Are Discos Really Unreliable ?

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Author Message   Bob Posted on Sunday, February 24, 2002 - 03:26 pm:    Looking to purchase a Discovery (used) and am looking at 96-99 models of course price plays a part my budget is 14,000. But you hear so much on the net about the many problems with this vehicle. There must be many happy Disco owners. Lets here from ya! It also seems that there are not too many independent shops who service Land Rovers (at least here in New York) Any recommendations ?. Thanks in advance.   Zinhead Posted on Sunday, February 24, 2002 - 06:54 pm:    Generally the later the year, the better the build quality and reliability. The 94-95's had a bunch of problems, and are to be avoided. These first vehicles in the US are the caused of the Disco's bad reputation for reliability. Things were better in 96, and the 97 through 99 Series I's are the best. We have had our Disco for five years and it has been very reliable.   M. K. Watson (Lrover94) Posted on Sunday, February 24, 2002 - 07:13 pm:    i must disagree with the Zinhead, i have a 94 and with some of the usual used car maladies taken care of i would say it is as good as any other Land Rover. alot is just luck of the buy. and that is my opinion and its not so humble!   Tad Posted on Sunday, February 24, 2002 - 07:15 pm:    My two cents? As I told my bother in law that really likes my wife's '94 - If you don't mind doing regular maintence (checking all the fluids at least monthly) If you don't mind the drips on the drive way -If you don't mind having to wait for parts - If you don't mind a "truck like" ride -- then get one. I have heard of more reliablity issues with the '95 thru' '97 model years, but that is just hearsay. What we have done with ours (major repairs) *replaced engine -- what the PO did I can only guess. *new power steering pump -- shade tree repair *starter motor -- another shade tree job Little things: brake pads, brake light switch, exhaust, roto flex coupling, tires, and other bits. I don't know, I look at this list and then the odometer (143,xxx) and think, yeah pretty unreliable (said with sarcasim). We've put 50,000 in the two years that we have owned the truck (and my wife wonders why our petrol bill is so high!) and they haven't all been easy highway miles. We use our old guy ('65 IIA 88) for real rough stuff, but the Disco has been places many SUV's would cringe at. I guess you could say that we are pretty happy. Hope this helps! Tad   Erik Olson (Jon) Posted on Sunday, February 24, 2002 - 07:38 pm:    My '95 Disco 1 V8i has needed the following in my two years of ownership: Brakes (no turning of rotors, must replace) Oil Changes every 3K Oil Temperature Switch (failed completely: $36 part / 1hr of shadetree labor) Steering Damper replaced This truck is driven hard, and is from the alleged years with problems. Land Rover underestimated the popularity of the Discovery (sp. in the U.S.) and "rushed" thousands of vehicles through production to meet demand. Many people feel that the push caused fit and finish issues like sunroof jams, electrics problems etc. Have the vehicle checked thoroughly if you're not mechanically inclined or willing to learn. I've had no regrets, but as always with used vehicle purchases, the cardinal rule of buyer beware still applies! Good luck! Erik   Zinhead Posted on Sunday, February 24, 2002 - 08:50 pm:    Supposedly one of LR problems during the 94-95 time frame is that due to demand in the US, they ran thier production line on triple shifts. In 96, they expanded the factory and added an additional production line and went to two shifts. The growth is Disco quality over the years is visible in the JD Power Initial Quality survey. In the 94-95 time period, LR products were near the bottom of the list. In fact, in one those years the NBS Range Rover had the second lowest initial quality rating in the US, barely beating out a Korean brand. Since 1998-99, the Disco has scored near the midpoint in JD Power's initial quality ratings, with the Range Rover rated consistantly lower.   M. K. Watson (Lrover94) Posted on Sunday, February 24, 2002 - 09:41 pm:    so Zin what you are saying is a bunch of guys whose whole purpose is to sell reports, tell you that you have a piece of crap and its the truth no matter what or did i miss something?   Bob Posted on Sunday, February 24, 2002 - 10:26 pm:    Thanks for the info everyone. I have so many choices it seems many of the Discos were leased and there are so many of them around. I would really like a Series 2 but I guess that is out of my $ range. I also find that many Land Rover dealerships dont even sell older Discos (94 - 96) and rarely will you see a 97 ! Gee I wonder why ?? BTW this is a great site.   