Used 1996 Land Rover Discovery Consumer Reviews
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Discovery II
jim sayles sr, 11/27/2003
1996 Land Rover Discovery SE 4dr SUV AWD
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Bought to replace my '93 Jeep Grand Cherokee I much prefer this vehicle it's without a doubt 'stylish', but my main objective its reputation as 'hardy', which it has show to be from date of purchase to now.The A/C was a bit disturbing in its short term life before needing attention, but those it is a most enjoyable vehicle and I recommend it highly to others. The redeeming quality of the Discovery is its absolute authority offroad Fulltime 4wheel is a blessing, much better than my older Jeep.
nothin like a rover!
mike, 11/02/2009
1996 Land Rover Discovery SD 4dr SUV AWD
11 of 12 people found this review helpful
i have had my rover for about a year now. and have subjected it to every kind of torture possible! lol its been through creeks, woods and snow deep enough that i was pulling out snow plows! but it has always been comfortable and reliable! it drinks gas like crazy, and could use some more get up and go. but i wouldnt trade it for anything! once u own a discovery u wont be without one!
1996 Land Rover Discovery for sale near you
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- SE 4dr SUVMSRP: $14,214453 mi away
The Adventures of Anuqa
Nanuq, 03/05/2002
1996 Land Rover Discovery SD 4dr SUV AWD
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
My Rover started out hard... she had teething problems. It was a struggle but with my excellent service manager and mechanics we MORE THAN sorted out all the problems. Now this truck is far more than I would hope for in a 4WD. She'll take me places that scare me to death, she's capable and sure footed, and she's apparently going to last forever. Just what I wanted.
Awesome
Mace Baker, 01/06/2008
1996 Land Rover Discovery SE 4dr SUV AWD
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
This Landrover Discovery has been in the family for 12 years. At first it was a city slicker in lexington KY then we moved to hazard KY. It spent about five more years as a daily driver to and from work. Then we sold it. Mistake! One year later we bought it back when we started to miss it. Good choice. Then we started to fourwheel it on fourwheeler trails. It did better than any of our friends Bronco, Jeep. It does awesome in the mud/hills/ and snow. We took all of the plastic out too.
Excellent rig !
bimah320, 07/15/2012
1996 Land Rover Discovery SE 4dr SUV AWD
10 of 12 people found this review helpful
This is my 2nd Discovery, my 1st on being a series 2, but my wife wrecked it. I replaced it with a '96 series 1, and we love it. Our Disco has over 200k on it, and it runs great. I have had to make a few minor repairs, but I NEVER go to the dealer. Just find parts online, much cheaper, then go to a local mechanic if you are not inclined to do your own work. The engine is pretty much an aluminum block Oldsmobile V8. If you're buying anything used, you can expect to throw a little money at it. I paid 2500, spent about 300 on some repair parts, then 500 on a 2" lift, and 900 for 265/75-16 tires. Now, for less than 5 grand, I have something way better than a Jeep.
The Money Pit
JeffW, 06/20/2002
1996 Land Rover Discovery SD 4dr SUV AWD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought my Discovery used with approximately 35,000 miles. I loved the vehicle at first, but then the problems began. The car was in and out of the shop constantly with oil leaks and transmission problems. I traded the Discover for a Jeep after the Discovery's engine ceased while idoling in my driveway. No joke. The oil pump apparently shut down, causing the engine to blow up. It had 58,000 miles at the time.
A Wonderful 4X4! If one can handle it!
mattgibson, 10/05/2003
1996 Land Rover Discovery SE7 4dr SUV AWD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
My 1996 Land Rover Discovery SE7 has been and continues to be a wonderfully enjoyable vehicle! I have put nearly 80,000 miles on mine in a lttle over a year and it has been there everytime I needed it. Its capable four-wheel drive got myself and three other friends out of Ft. Worth, Texas this past Feburary during the terrible ice storm that hit the area and back to Georgia without a scratch while many other vehicles had a hard time. It has plenty of room for the equipment, animals, and friends that are usually found with me. Just a great vehicle!
