| Author | Message | ||
     Jeff Plous (Sgtpeper) New Member Username: Sgtpeper Post Number: 1 Registered: 01-2004 |
I have always liked the idea of the discovery - 5 speed (up to 97) v8 full time 4wd 2 sunroofs and leather to name a few things. Im not an offroader - I live in colorado and go on a lot of skiing trips. My questions are as follow: Are these trucks truly as unreliable as many have said? What are the common problems taht people seem to have? Are there certain years that are worse than others? Are the 96-97 (since I want 5 speed) better than the 95 and earlier ones? Thanks in advance Jeff | ||
| James Briscoe (Rockywood) New Member Username: Rockywood Post Number: 5 Registered: 01-2004 |
I have a 96 and love it. Although it costs me around $2000 a year to operate and that doesn't include the cost of off road accessories and upgrades. I have heard the 96 is one of the more unrealiable years so you may want to go for a 97. I think 96 is safer than 95 since it has door beams. If you want reliability buy a Honda. If you want something truly unique and awesome buy a disco. - James | ||
| Jeff Plous (Sgtpeper) New Member Username: Sgtpeper Post Number: 2 Registered: 01-2004 |
I agree buy a honda if I want reliability, but I used to race before I moved out here. SO I have had some seriously unreliable cars (because of modification) that have left me stranded and while doing a lot of road trips Id rather not have the car not make it... Anymore opinions/thoughts? Thanks Jeff | ||
| James Briscoe (Rockywood) New Member Username: Rockywood Post Number: 8 Registered: 01-2004 |
Another thing to consider is that Land Rover does not have a large dealership / service network as compared to other makes. Winnipeg, Canada is where I live and this city has a pop of 700k. There is only one LR dealership and only one mechanic employed there. They gouge on parts and labour and sometimes you have to wait a few days. This probably isn't as much of a problem in the U.S. but still if you travel lots you have to consider this. Fortunately for me I have another vehicle I use when my Disco is down. | ||
| Jeff Plous (Sgtpeper) New Member Username: Sgtpeper Post Number: 3 Registered: 01-2004 |
How often is your Disco down? I still want to know what some of the common problems are so I can guage what I may be in for... | ||
| Ryan Johnson (Disco007) New Member Username: Disco007 Post Number: 11 Registered: 01-2004 |
Have you found a particular disco? I purchased my 95 auto from a very responsible PO who had all the records and loved it like only a disco owner can. Each one will be different. just find one around you and check fluids,tires,filters,rust and accesories. When it comes to used discos it all has to do with the PO. If they are irresponsible then hope the price is low. | ||
| Jeff Plous (Sgtpeper) New Member Username: Sgtpeper Post Number: 4 Registered: 01-2004 |
But still what are the common things that can go wrong? What stuff should be looked at really closely? Ive heard to check the trans for shavings, but thats all I know so far... | ||
| James Briscoe (Rockywood) New Member Username: Rockywood Post Number: 10 Registered: 01-2004 |
Here is what I have done / has happended in the last 5 months and I have 85k miles. - New brakes all around, which is normal wear except my front right caliper seized. That isn't so common on other vehicles and US$350 for that part alone. - Problems starting traced to fuel pump wiring harness (3 trips to the dealer and a few phone calls). Then they replaced the fuel pump. Then more of the same until I said, "hey the harness is only a $50 part why keep trying to rewire my old harness when we should just put a new one in". Problems fixed now. - ABS rear speed sensor went... US$500 or so. - SRS light flashing on the dash... no air bags. - Now the viscous drive and water pump need replacement. The way I look at it the vehicle is getting newer all the time! Since I can't get anything for the vehicle by selling it I figure I will just keep it for life even if I get something else one day. So really I look at all this as less things to fix down the road. Take a look at the other posts to get an idea of more problems. | ||
| Victor (Vabiro) Member Username: Vabiro Post Number: 184 Registered: 10-2003 |
