Used 1997 Land Rover Discovery Consumer Reviews
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One Amazing Tank
Micheal Smith, 09/17/2008
1997 Land Rover Discovery SE 4dr SUV AWD
18 of 18 people found this review helpful
I am the happy second owner of a '97 Disco. All I can say about this vehicle is that it is a tank. Goes where you point it without complaint. It chews up trails, scales steep hillsides/mountainsides with ease, and carves a path in deep snow. Gas mileage is average for an SUV of this size, so if gas is a concern,look elsewhere. And on-road manners are something to be desired. In addition this is the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. Got it with 75K and it now has over 240K on it and it's still chugging along. Granted there were repairs now and again, but in true Rover style, whatever broke or failed this truck always got me to my destination.
Interesting 2nd car (truck)
2ndcar, 03/07/2007
1997 Land Rover Discovery SE 4dr SUV AWD
13 of 13 people found this review helpful
bought my 1997 Discovery in February 2007 with 99k on it for $3800 from a charity auction on Ebay. The rear view mirror has a little burn out mark on it; the rear window controls from the front seat aren't working; and the spare tire cover was broken off. Oh well. I bought the Land Rover Discovery so I could get through snow and rain when my rear wheel drive Lexus would have problems. I also got it so I could bring my bike and all the beach stuff to the beach. My wife didn't want a pickup at the house and the Discovery is perfect! It feels like a truck, I can tow stuff if I need to, and it is strong enough to cart anything inside or outside the vehicle. The Discovery's will run a good 200k
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See all 0 listingsa real 4x4 not a SUV
It's a real 4x4, 09/14/2009
1997 Land Rover Discovery SD 4dr SUV AWD
19 of 20 people found this review helpful
I have a 1997 land rover Discovery SD the entry level model. It doesn't have a sunroof which is okay with me. The truck has a rugged frame and strong body. The discovery is built to withstand alot of abuse despite it's shiny exterior. The truck has been reliable what many fail to understand is that the truck is a rugged piece of machinery that require maintenance. but unlike many other vehicles the Discovery is a straightforward truck to own with a few tool set and time. I have a five inch lift with 34" tires on mines and it puts hummers and jeeps to shame.
1997 Discovery promised and delivered
Love the Rover idea, 06/09/2007
1997 Land Rover Discovery SE 4dr SUV AWD
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
Bought new 12/1996. Never stranded or failed to start. Oil leaks repaired free at dealer as was intake manifold gasket and retorque. EEPROM for gas gauge fixed in Canada at dealer in Vancouver. At 50,000 miles rough running due to bad O2 sensor and speed sensor. Ripped off at $1,200 for parts/labor at local San Jose independent Rover repair facility. Replaced both window regulators. Replaced fuel pump to prevent it going bad at 80,000. Always changed oil at 3,000 miles and have changed transmission oil twice, diff fluid twice, transfer case once and brake fluid twice. Now at 117,000 miles. Never changed water pump or alternator as did not go bad yet. All in all, super value for the buck.
Fantastic all round vehicle
Macca, 05/04/2009
1997 Land Rover Discovery SE7 4dr SUV AWD
18 of 19 people found this review helpful
I bought mine with 100,000 kilometers on it and intended to use it as a tow vehicle for my Caravan. After the first trip, I was disappointed with the lack of power from the 3.9 V8. I took the vehicle to a performance workshop and had a "Unichip" fitted. The transformation was amazing. This Disco now flys and returns a very respectable fuel mileage.
Hard to stop a Disco
Plova, 03/09/2013
1997 Land Rover Discovery SE 4dr SUV AWD
31 of 35 people found this review helpful
I have three Discos, one in the US and a 95 Tdi & 2002 TD5 in Europe. The 97 V8 just keeps going. Bought this one with 60K and now have 165k on it. Only repairs that have been needed are the gear shift switch (under brake - $25), starter ($180) and the large ball joint behind the hub ($600). Vehicle has been maintained but not babied. This is a real 4 x 4 and will go almost anywhere. Towing is no problem. The 4.0 litre engine is a bit underpowered in these years but it is a heavy vehicle and not a sports car. Ride is more like a truck but has a very solid feeling. Now that the 97's are getting on in years you can find some that are fairly inexpensive.
