Used 1999 Land Rover Discovery Consumer Reviews
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For real 4WD enthusiasts only
I am the third owner of a 1999 Discovery II. I knew exactly what to look for and what parts to replace, which I did. No issues from that day forward. If you are not willing to invest from the beginning in genuine LR parts, don't bother because cheap doesn't work. Take care of the vehicle and it will reward you with unlimited capability. To those who complain about reliability, perhaps you should have been proactive and not reactive. Avoid the ACE system at all costs, & get Waxoyl treatment.
Just bought disc
I have always wanted own a land rover and when I finally purchased one I was pleasant surprised. I love the comfort,space and interior. I have read good and bad reviews on them. I say if you dont have the money to maintain them do not purchased one. Still loving it!
- Series II 4dr SUVMSRP: $9,400779 mi away
- Series II 4dr SUVMSRP: $13,9001,673 mi away
- Series II 4dr SUVMSRP: $15,5152,443 mi away
Money pit series two
Bought new, worst vehicle I have owned as far as repairs. $20,000 in repairs in ten years. Radiators, hoses, front drive shaft, both axles, abs system repair, main seals, engine rebuild. Currently drivers side heated seat doesn't work, rear wiper broken, two doors locks not working. Too bad the body still looks new, should have sold years ago. Don't but one.
moneypit for sure!!
I bought this car with 90k on it for 7 and ended up putting another 7 into it just in repairs. I love the 4wd nothing compares,I have put it to the test and it has never failed me.I now have 225,000 on it and so far she is still taking me through the swamps.
Rugged and Reliable
I have had my Disco for almost 7 years now, and have had less repairs done than any vehicle I have ever owned. The only thing I had to do was replace the rear air suspension with springs, as the bags did not last in our sub-arctic conditions. I have 200 miles of Northern Canadian gravel road to travel to the nearest paved road. I use it for camping and exploration in extremely remote areas. It has never left me stranded. Just look at what people drive in Africa and the Outback! They are easy to work on and parts are no more expensive than any other import. Its a shame Land Rover chose to target their marketing at city drivers, as it is NOT the vehicle for them.
Make sure you read before buy!
Amazing truck to own and drive. I love mine. They are fix trucks tho. Every month something will go! If you baby her she will baby you. If you beat on it, it will beat of you! Make sure you know a good shop NOT A DEALER! Stick with a Discovery 2 2000 or above. I have a 1999 and computers are a problem. Over all they are a good truck and will get you out of trouble when the roads are at there end. I WOULD TAKE A LAND ROVER OVER A HUMMER H1 ANYDAY! Just be careful with the buy make sure it has been maintained and had a good owner and you will be fine.
FIRST AND LAST LAND ROVER.
SAVE YOUR MONEY. This piece of british crap will cost you your life savings to keep on the road IT IS A GAS GUZZLING MONEY PIT WITH A CRAP ENGINE.
Discovery II
The truck performs off road as you would expect a Land Rover to do. It went up and over things easily that I had not been able to negotiate without difficulty in other vehicles. It's a lot of fun to drive. On the other hand, it's been in the shop 22 times for warranty repairs. I got one of the first Discovery II's off of the assembly line which was probably the problem.
The dealer is the worst part
The car is a finnicky and unpredictable machine. It can be a real treat to drive. Gas mileage sucks, especially with the current gas prices. It costs me almost $50 to fill 'er up. Since I bought my LR two years ago, had some problems, like water leaks into the cabin, the power seat works intermittently, muffler rattled (dealer replaced it under warranty), and the darn CHECK ENGINE LIGHT goes off way too much (dealer has to reset the light).The biggest problem though is THE DEALERSHIP. They're pretty pushy about maintenance, and everything costs WAY TOO MUCH to fix. They wanted $600 just to change my spark plug wires! If you can do light auto work, do the jobs yourself to save a few bucks!
