How dependable are the 2003 + Land rover discoveries?

[ajusaf]

Looking into getting a Discovery for my wife. I don't know much about this Rovers. I'm comparing Volvo Xc-90 to the Discovery. I noticed the 2003's are affordable usually under 16k. Please advice me on this certain vehicles such as Tranny and engine dependability.

[ajusaf]

are the 99's better?

[Muddy Oval]

The 99's are not as reliable. The 04 was the pinnacle of the Discovery and seems to be the best as far as reliability. It's kind of hard to compare a truck with one that's 4 or 5 years older and say which is better, but both my 04's have been the most trouble free Rovers I've had.
Don't skimp on the maintenance- just because you can get one used and cheap doesn't mean it stopped being an expensive vehicle. Dealers are expensive, not many shops really know them well enough to do much to them.
A Volvo will probably be slightly more reliable but a lot more boring.

[02disco2]

Personally, I'd go with the Volvo XC-90 as that is a nice setup and leaps and bound more reliable, economical, commuter friendly than the Disco. Now, if you needed something with a towing capacity, excellent off-road manners, and actually NEED a REAL SUV, then the Disco wold be a good choice. Most people here are very pro-Land Rover and will simply say, "buy the Land Rover" without putting much thought into the fact that 99% of these never make it off the tarmack and closest thing they'll come in contact to a Safari is a saturday morning in the Home Depot parking lot. If the latter sounds more like what you are lookng for, then I'd head directly to the Volvo dealer and place an order.

The Discovery is/has:
*Cons
-Poor for fuel economy
-Expensive to maintain and service
-Questionable reliability
-Pathetic rear seating
-Above average road noise
-Horrible turing radius
-pre 2002, underpowered.
*Pros
-Excellent off-road capabilities in stock form
-Above average towing capabilities
-Unique creature comforts
-Superb HVAC system with heated seats (if so equipped)
-Decent handling characteristics
-Above par ergonomics
-Generous payload area

I bought mine for the cargo area, towing capacity, and off-road ability so I can go to my cabin without having to worry about getting stuck in the middle of the winter since there are no plows.

My only other advice is to my an extended warranty package if you have one available.

No flames please guys.

[justmealex]

I bought the Discovery because I'm an unmarried guy with no real responsibilities and wanted something quirky, unusual looking, and fun.

That said, if I was a family guy I'd get something a little bit more reliable and with a better dealer network. In my part of the state there is only one Land Rover dealer who can fix the truck, but tons of Volvo dealers and indie shops who specialize in 1980+ Volvos.

[u2ra_winner]

Forgive me for stating this but 'how does your wife feel?'

Both are fine machines, but very different. If it is going to be your wifes dailey driver there are alot of things to think of.

My wife would choose the Volvo
Myself the Disco


But the disco may cost more and have more challenges. To me its worth it because they go wherever you steer them offroad.

[DevilDisco]

I can't say I've had any real trouble with my Disco. It sees the dealership alot because the Rover sees the road a lot. I change the oil every 3k locally and send it to the dealer for the annotated service intervals. No matter what I do I only get 14 MPG, full or empty. And that normally going 75mph. I like that the tranny doesn't hunt for gears on hills using crusie control, or I have not encountered a hills that has made the tranny hunt.
I got mine because I've wanted one for about 10 years. The '04 seemed to be the last of the best and I couldn't resist. I like the way the vehicle feels in foul weather which is mostly why I'm partial to SUV's. I also have a little one so packing light is a thing of the past. It seems every time we take a trip. I fit the whole house in the back and can normally still pull the cargo cover over the load. The rear cargo area is taller than most so you can fit more stuff and I do but don't make a habbit of it as I have this thing for seeing out the back window.
I haven't driven any other Disco's but It does not dissapoint. It was a big change from the Nissan Pathfinder that I replaced this with. The steering is a little heavier on the Disco and so is the throttle. Your wife may or may not like these if she's used to driving a vehicle with a throttle by wire setup instead of cable and vehicles with generous steering assist. I do find the Disco to be more precise and the vehicle feels a lot lighter at speed, with possibly deceptive agility. When driving hard I've gone down to 13mpg. For me hard is anything past 3k on the tach and 80+ mph, which I don't do often.
The Disco sits higher all the time. My wife is not a fan of being that high up so she prefers driving cars, but feels safer as a passenger in the Disco.
If you are getting a vehicle for your wife make sure it's something she can live with. If she is a little shorter she may want a lower vehicle. If she doen't like driving trucks she may want something that drives more like a car.

[Choqiees]

get the Volvo for wivey...and treat yourself the Disco.

[phantom phan]

go to town and realy treat the wife, buy her a new Freelander 2, that should give the feel safe factor and you get the toys to play with, still not disco standard but more suitable than a volvo.

regards
martin

[Disco Mike]

Originally Posted by ajusaf

are the 99's better?

I have a 99 that has been nearly fault less for 88,000 hard miles and lots of trails.
For every year Disco built, I believe you will have good and bad stories, probably more bad cause that is what people post about the most.
Most D2's have been good and yes they probably have gotten better as the newer one's have been built.
Mike

[georgia_rover]

These trucks are reliable; unfortunately, each is different in how reliable.
On the whole, I'd say the 2003s and 2004s are the best of the bunch.

I own an '03 Disco SE7: bought it new and have had few problems.

One thing that is annoying is that every summer season I have to take it in to have the AC serviced and it seems that each time it is something different that is fouled.

I am about to run out of my original factory warranty and I am planning to put the LR Extended Warranty on it before the window closes.

Other than the AC, this truck has been very solid; but, I do take it to the dealership for all work on the maintenance contract and schedule. That to me is the key to these and other high-end European vehicles: do the maintenance and do it well.

If you get a LR, absolutely get an LR Extended Warranty...do not try to skimp on this; infact, try to get it negotiated into the purchase if you buy from a LR dealership.

These are very unique, capable, and desirable trucks: but they are not cheap to own and maintain and they do have quirks.

No matter what LR truck you decide on have it inspected by a reputable LR mechanic.

Happy Rovering.