Solid Truck for the Money
Disco Fever, 05/01/2002
1997 Land Rover Discovery SD 4dr SUV AWD
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Very fun to drive vehicle with loads of potential! Versatility can describe what this vehicle, as it provides so many different uses. A bit underpowered, but Land Rover lives by Torque and not Horse Power. I personally like the look which alot of people don't, which is why I like it more.
Great DISCO
David, 04/13/2007
1997 Land Rover Discovery SD 4dr SUV AWD
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I purchased the disco back in 99 for my wife. It had 40k on it. This disco is an SD7 rare. Black non-leather. No major issues only the power door track for driver and passenger door keep braking. Land Rover's design for the track is plastic rollers that break. The rear windows dont work. I believe switch issue. Thats it I have 193K on this bad boy. Starts every time. The disco leaked oil at 50k. If you can get past oil leaks you will love this SUV. If not don't buy. Still rides great.
GOOD RIG
SELLER, 04/07/2002
1997 Land Rover Discovery SD 4dr SUV AWD
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Owned for 4 years, overall a sassy and reliable vehicle. When something needed repair dealship was great to work with and we never had it in for the same fix twice. Do not own a Rover for even a day without a bumper to bumper warranty. If they open the hood it is $1,200!
Understand a Land Rover
John, 11/03/2006
1997 Land Rover Discovery SE 4dr SUV AWD
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
LR gets a bad rap because often people treat them like Hondas. I have owned the car since the showroom floor- going on 10 years, 125K now. The key is just changing the fluids every 3,000 miles no exception. I have had less problems on this car then my wife's ford over the same period of time. People often forget that LR have problems because the car will stick around for 15 years. Other cars aren't even around to have these problems- for example try to find an explorer or even a 4runner 15 years old!
Land Rover lover
terry remy, 01/12/2008
1997 Land Rover Discovery LSE 4dr SUV AWD
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Fun to drive, very responsive on and off the road. Very well built, will go just about anywhere within reason. It's a blast. I am a hunter and it will outperform most stock 4 wheel drives vehicles off road. I have not had any problems with this vehicle on or off road. I would recomend it to anyone wanting a good all around on and off road vehicle. Love my Land Rover
Great Truck
Steve Owens, 07/30/2002
1997 Land Rover Discovery SE 4dr SUV AWD
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
This had been an excellent truck for us in the last three years. Very reliable and a blast to drive.
Fun to drive.... to the service dept.
Money Pit, 08/10/2002
1997 Land Rover Discovery SE7 4dr SUV AWD
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I've kept this truck for 3 years now, thinking I've made my last repair for a while. All this just between 35k & 75k miles.... Window lift ($425) Radiator ($550) Seat adjuster ($200) Cup holder ($135) Major oil & coolant leaks ($1200) Speed sensor ($200) Blown valves ($2800) Depreciation falls faster than the Space Shuttle. I really enjoyed driving the truck when it was working, but reliability is dismal at best. I've been to several LR dealerships service dept. with mine, and they aren't sympathetic in the slightest. Also, they are usually backed up minimum of 2 weeks.
Love it but hate it
97 SE7, 10/07/2005
1997 Land Rover Discovery SE7 4dr SUV AWD
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought my black '97 Discovery SE7 back in March with 72,000 miles on it and i LOVE it. No other vehicle looks or drives like it, and the two sunroofs are amazing. Reliability so far has been surprisingly good despite the poor reliability reviews, with no major repairs. My car now has over 84k on it and all i have had to replace was a window motor, not surprising since it IS a Land Rover, and a gasket. I guess a Land Rover is like a good wine, it improves with age? Or maybe just because everything has been repaired in it.