Jeff, I have had a great experience with my '98 with 100K km (~62k mi). The only things that have given me a problem are a preventative replacement of the water pump, freeing-up a seized Diff Lock lever, swivelball seal and one ball joint. The Waterpump wasn't really gone, it just looked a bit wobly. The Diff Lock is a common problem with Discos that have never been off road. This is something I would suggest checking, and something any dealer should fix. It is unlikely to suddenly happen after you have purchased it. The rest were the result of an off-road misadventure. Overall the truck hasn't cost me more than C$1000 for the year to maintain, and I have driven about 30k km on and off road. I am knocking wood, but this is a great truck, and think that it has a very bad wrap. If you're looking at a 6 or 7 year-old truck - especially a 4x4 - there are bound to be repairs. The Disco is not unreasonably unreliable, just damn expensive if you take it to a dealer. It is very important to do simple maintainance and to find a used one that was a one-owner mall crawler that saw the dealler for every single bit of maintainance. Get records, and then verify the CarFax. Victor | ||
| michael a. kerr (Ethanrover98) New Member Username: Ethanrover98 Post Number: 38 Registered: 11-2003 |
Jeff, I have to agree with Victor. I bought my '98 with 25,000 miles on it 2 1/2 years ago (90,000 now) and have only replaced one 02 sensor, one "u" joint and the crank case breather valve. I religiously change plugs, wires and hoses, brakes and the oil, trans, radiator and diff fluids and run 91 octane or better gas...... Knock on wood!!!!!!! I really believe that the more miles you can put on a vehicle the longer it will last (with proper maintenance). FWIW | ||
| Jaime Crusellas (Jaime) Member Username: Jaime Post Number: 226 Registered: 05-2003 |
Jeff, I have 2 97 discos that I bought new. One has 105k miles, the other 68k. I had the dealer do all the scheduled maintenance until they were out of warranty, and I did the maintenace after that. They have been essentially trouble-free. I had to replace the water pump at 90k miles, A front wheel bearig at 100k, and I may be having to change the viscous fan clutch at 105k. I've had Chevys, Fords, Pontiacs, VWs, Toyotas, and BMWs, and this is my favorite vehicle. I mean, I can't of anything else on the road today that I would rather be driving than my disco. | ||
| Brandon Rowland (Br2100) New Member Username: Br2100 Post Number: 5 Registered: 01-2004 |
Don't do it. | ||
| Victor (Vabiro) Member Username: Vabiro Post Number: 186 Registered: 10-2003 |
Brandon, HMMMM, do you care to elaborate? I don't see a Land Rover product in your profile, so how do you come by your opinion? Victor | ||
| Jeff Plous (Sgtpeper) New Member Username: Sgtpeper Post Number: 5 Registered: 01-2004 |
All of this is great information. Makes me really think about making the switch and looking for a really prime one. I really think I'd like a 5 speed one as I can not stand driving automatic. Is there that much change between 95-96? What kind of price would I be looking to pay for a 96-97? Any more info would be greatly appreciated! | ||
| Ryan Graham (Ryangraham) New Member Username: Ryangraham Post Number: 12 Registered: 01-2004 |
Had my 95 about 2 years. Replaced alternator, battery, starter, pads and calipers in front (due for pads and rotors at all 4 corners), unstuck diff lock, valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, upper and lower radiator hoses (maint.), full tune up once, plugs and wires once after that. And its due for tires (and a lift and lockers and a front bumper and a winch) Overall, as other posts have suggested, its best if you can work on your own vehicle. All I pay for is parts (and working in a shop, I get them at cost), which really helps keep it on the road. The other posts suggested that they are like any other 4wd, which is true. If you buy a 8-10 year old truck there will be things to fix. I say drive a lot of them and pick the one you want. Their resale value sucks (at least in Utah), so I would suspect you could pick up a 96 or 97 for about $8K. | ||
| Jeff Plous (Sgtpeper) New Member Username: Sgtpeper Post Number: 6 Registered: 01-2004 |
Im only looking at the 96-97 because I want 5 speed.. Its too bad they discontinued that option to the US... | ||
| Dean Chrismon (Chrismonda) Member Username: Chrismonda Post Number: 157 Registered: 12-2002 |
Jeff I have owned a 97 and now own a 1998. The 97 was very quirky alot of leaks and electrical problems. The 98 has been relatively hassle free excluding the valve problem was only major thing.Hope this helps with your search. | ||
| Sheldon Charron (Rifleman) On Probation Username: Rifleman Post Number: 77 Registered: 01-2004 |
James. If you want to go wheeling tomorrow, there will probably be about 25 trucks at Springhill at 1:00pm. Happens every Sunday -same time. Look for the trucks on top the hill. Either drive down from the North side of 59 where everyone parks there Sled trailers and come under the bridge and up, or take the first right before the bridge and go down about 1 mile and take a left. You'll cross tracks and head right up to the floodway, up a hill, and be there. From there we go all over the damn place through drainages, etc. I will have the only LR there. Sheldon | ||
