2003 Land Rover Discovery Review
2003 Land Rover Discovery Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Great off-road ability, unique exterior design, advanced handling features.
Cons
- Difficult entry and egress, quirky interior design, not much cargo space, poor gas mileage.
What’s new
Land Rover has made a number of updates to its 2003 Discovery. In terms of mechanical components, the company has installed a more powerful 4.6-liter V8 engine and has improved the steering, brakes and suspension. Styling is revised front and rear, including headlamps that mimic its bigger brother's, the Range Rover. New interior treatments grace the cabin, and a rear park distance control is now an option. Finally, Land Rover has dropped the "Series II" nomenclature, and it's now simply called "Discovery."
Edmunds says
There are two reasons to buy this truck: either you need incredible off-road capability or you need to show off to the neighbors. If you have different needs, you'll likely want to consider another SUV.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Land Rover Discovery S 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.60 per gallon for premium unleaded in New York.
Monthly estimates based on costs in New York
$466/mo for Discovery S
Discovery S
vs
$215/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Land Rover Discovery.
5 star(47%)
4 star(25%)
3 star(19%)
2 star(8%)
1 star(1%)
149 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Find a good one
iward1, 08/05/2014
2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
I bought my 2003 Disco with 98k miles for $6000 in September 2013. Have a Land Rover specialist (preferably not a dealer) do a thorough inspection before you buy. Get a service history.
Expect a lot of work to have been done. The only red flag is a history of overheating associated with a very loud engine knock/tap.
In the last 10k miles I have replaced the power steering pump and done … regular maintenance, about $1200 total. I'm not bothered since I paid so little up front. It's a fantastic truck with an old-school feel. I average 11mpg city and 15mpg highway. If you love it and treat it well, this truck will get to 200k miles and beyond.
UPDATE: Feb 2017. 126k miles. Total maintenance has been about $2k a year. Not cheap by any means but I still love this truck. I have learned a lot about wrenching! I have a baby now and as a family car it is good, though certainly not as practical as a minivan, but infinitely cooler. I stand by my earlier review.
3.13 out of 5 stars
DONT GET SUCKED IN
Pete, 09/22/2009
2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
Don't let this vehicles awesome look bring you to purchase one. I bought a 2003 disco 4 months ago in pristine condition. Until after having it a weak the Lifters failed, the oil pump went and needed a total engine replacement at 58,000 miles. Local LR dealership put in a "used" engine in "good" shape and repair cost $8000. Two weeks after getting it back the head gasket blew on the … replacement engine! Also a $3000 repair not covered by the warranty! I have never had a more terrible experience with a vehicle in my life. It's funny sitting in a million dollar showroom around all these high end vehicles,while they're telling you that these repairs are normal. I sold the car after 5 months
4.75 out of 5 stars
Worth every penny
Pat Mancini, 08/25/2002
2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
Great SUV clean, turns heads, sexy
look,fun to drive, very
solid,everything a hummer offers but
more practicle. 2003 comes with a great
warranty and if still in doubt about
british engineering get their extended
warranty. Fuel economy sucks but if
this is a major concern than buy a
Honda.
2.38 out of 5 stars
My New Ex Boyfriend
My New Ex Boyfriend, 05/21/2007
2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
Yes, it's true...I ran to him when 6000 lbs or better meant notaxes that year! and now he has cheated on me. He got into bed with a gas pump and I just can't trust him anymore! He was quite the looker, but boy he has a drinking problem. Seriously, I loved the look of this truck, I like the classic stying. The romance fades from here. Although it's never left me stranded, OK once - E … means empty, there is no forgiving here. Have already done the brakes and I am on my 2nd set of tires. Front end is leaking as it is prone to do. O2 sensors have been replaced two times. Rear door latch failed and while rounding a corner door flew open and bent hinges
2003 Discovery Highlights
S
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $34,350 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 12 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $466/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 40.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | four wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Discovery include:
- Alarm
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover2 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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