Trade It In
Cathy Albrecht, 02/02/2002
1997 Land Rover Discovery SE7 4dr SUV AWD
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
We have had our used Discovery for 2 1/2 years. At close to 50,000 (we bought at 36,000) miles, we have had nothing but trouble. A/C hose ($600), coolant leak ($800), window raising or lowering ($325), now head gasket problem (est. $2,000) -- all in 6 months. We need to get current problem fixed and get rid of it!
Quite Happy
R Faoro, 12/22/2002
1997 Land Rover Discovery SE7 4dr SUV AWD
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
With 90K km on it, we've had it for 2 months now and, so far, we're pretty happy. It looks great, is very comfortable, and drives well. The gas milage doesn't seem as bad as it's cracked up to be (no worse than my 3L '89 Pathfinder). The only problem, so far, was an unreliable gas gage right after we bought it which required a gas float replacement, about a $600 repair, which the dealer agreed to pay half for.
Land Rover Rocks!
jbentley, 11/22/2002
1997 Land Rover Discovery SD 4dr SUV AWD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I love this car. I have had several sport-utes in the past including Grand Cherokee, Blazer, Explorer, and Pathfinder. The fit and finish of the discovery is so much better. It is so much more refined and is unbelievable off-road. It also attracts much more attention. It is for the discerning buyer only!
Best SUV i've owned
Rob E, 08/26/2003
1997 Land Rover Discovery SE7 4dr SUV AWD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I am the original owner and now have 110,000 miles on it. It has been very reliable (far better the the 2 chevy's and 1 ford SUVs I've owned). Goes all most any where, really fun to drive. Gas milage is average for an SUV, power a little low with 4.0 but I pull a 3800lb trailer and it does OK. Maintanince is a little $ for parts and labor, find an independent for service to save $. I have all ways used regular unleaded w/o problem. I have had no major problems, just normal service accept for an exhaust manifold crack which was $800 to replace. I have driven many black diamond trails and the rover has great, blows the doors off jeeps and other stock SUVs.
Learned my Lesson
Stinky, 08/27/2003
1997 Land Rover Discovery SE7 4dr SUV AWD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I've owned from 35K-82K miles and had nothing but trouble. Repeatedly replacing window regulators at $250 a pop (replaced a few twice now). Head gasket leak was repaired while under warranty (40k mi.), just got $1500 quote to repair it again! Paid $600 to replace failing PS pump (aftermarket-- dlr quoted $900). Chk engine light came on at 50K miles and it failed emissions. After 4 trips to dlr and $300 it was fixed. Now chk eng light is on again, after $430 and 2 days the light is back on. Oil has leaked since 50K miles. In May dlr quoted $5500 in necesary repairs. Want to sell it but can't afford all the repairs to get in selling condition.
VERY EXPENSIVE VEHICLE
SARAH BAGLY, 03/04/2003
1997 Land Rover Discovery XD 4dr SUV AWD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Although we get many comments on the beauty of our car..has it been worth it? No power to the V8...high gas costs..very expensive maintenance..and no warranty that backs this car to my satisfaction....gorgous..but toooo expensive!
Might get another
le, 01/29/2003
1997 Land Rover Discovery SE7 4dr SUV AWD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Bought new and initially had loads of problems . . . most electrical related (window motors-replaced 5, only 4 windows!!; replace front and rear sun roof motors twice each.) Warrenty covered everything but the hassle! Dealer has been great! Very dependable for last three years or so.