| Andrew Maier (Newman) Senior Member Username: Newman Post Number: 538 Registered: 04-2003 |
Very happy with a 96 that just rolled over 94K (40K of that is my doing). I do sometimes miss driving a stick, though... (Was that an OK post? I wouldn't want to say something stupid) | ||
| Gus Moreno (Tepuy) New Member Username: Tepuy Post Number: 2 Registered: 01-2004 |
Got to love them. Regardless of their minor or mayor issues, they are the most fantastic vehicles on earth. If you learn how to appreciate Land Rovers you won't mind spending $800 for a repair and I am sure most of the people here would agree with me! Happy rovering! Gusa | ||
| Joseph Bilyk (Denverrover) Member Username: Denverrover Post Number: 137 Registered: 02-2003 |
Jeff - they are a dime a dozen in CO - honestly I would say get a 98 or 99...you may have to skip the manual trans. I have 2 LR's & my 96 has been overly problematic as a DD. For what it's worth.... | ||
| Jeff Plous (Sgtpeper) New Member Username: Sgtpeper Post Number: 7 Registered: 01-2004 |
Whats so different about 96-97 and 98-99? I go to school in Boulder so I may start looking not 100% sure yet  | ||
| Brandon Rowland (Br2100) New Member Username: Br2100 Post Number: 6 Registered: 01-2004 |
Victor, I have a 97 Discovery. If you can think of a problem, it has happened. Just two days ago I was driving and my brakes went completely out. Had to gear down and pull the emergency brake to prevent an accident. Everything from brakes, brake lights, batteries, water pumps, harmonic balancers, O2 sensors, to a check engine light that comes up with a faulty gas cap code every three days. Not to mention the power window regulator and the engine coil pack that set me back about $450 just for the part. It is a big piece of %@$&. It could just be bad luck, because if it were not for bad luck I would have no luck at all. | ||
| Alan Yim (Alan) Senior Member Username: Alan Post Number: 1029 Registered: 09-2002 |
Jeff, I have 98. I bought it as a certified truck in late 2000 from the dealer with 50,000kms on it. It now has approximately 103,000kms and has been a pleasure to own. I've had to fix a few things on it but it has never left me stranded. I know you want a 96-97 because of the manual shift but don't necessarily rule out the automatics. From what I've read and heard (both on here and other publications), the manualbox isn't as strong/tough as the autobox. The 98-99's also don't have a distributor cap which depending on how you view it is a good or bad thing. If you decide to wheel the truck, you may also find that having an autobox frees you up to concentrate on driving. Unlike something like a Toyota, Rovers do require a bit more "attention" but if you look after it, it will look after you. | ||
| Matt Anderson (Disco01) Member Username: Disco01 Post Number: 181 Registered: 10-2003 |
Basically the only big change in Discos occured in 96 and 99. In 1996 they got a reworked engine upsized from 3.9 to 4.0 liters. The 4.0 has sometimes developed valve problems partly due to the driving style of the owner and other factors. I had a 96 Disco with a stick and loved it. I really had no problems other than the usual oil leaks, peeling dash, and my rear wiper quit. In 99 the series 2 came available and sported a lot of "improvements." Its engine (4.0 with Bosch electrics replacing less reliable Lucas) is really not a leaker like the old ones but can develop valve problems too. Some typical things to look for in a 96-97 would be rust in the rear door jams and wheel well, oil leaks (expected), cracked rubber seals around rear windows, and water leaks around sunroof (can be fixed by cleaning drain tubes). My 96 used to leak a tiny amount of water around the rubber seals of the rear windows if it was really pouring. It was not really a big deal to me. In addition, make sure the ABS light is not on and that all of the electrics work as they should. I know this is not everything to look for but I think this is similair to what you were wanting to know. | ||
| Jeff Plous (Sgtpeper) New Member Username: Sgtpeper Post Number: 8 Registered: 01-2004 |
This is all great information... I really would want a 5 speed one as Ive said because I like the control of stick, and I feel 5 speed has more usable power. (I may be wrong?). Seems like a lot of mixed feelings about the 96-97... | ||
| Phillip Perkinson (Rover4x4) Senior Member Username: Rover4x4 Post Number: 659 Registered: 02-2003 |
the Disco's with the autobox are my fav. | ||
| Jeff Plous (Sgtpeper) New Member Username: Sgtpeper Post Number: 9 Registered: 01-2004 |
why? | ||
| John Roche (Jroc) Member Username: Jroc Post Number: 219 Registered: 08-2002 |
