Land Rover Discovery (89-98) - Review

Review by Parkers on
Last Updated: 03 September 2008
Halfway between a real working vehicle and a super-posh Range Rover, the Discovery should be the ideal 4x4 for everyone - all the mucky cred, none of the noise. And it almost succeeds. Sales have been good, but the early Discos were let down by poor build and niggling faults. Most should have been fixed by now which actually makes an early model quite an attractive used buy.
3 out of 5

Other Land Rover reviews

2 out of 5

Safety

Some models have no airbags, some have one and others have two. The structure is obviously strong and ABS was standard or optional on most models. Most models had alarm and immobiliser security was uprated from 1995.

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2.5 out of 5

Reliability

Early model was known to be niggly and if servicing isn't maintained it is capable of continuing this tradition. However, Discos serve many people many years as dependable workhorses.

Car check problem points

Body

Damage from off-road use, rust on older vehicles, poor panel fit, leaky alpine roof.

Engine/Gearbox

Worn-out or neglected gearboxes, smoky-engined TDi, oil and water leaks.

Other

Steering and suspension problems, heavy clutch, damaged interior trim.