1996 Land Rover Discovery SE 4.0

Summary:

Avoid owning these vehicles

Faults:

Brakes, front and rear have already been replaced. Tires replaced before 45,000 miles. I realize this is a heavy AWD car, but come on!

Countless trips to the dealership to get the "check engine" light turned out. Seems to "misfire" quite a bit. Was told that ALL Land Rovers with this engine type need valve jobs, perhaps that's why it misfires...UH...perhaps then Land Rover needs to recall these ridiculous things!

Not enough room to type all the "trivial" squeaks, rattles, burned out bulbs, oil leaks incredibly poor fuel economy etc.

Here's the kicker... last week a cylinder sleeve dropped, cracking the block resulting in complete engine failure. Repairs will cost in excess of $8,500 for a new engine!

General Comments:

These vehicles, in summary are indeed JUNK!

Horrible resale, horrible reliability, I'm not trying to flame the product, but if it waddles like a duck, and it quacks like a duck... well you know the old saying.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th December, 2002

26th May 2004, 11:16

I agree, this thing is horrible! We purchased this car used with a warranty from the dealer. In the first 12 months the thing was in the shop 3!!

The catalytic converter was replaced, multiple gaskets, intake and exhaust manifolds, gas tank, charcoal canister, automatic lock mechanism, and ignition cylinder. That's just the big stuff!

Even with all of that, there is a persistent smell of gas that no one has been able to fix. In addition many of the repairs need to be done again as the gaskets leak.

The most frustrating part is that Land Rover USA won't step up and help fix this thing.

I suppose we could sell it. No, we can't, no one is interested. We've run an ad three times and have received no calls, even at WAY under blue book!!

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1996 Land Rover Discovery SE7

Summary:

Excellent value for a Sport Utility Vehicle

Faults:

The alternator had to be replaced at 95,000 kilometres. The cost of the alternator was $950.00 Canadian Dollars.

The front shocks were replaced at 100,00 kilometres.

The radiator cracked and leaked and was replaced at 105,000 kilometres.

An oxygen sensor was replaced at 85,000 kilometres at a cost of $600.00 Canadian Dollars. The sensor is again needed to be replaced at 113,000 Kilometres. From talking with the dealer this problem seems to be common.

General Comments:

This vehicle has a comfortable ride and is very heavy which is great for pulling things. Very good torque.

It is however expensive to maintain and is best serviced by an authorized dealer.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th April, 2002