Best 4X4Xfar
Best car I have ever owned. Best 4X4 offroad performance and confortable to drive to work and on trips with kids. No troubles at all. Check engine light goes off every 10-20K miles; just indicates the injectors need cleaning. Service is expensive at the dealer, but at a private garage no more expensive than any other car. Brake jobs are costly but last a long time. I would certainly buy another, but I can't bear to part with this one.
I like my disco
I love this SUV. It is a true SUV- not an SUV wannabe. It can do amazing things offroad and then can still drive downtown.
Disappointing!
I bought my Land Rover used and I have had a repair at least every two weeks. The water pump,mass air flow sensor, power steering pump, brakes (ok they were due for a change) all gaskets and the list goes on... I am disappointed that there is no CD player and the cup holders are small and are easily broken. The AC does not have a lot of power and does not cool the vehicle in high heat. I like the exterior very much but the vehicle can not be trusted.
Great 4 x 4 City & Camping
This is certainly the most comfortable the most comfortable Automobile I have owned. I am really impressed with the creature comforts inside. It handles really well and seems to have enough power for getting around. The All wheel drive works well and I live in a vary hilly area. Mileage could be better and is a little sluggish when I put my foot into it. Very solid feel on probably the most sure footed SUV I have owned. As I have just purchased the vehicle these are only my initial impressions. Initially I am Quite impressed.
Wouldn't give this car to my worst enemy
This vehicle is all around unreliable. The Discovery I had broke down once a year, and I didn't even drive it that much. My vehicle had 71,000 miles on it. Usually you expect those kind of problems in a car that has more than 120,000 miles. The transmission went out twice, the water pump had a leak. The car would over heat even though I always watched the coolant. The worst thing is that there's only one place around me that fixes land rovers! Any other place that I've tried talking to about it say they don't want to touch the thing. The car is way too expensive and difficult to fix. I'm so glad I traded this car in. Don't buy anything from Land Rover.
We're loving ours
We purchased this Discovery used with 104k on it. We have taken it on numerous trips and 4 wheeling. This vehicle is just great, I have yet to get stuck. Our Disco has the jump seats in back, which is great for transporting extra kids or just putting some distance between the from seats. With the second row seats and jump seats folded up this vehicle can haul quite a bit. The only downside for this vehicle is MPG, but most SUV's aren't that great on gas anyhow.
99 Disco 2
We have owned a beautiful Kinversand coloured Discovery II since 1999. We love it. Wonderful, reliable, fun and comfortable. Perfect for the family on the go. And affordable! We found that our NEW Land Rover was comprable in price to equally equipped Fords and Chevys.
Overall Great Car...but loves gas
We've owned our disco for a few months now and absolutely love it. It drives like a car...minus the high speed corning. Well built and very British. Expensive to drive and maintain but you shouldn't buy one if you can afford to own it. Gas is high, annual check ups high.
The Ultimate in Off Road
I list this vehicle as my all time favorite of the cars I've owned. I never considered myself as an off-road enthusiast until I purchased a Discover. Rock solid off road and even more safe on the highway. Rock solid in heavy rain at 70 mph. Highly recommended as a must own vehicle.
My Land Rover Experience
I was so excited when I got this car back in 2006. I wish I had done more research on it as it turned out to be a money pit. I'm sure I spent more fixing it than what I paid for it. Each time a part got replaced, something else broke. The sunroof quit working, window regulators had to be replaced, the roof leaked terribly, new brakes were put on, the front differential and fuel pump had to be replaced all within about 2 years of each other. I got the car with 70k miles on it and sold it with about 90k, so the mileage wasn't high enough upon purchase to warrant all these repairs. I will never own another Land Rover again.
Buyer Beware
This has been the worst financial decision ever made. Problems began six months after purchase and have gone downhill since. Each problem deals with the engine. My engine shut down totally while driving on the freeway with my three month old son. I have had five recalls in three years. I'm trying to dump vehicle asap! Gas mileage is horrible. Until you have driven on a daily basis...more problems arise. Warranty 4yrs/50,000. Not enough with a vehicle with so many problems.
