Land Rover Discovery (98-04) - Review

Review by Parkers on
Discovery's got two sorts of reputations, and both are deserved. The first is for being a go-anywhere, do-anything 4x4, happy to tackle snow, mud and desert. The other's not so marketing-friendly; patchy build quality, poor reliability and all-over rust. But the model from 1998 (with major revisions again in May 2002) was a big improvement, with better electronics, more powerful engines and improved safety.
3 out of 5

Safety

Discovery has never been Euro NCAP crash tested. Although it has ABS (with electronic brakeforce distribution on later models) and twin airbags, it's an old design. The smaller (and more modern) Freelander is a three-star car - Discovery isn't expected to be any better. Security is better with both perimetric and volumetric alarm systems and remote central locking. It's a steal-to-order favourite, so some owners may even have fitted a tracking system.

NCAP Test

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Provides motoring consumers with a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe.

Visit Euro NCAP for more info

2.5 out of 5

Reliability

Previously noted for niggling faults it now enjoys better reliability thanks to advanced electronics but there are still reports of minor problems.

Car check problem points

Body

Damage from off-road use.

Engine/Gearbox

Okay so far.

Other

Check for damaged or poor quality trim.

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