Jeff, I have a '95 Disco that I love to death. The previous owner "Babied" this thing to death. Brought it to the dealer "by the book". All service records were included with purchase and it looked showroom new when I got it a couple of years ago. With all that said I would NOT recommend these trucks to ANYONE! No year is a good year! They all have MANY problems that don't even begin to have anything to do with maintenence. Alternator, rear window circuit board, & distributor, just to name a few of the more recent problems that I'm unfamiliar with how to prevent breaking through proper maintenence. Like I said I LOVE my Disco, but reliable??? They're about as reliable as a alcholic, gambling, junkie!!! Good luck, and you were warned. | ||
| Ray Gerber (Raygerber) Senior Member Username: Raygerber Post Number: 257 Registered: 09-2002 |
Jeff- First off: welcome to the board, and good luck with your search for a Disco if that's the truck you decide to get. I've got a 94 5-speed with 144k on the clock and she's working fine, the biggest things I've had to do were the result of driver error so I don't consider that in my thoughts vis-a-vis reliability. That being said, if its your sole vehicle, be prepared to make arrangements for a ride at times. Depending upon your access to tools, a garage (or willingness to work outside) down time of the vehicle to do some things could be a day or two-all of which is dependent upon the nature of the repair and your skills and/or those that are helping you. Matt's remarks about the model changes are pertinent, but I'll throw in one more thing about 94-95's with the distributor'd 3.9l-some would say they are simpler and thus easier to fix. The valve issue alone would keep me away from a 96, so really you're looking for 97-99's. The resale value does suck, so you can probably find one fairly cheap if that's what you want. Personally, I'm pretty happy with my 94 that I aquired late in her life from a guy who took good care of her but didn't baby the truck. So far reliability has been as good as my 1.8T Jetta with a third of the miles (much to my wife's chagrin) and in the case of the Disco, I would say that reliability is enhanced by being able to fix what's wrong. That's just my .02, if it were me I'd rather have roll-up windows and cloth seats, and minimal electronics, but that kinda goes contrary to the nameplate-at least in the States. I guess that's why I like my ever decreasing tech in my Disco. I've rambled enough, but hopefully it gives a little more insight into the oldest of the U.S. imported Disco I's. r- Ray | ||
| Bill Ross (Billr) Member Username: Billr Post Number: 137 Registered: 11-2002 |
I've had 40 cars since I was 16, almost all of them being Euro (BMW, Mercedes, VW, SAAB, Volvo, yadda, yadda). Of those, 3 have been Rovers, an old S3A, a Disco and my current RRC. Of all the Rovers, I can't say that they were better or worse than any of my others cars if one considered the mileage and history of the car in question. If the previous owner was clueless on maintence (which unfortunately alot of Rovers, as well as other high end Euros suffer from) then you are probably going to have problems. If they are maintained as they should be (i.e. by the book not as some kind of icon), you should not have any more problems than anything else. I've had BMWs and Mercedes that were real PITA. The worse vehicles I've owned have been Porsches. The Rovers, on the other hand, about average. If you expect to do nothing to them but drive them, then they probably won't help you out much. But do what you should, they will be fine (again as long as the have a good history). The trouble with this site, as well as other auto forums, is that they are a collection point for any and everything that ever goes wrong. Its kind of the point really. Also these sights attract those who may not be real experienced in things automotive or the marque in particular. You also get every previous (or current) owner who has a hard on for the marque becuase they didn't take care of the car or they expected these things to be maintenance-free like they were a refrigerator. The point is that these type of sites have a great value but you have to be careful that you don't read too much into the tone of the site as an indication of the marques's quality. If you want to see what I mean, take a look at the Nissan Xterra, Pathfinder or 4-Runner forums. Amazingly they sound pretty much like this one. My advice would be if you don't mind doing your own automotive work, pretty much know which end of the hammer that you are supposed to use, etc. you'll be fine, and again assuming, that you have not bought somebody else problems and ignorance. On the other hand, if you expect something that you can take off-road, generally beat the crap out of, and not have to maintain it; then you probably want to do something else. Not sure what as nothing is perfect, is it? | ||
| eric johnson (Eric2) Member Username: Eric2 Post Number: 235 Registered: 05-2003 |
