I've owned a 1998 Discovery since new.
Seems like a lot of the haters on this thread have NO actual experience with one. Or are complete idiots - wiper blades only available from a dealer, c'mon turn in your drivers licence - you are too stoopid to drive.
Nice dig at the power Crash :laugh3:
I've towed an XJ from CO to the Rubicon behind the Landy, I could not tow the Landy behind the XJ across town, let alone across country. If a LR can tow an XJ from Denver to the Eisenhower Tunnel it can handle most any load, anywhere.
For mild to medium trails I'd take a Land Rover over an XJ anytime, they are more capable given equal driver ability. CO Fest 2004 stands as an example.
The Landy just past 120K miles. I have had every service done as scheduled at the dealer - the Landy is one vehicle I do not service myself, though it is easy enough to do. The dealer in Denver (Denver East) is the best dealer experience I have encountered, any vehicle, any dealer, anywhere.
Items replaced in 120K miles, not under service schedule.
Alternator - once at 90K miles, once at 95K miles - the second replacement was due to a bad alternator bearing, my fault for buying generic rather than LR brand. 2nd alternator was covered under Carquest warranty.
Radiator - pierced by road debris at 70K miles, removed, repaired, replaced.
Items replaced as needed
Brake pads at 60K and again recently
Shocks at 115K
Wiper blades every year - while the dealer blades MAY cost over $40, 17" and 18" blades can be bought at your local parts store for $7.
Bad LR faults
High cost when new - the LR3's are $50K - crazy price for ANY SUV
Parts cost - can be high. And there are not as many LR's in junk yards. But be smart - don't order parts for a 98 LR Discovery, order parts for a 68 Buick V8 (same motor, same parts number, different price)
Lack of shop monkeys - break down in a small town, and the local mechanic will be hesitant to work on them furrin cars.
Aftermarket parts - not as plentiful or cheap when compared to domestic SUV's.
Aluminum body panels - great for saving weight, terrible when you need to repair them. Some bodyshops will not work on LR's.
Ergonomics - designed by the British as a right hand drive. Some very unusual quirks as a result. I'm 6'2" and no matter how I adjust the wheel/seat I can never see the top of the speedo, or the light indicating the headlights are on bright. Stop lights can be difficult to see under the windshield header (easier to watch the reflection in the hood)
Summary
Without doubt I would buy another LR Discovery. But given that LR's usually last hundreds of thousands of miles I doubt I will be facing that decision soon.
HTH
Four wheelin with comfort