Zinhead Posted on Sunday, February 24, 2002 - 10:52 pm:    M.K. writes: so Zin what you are saying is a bunch of guys whose whole purpose is to sell reports, tell you that you have a piece of crap and its the truth no matter what or did i miss something? When you read the JD Power surveys, they are addressing the average number of defects found in new vehicle deliveries. When I filled out my JD Power survey, I reported three defects, others report alot more, some fewer. Some vehicles in a production run are built better than others. However, you can'y use them to predict how man defects your particular vehicles has. However, the surveys do say that on average, the newer the Disco, the fewer defects it originally had. One of the better new car surveys measures the average number number of times a vehicle either requires a tow to a dealer for repair, or requires a repair taking more than one day during the first three years of service. Rovers and most American SUV's were between 18% to 25% while the Japanese SUV's were between 8% to 12%. From this survey you can say that on average, Japanese SUV's are twice as reliable as American ones. At the same time, you can also say that the vast majority of all vehicles are pretty reliable.   M. K. Watson (Lrover94) Posted on Sunday, February 24, 2002 - 11:20 pm:    good point, but what you failed to see was that the gentlemen was concerned about USED Land Rovers. in this we find our debate. i will concede that there was problems in the Land Rovers of old. most of these problems (i am conjecturing) were made right by the dealers either by recalls of just plain good service. these questionable cars you are talking about are NEW cars as reported by a clearing houses. in all probability a 94 Disco, in my opinion, may be the better used car buy because everything that could have gone wrong more than likely has gone wrong and has been fixed. i may be wrong and those defects may still exist but i havnt found them yet. i have a 94 with three inch lift, arb front bumper, my own sliders and new shocks. with the exception of the shocks i would not consider these normal wear items. i have had to replace the altenator, cold start sensor, thermostat, the stereo and the radiator. with the exception of the radiator i would consider these typical used car replacment costs.i have had zero disappointment in my buy. now lets breifly look at the japenese counterparts. yes the new car quality was good, but i live in salt country and i see alot of forerunners, pathfinders and the sort wasted away by rust. they are two not without their mechinical faults as well. my point, dont discount the older discos based on a new car report. bob there is a good reason you dont see alot of 94-95 discos i just dont know what it is.   JRoc Posted on Sunday, February 24, 2002 - 11:56 pm:    Hey Bob, If I were looking for a Disco I would rather buy from an owner than a dealer. I wouldn't want an off-lease vehicle, because people who lease vehicles know that they'll be giving them back and don't care for them. My '95 has been fine. I bought it around 8 months ago and It's run great so far. I purchased the vehicle from the original owner and he had it serviced by the dealer per the owners manual. I also live in New York and know of a couple of good mechanics in Queens. One used to work for Land Rover Zumbach in Manhattan and now owns and operates his own shop. They specialize in Rovers, are very competent, and are much cheaper than going to the dealer. Let me know if you need/want the info.   Jake Posted on Monday, February 25, 2002 - 12:12 am:    Bob: I have a 94 that has right around 250 thousand on it. I am the third owner and the truck has had regular maintenace and a few odds & ends (radiator, shocks, water pump, y pipe) but no major problems. It is still very reliable and I regularly use it for 1000 mile plus trips without worry. yes, it leaks a little fluid and the suspension is getting tired, but it shows no indication of giving up. My advice is to get a Disco that has been used regularly and maintained.   Anonymous Posted on Monday, February 25, 2002 - 12:40 am:    If your rover doesn't leak fluid or oil, it's probobly out of it....   jay caragay (Jcaragay) Posted on Monday, February 25, 2002 - 12:42 am:    I have a 1995 Discovery that was delivered to me in February 1995. I am the only owner of the vehicle and have seen it through every problem. Today, my Disco has 148,000 miles and is going to have it's 150,000 mile service soon. Overall, I think the Disco is a very reliable vehicle that does have its' quirks and irritants. If you are willing to accept that things will wear out and need to be replaced, then you should be fine. Some of the interesting adventures have been: Broken shift lever rattling sunroofs leaking windshield - intermittant surfing dashboard blown alternator constant fluid leaks Reverse that doesn't engage - intermittant Strange AC switch - sometimes turns off Intermittant Cruise Control 250mile range Those are some of the oddities I have experienced. Would I buy one again? Absolutely. There just isn't a badder truck available for the money. Off-road or on-road - and I like to drive 70-80mph.   Scott (Scott_Bowden) Posted on Monday, February 25, 2002 - 07:39 am:    A couple of reasons the Dealer won't have older models. 