Shop sees it more than I do
Empty Wallet, 08/06/2003
1996 Land Rover Discovery SD 4dr SUV AWD
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Spent almost $5000 on repairs in 2 yrs. 1st Transmission needed replace. Then ALL FOUR O-2 sensors. Later the plastic excuse for a U-joint came apart. This week, window regulator simply fell apart. Can you say "money pit"? The British should stick to making tea, not cars. When I complained to the LR service rep, he replied "Thats why I drive a GM"
Built Like a Tank
JROD, 05/13/2002
1996 Land Rover Discovery SE7 4dr SUV AWD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Excellent vehicle. Had several minor problems with it in first 2 years: water leaks, oil pan seals replaced, dash replaced, etc. Warranty covered everything. Land Rover Seattle provided outstanding service! '96 was not a great year for Discovery but once problems were taken care of the vehicle has been 100% reliable. Transmission is bullet proof. Frame is legendary. Ride is stiff but, hey it's built to cross the Sahara. Like a Volvo, you'd feel safe giving your 16 yr. old as first car.
Maintenance a must
Ed N, 12/14/2002
1996 Land Rover Discovery SE 4dr SUV AWD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
After 90,000 miles i'm still impressed. Straight from the factory the best 4X4 without the bother of modifications. This car is solidly built and heavy. But keep up on the maintenace. Get it severviced and have it inspected on a regular basis. If you cant afford the cost then go with a honda, toyota, ford or chevorlet. Being a mechanic I find that most owners who ignore maintenance are the ones having the problems!!Use OEM parts.This indeed is a stout offroad vehicle adapted for city streets but for a product that balances off road with a nice city drive I have yet to see another. Proud to say that Land Rover is now a family name!
Long term evaluation
Nanuq, 05/02/2005
1996 Land Rover Discovery SD 4dr SUV AWD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've used this truck HARD supporting hundreds of Scout outings and she has never failed. She starts no matter how cold it gets and she's never stranded us or got unfixably stuck. At 95k miles she still drives like new and everything works great. She does ooze fluids but I can live with that. This is the truck I'll never get rid of... everything else has let me down or proved untrustworthy enough to not want to keep it. Buy a Rover and maintain it. Use it hard, periodically drive it like you stole it, and it will last nearly forever.
BEST SUV IN THE WORLD
ryn, 03/29/2004
1996 Land Rover Discovery SE7 4dr SUV AWD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car is a tank. A lot of people complain about the maintenance but realisticly if you bring it to the dealer for check-ups and do routine maintenance(oil change, ect) it will never die.
Land Rover--great buy
Sam, 08/23/2005
1996 Land Rover Discovery SD 4dr SUV AWD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Best value for the money and with manual trans--gets 20mpg on the hwy--14 city--not bad for a heavy v8 suv
96 Discovery SE7
Brian, 02/07/2003
1996 Land Rover Discovery SE7 4dr SUV AWD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought the truck with 50k miles. In the past year I have replaced the battery, plugs and wires, thermastat, tires, fuel filter, air cleaner, brakes and rotors, muffler, etc. Truck is un-stopable in the snow. Gas mileage is 12-13mpg. Acceleration is slow. Engine is known for developing valve problems. Frequent oil changes, the use of high octane fuel, and fuel additives minimize problem. Great truck if you can perform your own maintanence. Dealer prices are ridiculous. Many suppliers for parts.
Love my 96 Disco!
