Currently I have a 93' Ford Explorer with over 180,000 miles. So far this vehicle has served its purpose. No major reliability issues.

I am very interested in purchasing a Land Rover within the next couple of months, mainly a Discovery Series II, around a 2002 or so. The off-road performance is undeniable. But when I question reliability things seem to get alittle foggy. I am planning a Canadian backcountry trip in a year or two, and thats the last place I need to be left broke down.

As Land Rover owners, who better to ask.

The vehicle will be my primary commuter, that means about a 60 mile round trip to work every day. I also do some light off-roading, mainly forest service roads, logging roads, mountain passes etc. No mud, but alot of pot holes, rocks, the occasional downed tree, snow, ice, and whatever else the road throws at me.

Right now the Land Rover Discovery, is up against a Nissan X-Terra or a Ford Ranger.

How do you guys feel the Discovery stacks up when it comes to reliability?

 

Hi there, if you owned an Exploder and escaped the transmission issues they had, you must have serviced it regular. Reliabilty of the Land Rover Products with the service and maintenance must be done, and that does cost a little more than American vehicles it will last you a good long time. Like any mechanical vehicle you could have issues. Putting a Discovery up against an X-Terra or a Ranger? Doesn't even compare for the off road capabilities of the Land Rover. As for the X-Terra, I have a friend that has one and his has spent more time in the shop than my Disco, and you can get a bad apple in every bunch. For the Disco just follow the recommended service from the owner manual, don't let the vehilce over heat, and watch your fluids, and read through this forum for the tips and tricks and you will enjoy your Disco a lot. You won't get the fuel mileage of the Ranger or the X-Terra but I like the ability to go where they can't. This is a full time 4 Wheel Drive Vehicle. Bottom line is you have to make your choice.

 

For you the LR seems to be the better choice. I think you'll like it and if nothing else, since you seem to be a Ford guy, Ford owns Land Rover but maybe not for much longer.

-James

 

Buying now would be a wise choice in vue of a trip in a year or two. This way you get to go around the vehicle and learn to know it before taking it on a long trip. Just be ready to spend a few grands in the first year to bring it back to normal, and if you accept that fact and search this site well, you can be a very happy Rover owner. My wife had an Xterra from new 2001 to 2006, and the Rover is in another class of vehicle completely. It's bigger inside and outside, has way more sophisticated equipment and the class factor if it has any importance to you ( it did to me)....Is next to none.

Search it well and good luck.

 

What do you mean by getting it back to normal?


As far as regular maintenance goes....I am accustomed to taking it in every 3,000 for an oil change, once every six months for a check up and to have done what ever needs to be done.

 

Deferred maintenance on Land Rovers is common practice when a person knows they're going to get rid of it in a year or two because the cost of maintenance is comparatively high. That means thatmany of the used Discoverys on the market have reached the point where significant care is needed, such as new head gaskets, new U-joints on the front driveshaft, or various leaks.

So the moral of the story is tofigure that possibility into your calculations on whether or not a Discovery is a good choice for your needs and financial situation. Chances are one or more fairly costly items will have to be addressed in the first few months of ownership, either to correct a fault or as a precaution against breakdown.

Cheers,
Dave

 

As far as off roading goes the disco is your best choice. Everyone has said everything right so far. You can expect to drop about $1000 on first time service. But you will be glad you did in the land run. After that just keep up with everything. I had one problem with mine since I bought it and since then I have maintained everything and the disco has been flawless.

On another note. If you are looking at Discovery II's I would look into an 04 model. But they are more expensive but quite a bit. At the same time they are condisered the best year of the disco II. But if thats not an option 00'-02' is also a great truck. Hey, even the Discovery I's are great and you can throw they around a bit more. Disco's are great all around, they are in a class of their own and I would look hard into getting one for the trip you are planning. Good luck and keep us posted on your plans, if you have any more questions someone here seems to always know the answer!

 

A couple of things to consider...'03's have oil pump problems. LR's use a high compression engine so premium gas is required. If you are out in the middle of nowhere and all you can get is regular that is fine, but as far a daily driver goes...use premium. It is only a couple of bucks more per tank, but you will save money in the long run.
I think most Disco's are lease vehicles and most people neglect them because they are not going to keep it.
BMW had a problem with this, $200 for a oil change so people said screw you and went to Jiffy Lube and 60k later the engine was burning oil, so now they include oil changes while it is under warranty.
Point being, it is a $40,000+ truck that will last forever and take you anywhere if you take care of it. No Ford or Nissan can compare. Take your time and find the right one, you will not be dissapointed.

 

Rugged vehicles, but coupla otherthings:

1) Conversation piece: EVERYONE, and I mean EVERYONE want's to know more when they find out you're driving a Land Rover. It's kinda cool. Great way to start conversations.

2) Power: Might ask others what kind of power the DII's have. Around here in the midwest power is fine, but my D1 was really doggy in the mountains. I was passed by just about everything on the road including rice burners of all types and pickups pulling trailers and campers up hill.

3) Gas Mileage: My 98 D1 getspoor economy -around 15 average city/country. That's on premium gas! I have a 93 Deville with a V8 that I can easily squeal the tires, has 230k mi, and still gets 25mpg. I have a F/S Chevy 4x4 w/350 that also gets better gas mileage on regular gas. I don't know what it is about these Land Rovers, but you'd think they would get better fuel economy or at least have more power. Fuel economy isn't everything, but it's just something to factor into your decision with your commute.

4) Parts Availability: You can get parts online, and if you have a dealer nearby, parts aren't too overly priced (at least not at my dealer). Sheet metal parts are really high. But even our local Land Rover dealer rarely ever has any parts in stock for a D1. Now, that might be different for DII's. Others on this board may be able to discuss in greater detail. Some parts that ARE available from a regular parts store have been a lot cheaper than I would have thought. If you get a Land Rover, you'll want to get to know your dealer pretty well. Get set up to buy parts at Jobber rate.

5) Comfort: Driving my D1 back from San Francisco (3600 mi), it was extremely comfortable. Much moreso than our Grand Cherokee. Wife and I found the seats to be exceptionally comfortable. Ya really sit up high compared to most SUV's. But one really annoying thing (that might not be a factor on DII's) is the windshield is about 2" too short (always looking through the shaded area and stretching my neck to see). This was extremely annoying around the mountains and while driving off-road. But again, might have been corrected on the DIIs).

good luck.

 

I normally wouldn't do this but check out:

www.dfwautohaus.com they have about 16 land rovers, about half are 03-04 discos, and they are nicely priced. I've seen some in person and it's right down the street from the Land Rover dealership in Fort Worth, like a block away.

Check them out, maybe even give them a call.

I'm planning on getting one of theirs in 6-9 months unless I buy a brand new Rover. Depends on my finances