1) The lenders they are set up with will only lend money on newer vehicles. 2) Mileage limits would have been exceeded for vehicles they have on their lot, thus going to the wholesaler. I have a '94 with a 126,000 miles, which I am at least the third owner. I have had to fix things, some of which went out with normal use, some because of delayed service (Let the wheel bearings get loose enough to damage the ABS brake sensor). But I do alot more "upgrade" modifications than anything else because I enjoy it. I am very biased to my truck. I would not recommend Discoverys to everyone. It depends on what you want for a vehicle. For some people a car will more than suffice.   Scott (Scott_Bowden) Posted on Monday, February 25, 2002 - 07:46 am:    Oh, If you plan to modify your new truck get the least expensive vehicle you can find so you will have more money for upgrades. Altough, don't get a truck that needs alot of regular maintenance or regular repairs. You will end up spending more money and time than you were planning on. Good Luck!   Bob Posted on Monday, February 25, 2002 - 10:15 am:    Hey JRoc, I would like that info on the mechanic in Queens just in case. Thanks. So from everybodys experience with the Discovery what would you say the annual maintenance/service cost would be ??   M. K. Watson (Lrover94) Posted on Monday, February 25, 2002 - 10:28 am:    hey Bob, i just found out where are those older discos are....they are being driven! hehehe   Tad Posted on Monday, February 25, 2002 - 02:36 pm:    Bob, Funny you should ask about annual costs 'cause I just pulled that up on Money last night. We spend $1100 last year. Almost 90% of that was parts since I did most of the labor. A couple of big items bumped the price up (tires and steering pump). BTW that includes oil changes but not petrol. Keep in mind that any one thing can tip that over the top (a tranfer case for example). The year before we spent over $4K but that included a engine and exhaust. Get a Disco, go off roading with a good club just once and you will be hooked. Have Some Fun! Tad   Kingfish (Kingfish) Posted on Monday, February 25, 2002 - 02:55 pm:    I can't just sit here reading this without throwing my 2 cents in. My 95 Discovery has 118k miles, I have put 25k on it in 2 years time. Like mentioned before, most of the malfunctions of this car should be worked out by the first 60 or 70 k miles. Be careful with the 96-98 (or99?) Models. New engine changes had valve problems (has everyone forgotten that?) When those go, they aint cheap! Not to mention, 95 was the last year for OBD I (meaning 2 O2 sensors, not 4 and an easy way to read your check engine light in the highway with no tools). The probs I have had: Replaced (original)rear rotors@ 105k Replaced fuel pump @ 118k Replaced Throttle position Sensor @ 108k Cleaned stepper motor @ 115k And lots of preventive maintenance!! Also let me add that this is my daily driver and I drive it 75 miles round trip, 5 days/week plus some on weekends. I drove this beast cross country once without a glitch. And I get 15mpg, best seen was 17mpg. And the reason there arent many for sale is because they are on the road!   pjkbrit Posted on Monday, February 25, 2002 - 03:11 pm:    My 94 has also been very good....of course a few things have needed replacement...but nothing you wouldn't find on any other car of same age. Mine has the RPI chip and Piper cam and is for sale in the New York area...see the For Sale listings. Would I buy the same again....absolutely...but I would avoid 96-98 model years cos of the valve issue. This was NOT common to 94-95 years and indeed mine is fine at 129K. Pete 94Disco   Mitch Posted on Monday, February 25, 2002 - 03:31 pm:    JRoc, Please post name and address of LR mechanic in Queens, NY Thanks   Bruce Posted on Tuesday, February 26, 2002 - 08:11 pm:    Bob, I agree with leased vehicle comment, stay away as you will probably expereince a higher ratio of poor maintenance. If you buy from an owner, scrutinize the maint records, look for gaps and draw a timeline to ensure it has been properly maintained. Compare what the owner's records shows against what LR suggests for service intervals(a baseline as you will). This will give you a heads-up on normal replacements that have not been addressed. Then make your decision knowing what you are potentially are facing for service within the next 12 months. Also, find a local LR mechanic first before you purchase. He may be able to steer you towards some solid vehicles that owners are looking to unload and he knows the history. Good luck.   brian friend Posted on Tuesday, February 26, 2002 - 11:02 pm:    I disagree witht the lease vehicle theory. An advantage to a lease vehicle is that most owners only lease for the period of the original waranty...meaning the owner is likely to get things fixed rather than letting them get worse. Also, the lease owner is compelled to turn the vehicle in undamaged or pay a return fee. Most leasors will not