| Author | Message | ||
| Thomas (March131987)
New member Username: March131987 Post Number: 1 Registered: 1-2003 |
There ok, but there pretty ugly. Unless your getting it for off roading, I would stick away from them | ||
| David C. (Worth_it)
Junior Member Username: Worth_it Post Number: 55 Registered: 10-2002 |
Just my .02 - Since off road is not in your plans I would stay away from this. I recently helped a friend who wanted a Disc II for his family runner. After talking to everyone we ran the other way. I even had a dealer who I have bought a lot of cars from tell me to NOT touch any model with more than 60,000 miles - they just fall apart. ( Follows the warranty theory mentioned earlier ) He even had 2 on his lot and said this. If buying used, my recommendation for best buy is a 1999 or 2000 Mercedes ML ( 320 or 430 )- with about 40-50,000 miles - The 98 models were the problem, after that reports have been good. Yes, I have one. Wife, kids dogs, all fit no problem. far more practical than the X-5. Also , you can buy them for $25-30K. If looking at new - Sooooo Many choices now. | ||
| Bob Harris (Autobob)
New member Username: Autobob Post Number: 3 Registered: 1-2003 |
I service several Range Rovers of the 4.6 HSE type. As said they are fantastic off road vehicle but they were not designed for interstate travel. They tend to cup tires quickly if used for highway. They have some different specific requirements for service, so buy a factory shop manual if you get one. The air suspension is cool but can be problematic. Some trim parts and switches will break or distort. As a truck I like them. As a fun reliable SUV I would pass. | ||
| Howie/ExoticAutoBrokers.com (Brokerofexotics)
Member Username: Brokerofexotics Post Number: 334 Registered: 11-2001 |
Thank you again for all your comments. I suppose I will stay away from the Discovery. However, I am wondering if the same negativity holds true for the Range Rover with regard to ride comfort, general quality and reliability? | ||
| 89TCab (Jmg)
Member Username: Jmg Post Number: 345 Registered: 9-2001 |
Depends on what you really want out of it. A true truck-like offroader/SUV. My wife used to live for that kind of thing but after a year in a Vanden Plas, she would never go back to it. (But we have kept a truck for trips to Costco or anywhere else that would require lots of space. If you are not going to use it for it's offroad prowess, then I would pass it over. Rough ride, poor build quality, small rear seats, poor handling. | ||
| DMC (Machinnes)
New member Username: Machinnes Post Number: 29 Registered: 10-2002 |
I own a Range Rover now and love the car, I made sure it had a Warr. and no Lucas. I did own a 96 Disco for one year, hated it. I do know people that own newer ones and have much better luck then I did with them. My major reason for buying another Rover is the fact that not much out there compares to it for off road conditions and the Range Rover had better quality. The body will hold up in Fla. but needing 4X4 ? | ||
| Adam Goldman '86 TR (Icnsltmfg)
Member Username: Icnsltmfg Post Number: 518 Registered: 8-2001 |
When they run, they run great, the problem is that they do break, and sometimes it is little stupid things. One is the window regulators which they spot weld alum onto steel and the arm falls apart, had to fix it myself with screws. | ||
| Howie/ExoticAutoBrokers.com (Brokerofexotics)
Member Username: Brokerofexotics Post Number: 332 Registered: 11-2001 |
Thank you, Gentlemen. Just to clarify, my intention is not to use the Discovery off-road, or in the snow. It hasn't snowed in Miami Beach in quite a few years. Adam, forgetting about quality and power, how did the Discos treat you with regard to reliability? Thank you all..I really appreciate the comments. Howie | ||
| Adam Goldman '86 TR (Icnsltmfg)
Member Username: Icnsltmfg Post Number: 517 Registered: 8-2001 |
I have had 4 over the years, 2 Disco's and 2 Disco Series 2's. I love the look, like the drive, hate the power, hate the quality, love the off road and snow ability. I have driven a ML430 for the past 2.5 years and love it. As close to a sports car as a SUV can get. The only thing is a 5K tow capacity. Now that the Disco has the 4.6 engine it is much better and the quality is better, but it is due for a change in the next year or so. I am thinking of poss getting another one in July when my lease is over because the ML and the X5 are due for a replacement next year. I always seam to come off lease a year prior to a body change. | ||
| Jim E (Jimpo1)
Intermediate Member Username: Jimpo1 Post Number: 1136 Registered: 7-2001 |
I was ready to buy one in '96 then Car and Driver came out with the results of their long term test. They said it had the worst reliability of any car they'd ever had. I bought a Tahoe instead. It was trouble free. | ||
| Joseph (Mojo)
