In-depth reviews

Land Rover Discovery owner reviews

“The Land Rover Discovery is decent to drive and really spacious, but is far from the most economical SUV”

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by Andy Goodwin

19 Oct 2022

.polaris__post-meta--date { display: none; } .polaris__post-meta--date.no-script { display: block; padding-left: 45px } 19 Oct 2022

Land Rover Discovery SUV

Carbuyer Rating

4.2 out of 5

Owners Rating

3.5 out of 5

Reviews

Owner Reviews

5 out of 5
4 out of 5
3 out of 5
2 out of 5
1 out of 5

67%of people would recommend this car to a friend

Common Problems

Electrics (2 cases)
Brakes, Electrics, Engine, Suspension (1 case)
Engine (1 case)

Review 1 of 6

Tell us what you think about your car?

We had the old Discovery 4 and swapped it for the latest version and it isn't a patch on the old one. We kept it for one month. The main faults were – The computer occasional locks up and is too slow - the central screen is too bright - the foot operated boot release does not work and the boot operation is too slow. The motor that lowers the rear seats is too slow. The rear window is too small. The middle headrest obstructs any view out of the rear view mirror. The rear seats are too low to floor. The voice control does not work on the satnav. However what is better is the storage in the front and car speeds picks up quicker and the blind spot monitor is good. The old one glides along like a Rolls Royce the new is more like a car. We have now bought another previous-generation model.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

For most of my life I've driven BMW 5 series and then Mercedes E class cars all of which I've enjoyed. My last car was the Range Rover Evoque which I found to be very reliable and a good car but limited on space. I bought this new version Discovery HSE model in April after waiting nearly 18 months for it to arrive. I have found this car to be the most comfortable and enjoyable car that I've ever owned. Driving is a pleasure and is always a delight to get into the car. I have the electric tow hitch and towing is a dream. The car is so responsive and although only 2 litre, there are no times that it feels like you need more power. Some hot hatches at the lights are surprised when they take on and lose to a vehicle twice the size. It has so many accessories and storage compartments are everywhere. I can't recommend anything over this new Discovery. It's brilliant and so enjoyable to drive

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

I had the old Disco 3 07 model it was a great tow car and very smooth and comfortable to drive but a financial disaster for reliability but I forgave it as it was still a great car overall. I replaced it with the new disco 5 which i adore, it is better in almost every way so far. I've only owned it for 5 months so my reliability verdict is on hold, although touch screen infotainment system is very slow to work and frequently freezes in reverse camera mode which is a pain especially halfway through reversing into a tight gap at night because the LED reversing lights are useless and feeble as are the front foglights. The 3 ltr V6 Diesel engine is a sheer delight, smooth, powerful and almost silent. I haven't used it to towed but I don't expect any problems. I love it.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

First I am a experienced engineer with over 40 years working on mechanical and electrical complex machinery. We have owned this Discovery 3 for approx two years, first problem electrical handbrake locked able to release mechanically with the pull wire, constant flashing light, the bake unit had to be replaced, but no surprise it needed programming. Next air suspension compressor failed simple to replace but again programming + level sensors more programming only 3k. Alternator failure which took 6 hours as even with the special tools "yes I do know which way the nut loosens" just for good measure puncture front near side. The Land Rover wheel brace sheared the sleeves on the wheel nuts had swollen due to dissimilar metal corrosion and had to hammer a socket on to undue. This vehicle is so poorly designed mechanically how does anyone manage to use them off road or in remote locations. 6 hours in the desert heat to change an alternator held on by three bolts! Take my advice run away, the inside looks good but underneath the facade it is a very poorly designed machine

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

The car is excellent but here's a tip for Discovery buyers: If you want your text messages read out ( as I had in my previous Discovery Sport with a bespoke template for replies) you need to go for a model without a CD player e.g S or SE. The higher priced models have a CD player so, inexplicably, no text message function Try the ownerinfo. Landrover.com website check the manuals and you will text messaging is only in the non-cdplayer models.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

It is a wonderful car with less cons than pros 1 it has a wonderful drive 2 has the best off-road comfort and controls 3 looking down upon other cars Cons 1 it’s eats a lot of diesel at 2.7 litre 2 it is expensive to run 3 a big car to fit in car spaces

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

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