1999 Disco
Bought it used with 148,00 miles thinking, ok, ready for the big issues I’ve heard……198,000 miles and just minor issues. Daily driver, winter driver, off road driver.. Really a good vehicle. Plenty of space and only have spent about $6/7 hundred dollars on repairs. The drive makes it all good. Best vehicle ever.
Great Truck, but there are some quirks
Be ready to replaced the head gasket if you plan on buying any Discovery! The manufacturer seal is bad and they always leak. Expect to pay 1200-2000 or have the dealership do it as condition of the sale. The radiator hoses are also prone to failure...not a big deal but Land Rover will charge you $600 to replace them. Other than that its a beautiful vehicle. I love the height, I love the style and love the way it makes me feel British or on safari in Africa. And lets face it that the reason you're looking at one in the first place...you like the image!
Just Know What You're Getting
I absolutely love my Disco 2...in the way that an abused spouse loves their partner. It leaks water, the a/c stinks, sucks fuel like nothing I have ever seen, non-vital parts and sensors are constantly having to be fixed, replaced or reset, and now the plastic snap on bits are falling off (bumper covers and roof trim). All of this, and I never want to get rid of it! It will go absolutely anywhere and it looks great! You just have to know what is going on with the vehicle at all times, and get to know an honest L/R mechanic....and get a 'repair you Rover' savings account. Honestly, it has never not started or left me stranded. It's mostly the sensors that fail for me, not the parts.
Unfortunately Dissappointed
I bought my Dicovery II "certified" used. I think the vehicle looks great and is fun to drive, but I had multiple trips for repairs despite the certified status, $3400 worth in the first 7 mo's. I am torn b/c I like the looks and drive of the SUV but don't enjoy driving it anymore b/c I don't know what will happen next.
Enjoy the ride but quaility is bad
I have owned my DIsco II since new. I have had to replace 3 transmissions, front end, rear end, seals, windshield, manifold, part of the engine, coils, etc - all within the first 30K miles! Would never buy a first year vehicle again; Attempted to work with Landrover International - but they refused to work with me at all, if it weren't for the customer service I would have taken a loss on the vehicle and gone to another type of vehicle. Don't expect to get any where with Landrover North America!!
Great Car, Safe and Reliable
I love this SUV. No problems so far after road trips and deep snow. Great view of road and safe to drive. The gas mileage was much better than expected with such a big vehicle. I'd take one of these anyday over Lexus RX and Honda Pilot type cars. Great buy.
truly amazing
Drives through anything - harsh winters, deep snow, mud, no problem.... And yet is graceful on the highways at 90.
BUY AN EXTENDED WARRANTY!!!
Love - Hate relationship. Beware of British engineering. Bought a Certified 99 Land Rover Disco II and took FULL andvantage of it! A plethora of electrical problems. Went through 3 alternators, replaced steering column, 2 climate control units, 2 Harmon Kardon main decks, "rewired" the whole DiscoII had to use a suppression devices to stop electrical Peaks. Watch for leaking seals around the hubs. The motor, tranny and drivetrain - bullet proof! Reaserch what you are buying. Leave nothing to chance!
Good car
I've owned this car for three years and have had almost no problems whatsoever. For an SUV the ride is fairly good. I still like the styling-- very cool. Only problems are gas mileage and height-- very difficult to get a little person in and out. I will admit that once you climb into the car (literally), the view from up there is great!
Land Rovers are Lemons
My 1999 Land Rover Discovery II became undriveable in July of 2004 due to a premature failure of the transfer case. The failure came shortly after the end of the warranty and with only around 54,000 miles on it. Ford/Landrover called this \"normal wear and tear\" on the most critical driveline component in a 4 wheel drive vehicle. Letters were sent to various Ford (fix or repair daily) and Land Rover executives with no result other than a vague phone call from an admininstrator from Landrover promising to see if they could help if there were further failures but reemphasizing that this failure at such low mileage was normal and to be expected.
