Land Rover Discovery (1989 - 1998) 300 Tdi ES 5d Auto (1997/P) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Like towing. Like Green Laning. Don't really understand the question.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Don't give a hoot. They know what I like I think it's the car they expect me to have. Wifey adores it! So that's. That.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Love Discos don't like the new shape but it seems even more versatile. There's a camaraderie with land Rovers and I can see why. Love the rallies.

What are you likely to buy next?

Choice of two: Disco III or a Lexus RX400h. There would be no competition if only they didn't go wrong so often. They've been on the back of breakdown trucks two or three times a year for the past 20 yrs. Spares are horrendous (even their own staff find their prices laughable....£387 for an ignition switch ....£187 for a piece of wire to the speedo. £156 for a brake caliper. I could go on....

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£2,500

When did you buy the car?

November 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

Average deal. Garage felt guilty. Made concessions to keep vehicle legal.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Recommended by my garage. Replaced an older similar model.

What was the dealer like?

A disgrace to humanity. A deceitful bullying liar.

What's it like to drive?

A doddle. Stick it in DRIVE and leave it. It's heavy and drops a gear on steep hills but who cares? You want to play with gears get a manual. Longest trip in a day:- 435 miles in France with a 22 ft caravan on from centre via Paris to Calais. Doddle. Wifey slept most of the way.

What's it like to park?

Tricky. Can't see corners. Has very large turning circle. Power steering very good.

Have you had any problems with the car?

It's a Land Rover. Everything goes wrong. Apart from faults I found in first few weeks which are down to the seller and about which I complained until he threw me across my own harder and threatened to knock my teeth out.....routine stuff; front N/S brake jammed, replaced. Headlamps faulty. Front window winders U/S. Front door stay broke. Rot about rear wheel arches. Had Discos for 20 yrs and love them. Beautiful to drive, solid and foursquare sheer genius off road. Toes our big caravan brilliantly. I just wish they could build them properly.

What's most practical about your car?

Loadspace. Towing. High driving position. Can't imagine getting stuck. Marvellous In snow.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

None.