Jeff - Go to this site: www.robisonservice.com. Click the Land Rovers section, navigate around as required. You can e-mail Mr. Robison and he will respond if he can. | ||
| eric johnson (Eric2) Member Username: Eric2 Post Number: 236 Registered: 05-2003 |
P.S. This is from his site. Build quality of the 1996-7 Discoveries is the lowest of any modern Land Rover product. Avoid these years if possible Go to his site, then Service Department, Land Rover, then Land Rover Buying Advice. | ||
| Phil deGuzman (Powerslide) New Member Username: Powerslide Post Number: 19 Registered: 12-2003 |
Jeff, You keep saying you prefer a stick vs. auto. Have you driven both? If not I suggest you take both models and see for yourself. I've driven both and unlike my cars (I prefer to row my own), on the Disco, auto is fine if not great. Good luck to your shopping and like Billr said, most auto forum gripe about their own. Oh BTW, I have a DII w/ 53K miles and I am very happy with this THING. | ||
| Jeff Plous (Sgtpeper) New Member Username: Sgtpeper Post Number: 10 Registered: 01-2004 |
Well I prefer stick in general simply because I find driving automatic boring. My current truck (which I wont even tell you all what it is) is auto and it definetely drives me nuts - I like shifting... But Rover may be a lost cause as the manual ones seem to be really unreliable according to a few of the sources on here... | ||
| Matt Anderson (Disco01) Member Username: Disco01 Post Number: 185 Registered: 10-2003 |
Jeff I think most people would agree with me that you can get a good Rover or you can get a really bad one. Personally, I think this holds true with most cars, but like someone else said, you will hear about the bad ones here. If you find a 1996 or 1997 and it has been fairly trouble free then I dont see any reason why you should be scared of it. I understand your desire for a manual, and you can bet if LR had continued making it my Series II would be a stick. I think my stick disco was tons of fun and a lot more enjoyable to shift than other manual trucks I have driven, not to mention the incredibly low gearing when in 1st and 4 low. You are out west which is a good thing, as it is a lot harder to locate manual shifts in anything here in the east. One thing to remember, you will only find two variations of manuals from 96-97--totally stripped or totally loaded. You either get a cloth SD or a seven passenger SE. Personally, I would get the SD as I would not want to fool with the rear AC and power stuff, as they will break down the road and require repair. This goes for any vehicle you purchase. The SD model will have come with a mild steel exhaust while the SE will have stainless. The SD probably will have a new system by now. The 97 SD gets the freestyle alloys(like what you see on Defenders)or possibly even a deepdish allow, and 1 strip of wood trim, while the 96 has none and has Castor wheels (like on the 94 and 95). My personal pick would be a late 97 SD, but I would add a moonroof through the aftermarket. If you are stuck on the stick, I say get one. Additionaly, the stick is less likely to have valve problems due to more consistently have been revved high and usually driven harder, which helps alleviate the problem. | ||
| Ray Gerber (Raygerber) Senior Member Username: Raygerber Post Number: 258 Registered: 09-2002 |
Jeff- Specifically regarding the Disco manual vs auto comparison, I think most people would tell you to get the autobox. The auto is a stronger transmission than the manual, the early manuals can have problems with the synchros after awhile, they have a tendency to be a wee bit fast even in low range on the trails as opposed to being able to crawl along in the auto. That being said, you should really drive both and settle it for yourself and your driving style. In comparison to a similiar equipped Auto my truck is faster in stoplight to stoplight traffic-but that is a very relative statement indeed and has no relevence on the true purpose of the truck in my eyes. Some other reasons I like the manual-just so you have some more input: -engine braking (or, as a post the other day called it the DI HDC only available in manual transmissions ) -Diesel switch, if you have a notion of doing this, the manual is supposed to be superior in 200 or 300 Tdi's, although the 2.8l seems to mitigate that advantage now -"being in touch" something you alluded to, if you like constantly manipulating your vehicle then go with an manual, believe me, going down trails you will certainly have plenty going on to keep you busy! Now that I've muddied what was probably clearing water: I've only ever owned manual transmission vehicles, but if I were to buy another Disco tomorrow, it would probably be an auto, for what that's worth. r- Ray | ||
