• Summary

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What does this car say about you?

    It is usually muddy and pulling a trailer, so it will say I'm using my vehicle for what it was built for and not as a "Chelsea tractor".

    What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

    Friends and family like the vehicle as we have been brought up using Land Rover products.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    Yes, although I don't think I would upgrade to the current version of the Discovery second-hand in the future as I think it has leap-frogged way into Range Rover territory. I don't think they are a practical work-horse any more.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Probably I would shop round for a good example of this pre-98 range Discovery.

  • Buying experience

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Didn't buy from a dealer

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £3,800

    When did you buy the car?

    January 2002

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    I knew the owner and had previously used the vehicle myself. It had been well looked after.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    I've owned Land Rovers before and wanted the extra room and comfort of the Discovery over the Defender.

    What was the dealer like?

  • Driving it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What's it like to drive?

    Setting off with a trailer I find first gear (high range) a little too tall, demanding a lot of clutch-slip. It is comfortable and has a good view of the road. The clutch is quite heavy.

    What's it like to park?

    Obviously not a small vehicle, so not the easiest or best to judge it's size. Steering lock limits manoeuvrability in tight spaces, lots of arm flailing!

  • Living with it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    The chassis rusted through at the rear and needed plating. The synchromesh on third gear was none existent, but could still be used if you used a technique. The Land Rover alarm went faulty.

    What's most practical about your car?

    I find it very comfortable to drive. It is legal to pull three tons. Excellent off-road.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Low range gearbox for off-road towing. Individual ventilation controls. Electric windows.