My parents are interested in buying a mid 90s Discovery. Im trying to figure out if were going to love it or hate it before making this purchase. My parents go camping a few times a year and would benefit from the off road capabilities but like most utility vehicles on the road today, it would be used in the city for the most part. Please be honest when answering these few questions:

- What should we look for when buying one of these vehicles?
- How reliable are they? How expensive/cheap is maintenance?
- How's the gas mileage?
- Can these handle towing an open car trailer loaded with a ~3,000 lb. car?
- Hows the ride quality when driven around the city?
- Are there other websites I can look at for answers to newbie questions like mine?

Thanks in advance.

 

Wan, have you parents owned a Rover before? Please warn them to expect big repair bills if the vehicle has not been maintained properly. It would be best to go for a late 90s disco or disco 2. It may be cheaper to buy a 95 but make sure your checkbook can handle it. Thanks- Rusty Owens-HR Motorcars-Rover specialists

 

As an owner of a '95 (and well kept at that) the pre-Discovery II's are a bit more prone to problems than others. And the fixes aren't cheap from the dealers. I have taken care of my car, but am still subject to the many quirks that the older Disco's have.


As far as specifics:

1. Check the normal items (brakes, frame, differentials, engine for leaks, wheels, etc... ) Look for service records, same as any other vehicle. Look to see that the 30,000 mile and 60,000 mile service were performed. In addition, look for whether the oil seals on the head and sump have been replaced recently. Look for oil seepage on the engine block. This, along with the records, will be a good indication of whether it is one of the Disco's that leaks a little, or a lot. A little bit of seepage is "normal". It pains me to say that. If you go with a Disco II look closely at the radiators, as there were some with real leakage problems.

2. The ones without the severe leakage problems are pretty reliable. However, maintenance is not cheap.

3. Gas mileage will likely be between 12-17, depending upon how you drive. I am on the Edens in Chicago every day (AVG Speed 75 MPH+ or dead stop) and I get around 13.5 mpg. When I go up North to play at a more sedate pace, I am closer to 15 mpg.

4. The Disco can handle 3000 lb car plus trailer. In theory, they can go to 5000 lbs. or more. I think the manual says 7000lbs? I would stick to the lower end. If the Disco you are buying has been used much for towing, look especially at the transmission and differential service records and condition. Best way to tell if the vehicle has been used for towing is to look in the receiver for scoring marks from a hitch. Most people are not using these vehicles to tow.

5. The ride quality and noise on the older Disco's is distinctly truck like: loud and bumpy. The new ones are really nice and more car-like. Without giving up any of the off road abilities.

Hope this helps a bit.

 

This will be the very first Rover we've ever owned. My parents have been interested in one for a few months already but one of my uncles (tow truck driver & general mechanic) said they werent very reliable. He didnt give any specifics as to what makes them so bad or give us any specific models or years to be wary of. Thats why I'm here to try and get a better idea of what to look out for because my parents are still thinking of getting one.

I think my parent's budget was under 10k if I recall correctly and I do know they wanted an SE7. Would a 1997-1998 be a better choice? Most of the 1999 I've seen are 10k+ and I dont think they want to spend more than that on the initial purchase.

I've heard stuff about bad neutral safety switches and oil leaks like anonimaus mentioned. Were these problems more commonly found on pre '95 Discos?

Thanks for the replies.

 

Hi Wan,

Discos are great! I saw that your parents are interested in a 7 passenger. We have a 1995 Disco and the jump seats pull down from the side. I really like this because I only have two children...but once in awhile I need to give a few of their friends a ride. I do believe that the jump seats (facing forward) in the newer models are probably much safer esp. if your parents actually plan to use the jump seats often. Another point to keep in mind is that there isn't much cargo room left if the jump seats are being used. I have driven a mini van for years and I'm still not used to having less cargo space...even when I'm not using the jump seats.

I get around 14-17 miles per gallon...all depending on the situation. I found a great deal on our Disco about a month and a half ago...and she seemed to be in great shape. However, she has been in the shop a few times already...and it is a little more pricey to have it fixed than a mini van. Make sure they have the truck inspected at a LR shop....I think it runs around $100 dollars...just to be on the safe side. Also, keep in mind that it tends to take longer to get parts and have the car serviced. All this aside, we love our truck! Just remember if the truck has been taken care of...it can last so much longer than the GMs, Chevy's, Fords etc. I read somewhere (but not sure if its true) that 2/3rd's of the Land Rovers ever made are still on the road today.

And just a note...while registering our car...the woman at the Deparment of Motor Vehichles commented that from what she has heard over the years...Land Rovers are one of the best cars ever made. She planned to buy one in the near future herself.

Honestly...I think the pros outweigh the cons. However, as a parent myself...I thought your parents might find some of this info useful.
GOOD LUCK!

 

Thanks for the info. The jump seats wont be used very often. My parents are still not decided if they want to get a Discovery, Range Rover or Grand Cheeroke. The Discovery is at the top of their list at the moment. I told them to ask for all service records when they start looking for one. Should I tell them to focus more on 97-98 Discos? How well does the new suspension setup on these work? I'd like them to start out with the best platform in their price range ($10K) to avoid the most unexpected repairs.

 

Hi, I have a high miles 96 disco. If this is your first rover be prepared to drop about 1/4 of your purchase price into it the first year and steadily more after that. For me they are worth the price as I have to drive on back roads in winter. Nothing else can compete. I would recommend another vehicle if you drive many miles on the highway, or if you plan on parking it for several days without use. Good luck!

 

Wan,
I would focus on the later years if possible. As I understand it...the drive doesnt feel so much like a truck. I too was debating on a Discovery vs Grand Cherokee. My father has driven Jeeps for years....and I have loved them. Between the way the car is laid out and the additional jumpseats... I personally think the Discovery was much better suited for me...esp with children. My dad is an engineer who loves to deeply research everything... he is now swaying toward the Disco as well.

GOOD LUCK!

 

Good post. I'll have to agree that nothing ( even A Hummer ) can come close to the LR's off road capabilities. I'll also agree with the rest of the post. Upkeep in the States is pricey.

Just like any manufacturer, the last few years of production of A particular model tend to have the best quality. LR is no different. They just tend to get cast aside because of the new model.

 

Thanks for keeping this thread alive guys. My parents would most likely use this as a daily driver. I dont think theyre concerned too much with gas mileage since they just got rid of their daily driven van which literally got worse gas mileage than my third gen. RX-7. Im sure the disco will get better gas mileage which they'll love. I've been relaying all the info you guys have given me to them and theyre still undecided. My mom loves the way the Discovery looks and both my parents like the off road capabilities of it. The reliability issue is keeping them from purchasing one but they havent turned their back on the Disco just yet.

If anyone has more info to add, please do so. The more info I get, the better