1998 Land Rover Discovery SD from North America - Comments

- crack in right exhaust manifold.

- head gasket leak.

- cruise works intermittently.

- lifter seals.

- possible water pump problem.

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.

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"

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.

Yes, the stigma. I own a 2003 Disco and will be buying a 99 Disco 1 to add the the fleet tomorrow. I have not had any problems with our 2003.

My buddy has a 91 Range Rover with 288k and NO PROBLEMS. He has a 92 Range Rover LWB and a 98 D1 also.

I've owned a lot of Jeeps and will never own another one. These things are built for off road more so than Jeeps. Our Rovers are flat underneath unlike Jeeps with the tcase, fuel tank and other things hanging down. Our low range is lower, we have fixed yokes rather than slip yokes so we do not lose our fluid if a u-joint does break, which is rare being so over built. Our diffs are both in line and off center, unlike Jeeps which are staggered.

It's amazing so many people think Jeeps are it for off road. Not even close. I've had my Disco all over the northwest in all weather conditions and even Colorado and Moab. The thing just flat goes where you point it. I realize they do have niggling issues, but they are what they are.

Most people who complain are not off road enthusiasts, and a Honda CRV should have been their choice to begin with. You can't buy a car for an image if you don't live it. I see it in so many reviews. Love the looks so I bought it and now hate it because my Audi drove nicer on the highway etc.

Honestly, for a solid frame solid axle truck that weighs 5k, it drives excellent! If you know how to work on your car the maintenance is easy. You cannot be an un involved Rover owner. Same is true with any European car I've owned. Why would you buy a Rover if you do not need a off road truck and have no clue how it works? I'd say shut up and go away and stop complaining.

Rover's reliability rep is not totally undeserved, but like cars used to be, they need to be maintained and watched. You ignore them and small issues become expensive ones. Then you complain online because you didn't notice something wrong and fix it before it got bad...

I'd be bored to tears in a souless Honda that excels at nothing and is bland to look at. Moves people for little money. I'd call that transportation. An operator with an appliance. I'm a driver with a tool. The equipment is what I want and I know how to use it, maintain it and it serves more purposes than moving people. I think it is called being involved with the world around you :)

So I take most people's complaints with a grain of salt. Congrats to you for realizing it is what it is and not blaming the world for a car you don't understand like so many others. You only hear the bad and not the good, and that is too bad for Rover in this country. American's are too detached from their cars these days as a whole. That is why they need cup holders :) They do everything else but drive.

Cheers.