Land Rover Discovery I?
Discussion
What is the general consensus re the Discovery I, specifically mid to late 90s models? I had the chance to sit in one and really loved the room and airy feel (it was also light colored with dual sunroofs, so that helped). Aside from terrible gas mileage for the V8 petrol (which is what you find around here (Los Angeles) most often), and its renown for off road abilities, what should I know about these? I know the larger Range Rover of the era tended to be problematic.
What say you?
What say you?
te...........
AUDIHenry said:
What is the general consensus re the Discovery I, specifically mid to late 90s models? I had the chance to sit in one and really loved the room and airy feel (it was also light colored with dual sunroofs, so that helped). Aside from terrible gas mileage for the V8 petrol (which is what you find around here (Los Angeles) most often), and its renown for off road abilities, what should I know about these? I know the larger Range Rover of the era tended to be problematic.
What say you?
My sister had a late 90's series 2, and that was terrible - the list of faults (some of which never quite got fixed like the leaking windscreen) were terrible. I cant imagine a series 1 would be much better....What say you?
Google Discovery issues or problems, plenty to read...
Before you buy a Land Rover Discovery (1989- 1998) there are 28 common faults or wear items that you should check for:
- 2 area(s) on the bodywork to inspect
- 3 engine check(s) to make
- 2 wear item(s) to spot on the suspension
- 3 interior item(s) that you need to ensure work
- 18 official recall(s) that should have been completed
Edited by edo on Thursday 15th April 08:05
rust, rust, rust, rust and a bit more rust
V8s need frequent oil changes or they start to get very underpowered and inefficient. Tdis commonly have HGF and need waterpumps changing (thankly its a quick and easy job).
Same rolling chassis as a range rover classic.
Having had 9 range rovers and discos i bought a landcruiser 80- 4 years later i still have the sae vehicle and it has cost FAR less to run than any of the LR badged stuff.
If you want soemthing reliable, extremely capable off road, trustworthy enough to travel thousands of miles across the world and will return an easy mid 20s mpg then buy a landcruiser.
If you want something with a bit of soul and personality which you'll spend your life repairing, fixing and spending money on then buy a discovery.
for me the expense and hassle in repairing the damn things outweighed their soul so i went jap- and found the landcruisers are almost as interesting as the discoveries whilst being FAR better built.
V8s need frequent oil changes or they start to get very underpowered and inefficient. Tdis commonly have HGF and need waterpumps changing (thankly its a quick and easy job).
Same rolling chassis as a range rover classic.
Having had 9 range rovers and discos i bought a landcruiser 80- 4 years later i still have the sae vehicle and it has cost FAR less to run than any of the LR badged stuff.
If you want soemthing reliable, extremely capable off road, trustworthy enough to travel thousands of miles across the world and will return an easy mid 20s mpg then buy a landcruiser.
If you want something with a bit of soul and personality which you'll spend your life repairing, fixing and spending money on then buy a discovery.
for me the expense and hassle in repairing the damn things outweighed their soul so i went jap- and found the landcruisers are almost as interesting as the discoveries whilst being FAR better built.
Rust in the rear wheel arches, around the seat belt mounts.
Rust in the Sills.
Rust in the rear floor.
Rust in the inner front wings.
Check for leaks around the sunroof, it's common for the seals to perish after a while, this is an easy fix.
If it's a V8 check that it's got nice clean oil and it's not burning any.
If it's a TDI check that it's not knocking or burning oil.
The later models (300 facelift) had an issue with the alarm "spider unit", this can either be repaired or a bypass lead fitted.
Check for excessive drivetrain slack in the auto by putting it from D to R and back to D whilst on tickover. Check the autobox dipstick to make sure it looks as it should (reddish colour with no blackening).
The manual should be fine aslong as there are no excessive whines or clunks and it engages gears easily.
These are good reliable cars when serviced correctly and will serve you well.
Rust in the Sills.
Rust in the rear floor.
Rust in the inner front wings.
Check for leaks around the sunroof, it's common for the seals to perish after a while, this is an easy fix.
If it's a V8 check that it's got nice clean oil and it's not burning any.
If it's a TDI check that it's not knocking or burning oil.
The later models (300 facelift) had an issue with the alarm "spider unit", this can either be repaired or a bypass lead fitted.
Check for excessive drivetrain slack in the auto by putting it from D to R and back to D whilst on tickover. Check the autobox dipstick to make sure it looks as it should (reddish colour with no blackening).
The manual should be fine aslong as there are no excessive whines or clunks and it engages gears easily.
These are good reliable cars when serviced correctly and will serve you well.
pugwash4x4 said:
rust, rust, rust, rust and a bit more rust
V8s need frequent oil changes or they start to get very underpowered and inefficient. Tdis commonly have HGF and need waterpumps changing (thankly its a quick and easy job).
Same rolling chassis as a range rover classic.
Having had 9 range rovers and discos i bought a landcruiser 80- 4 years later i still have the sae vehicle and it has cost FAR less to run than any of the LR badged stuff.
