1998 Land Rover Discovery LE review from North America

I have had the car three weeks. In those 3 weeks, I have replaced:

Valve cover gaskets due to severe oil leaks.

Timing chain.

Front differential (froze up and left me stranded roadside)

Various hoses.

Thermostat.

Total repairs in 3 weeks of ownership = $4,000.

I bought the car because I wanted a 4 wheel drive for various outdoor/ski trips, and I had read that land rover is a good one. I was debating whether to get a truck, but decided on the Disco since I could carry equipment in the rain without worry. I bought it used, but had it inspected by a mechanic and was told that everything was in pretty good shape except for an oil leak.

I immediately had the oil leak fixed for around $1000. One week later, another leak developed... another $1000. Then they said I needed a new timing chain, various hoses, and a thermostat for another $1000. Last weekend the front differential broke leaving me stranded on the road side. Tow + repairs = $2000. That's an expensive three weeks!

I commute to work by train, so during the week the car just sits there and is not drive. So probably it has only been driven 4 days since I have owned it. The future does not look good...

The car is comfortable, fun to drive, and nice, but very poorly made. And repairs are so expensive, which just adds insult to injury. If I could do things differently, I would buy another Japanese car.