1998 Land Rover Discovery LSE 4.0 Litre V8 from North America

Summary:

Rough, tough and unique

Faults:

Oil pressure low, so pump replaced with a used unit, tie rods ends, new front brake pads, driver door lock actuator and driver side seat adjustment switch.

General Comments:

Land Rover gets a bad rap for their reliability, however my '98 Disco has performed exceptional.

The LSE model has leather heated seats (driver and passenger) dual power sunroofs, multi cd changer under the passenger seat, dual climate control, dual sunroofs, power windows, power mirrors, a funky antenna built into the real side windows in the cargo area, two rear fold down seats in the cargo area, plus a bunch of other nice goodies.

4.0 V8 is rated at 182HP, but could use about another 30-40HP to help acceleration. Once it gets going, it's smooth and comfortable. The driving postion is better than any other mid sized SUV out there.

Off road capabilities are second to none. The perfect combination of ruggedness and comfort. LR ran Michelin 4x4 XPC's on these trucks. Those tires never seem to wear out.

The key to the longevity of the vehicle seems to be with scheduled service. Find a LR mechanic outside of a dealer, or someone who who is familiar with Land Rovers. These trucks do have quirks. They require maintenance. If you like Honda or Toyota products, don't buy these. If you have driven older American cars in the past, the quirks won't bother you. If you don't perform regular service on these vehicles, you will be sorry. But if you do, you will have a ball running around in these trucks.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th September, 2005

1998 Land Rover Discovery LSE 4.0 Liter petrol from North America

Summary:

The best 4x4 by far

Faults:

Oil pump replaced, tie rods, new brakes, and door lock actuator.

General Comments:

Although Land Rover is not known for it's reliability, my '98 Disco has performed quite well.

Truck has leather heated seats (driver and passenger) dual power sunroofs, and power everything else.

4.0 V8 is rated at 182HP, but could use about another 30-40HP to help acceleration. At highway speeds, it's smooth and comfortable.

Off road capabilities are second to none. The perfect combination of ruggedness and comfort.

The key to the longevity of the vehicle seems to be with scheduled service. If you don't perform regular service on these vehicles, you will be sorry.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th July, 2005

1998 Land Rover Discovery SD 4.0L V8i from North America

Summary:

Great Utility with Great Style!!!

Faults:

- crack in right exhaust manifold.

- head gasket leak.

- cruise works intermittently.

- lifter seals.

- possible water pump problem.

General Comments:

I've had this Disco (Series I) for a while now and have been very happy with it despite the things I listed above which to be honest, haven't been that big of a deal. The truck has never left me stranded and when I needed work done, my dealer has been more than exceptional.

You can't beat the style. It is one of the most unique and classy looking trucks on the road. There's nothing like driving in a Land Rover. You definitely get attention, but beyond that, the truck is very good at what it was meant for. If you want car-like qualities, soft ride, etc, then look for a car or the newer "soft-utes" otherwise for utility, off-road prowess, and toughness, the Disco is hard to beat. If you want reliability like the Japanese alternatives, then maybe consider them, but if you own a Land Rover, it does require a bit of TLC, but when you need her the most, she'll shine for you.

It does cost more to own and operate, but that is something that comes with the territory. If you take care of it, it will take care of you. If you are reasonably mechanically inclined, this vehicle is a joy to tinker with and own.

All in all, I'd have to say I've been quite happy with my Discovery.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th June, 2004

15th Jul 2005, 11:27

Well said. People who don't own one don't understand. My wife is still not happy with the cost of service, but she loves the seat position and the comfort of the vehicle. It's true what they say "You have to pay to play"

24th Oct 2007, 16:35

I don't know what it is about Land Rovers, but I have always been infatuated with them (going back to the Series). I bought my first one new in late 1998. It was a '99 model Discovery I, and possibly the last of the truly best trail rigs out of the box. It's true what everyone says about the costs, maintenance, and sometimes frustration. We put 100K miles on it and it still started easily, and ran smooth and strong... until the day my wife was T-boned at the right rear axle in an intersection. The impact spun her around, flipped her several times, and she slid on the roof before it stopped. She walked away with a broken collar bone. The vehicle saved her. I'm now on my third Rover and likely buy more; some for daily drivers and some for fun.