modify or take there vehicle off road. True..the standard services may not have been done but the typical lease is 3 years 36k miles. That type of truck is just broken in weather the 30k service has been done or not. But I do think you will want to get on the preventative maintinance as soon as possible. By the way...I bought my 97 with 97k miles on it from a dealer it was not leased. Brian Friend 97 se7 colo springs co   Douglas Jones (Ozaukeedoug) Posted on Wednesday, February 27, 2002 - 09:29 am:    I'm just glad to see I'm not the only one with a high-mileage disco. I keep seeing all of these '94s for sale with 50,000 miles! Doug, '95 Disco w/ 168K   Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) Posted on Wednesday, February 27, 2002 - 10:15 am:    I'm not THAT high yet.... '99 Disco SD (last of the D1), 79k.... -L   Daniel Posted on Wednesday, February 27, 2002 - 10:42 am:    I have a 98 with just at 80k, I've put nearly 20k since I bought it last August. No problems since then other than tune up stuff, shocks, brakes. Nothing other than maintanence.   JRoc Posted on Wednesday, February 27, 2002 - 03:11 pm:    '94 with 50,000 makes me sick! Why have such a great ride and not use it??? We should start a club of Disco's that get driven often. The 100K Disco Club, or something like that LOL. Doug, so far you'd be the president. JRoc '95 108k   JRoc Posted on Wednesday, February 27, 2002 - 03:18 pm:    Guys, I tried posting the info on the mechanic in Queens but it didn't post. I don't know if it breaks some sort of DiscoWeb rule or something. I know they don't let you post your e-mail address for some reason. I've tried to do this as well but have had the whole post deleted. Sorry I tried. I've seen other people post there e-mail address so I'm not sure if I'm suppost to join something or what. I'm planning on buying the moab video so maybe they'll let me post after that. I'll try and post the mechanics website and see if that works.   JRoc Posted on Wednesday, February 27, 2002 - 03:21 pm:    Here goes, it's www.landroverqueens.com and the owners name is Ricardo. Tell him John with the White '95 Disco sent ya. And in case it doesn't say, it's located in Astoria Queens minutes from the 59th Street Bridge.   KJ Posted on Wednesday, February 27, 2002 - 04:08 pm:    Amid these macho men (except for Rob, the baby armed girlie-man) landroverqueens has a bad connotation. Ricardo might have done better to buy landroverastoria.com...... Karen ;)   Dee Cantrell (Disco_Dad) Posted on Wednesday, February 27, 2002 - 05:30 pm:    JRoc, I helped a freind last month buy a 1996 fully loaded D1 with 34k on the clock. Loaded with, Dual air, Rear Jump seats, Roof rack, Dual factory Sun Roofs, CD changer. Not a dent or blemish on it all for 13,500 I wanted to scrap PePe and go for it myself, it had never seen any bad weather or a dirt road. I doubt if it was ever driven in the Rain (So Cal Car) Dee   Anonymous Posted on Wednesday, February 27, 2002 - 06:49 pm:    anyone know of a good lr mechanic in philadelphia area? s. turner   Ron Posted on Wednesday, February 27, 2002 - 09:20 pm:    Me! And the best part is I work for lunch. Seriously though, email me and I can point you in the right direction. Ron evilfij(at) yahoo.com   JRoc Posted on Wednesday, February 27, 2002 - 10:20 pm:    Yeah Karen, I'm secure enough in my masculinity to get my Disco serviced at a place called Land Rover Queens, but not everyone is! LOL I didn't even notice the name of his website. Anyway, I'm not trying to start a contest of mechanics but Ricardo is very familiar with these trucks, and he's honest. I prefer to do the work myself but when I'm too busy, or the job is too difficult, I take it to him. I also plan on getting it serviced once a year from him just to keep on top of things. Good Luck All and Keep it Dirty!   Bruce Posted on Wednesday, February 27, 2002 - 11:56 pm:    Leased vehicles taken care of? I belong to a rather large club and when we see newbies come-out for the day, these are usually leased and man oh man, they are rhomped-on! I also was chatting with a LR mechanic, excellent reputation in my area, an he said the majority of his patron's problems in their Discos are the result of purchased off-leased vehicles and the orginal owners let those oil changes go longer than they should have... you know the thought process, it's under warranty and I will get rid of it after lease is done, etc... Most everyone I know who leases vehicles do not take care of the maintenance they way they would IF they actually were intending to have the vehicle past the average 3-year warranty. This is why I will always stay away from leased vehicles.   Eric Posted on Thursday, February 28, 2002 - 07:56 pm:    to lease or not to lease almost the same as renting a car you would say, huh... well all I can say is I have taken more rented cars off road and faster than any car I ever owned untill my rovers of course.. 96disco 84k, 96RR 110k and going strong guess i cant join the 100k club since its a RR