| Hugh Bischoff (Go_ducks) New Member Username: Go_ducks Post Number: 11 Registered: 01-2004 |
Jeff, I have a 95 Disco with a 5 spd. It has 85K and has caused me very little trouble. I have found that preventetive maintenance is the key with these trucks. With that said I keep a running list of things that need to be done. Such things that need to be done at this point in its life are Springs and shocks, brakes and coming soon tires. Other items include new sunroof seals, ps pump, rear window switch, seat repair and a new door lock actuator. I find that this truck can handle two people, two large dogs, gear on top and in back, and a trailer if need be. The stick is great for handling power under heavier loads. I do a lot of hiking and boarding and this vehicle is great in the snow. Websites like this help a lot when you own a Disco. As said above they are unique, but I know many more Rover lovers than haters. | ||
| Jeff Plous (Sgtpeper) New Member Username: Sgtpeper Post Number: 11 Registered: 01-2004 |
Anymore thoughts? This is really helping... | ||
| John Roche (Jroc) Member Username: Jroc Post Number: 220 Registered: 08-2002 |
Jeff, With all due respect one of the reasons I wouldn't recommend a disco to you is this statement you made: Im not an offroader - I live in colorado and go on a lot of skiing trips The disco's off-road prowess is probably the only good reason to own a disco. Sounds like reliability is more of a concern than suspension travel and off-road ability. There are MANY vehicles with four wheel drive that are reliable, pick one of them. Of course this is just my honest opinion and It's up to you, but I'd liken it to buying a pair of waders, for when it rains, because you like the way they looked. On a positive note I think the one thing that leads people to disco's is the great looks, nobody can argue that. One of, if not, the best looking trucks made. It's just a shame it's such a POS! Land Rover should be brought up on charges for selling it!!! And give everyone their hard earned money back. But again, it's just one man's opinion. Good Luck Jeff, and pardon my extreme honesty. PS Now, power steering isn't working. Losing fluid in LARGE amounts. This is ANOTHER common problem with disco's that nobody but me admits to. These things lose fluid like a 95 year old alcholic!!! They should really make depends for these trucks! I'm sure someone will chime in on how these trucks are fine with proper maintenence, gimme a break! LOL How could this have been prevented??? Also, any tips on preventing the other fluids from leaking out would be humorous at best. Another good one is when they say the older ones are more problematic than the newer ones! DUH!!! Like a vehicle is only suppost to last a couple of years. Personally, I like the refrigerator comparison. Again, like the reason these things are breaking is due to neglect. Certain parts should last A LONG TIME on a vehicle and aren't "Serviceable" parts. Alternators, Power steering pumps, Power door lock actuators, fuel pumps, the list goes on and on. | ||
| Jeff Plous (Sgtpeper) New Member Username: Sgtpeper Post Number: 12 Registered: 01-2004 |
Actually one of the biggest reasons Ive been looking at them is because they have 5 speed and leather and the prices dont seem awful and they are different than most of the trucks driving around here... The 4 runner is EVERYWHERE here. My girlfriend drives a 2k2 limited and I think its a fantastic truck. 5 speed was offered until 2000 I believe but the resale value is amazing on 4 runners so those seem to be out.. Right now (ugh I hate to admit it) I drive a 2000 Chevy Blazer 2dr with the Zr2 package. It is automatic and driving the automatic drives me up the wall. Also the american build quality is AWFUL! EVERYTHING rattles. I grew up on english/italian cars and nothing feels worse to drive than this dumb thing. My dads daily driver is an alfa spider - and living in chicago the lil thing has been smashed into 5-7 times and his car STILL has less rattles than my truck!!! Thus why Ive been searching around a bit for a replacement - even though Ive only had this thing a year. | ||
| Matt Anderson (Disco01) Member Username: Disco01 Post Number: 187 Registered: 10-2003 |
