Used car tests

Used buyer's guide: Land Rover Discovery

Name: Land Rover Discovery 3
Brand: Land Rover

The acclaimed Land Rover Discovery doubles as a luxury car and a rugged off-roader

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By:Richard Dredge

16 Jul 2013

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Which one?

• Cars built up to and including 2006 can suffer from a cracked sunroof frame. A replacement currently costs around £800.• The Disco is brilliant off-road, so look at the car’s underside for damage through contact with the local scenery.• If air-suspension is fitted, check it works properly – because the system isn’t especially reliable and is expensive to fix.

Land Rover hasn’t sold the petrol-engined Discovery in the UK since 2007, but don’t be too quick to dismiss one of these V8 beasts – as even the 2.7 TDV6 diesel will be thirsty. If you buy a petrol car at the right price and convert it to LPG, you could enjoy luxurious transport relatively cheaply.

Basic models are best avoided, but if cash is tight, go for a low-spec Discovery 4 rather than a bells-and-whistles 3, and always get a seven-seater – some models have just five seats. It’s also worth travelling for the right car, as prices vary widely around the country.

Recalls

There have been 11 recalls so far for the Discovery 3, but just one for the 4. The 3 has had to go back no fewer than five times to check for possible fuel leaks. Most examples built up to mid-2007 could be affected. Other issues for the older model have involved failure of the parking function of the automatic gearbox, as well as brake servo and seatbelt buckle problems. In May 2012, the 4 needed a fix for potential propshaft failure on models built from April 2011 to February 2012.

Check out the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) website for up-to-date recall information.

Driver Power

Our viewThe Discovery 4 impressed in our 2013 Driver Power satisfaction survey, coming eighth. The 3 last appeared in the 2010 survey, at number six. In both cases, the cars were in the top three for ride quality, practicality and ease of driving. Only costs and reliability have prevented the Disco finishing even higher.

Your view

Howard Roberts from Hereford owns a 2005 Discovery TDV6. He says: “It tows brilliantly, goes off-road and can fit seven people inside comfortably. Running costs are high, though, and reliability certainly could be better, but when it’s running properly, there’s nothing like it.”