Which Years of Used Land Rover Discoverys Are Most Reliable?
Land Rover Discovery by DeFacto - CC-BY-SA-4.0
When it was first released with a turbocharged engine, excellent off-roading capabilities, and a plush interior, the Land Rover Discovery immediately turned heads. These days, it’s still a highly popular midsize SUV, especially in used condition. If you’re looking for the most reliable Land Rover Discovery year, keep reading. We’ll explore the best model years for the Land Rover Discovery in addition to some years you should never purchase.
Most Reliable Years for the Land Rover Discovery
In terms of the most reliable Land Rover Discovery year, there are two answers:
- The 1989 Land Rover Discovery
- The Land Rover Discovery models from 2009 to 2016
The 1989 Land Rover Discovery is much older than others, so you may be able to find it for a great price. It’s a five-door hatch SUV, so it’s perfect for growing families and for those who need a utilitarian vehicle that can do it all.
More modern 2009 to 2016 Land Rover Discovery LR4 models are even more reliable, and they avoid many of the faults of earlier generations of this car. In addition, newer Land Rover Discovery cars have more powerful engines and more tech-heavy elements, like safety features. Given this fact, you’ll want to try to find newer Land Rover Discovery vehicles if you can, which combine value for money and feature convenience.
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Are Land Rover Discoverys Generally Reliable?
The last thing you want is to purchase a used Land Rover Discovery, only for it to be discovered to be less than reliable. According to carparts.com, however, that’s not likely. The vehicle line overall is known to be quite reliable, featuring a reliability score of 72 out of 100. Carparts.com notes that other vehicle rating sites, like Kelley Blue Book, score the Land Rover Discovery highly in terms of dependability, as well.
Motorandwheels.com furthers this assertion, indicating that the Land Rover Discovery is a quite stable luxury SUV despite its initial introduction in 1989 (or perhaps because of it). There are definitely some model years you’ll want to avoid, but by and large, a used Land Rover Discovery could be just what you’re looking for if you need something cost-effective and dependable.
Which Land Rover Discoverys Are the Least Reliable?
Don’t forget to avoid certain least reliable Land Rover Discovery years. These include:
- Land Rover Discovery vehicles from 1990 to 2008
- 2017 Land Rover Discovery vehicles
The 2017 Land Rover Discovery can be expensive, as it’s a diesel-heavy model. On top of that, the 2017 Land Rover Discovery was plagued by very long repair times for whatever reason.
Older Land Rover Discovery vehicles from 1990 to about 2008 were collectively known for a range of electrical and engine issues. There’s always a chance that you can find a vehicle from this timeline that was well taken care of and will serve your needs well. Still, we’d recommend having a mechanic take a look at it and asking for a vehicle maintenance report.
Are Land Rover Discoverys Expensive to Maintain?
You’ll still want to remember that maintaining your used Land Rover Discovery will cost you some money. According to repairpal.com, expect to spend $719 per year on maintenance and repair bills for your used Land Rover Discovery.
Some repairs can be quite expensive, like a radiator replacement, which may cost up to $1800. Others could be pretty cheap, like a headlight bulb replacement, which may cost less than $100. To avoid getting a dud and having to pay exorbitant fees, always ask for a vehicle history and accident report before buying it. That way, you’ll only purchase a used car that hasn’t previously seen major mechanical troubles.
THE LAND ROVER DISCOVERY YEARS TO AVOID
Potential buyers should research and avoid specific model years known for these issues. So today, we rounded up the Land Rover Discovery years to avoid as a used car buyer.
Which Land Rover Discovery is Most Reliable?
Since there are several great Land Rover Discovery years, you might wonder what the most reliable Land Rover Discovery year is overall. It’s the 2018 Land Rover Discovery, which could save you up to 30% according to copilotsearch.com.
The average 2018 Land Rover Discovery doesn’t have a ton of mileage when purchased in used condition. More importantly, it combines some of the affordability of earlier Land Rover Discovery models with many of the innovative, tech-friendly features you expect from a more modern car.
When you buy one of these vehicles, you’ll save almost as much as you would on a 2017 Land Rover Discovery but have some of the new features you may desire in your next car.
What Are the Most Common Land Rover Discovery Problems?
Keeping an eye out for common mechanical issues is a major part of Smart car ownership. According to cararac.com, some of the most common issues you may encounter in your used Land Rover Discovery include:
- Oil leakage
- Airbag malfunctions
- Electrical problems
Many of these issues are more common in some of the earlier series or generations. For example, the Discovery Series I vehicles, which were produced from 1989 to 1998, are considered to be the least reliable generation in aggregate. If possible, ask the seller of a used Land Rover Discovery whether they encountered any of these faults in their time driving it.
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Is the Land Rover Discovery Worth It?
When all is said and done, the Land Rover Discovery could be worth it, particularly if you need a reliable midsize SUV that has enough room for your family, camping equipment, and everything in between. More recent Land Rover Discovery models are especially good deals, as they can be purchased on the cheap and provide you with a car that can do it all: go to school, go to work, and go to an outdoor adventure site with your family without struggling too much.
Final Thoughts
Overall, we only recommend a Land Rover Discovery that is cleared by a licensed technician. Barring that, take a used Land Rover Discovery out for a drive before spending your money on it. That’s the best way to determine whether it handles as you expect and – in the long run – whether you’ll actually be happy with your purchase or you find that you have to take your car in for maintenance more often than not.
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