1998 Land Rover Discovery XS 2.5 (300TDi) turbo diesel from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Great if you can control the rust
Faults:
Where to begin? After all, it's an old Land Rover.
First were the brake discs, then a radiator and intercooler (upgraded it at the time) all within the first 4,000 miles.
I then needed new injectors and a diesel lift pump.
After that I replaced the headlining and the front and rear sunroof seals.
Then at 170,000 miles, new steering box, drop links, front wheel bearings and diesel overflow pipes after they burst on a long journey, leaving diesel all over Ireland!
Had a seemingly endless oil leak from somewhere that I just could not find.
General Comments:
You will never break the land speed record in one of these, and don't overly expect to have too many conversations with your passengers when travelling over 70mph.
HOWEVER! If you have the patience, this will take you wherever you need to go, and I mean wherever! The biggest problem is rust, as the 300TDi engine is bomb proof.
The cabin is huge and airy, and if you are happy at 60-65, you'll get great mileage for a vehicle of its size. It will tow anything.
I live by the sea, and the salt ate the underside of the vehicle beyond economic repair, but for a utility vehicle that looks great next to the "posh" cars, and has kudos and ability off road (which my kids loved!), you won't get better, but you will have permanently scuffed knuckles and ongoing maintenance. Surely that's half the fun though eh?
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 28th November, 2012
26th Jun 2012, 12:36
Oh my, it sounds like the head gaskets are probably bad on your car due to the overheating, even with the new radiator and hoses.
My advice is find an independent import mechanic (if you have not already done so) who has some Land Rovers parked out front. Mine keeps people going in their Land Rovers for a lot less than the dealers, or other shops that don't specialize in them, although even my friend cannot do it super-cheap.
These are expensive cars to keep, no matter how hard you try, so do try to sell it. There are people out there who will love to have it, and will be willing to spend the money on it.
Buy yourself a used Santa Fe or Highlander if you want comparable space, better gas mileage, and much more livable reliability. Even a brand-new Santa Fe would be cheaper than having to make unexpected monthly repairs or pay for the gas in the Land Rover, and I say that as a huge Land Rover fan!