1996 Land Rover Discovery TDi review from Mali
"Desert prince"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Shock absorbers replaced every 20000 kilometers due to very bad "roads". As a matter of fact, I'm constantly off-roading.
Battery has to be replaced about every 18 months for the same reasons as the shock absorbers.
Ball bearing of air conditioning compressor belt roller was replaced at 25000 km.
General comments?
Not too quick, but I don't care. Quicker than a Nissan Terrano though..., and economic.
Extremely comfortable, but somewhat jumpy. The new generation should be better (longer wheel base)? I love sitting so high, surrounded by glass.
Dust seal on rear door should be reviewed.
Without a snorkel, water gets in the air cleaner rather easily. Have to watch out during the rainy season!
Extremely capable off-roader. I will never forget that outrageous scene in Timbuctoo (!) where a colleague of mine drove through sand - on the standard issue tyres- where Land Cruisers (with professional drivers behind the wheel) got stuck.
Even in the desert heat, I got no "dashboard wrinkle".
Recommended reviews
| Big, heavy, guzzles gas, love it |
|
| Excellent. Maybe I was lucky but it has been exceptionally reliable |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1996 |
| First year of ownership | 1996 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5 turbo diesel Manual |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 0 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 78000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Chevrolet Monte Carlo |
| Date of Entry | 27th June, 2002 |