If you are used to a Blazer then the Disco will feel like a tank. I have had less problems with both of my Discos than my father has had with both his 2002 Audi S4 and 2002 Chevrolet Silverado. The Audi leaks coolant and power steering fluid, the horns have been replaced twice, the stablilty control and traction control have been repaired and at 17k the clutch is slipping. The Chevy has had a new transmission put in, then the second one reprogrammed at least four times for bad shifting, the keyless entry works intermittently, the ABS kick in over every bump, both power window regulators have been replaced, the latch on one of the half doors broke, the front pinion seal on the driveshaft has been replaced twice, a new rear slipyoke has been installed, a new steering shaft has been installed, and most of the lights have been replaced due to water leakage. Mind you both of these vehicles are 2002 models, the Audi with 17k and the Chevy with 33k. So how do you think the typical 2002 Disco compares to these? My point being, I dont think you will feel as if the Disco has bad reliability if you are switching from a Blazer. Also, what percentage of 1995 vehicle with regular miles on it still have their original alternators? If you habitually run your truck with less than 1/4 tank of gas or if it has been driven awhile with a clogged fuel filter the fuel pump on any vehicle is sure to die at an early age. The power steering pump I can concur with, but once repaired should be fine. A lot of the ones you look at may have even had this fixed years back under warranty. I think there are lots of reasons to own a Disco. It is comfortable, very safe, stylish, has a reassuring, solid feel, can handle heavy towing, has plenty of room, is easy to work on, and tackles rough terrain with aplomb. In addition, it grows on you like very few vehicles I know of, and if you are gonna own a car why not get one you will fall in love with. | ||
| Jeff Plous (Sgtpeper) New Member Username: Sgtpeper Post Number: 13 Registered: 01-2004 |
I completely agree. A turn off to me is the Lucas fuel injection. Having been around a ton of old alfas with spica i understnad how awful these systems can be. I am still enchanted by the disco as it really seems to be the only SUV with almost everything Im looking for... | ||
| Alan Yim (Alan) Senior Member Username: Alan Post Number: 1035 Registered: 09-2002 |
Jroc - could there be any possibility that the truck you own is a lemon? I know you're commenting based on your own experience with your truck but I'm not too convinced that this is common to LR's in general as you're implying. Just from this thread alone it sounds like quite a few have had decent reliability out of their trucks, mind you I agree that consistency in quality has never been LR's strong point but yours seems to be unusually problematic. | ||
| John Roche (Jroc) Member Username: Jroc Post Number: 221 Registered: 08-2002 |
I'm not too convinced that this is common to LR's in general as you're implying I'm not implying that Land Rovers in general are problematic, but that Disco's are problematic. I can't comment on other Land Rovers as I've never owned any other model. If you read this board long enough you'll see that not only is my truck a lemon but this MODEL is a lemon. Land Rover should be ashamed of themselves! And if Disco's weren't problematic their resale value wouldn't be below sea level. The resale value on these things is pathetic! Believe me it takes alot to admit this as I'm STILL in love with my Disco, and have put alot of time and money into it. Denial is a river that runs right through Dweb! That's why sooo many of us have snorkels!!! LOL And if anyone wants another opinion they could just do a search on the reliability of the Discovery. It's all documented and the numbers don't lie. I guess it's all relative to what you're accustom to. I've always owned Toyota's and never had a problem with them. But then again, they are on the other end of the spectrum when it comes to reliability, and their resale value shows it. In defense of the disco it is, by far, the most comfortable truck one can be in, while waiting for the tow truck to arrive! | ||
| Alan Yim (Alan) Senior Member Username: Alan Post Number: 1036 Registered: 09-2002 |
LOL | ||
| Andrew Homan (Andy) New Member Username: Andy Post Number: 7 Registered: 01-2004 |
I worked for a Toyota dealer for several years and saw many of them come in on tow trucks while under warranty and out as well. Heard many a Toyota owner complain about the cost of maintaining them. Not saying LR doesn't have that rep but I worked in the car business (repairing them) long enough to no thay all have problems. People used to claim Mercedes diesel engines would run for ever. I never saw one go more than 100k. but the gas ones would. Go figure. | ||
| Adam Ross (Discodriveradam) Member Username: Discodriveradam Post Number: 178 Registered: 01-2003 |
John, what you find on this BBS is not of much relevance to proving that Disco's are unreliable. That's because one of the purposes of this site is for people to post about a problem, and for others to diagnose or fix it. So of course this place is complaint-ridden and strewn with automotive horror stories. In fact, the majority of Disco's that I have come across in my life have been "normal", having the same problems as any other model from any other manufacturer. I would say they are very reliable. |
