| The Land Rover Discovery has been available in | | | | controls are in hard to reach places and the height |
| Australia since the early nineties and has proven a | | | | of the seat base means that some taller drivers |
| popular choice judging by their numbers on | | | | may find it a little awkward and uncomfortable |
| Australian roads. Since its introduction, the Land | | | | with their heads almost touching the roof. |
| Rover Discovery mostly retained its original stylin, | | | | Another problem that seems to afflict the Land |
| until of course the recently released 2005 model. | | | | Rover Discovery is that of reliability. The turbo |
| If you are looking for a four wheel drive with a | | | | diesel for example has somewhat of a reputation |
| pedigree name then the Discovery, with its Land | | | | for snapping timing belts and cracking crankshafts. |
| Rover badge certainly fits the bill. It is a good | | | | Turbochargers and starter engines have also |
| performer off road although not quite as good as | | | | provided problems for some Discovery owners. |
| the more rugged Land Rover Defender. But with | | | | Other mechanical problems have included electrical |
| its two range transfer case and low torque, it will | | | | faults and all manner of gearbox problems. |
| perform more than adequately for the average | | | | Tips for buying a one owner Land Rover |
| off road enthusiast. The Land Rover Discovery | | | | Discovery |
| also has good wheel travel and ground clearance | | | | If you're in the market for a good one owner |
| and the underneath of the car is fairly well | | | | Land Rover Discovery, then make sure that you |
| protected from anything that the off road track | | | | check for the following: |
| can fling up at it. For driving through those creek | | | | · Rust and ill fitting doors in the earlier models. |
| and river crossings, the Discovery also has very | | | | · Check the lower body for signs of water |
| good approach and departure angles | | | | entry. |
| On the highway, the Land Rover Discovery | | | | · Check that the engine starts quickly and |
| offers a smooth ride, but don't expect sporty | | | | doesn't blow too much smoke. |
| acceleration. Even the V8 petrol engine is fairly | | | | · Check underneath for any damage from |
| unremarkable in its acceleration, thanks to the | | | | serious off road action. |
| enormous weight of the vehicle. For this reason, | | | | · Check that the suspension has not been |
| the turbo diesel is generally a much better bet | | | | damaged and is in good working condition. |
| because it offers similar performance, but will cost | | | | · Go for a late model Discovery (1999 or |
| you a lot less in fuel than the thirsty V8 petrol | | | | later) if your budget allows. |
| engine. | | | | · Get a professional inspection from a Land |
| Inside the cabin, some will find the feel a little | | | | Rover expert as the Discovery has a reputation |
| disappointing, especially taller drivers. Some of the | | | | for mechanical problems. |