No emission controls either. Probably simpler to work on.
Get the 300Tdi. With the v8 I was always worried about fuel range in the bush.
The only competitor for that year was the Toyota Prado (which we get with a different body now as the new 4Runner). Good too, but independent front end and can't stand that Japanese styling. Nissan Pathfinder with Macpherson struts up front - no thanks. |
Ron Poole (Angler)
New Member
Username: Angler
Post Number: 1
Registered: 02-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, February 23, 2003 - 03:39 am: |
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I have had a V8 and loved it however so did my service station, 15 MPG was about my average with 18MPG the best ever.
Now I have a TDI auto average 24MPG best so far 31MPG. It still goes well once its up and running, great to drive I love it no probs with either at any time. I had an oil leak in the TDI however it fixed itself.
V8 had 90,000 kms The TDI has 65000Kms now. The only thing I dont like is the lousy tow capacity, Using a 10% towbar weight the disco is limited to a caravan of 1200Kgs. The tow bar on mine is 120Kgs downward load rated. Lousy but thems the breaks. Don't travel in NSW. Dont buy from TJM or Haymnan reese. |
ken nishikawa (Scubaman99)
New Member
Username: Scubaman99
Post Number: 23
Registered: 06-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, February 23, 2003 - 11:37 am: |
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Hey Karel
"All Toyotas and other Japs cost 50% more…"
how about "Japanese import", "Japanese autos", toyotas, nissans, etc... i wouldnt refer to German cars as "n@zi mobiles, black cars a n!gger colored... i dont know about down under... but the j#ps word is not cool...
anyway, ive got a 95 with 128K miles and i love it...
1 alternator (wear and tear)
1 rotor (wear and tear)
1 front diff (Jiffy lube phuck up!)
1 wiper motor (wear and tear)
All the normal maintenence parts (filters, brake pads, fluids, etc)
lots of little leaks (normal)
few irritating electrical issues (normal)
not the near perfect record of a "Japanese import"... but like some the rest of us... im hooked. in addition its my daily driver which has a round trip commute of 120 miles... some days its highway speeds otheres its hellish "stop and go" traffic.
the real question is... can you put up with a less then perfect maintenece record for a "passion"... if yes then go for it. if no then look to a toyota, nissan or mitsubishi...
i have to admit, there have been times where i have had "issues", swore up and down in a fit that this was the last $#@!$# dollar im gonna spend on that Heap and trade her in on a Toyota... only to calm down a few hours/days later and give my baby what it needs and never think twice about the issue again... kind of like my wife = : - )
you can see some of my rigs pics in the photo gallery under the various hollister pics and cow mountain pics. most of the older pics were in a bone stock 95 with over 100K on it and the newer ones are after some minor mods (MD springs and shocks) in addition here are a few more pics:
http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4292279691
http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4291755963
http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4291564167
Enjoy! |
Rob Davison (Nosivad_bor)
Senior member
Username: Nosivad_bor
Post Number: 56
Registered: 02-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, February 23, 2003 - 12:10 pm: |
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i prefer the terms rice burner or kraut burner |
Milan (Milan)
Member
Username: Milan
Post Number: 135
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, February 23, 2003 - 02:36 pm: |
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"BUT, still not sure I have to do it because it seems to me it may bring some additional costs. I mean I may pay 7 000 mote and get a ‘no-maintenance-needed’ Toyota. So the question is if its worth to save 7 000 but expose myself to the dander of getting a bad unit and have to spend maybe more then 7000 to maintain…. I know I may get one with no troubles at all for next 100k km, but after reading this board I feel the risk is high. Some of you guys have big troubles with your Discos…. "
As far as getting a lemon, I think your chances are the same with any other vehicle make and it does not really matter whether buying new or used. Granted some makes/models are "known" for being reliable or pices of crap but in general it really does not matter.
Our low miles 96 required quite a few things and it stranded me several times in the city. But I still love it. The things that needed fixing got fixed mostly under the extended warranty and the "unreliability" problem ws solved by using a new solenoid box and a new CPU. So far so good, no major leaks (after replacing seals) and even though my warranty ran out, I'm not afraid the truck will crap out in a big way. However, one never really knows and this particular Disco would not be my first choice for an extended expedition into nowhere without other vehicles accompanying me. A bit ironic in my mind. Also, for me this fear/distrust can be solved by removing the GEMS system and vehicle immobilizer. Then if it's a mechanical problem that'll strand me, so be it.
This probably does not help much your decission, but I thought lone extended trips into the bush were the way of life in OZ. So go and buy a diesel Disco or a diesel Patrol. |
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