2002 Land Rover Discovery SD V8 from North America

Summary:

This is a piece of crap vehicle

Faults:

Rear door leaked.

Rear window wiper broke at 35,000 miles.

Front window leaked from day one.

AC drain lines plugged and leaked inside the vehicle.

Manifold bolts rusted off around 35000 miles.

Left rear wheel well rusted away from quarter panel at 35000 miles.

Engine top end had to be rebuilt at 75000 miles, and we also found out the time that the dealer had rebuilt 14 others in the previous 10 months and cost $5800.

The windshield wipers cost $45 and only last 6 months.

The rear door latch rusted along with the hinges even after being lubricated with a marine grade lube on a regular schedule of maintenance.

Transmission stops working in cold weather.

Rear light gaskets leak and short out bulbs.

General Comments:

My general comments?

If that list doesn't say junk vehicle then I don't know what would.

This vehicle was nice until we hit the 30,000 mile mark when the vehicle started to fall apart.

I tried to get help from the mfg., but they had no cares and just said the vehicle was out of warranty.

They even went as far to say that all of the engine repairs were separate and maintenance issues... Hmmm, they all had been serviced at the same dealer.

I can't believe there is not a class action law suit.

Blue Book says trade in value is $5000ish, dealer says...$2500 after they rebuilt the engine for over $5000.

And god forbid you bring it in with the engine defect; they offer you $500 for a trade in.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 29th November, 2009

29th Nov 2009, 20:08

Land Rovers are very strange in that most everyone I know who owns one has had a decent experience with theirs, but I've also seen several come into my mechanic's shop with some horrendous problems. One of my relatives has driven theirs well over 150,000 miles with no major problems, save for a sagging headliner, and my mechanic had a Range Rover with over 100k that was reliable for his wife. One of my cousins, however, ordered a Discovery brand-new and was always running back-and-forth to the dealer for repairs.

13th Dec 2009, 15:22

Land Rovers in general have atrocious resale value. At one point I wanted to buy a 1998 Discovery, but with a weak dealer network (closest being about 100 miles away) and lack of readily available parts in general, I thought, no way. The look and image it projects is nice, but...

2002 Land Rover Discovery SEII V8i from North America

Summary:

Great, classy, rugged transportation... If you can afford it

Faults:

Nothing!!! Brake bulbs burn too often.

General Comments:

I drive it very hard, going from Lake Tahoe to Los Angeles twice a month.

No matter what the weather's like or the speed, the car performs flawless.

Great H&K sound system and climate control makes driving super relaxing at any speed.

This vehicle is extremely solid (feels like a tank), and hitting a cattle and a couple of deers did no damage.

If you have the performance package with the "Ace" system and 18" tires, the truck corners with confidence.

Build quality is better than the new LR3s, and in a total different class than any American product.

I could use more HP, better fuel economy and cheaper maintenance cost (much cheaper!!), but I guess there is nothing perfect in this world!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd November, 2006

2002 Land Rover Discovery 2003 GS Td5 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A true Land Rover 'Experience' to drive off road

Faults:

Very few problems.

Annoying rattle from under bonnet at over 50 mph, fixed at one attempt by dealer.

Paintwork blemish on bonnet, fixed at one attempt by dealer.

Occasional rattle from bush on gear change lever, fixed on second attempt by dealer.

Leak from rear door or alpine lights when raining heavily, but this is a 'Discovery' problem from day one. Occasionally a little water drips onto load space cover so no big deal.

General Comments:

Bought from LR dealer recommended by a client and the service to date has been superb and first 12,000 mile service was carried out for less than £200.

Rubbish turning circle, but OK once you get used to 5 point turns or using other peoples' driveways.

Fuel consumption averages 27 - 28 mpg which is poor for a diesel, but then it is pulling over two and a half tons.

Fantastic off road and very stable on standard highways. Sluggish on motorways, although rumor has it that it's capable of over 95 mph.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd September, 2003

9th Oct 2005, 14:59

My TD5 was purchased second hand in France and had covered a fairly high distance.

The overall condition of the vehicle, now three years old is good - there is a small amount of rust on one of the windows guides and the leather on the drivers seat is scuffed.

The driving experience is mixed. On good surfaces it is fine, but once on to poor rural roads the ride is very uncomfortable. Off road it is amazingly capable.

The general comfort is OK, but the seats lack lateral support.

The performance was pretty turgid until I had the vehicle chipped. Fuel consumption at about 10litres/100km is not bad given the size of the thing.

The views out are excellent. The heating and climate control similarly.

The fitted radio/tape player is rather primitive.

Now to the major gripes. A front universal joint took two weeks to obtain and was expensive. The gearbox expired too and that was a bit eye watering.

2002 Land Rover Discovery Serangeti TD5 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

So good at so much!

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

As my first 4x4 this has exceeded my expectations. You quickly adapt to the driving style, a little more leisurely, but don't seem to get anywhere any more slowly.

I do a lot of motorway miles and find it less stressful than my Mercedes C Class due to the visibility and feeling of security.

I've taken it off road a few times and you would be amazed at the capability even with road tyres.

Towing a big caravan is easy though I'm considering a performance upgrade with a chip or smart box.

Watch out for the hight restrictions on multi-story car parks, it won't always fit!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th June, 2003

2002 Land Rover Discovery GS Commercial (IRL) 2.5 Td5 diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Unbeatable value for money

Faults:

A leak in the windscreen seal causing water ingress into the cabin along the roofline, sometimes coming out in the front seat-belt openings!

General Comments:

The Td5 Discovery is simply brilliant in all aspects. The Irish Commercial Van version is a handy way of avoiding heavy taxation and also acts as a competent load carrier.

The entire vehicle is extremely well designed and handles well on most roads (especially in other countries outside of Ireland), like a sportscar in fact.

It is a lot quieter than previous Discoverys and produces 40mpg plus on the open road away from cities.

I would have absolutely no hesitation whatsoever in recommending the Td5 Discovery to anyone seeking the very best 4x4 on the current market.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th July, 2002

10th Mar 2004, 05:34

Although the performance is very impressive the fuel comsumption of my td5 does not match that of my 300 discovery. I believe there are known weaknesses in the gearbox, although automatics are OK they are less economical and are sluggish.