Buying a Land Rover Discovery Diesel

[red_tez]

We are considering the purchase of a diesel Land Rover Discovery over the next 2 years. We are looking at cars around 4 years old and require towing capacity of 2,000 kg. Does anybody on here have any experience of these particular vehicles? We have read industry reports and specifications but we would like to know about real experiences such as fuel economy, servicing and reliability.

[Zumbruk]

red_tez said:

We are considering the purchase of a diesel Land Rover Discovery over the next 2 years. We are looking at cars around 4 years old and require towing capacity of 2,000 kg. Does anybody on here have any experience of these particular vehicles? We have read industry reports and specifications but we would like to know about real experiences such as fuel economy, servicing and reliability.

I've got an 02 Td5 ES Discovery (shortly to be replaced) and I couldn't be more pleased with it. 23mpg. Reliable as a hammer. Comfy. Tows my 1.5 tonne TVR & trailer better than the V8 it replaced. The only complaints I have are that it's rather noisy (diesel clatter) and the "performance" isn't that brill. But I guess that's why it does 23mpg.

(So, why am I replacing it? 'Cos we kept our last Disco until it fell to pieces and I don't want to do that again. So, what am I replacing it with? An 04 or 54 Td5 ES Discovery, as soon as I find a good one.)

[Liszt]

Try and avoid a main dealers. They will stitch you up on pricing for servicing. Find a local specialist who will be half the price and twice as good. Will tow 2000 kg all day no problem. If you are looking to buy in 2 years time a four year old car will be a disco 3. Supposed to be a fantastic motor. I had a Disco 2 in v8 guise and couldn't fault it.

[red_tez]

Fantastic, thanks very much guys.

In reply to the chap who mentioned a local specialist as opposed to a main dealer. We went looking on Saturday and could not find any examples at main dealers anyway, although their eyes lit up when another guy was looking at a brand new RR Sport, I know their game.

Another option for our requirements is a Freelander, anybody have any opinions on these vehicles. I know they have a reputation as a bit of a mummy runabout, but one of our friends has one for towing and cant speak highly enough of it. Once again, opinions are welcome!

[Zumbruk]

Freelanders aren't heavy enough - they fall foul of the "85% rule". One of the sprinters just chopped his in for a Rangie 'cos the Freelanders wasn't that good a toW CAR.