Feel like I stole it❗
Даниэль "Dan", 05/23/2019
1997 Land Rover Discovery SD 4dr SUV AWD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought my 97 SD last year in Florida. It was sitting for nearly 5 years. Had 117.xxx miles. Now has 127.xxx miles and located in MO. Paid $1700 but have spent 3 times that for miscellaneous repairs. Wouldn't feel comfortable driving anything else. And there are just a handful of rovers where I live so always getting looks or questions. Love the headroom and cargo space. Luckily gas is inexpensive here. Minus the small fluid leaks I have no complaints. Would never sell.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Rocer rave
David N Dix, 03/30/2003
1997 Land Rover Discovery SE7 4dr SUV AWD
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
The only issues I have are with Land Rover dealers and the beer holder. I have ordered parts and purchased parts from my local dealer. I constantly get attitude and no call backs. I have resorted to buying my parts online.
A few Problems
David Vasta, 11/29/2002
1997 Land Rover Discovery LSE 4dr SUV AWD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
If you just have to get a Land Rover then this is probably the one to get, but expect to have problems with parts, and expect them to kill the wallet. I have had the entire brake system redone to the tune of $1300 and I still need a sensor in one of the brakes which is a tiddy $250. Most Land Rover Machanics are out for the money and know you will pay it. The Disco is though, and a very rugged car, but keeping it running is the killer.
ryans review
Ryan Sadeghy, 07/21/2003
1997 Land Rover Discovery SE 4dr SUV AWD
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
my land rover has not had many problems. This is a great off-road vehicle. i have treaded through about 2 and a half feet of water with ease. I also enjoy the differintial lockers. These really help you climb steep slopes. I wouldnt recomend the vehicle if you dont go off-road alot or use the 4wd system very often.
Disco's have a bad rap
shiftaw, 01/22/2003
1997 Land Rover Discovery SE7 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I did my homework and bought a used disco I have had it for two years with no serious problems. Things to know about the vehicle, it is not designed with fuel economy in mind, it is hand built so each one might have a character all to its own, Labor and Spare parts are not cheap. On the flip side it is a joy to drive and no suburban pothole or off road trap is to hard for even the novice driver.
Towing Machine
Michael McCabe, 12/16/2009
1997 Land Rover Discovery SE 4dr SUV AWD
2 of 8 people found this review helpful
I bought my 97 DISCO to tow my 24' sailboat about a year ago. so far, the only thing I had to replace was the catalytic converter. The dealer wanted $700 for repairs!!! I went to a local mechanic who did just as good of a job for $150!! So dont go to the dealer. It looks great on the road, although it feels a bit top-heavy sometimes, and a ton of fun off road!! I use it sparingly, mostly for towing my 3500 lb sailboat around and it does the job very very well. Switches do go bad, but if youre looking for a fun beater, not a daily driver, this is the truck for you.
High Maintenance Mistress
winston, 02/19/2003
1997 Land Rover Discovery SD 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
Awesome truck SUV and not a minivan phoney like the Mercedes M-class. It feels like a real metal gasoline engine vehicle unlike the electric car feel of the Japanese pseudo-minivans. Feels right at home on rugged mountain trails or the opera house lobby entrance. Whether its to drive to the mall or to run a SAS tactical mission, the Land Rover is more than capable.
Disco
Bob Hope, 03/06/2002
1997 Land Rover Discovery SE7 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
has tons of problems, everything and anything can break at any given moment.
A let down!!
Eng, 07/13/2004
1997 Land Rover Discovery SE7 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 6 people found this review helpful
This has to be the worst vehicle on the road. Yes... it's pretty however it is only skin deep. It is the most unreliable...poorly made...under powered...over priced vehicle I have ever owned. The interior falls apart... it rattles. wind noise is poor. Both sun roofs leak. switches go bad. poor fuel economy... poor tow ability. The interior door pockets fall off. If you see one on the lot....run away from it! You can't afford to fix it. The dealer monopolizes the paets... you can't buy parts elsewhere! Look at a domestic SUV!
The Lemon Rover Attacks
Lemon Rover Man, 08/08/2002
1997 Land Rover Discovery SD 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The two year old vehicle seduced with it's rugged, masculine looks, it's promise of adventure in forbidding terrain, and elegant interior appointments that swaddels you in English country ambience. This perception faded quickly. I discovered she is a gold digging harlot, just out to drain my money reserves on repair, after repair. Through the years, a litany of complaints arose from her innermost mechanicals needing the corrective hands of the Land Rover mechanic to quiet her. $4K valve job, $1.5K oil seal, $600 brake cylinder, $600 fuel pump, among other woes. Will the pain never cease?????
