Used Land Rover Discovery

What to know before buying: Land Rover Discovery

From 3 forum threads and 1 press test · updated 11/10/2026

What the reviews say

• The Discovery II stands out for off-road ability, a spacious and comfortable cabin, good visibility and an available seven-seat layout.[4]one sourceDiscovery II
• Discovery II drawbacks include high consumption, costly ownership, inconsistent build quality and poor reliability.[4]one sourceDiscovery II
• A Discovery 2 Td5 owner who had driven it from new reported 9–11 l/100 km average consumption at 110,000 km.[2]one sourceDiscovery II
• Discovery 4 ownership varies sharply: one owner covered 136,000 trouble-free kilometres, while another reported 8–10 days of unplanned workshop time per year.[1]one source

Typical faults

• Discovery II TD5 engines through the end of 2000 can suffer warped or cracked cylinder heads and broken bolts, causing oil-coolant mixing and leaks.[4]one sourceDiscovery II

  1999–2000 · TD5

• Discovery II TD5 engines built through the end of 2001 can suffer oil-pump failure; loss of lubrication may cause severe engine damage.[4]one sourceDiscovery II

  1999–2001 · TD5

• The Discovery II hydropneumatic suspension can leak and let the vehicle sag; its compressor also sometimes fails.[4]one sourceDiscovery II
• The Discovery II frequently suffers corrosion of its rear brake pipes.[4]one sourceDiscovery II
• By 45,000 km, one Discovery 4 owner had replaced brake discs because of runout and fitted a second air-suspension compressor.[1]one source
• Discovery I owner experience includes a reported power-steering fluid leak.[3]one source

Which engine and version to take

• The source recommends the TD5 diesel for the Discovery II, though early examples require scrutiny for cylinder-head and oil-pump risks.[4]one sourceDiscovery II

What to avoid

• Petrol Discovery II versions are not recommended because of consumption; some V8 engines also suffer porous blocks.[4]one sourceDiscovery II
• Choose TD5 examples built through 2001 only after careful checks: the source reports early cylinder-head and oil-pump faults.[4]one sourceDiscovery II

What to check at the inspection

• During a test drive, a Discovery II automatic should shift smoothly without noises or jolts.[4]one sourceDiscovery II
• Check that the Discovery II front drive axle was lubricated regularly, as this helps prevent gearbox and differential trouble.[4]one sourceDiscovery II
• Inspect the drains below the windscreen and look for water in the cabin and fuse compartment.[4]one sourceDiscovery II
• When inspecting a Discovery II, check the sunroofs for leaks and the rear brake pipes for corrosion.[4]one sourceDiscovery II
• When buying a Discovery 4, ask whether it saw regular heavy off-road use, as that strain may contribute to problems at higher mileage.[1]one source
• On a Discovery I inspection, look for signs of power-steering fluid leakage.[3]one source

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]motor-talk.de — Discovery 4 - 2013 - Probleme mit dem Land Rover? · forum
2. [2]iauto.lv — Land Rover - Lasītāju pieredze par saviem auto · forum
3. [3]iauto.lv — Land Rover Discovery - Forums · forum
4. [4]avtonasveti.com — Land Rover Discovery (1999 – 2004) · press

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