Used 1997 Land Rover Discovery SUV 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
a 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.
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.
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.
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!
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