1998 Land Rover Discovery Reviews

Where to begin? After all, it's an old Land Rover.

First were the brake discs, then a radiator and intercooler (upgraded it at the time) all within the first 4,000 miles.

I then needed new injectors and a diesel lift pump.

After that I replaced the headlining and the front and rear sunroof seals.

Then at 170,000 miles, new steering box, drop links, front wheel bearings and diesel overflow pipes after they burst on a long journey, leaving diesel all over Ireland!

Had a seemingly endless oil leak from somewhere that I just could not find.

You will never break the land speed record in one of these, and don't overly expect to have too many conversations with your passengers when travelling over 70mph.

HOWEVER! If you have the patience, this will take you wherever you need to go, and I mean wherever! The biggest problem is rust, as the 300TDi engine is bomb proof.

The cabin is huge and airy, and if you are happy at 60-65, you'll get great mileage for a vehicle of its size. It will tow anything.

I live by the sea, and the salt ate the underside of the vehicle beyond economic repair, but for a utility vehicle that looks great next to the "posh" cars, and has kudos and ability off road (which my kids loved!), you won't get better, but you will have permanently scuffed knuckles and ongoing maintenance. Surely that's half the fun though eh?

Leaks: can't tell where the oil is leaking from, it's everywhere. Can't really tell where anything is leaking from, even when clean. The front sun roof leaked for the longest; finally found that leak after having to take the whole top of the ceiling apart.

Overheating: Can't find the problem. Replaced the radiator twice, all hoses. I have to fill the reserve up every day, and I only drive 28 miles to and from work.

Gas guzzler: man does it eat up gas. Again, I only drive to and from work, and I have to fill up at least twice a week.

Repairs: I am a single mother, and had no idea that this thing would cost so much in repairs. It cost more to fix this than it's worth. I can't afford the maintenance on it.

I will never own a Land Rover once I can sell it and get something else. If I can even sell it.

I will buy a Honda.

Love the view, I can easily see out of it. Not much that I can say good about it.

Radiator gone at 100K, head gasket gone at 106K, wheel sensor, coil packs, fan clutch, oil pump at 86K and at 130K, belt tensioner, battery, brakes, windshield leak (can't seal it without removal and replacement of windshield), lock actuators (driver's side, then left passenger side), rust through wheel wells, alternator, power steering pump (leaked like it was shot), brake lights, ignition lock.

This car is like the hot supermodel you know is going to mess you up in the end. You fall in love with it, people tell you it looks and rides good, and your head blows up. Then the pain starts.

When the truck worked, it was like no other vehicle out there. Cut through snow like a hot knife through butter. But you better be using snow tires, because the Michelin 4x4 XPCs that came standard on those trucks are 3 season tires. In snow, those tires are like ice skates.

In five years, there was only a period of about 5 months where there was no problems. The truck was constantly in the shop. I found a local Land Rover specialist who did the work at a fraction of what the dealer would have charged. Also saved money buying used parts off eBay and Internet sources, then having my mechanic put them in. But I still spent thousands of dollars, almost as much as the purchase price of the car. It seems as though the LR philosophy was to replace every part in the car, and then the car would be solid. But after the oil pump failed for a second time, I knew it was time to call it a career.

My wife still doesn't fully know how much was spent in repairs, and I'm not sure I do either. I do have a large envelope full of receipts. It came down to a choice between an unreliable truck, or a marriage. My wife is a good cook, so...