Gabriel Rivas, 12/07/2019
1996 Land Rover Discovery SE7 4dr SUV AWD
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1996 Landrover Discovery with only 164,000 miles on her. Got an awesome deal! She's needed just a little TLC. Driver door wouldn't open, stereo not working, breaks needed replacement. In all, a few hundred bucks to get her up to par. I also put a new fuel pump and filter. She's runs like a dream! I've also taken her off road, of course. She killed it! Went up things I didn't think she could. 24 years old and still handling great on the trails. Thanks Disco 1! Hope to enjoy many more years with you. Cheers!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
WorstSUVevery
WorstSUVever, 12/05/2003
1996 Land Rover Discovery SE7 4dr SUV AWD
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
This truck is the absolute worst. It leaks oil like a sieve and drinks fuel like a camel. The windows and doors are made so poorly and the "Check Engine" light is on every-other day. I would not wish the torture of owning this car to anyone. I dread the selling of this car, as anyone with a thread of automotive knowledge will undoubtedly laugh at its condition.
Best ever
Trey Lee, 07/28/2005
1996 Land Rover Discovery SE7 4dr SUV AWD
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is the most fun, safe, and all around best vehicle that I have ever owned. You can do just about anything with this vehicle without the worry of somting breaking. This is why I love my Disco SO MUCH!!!
Don't Buy A Land Rover!!!
SteveG, 03/26/2002
1996 Land Rover Discovery SE7 4dr SUV AWD
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I was totally taken in by the Land Rover marketing machine and believed that my SUV would be the ultimate go anywhere vehicle.Well my go anywhere SUV has taken me to the dealership more than all the vehicles I've ever owned!When your warranty expires plan on spending about $2k a year in service.It is a poorly made and engineered SUV gaining any sales from the marketing machine driving this product.Sorry if this review sounds bitter, I don't want anyone else to suffer needlessly and if I can save one person from buying one of these,I am sure that I will go straight to heaven.If you don't believe me check the Consumer Reports Magazine on these vehicles.I wish that I had!
Boy did I get suckered
Chris K, 04/21/2002
1996 Land Rover Discovery SE 4dr SUV AWD
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
The worst car I’ve ever had. I’m amazed at the rate of decline and the deterioration of this car with 60k miles that my salesman said “wouldn’t be broken in until it has 100k miles.” It’s been the most unreliable car. I’ve seen the ‘check engine light two times, the rear 02 filters failed and the brakes went out among others things. I told this to my salesman, Michael Kane, but didn’t hear a word. Not what I expected from a company that stressed ‘an excellent level of service.’ 3 years ago, my decision was either a Discovery or a Passport. The last 6 years, I’ve had 2 Hondas. Number of trips to the mechanic: 0. Number of mechanic trips for the Discovery, in half the time:3.
Run as fast as you can
coolkj, 08/01/2008
1996 Land Rover Discovery SE 4dr SUV AWD
7 of 20 people found this review helpful
Worst SUV ever constructed. The frame and body are built like a tank but everything else comes from a bubble gum machine. Example, they still use cork gaskets. Ah, that is why it leaks like a sieve and 3K a year in repairs minimum. Run, run fast in the other direction.
Problems?
bryan, 04/29/2002
1996 Land Rover Discovery SE 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I only had one hose go bad since i owned my rover. IT handles well in the dirt, mud, and all the garbage that goes w/ it. I wonder if the guy who complains never washed it or took care of it after doing the dirty deeds. Over not a bad vehicle just bad w/ the fuel (14 MPG on average) Look this is a fun eye catching vehicle that can be in expensive if purchasd used, like any used car buyer beware is the first order of the transaction. Also these things are fun to customize and turn into some Daktari car too.
Great overall SUV!
Hooky, 07/11/2002
1996 Land Rover Discovery SD 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've had mine a good while now, and have no tbeen disapointed yet. Have owned 4Runners, GMCs, and Landcruisers for compairison purposes--the Disco has been the best all the way around. I give the Disco 5 out of 5 stars.
Rovers are not grocery getters
Vmon, 07/30/2002
1996 Land Rover Discovery SE 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my third Rover and I knew what I was getting into when I bought it. However, this one has been suprizingly reliable after all the necessary upgrades were done. I use my Rover for what it was intended for - OFFROAD! If you are looking for a competent off road machine, this is your vehicle. If you are looking for a something to drive the kids to little league, get a Subaru. I love Rovers and don't mind putting up with a few headaches which go with owning them.
