Used 2003 Land Rover Discovery Consumer Reviews
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iward1, 08/05/2014
updated 02/06/2017
2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
79 of 82 people found this review helpful
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.
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
DONT GET SUCKED IN
Pete, 09/22/2009
2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
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
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Worth every penny
Pat Mancini, 08/25/2002
2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
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.
Don't be fooled
Toyotas From Now On, 02/24/2009
2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
21 of 24 people found this review helpful
This was my first and last experience with Range Rover! If you want to throw your money away, this is your brand. Do your homework before you get caught in the hype of Range Rover. I've owned numerous SUV's (Mercedes, BMW, Land Cruiser etc.)and this brand is truly "tall hat-no cattle!" Never purchase this brand without a thorough pre-inspection by a certified Rover mechanic. Get to know him well because you will be helping put his kids through college! You've just met your new best friend. The ride quality and rugged good looks are the only redeeming characteristics that stands out to me. Toyota/Lexus is your stand-out best-choice every day of the week.
My New Ex Boyfriend
My New Ex Boyfriend, 05/21/2007
2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
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
You gotta love this Rover...
atldane, 04/22/2011
2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
33 of 39 people found this review helpful
I know, I know...horrible reliability, very expensive, low mpg..but I love this vehicle. This is our third one, and this one I am going to keep. I have 130,000 miles on this Discovery, I am pouring money into it, but I love it. It was time to get something more reliable and better on gas, so I chose a new BMW 328i so I could keep the Rover. I now have a new car, but have my boy to take to the lake and use for rugged adventures. You know the saying "if it isn't leaking then it is empty" about Land Rovers. well it is true, true, true! But worth every penny...I really love this truck!!! Very Classic....
Oh God I've Made A Terrible Mistake
please take it back, 05/06/2009
2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
13 of 15 people found this review helpful
I have never known true regret until I bought my 2003 Discovery. There it was sitting in the lot gleaming, little did I know that the Devil can come in the shape of a car. I should say that I bought it used, with 55,000 miles on it, it drove wonderfully for the first 3 months when my monthly sojourn to the Land Rover Service Lot began. Every light on my dashboard has lit up like the 4th of July sky, I especially enjoy the ones with the exclamation marks. Every gasket, every hose, everything except the engine, whose failure I am currently awaiting, has failed. Anyone who comes across this vehicle should run, not walk in the opposite direction. A demon lurks beneath the gleaming hood.
Dream Car, but not quite a Nightmare
vgardon, 10/29/2010
2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
15 of 18 people found this review helpful
I have always wanted this car and finally bought one in 11/2008. It was already 5 years old, but initially ran well. However, after having it for about 1 year, major issues arose (i.e., O2 sensors went, window motor broke, major ticking noise from under the hood, etc). This car is very expensive to maintain and after a while, it just wasn't worth pouring any more money into it. Thankfully, it has never shut down on me, but I don't think I would buy another one until I know much more about maintaining luxury cars.
Very Cushy Tank
Dr. Mars, 05/18/2020
updated 02/10/2025
2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Bought mine (a somewhat rarer SE7) from the original owner with 113,000 miles. Crazy? Maybe, but I love this beast!!! Have put another 50,000 miles on it since. Yes, it does require expensive maintenance by someone who knows what they’re doing. I lucked out by having Southwest Rovers in Albuquerque do all of the work, including a recent engine rebuild. Routinely take 1,000 mile trips with it; goes anywhere. Ice cold A/C, definitely turns heads and gets thumbs up at traffic lights. With what I have invested in it, I might be able to find a crappy domestic SUV. Never selling it! I stopped to look at a new Chevy Traverse...$55,000??? Are THEY nuts? I had an Alpine deck put in, still using the original Harmon-Kardon speakers. Bluetooth, phone, the works. White with old British thick tan leather. Not for everyone, but then I never considered myself to be everyone. UPDATE: 2003 Discovery SE7. 225,000 miles, runs better than it ever has. I got the Rover for free as part of a business deal, and vowed to do everything necessary to keep it in optimal mechanical condition. Six years of ownership, I have just shy of $30K into it. Never been towed. Pristine condition. Alpine sound, new speakers. Rebuilt heads, transfer case, etc. etc. Jut dropped $400. on custom Coco mats. What can I buy for $30K in perfect condition??? Nada!!! $60K for a Jeep? Not in my lifetime. Am I a fanatic? Just ask my wonderful wife. I love this thing. Run between IL and FL on a regular basis. Cruise all day at 80mph, cold air blowing. Oh, and I get an honest 16 mpg. No problem.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Engine damaged after overheating
jeevanga, 10/18/2011
2003 Land Rover Discovery HSE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
Bought with 29k and whole year of warranty left for $22000.Used for 4 years and put on only 11k due to terrible gas mileage.Loved the ride and apperance.No issue for 3.5 years then 3 amigos appeard but did not fixed. Engine overheated due to coolent tube leak and seems to be head gasket blown or engine cracked.Sold it to carmax for $7000.
The most unreliable vehicle on the road.
