When it comes to Rovers of any year, I think it can all come down to who took care of it last. I had a 1997 Discovery that had almost zero issues in the 10 years I drove it. The only issues were either prior owner didn't take care of it well or I beat the snot out of it off roading, causing the frame to rust out. They were supposed to be horribly unreliable, I drove it everywhere and it never left me stranded.
I had a 2002 discovery that need head gaskets done, but I had zero other issues.
Newer stuff again all comes down to who took care of it last. Nathan had a 2013 or 2014 come in a while back the engine was seized up. Found out the person that owned it for the last year never checked or changed the oil. You can only go so far without oil. Can't blame the Rover. Several other issues with customers come in with check engine lights on for weeks then find out something major is wrong.
I Recently bought a 2002 Lotus Esprit that I drove 3700 miles across the country from Portland OR then drove it around home for another month or so. Oil pick up tube broke off and I am now rebuilding an engine. It doesn't matter the make model or year to be honest. Other than the Supercharged V8... don't buy one.
If you want a good rover and the options you want, give Nathan a call, that is all he sells is Rovers and has been doing nothing but Rovers for the last 20 years I have known him. No I don't not make a dime if you go to him, we are just very good friends. We do sell D2 horn buttons and we make our own LR3/LR4/RRS lift sets, but we are not in the auto business together.
His info is in my Signature.