My Last Land Rover
teleran, 08/10/2002
1996 Land Rover Discovery SE 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
If your looking for reliability-look somewhere else (Toyota Land Cruiser or Lexus LX 470). While the Discovery sports a cool "look", it is not as cool under the exterior. I averaged 3- 4 non-preventive visits a year over the last 3 years for unexpected problems. Nothing too serious, but a hassle in the least to keep taking in to the garage every 3-4 months. After careful research, I plan to go another direction for my next purchase.
The REAL DEAL!!!
KHB, 08/20/2002
1996 Land Rover Discovery SD 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is not my first, it will not be my last, in fact it's not my only Land Rover. I absolutely love this machine. NOTE to the wise... shop for quality not price. I was very selective as to the Rover(s) I chose. If you don't buy from a Land Rover dealer, at least pay the $75-$100 to have their TECH's look it over. These guys know what to look for, use that resource. Do you know if the "constant velocity joint" and the "swivel pin assembly" requires attention? Well, the Technician will.
Spanked by my Rover
4Wheeler, 10/09/2002
1996 Land Rover Discovery SE 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Loved driving my Rover, that is when I was not getting the transmission rebuilt or having a chronic unrepairable oil leak repaired, or power stearing bump replaced. Everything about this car was unreliable and as expensive as a Mecedes 500 or 911. Dealer was very un-responsive to my plite. I have owned Land Cruisers, Vetts, Audi's.. you get the idea - I love cars. This thing was junk. I hear that in 97 they made them better, it would have to be a total metamorphosis to even be considered good. I called Ford to get some satisfaction, they never responded. Open your wallet and suck all the money out, and that is what it will feel like owning a Disco.
Land "Hand your wallet" over
DDD, 01/09/2003
1996 Land Rover Discovery SE7 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Nothing but trips to the shop with this vehicle. Had a 4Runner before and not once had any problems. The valves starting sticking around 45,000 miles. It only cost $6000 to repair. Couple years later, had some leaking; cost $3000 to repair. In addition, to that averaged about $1500/year on maintenance and minor repairs. Nothing like paying for the highest grade gasoline only to have all these problems. And one more thing, it has a flemsy cupholder that barely holds up 2 coke cans.
Great Rover
iIan, 01/05/2004
1996 Land Rover Discovery SE7 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I just did a 1300 plus drive. It was great. 21 plus miles to the gallon doing a 75-80mph most of the time
a HUGE commitment
M Falade, 02/14/2004
1996 Land Rover Discovery SE7 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Iv'e had My Rover for about 4 months, its a great vehicle if you don't mind paying a nice chunk of change for repairs or you are handy and have the time to fix it yourself.MY SUGGESTION buy a rover that has a warrenty.If you plan to go off the beaten path with your rover expect things to wear out more quickly OBVIOUS advice, but i learned the hard way and i am kicking myself now. The seats sit higher than many other SUV's allowing you to have great visibility,and relitively little blind spots, something uncommon to many other SUV's. Overall good ride if you can afford to upkeep it, and quench its ever present thirst for 93 octane fuel.
Bullit proof
Rover driver, 04/30/2004
1996 Land Rover Discovery SE 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Best SUV I have ever owned. unstoppable off road,Comfortable, Excellent handeling.
Why?
formerroverowner, 05/06/2004
1996 Land Rover Discovery SE 4dr SUV AWD
2 of 8 people found this review helpful
Why would anyone buy one? Avg 12mpg, rusts out, always in need of repair, always leaks (this is a Rover feature), parts break and fail but sometimes "self-heal", electrical system is a nightmare and numerous features quit or worked intermittently. Mildly capable offroad but the risk of breaking parts (differential, axles, e.g.) is very high. The Discovery is all image, no substance, and a nightmare to own.
