Land Rover Discovery

Price Paid:  $7000.00 from Used Dealer Mooresvi

Year / Model Reviewed:
1996 Land Rover Discovery SD

Summary:
Well I must say that I'm hoping I don't go through what some of you have gone through. I've only had it a week but so far am loving it. Kind of ticked at the dealer. Got it home and found that the overflow tank warped (apparently a problem in this breed of Rover). Have a great mechanic that fixed it for $287 although didn't really want to spend that much but you know what? I still love it and knew what I was getting into with it. It's a true 4 wheeler!!! Not a softie. I'm female but I love to 4 wheel and know a tad about the trucks I drive. Yeah it eats gas (what SUV doesn't?) but I've not noticed any wind noise and I've taken some turns pretty quickly in it just to test the "cornering on two wheels" theory and none of the 4 tires ever broke from the pavement. I haven't taken her off road yet but I do look forward to it. I'm swallowing the fact that she will probaly need repairs (costly ones) in her lifetime as she already has 115,000 on her but I'm hoping they come later rather than sooner. So far though, she's tough...as tough as I wanted her to be. She's solid on the road, comfortable to sit in, power works where it's supposed to (motor jammed in sunroof but at least it opens and closes...will fix that later), engine is solid and she doesn't have a mm of slop in her anywhere. She's not perfect with her dings and scratches and the headliner is doing the Bedouin thing but the pins hold it up stylishly...no one notices. But she runs and rides great even on road and I look forward for my visit with my family this weekend to show her off. 6 hour drive each way ought to put the whole shebang into perspective. I'm not forseeing any problems and have my fingers crossed. Although being a Rover, I knew the parts would be expensive and while I don't have a ton of money, I will pay to keep my truck on the road. I've always wanted one and will not be disappointed. Good luck to everyone with your Rovers. I'm sorry some of you have had a rough time but this truck of mine will be the creme-de-la-creme on my vehicle resume.

Strengths:
Almost everything! Great stereo (sucky speakers need to be replaced, no big deal), great ride, great room in cabin, ease of controls, HUGE ENGINE, quiet inside...like being in an airplane cockpit all by yourself.

Weaknesses:
Not a ton of get up and go but she's not supposed to. Weird warped overflow tank. Need to find a keyfob for my alarm. The key works but would be nice to unlock just one door and not all 4 just to keep the alarm from going off. Kind of a chick/safety thing you know?

Similar Products Used:
2005 Toyota Tundra crew cab iForce V8 (I miss her to this day); 1998 Toyota 4Runner (another beauty that I miss); 1992 Toyota 4Runner (off road queen!); 2001 Jeep Wrangler (another toughie); 1996 Jeep Cherokee (eh...just okay); 1994 Ford Ranger (what the heck was I thinking?!?)

Price Paid:  $16000.00 from Ok City

Year / Model Reviewed:
2000 Discovery II

Summary:
As much as I like Land Rovers, I must say that this is probably the most unreliable car I ever seen. If you are going to buy one of this, you might as well buy 2 since one is always at the dealer. I think I have spent over 4K in repairs. Nobody would work on this car ONLY the Stealership.

This cars are very temperamental and required a lot of expensive maintenance. Be ready to pay Big$$ for parts as much as twice than an American made car.

If you are on a budget like me, DO NOT buy this car. It will make your life miserable. I would suggest not to buy for the look although I must I admit that this is the nicest car I had so far.

EXTENDED WARRANTY , EXTENDED WARRANTY , EXTENDED WARRANTY , EXTENDED WARRANTY ...

Strengths:
Great 4x4 if not the best. Unique look. Good Paint. Decent cargo space. You tell people you Drive a Land Rover and they think you are rich :)

Weaknesses:
Oh God! where to start, Extremely poor acceleration. Horrible gas millage. Expensive repairs. Hard to find people to work on it. Normally one Stealership in town. This could keep going!!!

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5, 4.00 votes

Price Paid:  $165000.00 from Constantia Kloof

Year / Model Reviewed:
2000 Landrover Freelander 3 door

Summary:
Price in SA Rands.
Although generally viewed as a sissy 4x4, this is a very capable SUV. Did several trips into Botswana and Mozambique and she did well on sand and in water. Ground clearance a bit low, so did not deflate the tires. Down Sani Pass the decent assist was quite useful.

As a city car, she is quite, comfortable and has enough power to beat the taxis. She has all the nice features of a luxury sedan, yet the power and driving technology of a proper 4x4.

I love it and can recommend it.

Strengths:
Road traction
Comfort
Decent assist

Weaknesses:
Replaced the sound system
Low ground clearance

Similar Products Used:
Isuzu

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
4.00 of 5, 1.00 votes

Price Paid:  $9000.00 from private

Year / Model Reviewed:
1996 Landover Discovery TDi

Summary:
If you want a comfortable car that can get through the sand, mud and salt pans of Botswana while loaded to the roof with camping gear, you can't beat it.

As for all the complaints about mileage, I have the advantage of being able to buy the diesel version, which while slower than a milk cart, can easily get 500 miles out of a tank. It does eventually reach a top speed which would be illegal in any country I have driven bar the German autobahns.

After having driven nearly 20,000 of the 120,000 miles on the clock I can happily say that the relaibility is pretty good. We have never been let down while in the middle of nowhere without a satellite phone and as long as the services are done regularly, it will keep on going.

Strengths:
Almost unbeatable off-road. Strong enough to bounce off the on-road cows. Diesel engine keeps on going and delivers decent mileage. Seats.

Weaknesses:
Annoying squeaks and rattles. Total lack of acceleration. Manky old radio/cassette.

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Price Paid:  $32000.00 from thousand oak

Year / Model Reviewed:
1996 discovery se

Summary:
I have a black 1996 Land rover I am the only driver or the truck for 10 years I love the high ride until my seats callapsed and now i feel like i'm low riding. there have been lots of small things that has stopped working and I have learned to live with all of the big kinks overall I love my truck and am planing to restore it soon

Strengths:
style riding high and lost of head space

Weaknesses:
oil leaks windows got stuck upand seats