1994 Land Rover Discovery V8i automatic review from UK and Ireland

Starter motor failed and battery charge regulator failed twice during cold snaps, one resulting in being stranded (Xmas 97) - second failure was identical to first and only a week after the local authorised dealer had fixed it (for a hefty price).

Persistent fault with engine management system resulting in stalling at low revs and on one occasion engine cut out completely at 70mph in fast lane of M40, with child on board. And the rain gutter trims fall off at 70mph on all models, it appears. Otherwise fine.

Good chunky car you can take anywhere. Sadly, as this is the second one I've owned, Land Rover have had problems with "Friday cars" and this is one example - my first Discovery (a V8i manual) I had for three years without a hitch.

Notoriously thirsty, and at £55 per petrol stop it all adds up, but this is compensated for by brisk pace. A two-ton GTi around town, if that's what you want, or just a good family bus you can drive across fields on the way to point-to-pointing or down to the beach, if you prefer. Just a pity that quality control has been patchy. Not sure whether I'd get another one of these, but I still have great confidence in Land Rover as a marque.