Solid truck with little problems
gregor, 06/24/2002
1996 Land Rover Discovery SD 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased mine with 65,000 and have put another 40,000 in two years. The truck is hands down the best 4WD/off road SUV out there and I've pulled out many a Jeep or Toyota on back wood trails or mountain passes. In the city it's a bit anemic as far as performance and it's handling is average at best. There have been few major mechanical problems but many minor electrical ones - it's British. Off pavement I wouldn't trade it for anything - on pavement... well, you can't have it both ways really.
I love my Discovery
thebrybry, 11/20/2002
1996 Land Rover Discovery SD 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car. Although if you have to take them into the shop for work, it's going to hit hard on your pocket book. Other than that I love it. Great car.
Great Truck all stars!!
Nick123, 01/13/2003
1996 Land Rover Discovery SE7 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the best truck and a great vaule for what it can do.
LandRover Disco
JayCruise, 07/18/2003
1996 Land Rover Discovery SE 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Transfer case id $3,000 if it goes and it will go. The transmission is $3,000 when it goes and it will go. The engine is $3,000 when it goes and it will go. Not a very affordable vehicle but loads of fun.
Built to Last
Ryan, 06/07/2005
1996 Land Rover Discovery SE7 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The truck is bad on gas but great every way else. Reliable, tough and fun. Great value used. still easy to mistake as a much newer truck. Built like a tank, and super comfortable on long trips. A true adventure vehicle.. and the poshness of a luxury british vehicle. Others may go faster but in a land rover you can go anywhere.
Rockin Little Rover
4 wheelin Killer, 06/21/2007
1996 Land Rover Discovery SE7 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car and hate it all at the same time. I blew the engine at about 80k. Total cost for a decent rebuild with new everything ran about $4600. Yes it is expensive to own but so are most European cars. Germans build great cars but when they break, good bye savings. Great thing about this little beauty is that the parts are plentiful, average priced and easy to install. This dominates off road I have gone with Jeeps and Toyotas that were modified but this thing tackles almost all the obsticles on mostly stock equipment.
Don't buy one
mitzy, 04/30/2003
1996 Land Rover Discovery SE 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Car fell apart..simple things like windows
Great Vehicle
Tester, 05/16/2003
1996 Land Rover Discovery SE7 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've been really happy with this vehicle. Since I bought it, I just took it to the dealer for minor check ups. Build very solid and drives so great everywhere. Driving during the Michigan winters is no longer a challenge and is really fun
This SUV will bleed you dry!
Chez, 03/26/2003
1996 Land Rover Discovery SD 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Don't buy one unless, of course, you can afford to pay for the constant repairs! It was a mechanical nightmare! Love the look and ride (when it is working properly)! It really is the best 4-wheel drive SUV on the road but it is not worth all the headaches! I ended up taking a $6K loss on it and leased a Honda Accord! I was losing my shirt along with my sanity!
96 Discovery SE7
BRIAN, 02/07/2003
1996 Land Rover Discovery SE7 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the truck with 50k miles. In the past year I have replaced the battery, plugs and wires, thermastat, tires, fuel filter, air cleaner, brakes and rotors, muffler, etc. Truck is un-stopable in the snow. Gas mileage is 12-13mpg. Acceleration is slow. Engine is known for developing valve problems. Frequent oil changes, the use of high octane fuel, and fuel additives minimize problem. Great truck if you can perform your own maintanence. Dealer prices are ridiculous. Many suppliers for parts.
Outstanding vehicle for Adventures
urikoss, 03/26/2002
1996 Land Rover Discovery SD 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am studing college in alaska, and this vehicle is the best for weekend adventures with friends! We go everywhere and have no problems!
RE BORN SE 7
Galahad, 01/09/2023
1996 Land Rover Discovery SE7 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After a young woman backed into my parked Land Rover. One side damaged. I decided to find a reliable dealer and restore the entire vehicle,including upholstery. I am second owner. Entrire cost $31.K . Now it is a new car. Odometer "O". Comments daily! If I sell.I am "93", What can I expect.Only driven locally.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value