If you want soemthing reliable, extremely capable off road, trustworthy enough to travel thousands of miles across the world and will return an easy mid 20s mpg then buy a landcruiser.
If you want something with a bit of soul and personality which you'll spend your life repairing, fixing and spending money on then buy a discovery.
for me the expense and hassle in repairing the damn things outweighed their soul so i went jap- and found the landcruisers are almost as interesting as the discoveries whilst being FAR better built.
It's funny you mention that because I HAVE been looking at early 90s Land Cruisers. Interior wise, the Discovery seems larger, but capability wise they're about even, would you agree? Maintenance issues, of course, scare me for the Land Rover. V8s need frequent oil changes or they start to get very underpowered and inefficient. Tdis commonly have HGF and need waterpumps changing (thankly its a quick and easy job).
Same rolling chassis as a range rover classic.
Having had 9 range rovers and discos i bought a landcruiser 80- 4 years later i still have the sae vehicle and it has cost FAR less to run than any of the LR badged stuff.
If you want soemthing reliable, extremely capable off road, trustworthy enough to travel thousands of miles across the world and will return an easy mid 20s mpg then buy a landcruiser.
If you want something with a bit of soul and personality which you'll spend your life repairing, fixing and spending money on then buy a discovery.
for me the expense and hassle in repairing the damn things outweighed their soul so i went jap- and found the landcruisers are almost as interesting as the discoveries whilst being FAR better built.
task said:
Rust in the rear wheel arches, around the seat belt mounts.
Rust in the Sills.
Rust in the rear floor.
Rust in the inner front wings.
Check for leaks around the sunroof, it's common for the seals to perish after a while, this is an easy fix.
If it's a V8 check that it's got nice clean oil and it's not burning any.
If it's a TDI check that it's not knocking or burning oil.
The later models (300 facelift) had an issue with the alarm "spider unit", this can either be repaired or a bypass lead fitted.
Check for excessive drivetrain slack in the auto by putting it from D to R and back to D whilst on tickover. Check the autobox dipstick to make sure it looks as it should (reddish colour with no blackening).
The manual should be fine aslong as there are no excessive whines or clunks and it engages gears easily.
These are good reliable cars when serviced correctly and will serve you well.
Thank you! Why are they so prone to rust? Poor rustproofing? Poor drainage?Rust in the Sills.
Rust in the rear floor.
Rust in the inner front wings.
Check for leaks around the sunroof, it's common for the seals to perish after a while, this is an easy fix.
If it's a V8 check that it's got nice clean oil and it's not burning any.
If it's a TDI check that it's not knocking or burning oil.
The later models (300 facelift) had an issue with the alarm "spider unit", this can either be repaired or a bypass lead fitted.
Check for excessive drivetrain slack in the auto by putting it from D to R and back to D whilst on tickover. Check the autobox dipstick to make sure it looks as it should (reddish colour with no blackening).
The manual should be fine aslong as there are no excessive whines or clunks and it engages gears easily.
These are good reliable cars when serviced correctly and will serve you well.
The disco 1 was built using the same chassis as the range rover of the time and many of the parts are interchangeable
So mechanically, expect similar reliability.
They both suffered from extensive rust issues, especially around the sills, arches, footwells, rear floor and rear chassis crossmember
Thankfully since the problems are so common there is a plethora of after-market replacement parts available including whole panels
I like the disco as parts are cheap and readily available, however in the states the land cruiser might be cheaper to get parts for
So mechanically, expect similar reliability.
They both suffered from extensive rust issues, especially around the sills, arches, footwells, rear floor and rear chassis crossmember
Thankfully since the problems are so common there is a plethora of after-market replacement parts available including whole panels
I like the disco as parts are cheap and readily available, however in the states the land cruiser might be cheaper to get parts for
Edited by jbi on Thursday 15th April 09:19
excel monkey said:
pugwash4x4 said:
rust, rust, rust, rust and a bit more rust
Even in California??Have a 94 Disco 200tdi and absolutely zero rust.
One HGF - mainly down to Madame's driving style (should have fitted a rev limiter/change light....)
They do wear, there are often clunks from the drive train but has never let us down, on road or off road.
Only expensive issue to watch for is excessive play between the gearbox and transfer box due to poor lubrification design on early models.
AUDIHenry said:
pugwash4x4 said:
rust, rust, rust, rust and a bit more rust
V8s need frequent oil changes or they start to get very underpowered and inefficient. Tdis commonly have HGF and need waterpumps changing (thankly its a quick and easy job).
Same rolling chassis as a range rover classic.
Having had 9 range rovers and discos i bought a landcruiser 80- 4 years later i still have the sae vehicle and it has cost FAR less to run than any of the LR badged stuff.
If you want soemthing reliable, extremely capable off road, trustworthy enough to travel thousands of miles across the world and will return an easy mid 20s mpg then buy a landcruiser.
If you want something with a bit of soul and personality which you'll spend your life repairing, fixing and spending money on then buy a discovery.
for me the expense and hassle in repairing the damn things outweighed their soul so i went jap- and found the landcruisers are almost as interesting as the discoveries whilst being FAR better built.