Performance...depends.
For trips to the mall, etc., this is a pretty poor choice. Even though I'd read all about the bad gas mileage I underestimated how much it would really bother me. BUT, if you have an inkling for off-roading, the performance is tops. We've not had any (knock on wood) problems yet (bought '99 New)
This one is great!
I've had a '96 and a '99 Discovery Series I. The '96 had problems, but the '99 has been nearly perfect. Since 1999 was the last year of the Series I, I suspect that Land Rover managed to iron out the bugs of the previous models. Then, they brought out the '99 Series II, and it all fell apart again. Other than routine maintenance (brake pads), this has been a rock- solid vehicle. With gasoline prices rising, I decided to drop down to 87 octane fuel instead of 92-93 octane premium, and actually get better gas mileage with the same performance! The emissions are probably worse, but how much worse? When I can save 20 to 30 cents a gallon, I am happy to do it. Buy a used '99 Series I.
Excellent
I'm wondering why the cost of the Land Rover Disc.1 went down. it's an excellent car and has many of the features that new cars are just coming out with. and I think its excellent on gas when you fill it up. I love it. Although I heard nothing but negative things about the car I still purchased it I owe well over the amount that I paid for it but I think it was well worth it..................................... ....................................... ....................................... ....................................... ....................................... ....................................... .......................
Unbelievable! Mess
We purchased our DiscII right before Thanksgiving. I was so excited because we were getting what we thought was a great deal on a luxury truck. We bought the DiscII with 100k miles on it. We didn't think this was a problem because we have a 99 Pathfinder with 165k miles on it, and it has never been in the shop once! Three weeks after purchasing, (we didn't have the title yet!) while driving at around 25 mph, I heard a loud thud, I thought I had blown a tire. If only! The drivetrain and transmission somehow broke loose and busted through the transfer case. Gaping hole in bottom of truck, fluid everywhere, totaled truck! 8000k in damage. Will not buy another. Unreliable and disappointing.
Unique 4x4
I have 15K on mine since buying it. Service has been excellent at the local dealership. Excellent vehicle overall.
Fun To Drive, but High Maintenance
Bought my Disco off of craiglist from a private seller. Has been very reliable, but every month something breaks that is not essential to driving it like: window stops working, auto door lock, cruise control stops working, buttons fall off of seat controls, car lowers for no apparent reason. However after going through a week of flood rains and a freeze - I am glad I have this Disco. Drives amazing under 70 mph (over that starts vibrating quite a bit). Off road it is amazing - on road in bad weather conditions while other cars are pulled off on the side of the road, I can cruise right by like it is any other day. Love/Hate relationship - but at pushing 90K miles - I'm impressed.
Don't walk ... run away from it!
There are very good reasons why this car has depreciated as much as it has. It's designed badly and is unreliable. Seriously, this car has been nothing but a headache to own for the past four years that I've had it. I couldn't be happier to have parted with it. Put just 20,000 miles in four years, and the list of things I had to fix and replace in that time is as long as my, well, you know.
Loved the car, hated the maintenance
I love Land Rover, but this SUV ended up costing me lots in maintenance. New radiator, gear box, engine lights, etc. I spent over $300/month. Might have gotten a lemon, but I love the car. I'm getting a new one and after talking with other owners, might have been a fluke. Very expensive cars to upkeep for parts. Awesome in bad weather, cross my fingers on the next one.
Love my Land Rover
I'm an outdoor enthusiast, and this vehicle enables me to carry my kayaks, pull my sailboat, haul my mountain bikes and go off-roading in style & comfort. I've got 4 grown kids and they all fit comfortably, especially with the stadium rear seating. I love the amount of light & visibility with the dual sunroofs & moon roof windows. I can go off-road by day, and am proud to take out a date in the evening. Issues I've had are with typical vehicles going on 10 years - air springs & radiator replaced. And she drinks more fuel than I'd expect for a compact SUV. But great experience overall - recommend.
