Greetings all,
We are considering a 2019 Discovery SE. One owner, Land Rover dealer certified. Also Land Rover maintained.
Now given that it is out of warranty, we understand the higher maintenance costs, and will likely use an indy shop familiar with this model (I am an ex Disco II owner)
But reading the reviews of this make/model are nightmarish.
What would you look for when purchasing, any signs or signals of problems on the outset? I would think/hope that after almost 5 years that maybe some of the issues may have been addressed

Thoughts? Thanks in advance!!!!

 

I'm going through the same debacle right now looking for a D5 - I think I'm convinced (it'll be my 4th rover, still have my DII and LR3) but the D5 seems like a different animal and LR really attempted to make it more mainstream (which I'm not a huge fan of TBH.)

The main thing I'm curious about (I'm also looking at 2019-20s) is the engine issues. My 4.4 in the LR3 has been exceptional; 205k miles and I'm the only one to ever work on it since I bought it ~12yr ago. I'm fairly positive that engine experience is NOT to be expected with the D5 offerings (especially the diesel apparently, though it's unclear if the crank issues were resolved for the last generation - DEF/emissions issues remain however).

One thing that isn't clear is if the SCV6 coolant crossover pipes (front and rear) have been fixed on the '19-'20 models. I believe it was fixed, as most of the info and TSB stuff is for 17-18, but I haven't actually heard anything definitive. Get an answer on this before you buy (as will I) since this can INSTANTLY destroy your engine if they fail. Doing both requires supercharger removal, which sounds like a huge PITA but probably isn't too bad (I think most shops want ~4hr, but that sounds very optimistic lol.)

Likewise, I BELIEVE the windshield seal/leak issue was fixed after 17-18, but I also feel like I've heard people complaining about it on later models as well. This was a fairly large deal and also a PITA if you've had it happen to you. It also cracks me up as my DII had nightmareish sunroof leaks, same with the LR3 (and the a-pillar leak TSB, plus the windshield seam going into HVAC filter AND the sunroof drain clogging at the outlet behind the pass side engine air intake vent). They STILL HAVE THESE ISSUES with the D5?! I seriously thought they ran these things through infinite environmental test chambers real-world scenarios - how they missed it is beyond me. My RRS was the ONLY rover I've owned that didn't have a water ingress issue.

So those are the primary things I'd look for ^^. The only other thing I'd mention is (if you're in the US/NA market) to NOT get an SE. There were some nifty add-ons with the LR3/4 generation HSE's, but in general they already came well-equipped. The D5 is NOT the same thing - the SE's are equipped substantially different, and I think you're missing out on a lot of useful (mostly tech) features that would really enhance everyday drivability. This is doubly true when you consider that there is hardly any price difference (in the used market) for SE's vs HSE/HSE Lux, etc. I'd at least look at the Landmark Edition models, which were specifically a "bump-up" in options from the SE (many are nearly HSE-spec'd) probably specifically to address this issue in the US/NA market so they're more competitive with the XC-90, Q5, X7, etc. I'd understand if there was a large price gap, but there just isn't from what I've seen.

 

You of course, mostly see issues in online forums (not happy owners) so I would be careful about how you interpret what you read online. I have a 2018 disco V which I've had from new and now pushing 100,000 miles and it's been essentially trouble free. I had the leaky windscreen issue replaced early on. Aside from brakes at over 60k miles (amazing..) it has been basic maintenance only. Still going strong now

I have the 3L V6 SC which has been around in Jag and LR cars for years and seems very reliable. I had a V8 LR4 before this which was also excellent.

So I'm sure there are problem cars but i don't see it any less reliable that other luxury marques. Also expensive to maintain like other luxury karques. It's not a Toyota. Indy garage or some DIY is a help

The diesel engine does seem to have more issues with the particulate filter regen depending on the usage patterns

Shop carefully, do an inspection to look for issues. And find a good Indy for regular servicing. It's a great car. I can say in nearly 6 years it has never let us down, never failed to start, never stranded us. And is an excellent driving experience

Just my experience - but ask around to see what others feel.

 

My 2 cents;

• I'd be more willing to buy a base model without warranty, depending on a competent indy shop. Simpler setup, fewer things to go wrong.
• I'd want an extended warranty on the higher trims, because of the electrical gremlins I've come across on a 2020 D5.

If you're comfortable, share the link of the listing here. I sought feedback here before my purchase and folks were genuinely helpful.
All the best OP

 

I have owned a Disco 1 and 2 and an older Range Rover. I decided to join the Discovery family again a week ago. I went to my local dealership to look at a very slightly used 2021, but when I arrived, the sales girl I had speaking with told me she did not want to sell me the vehicle as it was full of rain due to a leaking sunroof - and I believe windows as well. We happened to have a huge rain storm come in our area that morning. She said this has been an issue with some 2020 and 2021 year models. I appreciated her honesty. We started looking to see what used Discos she could get in for me to look at. I ended up getting a new one they had on the lot and am very pleased with it. There have been a lot of changes since my older Discovery's. Love reading all the info and advice on this site.

 

I can confirm that the windshield leak HAS NOT been fixed. I recently purchased a 2020. The windshield leaked when the dealer brought it to the car wash. He paid to get it repaired and it didn't leak after I took it to a car wash and drove through several severe rain storms. The windshield repair place said it would cost $1600 - $2000 to replace the windshield with OEM glass.

This is something I wouldn't expect on any vehicle other than maybe a Lada/Yugo. The fact that LR is either unwilling or unable to fix this is more concerning than the leak itself.

 

Glad to hear there are such experiences. There are quite a few of them on the road where I live. But I can't overlook the year after year poor reliability ratings these vehicles receive, well below other luxury brands (which also don't do so well in that department). Maybe their owners are just more picky. And deservedly so, I think.

As a current and former owner of a Mercedes SUV and Audi S5, it gets a bit tiring to be told water damaged SAMs (MB) and transmission failures around 100k (Audi) are "normal." By contrast, a leaky windshield isn't such a catastrophe. Just irritatingly unnecessary.