Junior Member Username: Mojo Post Number: 225 Registered: 9-2002 |
I though about the range rover but I heard about all the problems and high repair cost, so I bought a lexus lx450 same as a landcruiser, toyota reliability and good looks. Less expensive overall  | ||
| Jon P. Kofod (95f355c)
Member Username: 95f355c Post Number: 331 Registered: 8-2001 |
Howie, I bought a new one SE7 in 1996 and owned it for about 3 years. If you need offroad capability or travel in bad weather then the Discovery wins hands down. I went off roading with my brother in law in 3 1/2 feet of snow. His Jeep Wrangler with big knobby off road tires and elevated suspsnion got stuck in less than a mile into ouyr trip and I had to tow him out backwards in 3 1/2 feet of snow. He had laughed early on that my luxo barge would never be able to keep up. As a daily driver it's a very roug ride compared to other SUV's. In terms of build quality it's downright miserable with gasps in the door panel almost double the size on one side vs the other. Interior parts were always falling off. If you want ulitmate off road capability then the LR is good. As a family hauler and everyday commuter it's about 20 years outdated. Regards, Jon P. Kofod 1995 F355 Challenge #23 | ||
| Jeff (Jeff_m)
Junior Member Username: Jeff_m Post Number: 53 Registered: 9-2002 |
I had a 97 XD (the yellow safari looking special edition) and loved it. I never had a problem with it at all. If I bought a used one now I would get the discovery 2. I believe it started around 2000. | ||
| Howie/ExoticAutoBrokers.com (Brokerofexotics)
Member Username: Brokerofexotics Post Number: 327 Registered: 11-2001 |
Thank you, gentlemen! (happy NY to you Stu!) What I have read here confirms what I have read elsewhere on the Net about the Discoveries. I thought as a second car, a circa 1996 model would serve me well for errands around town (You know, those runs to Costco take up a lot of trunk space). They are very cheap; even ones with a full service history. Any other experiences? I would love to hear (read) them. Thanks again! Howie | ||
| Fred (I Luv 4REs) (Iluv4res)
Member Username: Iluv4res Post Number: 296 Registered: 8-2002 |
In my opinion, you can't compare a BMW X5 to a Land Rover. They are very different trucks. The Land Rover is a very capable off-road truck as opposed to the 'soccer mom' on-road type trucks (Lexus RX, BMW X-5, Mercedes ML, Porsche Cayanne, etc...) Because of the off-road abilities, the trade-off is a harsher ride and less 'car-like' while on-road. The Land Rover has a simmilar mistique as F-cars. The owners put up with a lot of s**t, but still love the cars. I agree with the warranty issue. They are a bit more tempermental than a Toyota. However, I would want a warranty with any of the above mentioned trucks. They tend to depreciate fast, so a 1 year old, still under warranty, original paint truck is the way to go. | ||
| Pistons of fury (Massimo)
New member Username: Massimo Post Number: 16 Registered: 11-2002 |
I have ridden in a 94 discovery and the ride was very rough. Drove in an X5 and found it to be a much better suv. I don't know anything about operating cost. good luck | ||
| Greg Rodgers (Joechristmas)
Member Username: Joechristmas Post Number: 586 Registered: 3-2001 |
My brother has one and I am not a huge fan of it. I work on it quite a bit. A common problem is leaky injectors and then they have hot start issues. Changing rear brake rotors is no simple task. Tyey tend to have gear whine which is obnoxious IMO. In 6 months he has had his there have been quite a few issues. (starter, hot start issue, etc.) I don't think they are very reliable either. I agree with Stu. Get one with a warranty if you must have one or if you work on cars frequently and don't mind then it would be ok. HTHs. | ||
| stu cordova (Balataboy)
Member Username: Balataboy Post Number: 353 Registered: 4-2001 |
Hey Howie (happy new year to you!) I've owned 'em and my advice to those who ask me about buying a Discovery is to either 1) only buy a new one that has full factory warranty, or 2) buy a used one with factory warranty remaining or with an extended warranty!! They are VERY expensive to repair and repairs do happen frequently! Plus, IMO, they ride very rough and stiff. I do know people who swear by them and think they're the greatest car in the world, so go figure. However, I think there are so many other SUV's to choose from that would be a much smarter buy. I currently own a BMW X5 and I feels it's a fantastic car with much less drama than the Rover. Good luck! -Stu | ||
| Howie/ExoticAutoBrokers.com (Brokerofexotics)
Member Username: Brokerofexotics Post Number: 325 Registered: 11-2001 |
I am wondering if any F-Chatters own or have owned a Land Rover Discovery. I am curious as to the dependability of the car as well as comfort, maint. costs, etc. Do you recommend this SUV or stay away? Thanks! |