1999 SD...The Best of the Best!
Until I purchased this Landrover I traded every two years. This is the best car I have ever owned. I have 123,000 miles and all I have done is changed the oil. I am getting ready to purchase a new car, but, the trusty LR is staying in the garage...I just can't part with it.
Not Too Bad
Not an overall bad vehicle, yes the gas mileage is not very good, but I knew that going in. My wife primarily drove it and liked it also, my Daughter "loved it". Definately a "head turner"
best of the lot
The Disco II has been the best SUV I've driven or owned, including the Jeep, Blazer, Tahoe, and ML 320. It drives great, and you get used to the fact that the seat buttons and the cupholders are in bad places. The climate control system is awesome.
Landie Lover
My first experience in Land Rover has proved to be good thus far. Throughout my college career I had always dreamed of owning a Disco II. Post college came job and a Disco II. Its been in the shop for a few electrical issues, (covered by warranty) but all in all great ride. Somewhat disappointed in fuel economy, although I knew it wasn't great. I actually get better mileage w/ middle of run octane, not super.
Simply a beauty
I just traded in my 1996 Discovery for a 1999 Discovery Series II. It is the burnt orange exterior color. Hot hot car. I have always been a fanatic of the Land Rover brand andd they are constantly inproving. The differences between my '96 and my new '99 are huge. I am just in love with my new purchase. Interior/exterior styling is so much better also, they are such great vehicles. The downside would thhe the poor gas mileage. If you can get over the aspect, get one. You will not be disappointed. Also make sure that it comes with the warranty because if something does go wrong, it will cost youa pretty penny :)
Horrible
These have the image of a very capable luxury off-roader but they are cheaply made, poorly designed and manufactured trash. Even the British won't buy them. Beware the check engine, traction control, ABS, and down hill descent control dash lights that are nearly impossible to get to stay off. The 4-wheel drive system is linked to this ABS system and traction control based so your 4-wheel drive won't work. You can't get traction and your tires just spin since it has open differentials. The engine is based off an old Buick design from the 70's. You have to take the intake manifold off to change plug wires. Don't go through large water puddles or the ignition coils will fail.I could go on&on..
mikewaller
My rover is set up for serious offroad. I love everything about it except for the fuel ecomomy and the price and availability of parts.
Lux owner
I have tested many Land Rovers and found that the older bodies are amazing for lux style. But the engines have problems at 70k new head gaskets. If you're willing to put 2000 into it you will be fine. Overall they are amazing and very, very safe and fun to drive.
Buy used, include extended warranty pric
I bought the car at 38,000 miles, I love it, it is very stylish, unique too. Since the warranty ended at 50,000 miles, I've had $3,300 in repairs on the engine. FORTUNATELY I purchased a Land Rover extended warranty to 100k miles for $2,100. As the mechanic told me (he wasn't a sales guy) - "a man who purchased a land rover and no extended warranty is a fool". so bottom line is, buy it, have fun, if you can't afford the warranty, buy a Toyota.
A love/hate relationship
I absolutely loved my Discovery at first (purchased new in '99) - it's a joy to drive, looks great, and can go anywhere. Too bad it requires service every 2-3 months and breaks down frequently. I've been stranded 4 times - towed to the dealership 3 times, the 4th time it couldn't be towed because I was in the middle of a desert and I had to fix it myself. Last year, the paint started peeling and the dealership blamed me! It had been repainted before being sold to me, but I was unable to prove it. Be careful...
Always a breakdown waiting to happen.
I loved this vehicle when I first bought it. After about 30,000 miles, I had to have both sunroofs fixed twice, the power steering pump was replaced 3 times, the engine leaked oil, the radiator leaked water, it was just a total mess. Everytime it rained, the headliner got wet. Turned out that the top of the truck had to get re- welded. I would definitely not recommend this truck. You are always left wondering what is going to break next, the abs light started flickering on and off, the check engine, and engine oil lights would come on and off. A total nightmare, thank god I have sold it and now it is somebody elses problem.