Love my Rover
Mudpuppy, 08/09/2002
1997 Land Rover Discovery SE7 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the perfect "short-girl" SUV. The outside door mirrors are small enough to see over. It is easy to get in and out of with running boards. It is perfect for a family of four.
The repairs
Mr. Patent, 03/04/2002
1997 Land Rover Discovery SD 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Our Disco was great offroad, and not bad in the city. But the repairs. We babied our rig and at only 45K we had a main seal fail ($1600) and at 47K a gear box seal problem ($1400). We thought an extended warranty would protect us--it didn't, as even they won't pay for the full amount of these high priced repairs.
reliable
bank, 07/15/2004
1997 Land Rover Discovery SE 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
good design, beautiful interior, rides good,very reliable
LR disco
CB, 08/11/2006
1997 Land Rover Discovery SE 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is an off road machine! Very fun to drive, and a nice ride. Just bought it and it's really a tank.
Awesome
Discovery 1997, 04/11/2003
1997 Land Rover Discovery SE 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is by far the coolest SUV on the market. Everything is just awesome. From the cool body style to the dual sunroofs, everything is cool. No major problems. A few little problems, but my mechanic is real good, fair, and cheap. He could build one if he wanted. Anyway, I love it many people think they are junk, but their wrong!
great suv
sergio, 12/12/2002
1997 Land Rover Discovery LSE 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
great looking, never had any problems (only power locks once) really capable off roader, fun to drive, good visibility. my wife owns a grand cherokee and it isnnt as capable off road as the land rover(great transfer case, central diff locking and suspension)
What potholes?
Chr010101, 05/29/2003
1997 Land Rover Discovery SE 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I knew what I was getting into given the relatively high maintenece and poor fuel economy, and love this vehicle. Given that I spend a lot of time driving around DC, this rig is great at not being destroyed by the poor roads. The tremendous visability is a real safety asset. My only gripe is rather than having heated seats, it seems to have "luke-warm" seats.
Might get another
Le, 01/29/2003
1997 Land Rover Discovery SE7 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought new and initially had loads of problems . . . most electrical related (window motors-replaced 5, only 4 windows!!; replace front and rear sun roof motors twice each.) Warrenty covered everything but the hassle! Dealer has been great! Very dependable for last three years or so.
Nice Vehicle- High maintenance
Jensen5, 03/30/2002
1997 Land Rover Discovery SE 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought the vehicle from a dealer with an extended warranty. We were surprised on the number of problems we had with this vehicle. Nothing was made to last. We have had to replace numerous gaskets ($2,500), A/C problems ($900), electric problems with windows and other power components ($1,200). We have just sold the vehicle to a poor sap who didn't know any better. We could have bought a much nicer vehicle than what we got (considering the expensive repairs, original cost and maintenance costs). We would not recommend this vehicle to anyone. English engineers have a lot to learn from the Germans and Japanese.
Don't Do It
Keith McGuigan, 01/05/2004
1997 Land Rover Discovery SE7 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Awful. If you plan to ply rock-strewn river beds, then buy one. Seeing as how most SUV's are driven on freeways and secondary roads you couldn't buy a worse vehicle for daily driving. Horrible interior design, poor night backlighting, a dangerous lack of power, cheap plastic switches, poor workmanship, expensive to fill and maintain. Gets only 240 miles to a tankful. Deafening road and wind noise.
97 Discovery
adonax, 01/20/2003
1997 Land Rover Discovery SE 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 6 people found this review helpful
This vehicle has been great! No problems whatsoever. Starts every time. No squeaks or rattles. Comfortable, quiet and fun to drive. A truely great car.