Feedback on your Discovery... thinking of getting one.

[Hawk45]

So how do you like your Discovery's? Anything I should know before making the jump? Looking for a 4x4 that looks nice but is still functional for off-road.

Here is what I am looking at:
2000 Land Rover Discovery II 4x4
Black with Beige Leather interior
33K miles (Lease turn-in)
No interior or exterior damage or marks (very clean)
Double moon roof and third row seating.
8cyl 4L Automatic 4x4
Price: $16,000

This was kind of a chance meeting. I have 3 business days to decide if I want it. Others waiting. This is a purchase through work (bank). The wife and I went out today (day 1) and checked it out. Looks in very good shape, I was really surprised. I was able to start but not drive (liability reasons). My wife fell in love. I like it but I wish the steering wheel was more adjustable. I am 6'4" without my shoes on and I had to kind of put one leg in and then slide the other in because the tilt only moves like half an inch (stupid!). Hello Land Rover... people are getting bigger not smaller...

Anyway,
I would love some feedback on several things... so I figure I will ask the ones who own them.

Do I have to have serviced by a Land Rover dealer? If not who else can? (any mechanic)? Can "average Joe owner" do some of the work?

Is maintenance expensive? What are some common problems you have found?

What is the one thing you wish Land Rover would have done different if they could make a change.

What is average all-terrain tires cost?

Finally... anything I should be warned of?

Any help is appreciated,

Thanks,
John

 

[tkcomp]

Servicing depends on your knowledge. I have mine serviced by the dealer but there are plenty of knowledgable people on this site who do it themselves.

Yes maintenance is expensive but that is the nature of the beast. Heck service on any vehicle is expensive.

(What is the one thing you wish Land Rover would have done different if they could make a change.) I love my disco SE7 but I find there are a few blind spots that you need to get used to.

New stock tires run about $220 per tire (Michelin's) you will need to replace all tires due to the AWD.

If you are cool with the price of maintenance there is nothing to be warned of it's an awesome ride.

Good Luck

 

[dirtyjim]

being 6'4" you will want to get a stoplight prism so you can see the redlights easy.try http://www.speedwaymotors.com they are about $10

 

[greyfoxvt]

Great vehicle! I have now had two, and will be looking for a 2003 this summer! They are wonderful vehicles and will get you where you want to go, but you have to take care of them! There are not so many after market parts, so you become forced to purchase "Land Rover" specific, and this can and is costly! Remember you are buying one of the best off-road vehicles ever built for the public, and this kind of produst requires very strong materials to endure the "back-country" driving we all like to do. All this is not cheap! Take care of your ride, and it will take care of you, but just drive it and neglect routine maintenance, and watch out!

 

[Hawk45]

Cool guys, thanks for the replys. I was really disapointed today. I went out with the wife to test drive one and the Land Rover dealership was closed. In fact, most dealerships were. We tried several other places that had used ones on the lot but could not find a salesperson anywhere. Guess we will have to try again tomorrow.

Can you give me what you annual up-keep and normal maintenance costs?

Is insurance higher on these than standard SUV's?

Thanks again and Happy New Year,
John

 

[tkcomp]

Since my Disco is an 04 maintenance is covered from Land Rover, however regarding your question on insurance. I also have a 2002 Infiniti QX4 (SUV) (2WD) and the insurance price is the same for each vehicle.