It's funny you mention that because I HAVE been looking at early 90s Land Cruisers. Interior wise, the Discovery seems larger, but capability wise they're about even, would you agree? Maintenance issues, of course, scare me for the Land Rover. V8s need frequent oil changes or they start to get very underpowered and inefficient. Tdis commonly have HGF and need waterpumps changing (thankly its a quick and easy job).
Same rolling chassis as a range rover classic.
Having had 9 range rovers and discos i bought a landcruiser 80- 4 years later i still have the sae vehicle and it has cost FAR less to run than any of the LR badged stuff.
If you want soemthing reliable, extremely capable off road, trustworthy enough to travel thousands of miles across the world and will return an easy mid 20s mpg then buy a landcruiser.
If you want something with a bit of soul and personality which you'll spend your life repairing, fixing and spending money on then buy a discovery.
for me the expense and hassle in repairing the damn things outweighed their soul so i went jap- and found the landcruisers are almost as interesting as the discoveries whilst being FAR better built.
Discovery is a touch higher in the head room stakes but nowhere near as wide (although ot depends on which model LC you look at- i only use LC80s - "amazons" as oppopsed to LC90s known as colorados). I'm 6ft2 and very big with it and found the interior of the landcruiser much more commodious.
Capability wise the LC has it if i'm honest- it has as much suspesnsion travel as a discovery (proven on various RTI ramps), but has lockers in both axles, with a transmission which is extremely tough- nothing is unbrakeable but the only thing that matches it are G-wagen transmissions. Having competed in my 80 it frequently beats tricked up LR90s as it has SO much traction- will frequently climb hills and wade through mud that other stuff will have to winch through. It falls down on having quite a loose back end, with a tendency to slip down low traction side slopes- can be very disconcerting. Its also a BIG bus so working in amongst trees that a 90 and disco will drive through can be hard. On a recent trip to the western sahara with 2 110s and 2 D3s only one of the 110s and the cruiser never got stuck- the 110 because the driver is bloody skilled and the cruiser because the vehicle is so capable. You can also fit mahoosive tyres without any body mods- a 2" lift will easily see you to 35" / 325/75r16 tyres.
As to maintenance- whoever said they think a disco and a cruiser are roughly equivalent- well i could send you my spreadsheets detailing costs. i spend roughly £200 p/a on maintenance and service plus £500 on a "project" which is either to improve (ie the addition of a big intercooler, suspension upgrade etc), or occasionally preventative- ie changing the radiator before a trip to the desert, 4 nice new tyres etc. At no point has the vehicle let me down, nor do i expect it ever will- i would be happy to get in it this morning and drive ot Africa. In comparison all of the range rovers at some point needed serious work- usually welding (foot well, Bulkhead, rear crossmember, chassis) etc etc. Gearboxes and transfer boxes are strong on landrovers, engines are good IF maintained properly, usually they aren't though hence a top end rebuild on V8s at 120k miles - that is if you don't have line issues which are getting more and more common (solved of course with a top-hatted block but that isn't cheap). Tdis are fine in general and easy-ish to work on. The landcruiser 4.2 straight six is far less stressed than the straight 4 tdis so tends to go on a bit longer- fair few in australia with well over a million miles on the original engine. The costs for just keeping the range rovers running was well over £1000/yr without improvements- the faults just run and run (new boot floor, new footwells, new rads, new air con pump, dodgy electrics all over the place- particularly windows, new upper tailgate (£300 by itself), new lower tailgate, new bushes all round, new CVs and halfshafts).
As a bit of a dyed in the wool land rover fanatic its so upsetting to see what the build quality COULD be with just a bit of work. There is no reason to have rust everywhere, seized bolts all the time, electrics that don't work reliably, engines which arne't totally reliable etc etc. If Landrover had just buiklt the things properly then they would still have the export market. i would love to have a land rover product (and when i have time for a competition truck again, it will be LR based, but with toyota axles) but just can't face the financial struggle, even worse is the lack of trust in your vehicle- when you are stuck in the freezing cold helping stranded people, or 300 miles from a settlement in 50degree heat int he sahara trust becomes extremely important.
I had a 1992 Discovery Tdi manual for 10 years with minimal problems... one HGF and one wheel bearing failure in the whole time. No signs of rust, OK I looked after it, but it was a daily driver and hardly cossetted. It did have a Harvey Bailey suspension upgrade which helped on road handling.
I have also run an early 110 for 3 years... a bit of rust on the bulkhead and a perforated core plug due to the previous owners aversion to antifreeze.
Also a 2000 V8 series 2 disco for 3 years - one power steering pump failure to report in over 100,000km
I'd have another anytime... I think a Defender 90 TDi / TD5 manual would be a good move sometime.
I have also run an early 110 for 3 years... a bit of rust on the bulkhead and a perforated core plug due to the previous owners aversion to antifreeze.
Also a 2000 V8 series 2 disco for 3 years - one power steering pump failure to report in over 100,000km
I'd have another anytime... I think a Defender 90 TDi / TD5 manual would be a good move sometime.
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