Peter, 07/11/2008
2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
As the owner of a 2002 Freelander which I traded in for a 2003 Discovery I can tell everyone to take seriously the ratings given by both JD Power & Associates and Consumer Reports magazine (among others). JD Power & Associates reviewed 38 auto manufacturers and Land Rover placed right at the bottom for the reliability of all their vehicles. Consumer Reports magazine ranks Land Rover vehicles as "much worse than average" for reliability but also displays in graph form how much worse than average Land Rover vehicles actually are. When compared among 48 other midsize SUV's, the Range Rover, LR3 and Range Rover Sport all ranked between -129% to -195% in reliability (a score of zero is perfect
Love it or Hate it!
Malvert, 01/02/2007
2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Problems: Serpentine belt replaced three times, left front headlight twice, third brake light, leaking throttle body heater gasket replaced three times, rear brakes at 25k, now new brakes front and rear at 54k (doing myself). New tires at 46k. DVD screen wiring came loose, vacuum lines replaced at 53k. Horrible turning radius. 10 seconds 0-60. Vomit inducing cruise control. My wife loves this truck. I personally hate it...but fail to mention this to her. The styling is great but the mechanicals and electricals are just terrible. LR would sell a ton of trucks if they could just improve the quality of their products. Good things: Has never left us stranded.
Looks good, reliable, well-built
propertybroker, 09/30/2009
2003 Land Rover Discovery HSE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I am very pleased with my '03 Discovery after 95k miles. It adopted the 2002 Range Rover's silky 4.6L engine, and is as powerful as it sounds. Shifting is smooth and quality- sounding. Sharp- looking inside and out. My friends, neighbors, and client like the luxurious look of it and think it costs much more that it did. Vehicle rides tall on the road. I get a good view of the road and feel safe in the vehicle. Surprisingly quick acceleration, plows through heavy rain and snow. I have had the vehicle for 4 years and have only had to do regular maintenance on it.
dissapointed
J Davis, 12/27/2003
2003 Land Rover Discovery HSE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
Well considering I paid $41,000 for this car I have to say I miss my old RR 98 model. The drivers window fell out, Alternator packed up. 3 sets of brake pads in 1 year. New jack didn't work when tire went flat. Insurance rate on this car is ridiculous and every service still costs $$$$$ for the smallest little repair. Gear train is noisy as hell and people constantly comment on how loud the whining of the engine sounds. Fule economy is amazingly bad and turning radius is a joke for an off road vehicle. Then a dealer tells me that after a year I would be lucky to get $20,000 for it.
Disco is dead
ROVER NO MORE, 07/28/2009
2003 Land Rover Discovery S 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
My wife saw this Disco and had to have it and just like the music it didn't last. The real problems started last year when we replaced the power steering pump, then the head gasket went at 67k, then the throttle body heater. The car never went off-road and we had to replace the transfer case at 88k. So much for its legendary off-road capability. And Finally after all that we were told after a flashing service light, one of many, that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced at 93k. Six years old five years owned, bought with 8500 miles. P.O.S car. Never buy english V8s.
Run from this! Land Rover is the worst.
Nitzervon, 05/03/2008
2003 Land Rover Discovery HSE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
There is not a seal on it that does not leak, in 90,000 miles: new motor (twice), transfer case (three times), both differentials, rear driveshaft, power steering pump, power steering box, hydraulic hoses, starter, replaced plug wires (twice, due to sparking between wires), Brakes only last 10,000 miles. I averaged $900 each month in just repair bills. Not to mention 8 miles per gallon. My wife has a Jaguar that is the same way. No wonder every car company in England has to be sold every few years.
Stay Away From Disco
Stay away , 07/03/2010
2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I've had my 2003 disco SE7 for 3yrs. Purchased at 50,000. Less than 2 months, I spent over $800 on axle job. Next it was $3200 engine gasket leak plus a host of other issues. It does not hold second hand value either. It looks great and people think it cost a lot but I will not buy landrover anytime soon. Poor engineering period.
No-Go Disco
l-i-v-i-n, 01/23/2010
2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I was looking for a great off road vehicle; this is not it. Despite regular maintenance, and no hesitation in replacing parts as the mechanic suggested it, this car still let me down. Blown head gasket, blown seal, exhaust leak, electrical problem, stuck window(s), and the little nickel and dime stuff here and there (wipers, filters, etc.) that all cost more than on a non-premium car. The car performed well when it was working, and could work trails like nothing I've ever driven, but enter into this understanding your obligation as an owner is to spend at least $3000-$4000 per year on problems; not just standard maintenance.
Best in Class
Duke974, 12/20/2003
2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
while no vehicle is perfect, the Discovery seems to be the best all- around of the SUV's. It performs like a tank off-road and a luxury car on- road.
Disco Love! But Not for everyone!
ooosjcooo, 01/08/2009
2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The 03-04 is the Disco perfected! Last of its kind! These reviews are upsetting. I'm reading things like "problems after 90K miles" and "poor gas mileage". What huge V8 SUV 4X4 doesn't? If you want reliability and good gas mileage go buy a Honda Fit, If you want a rugged off road machine that has good enough looks to take to the country club or tow your boat then this is for you! Truly a classic for the outdoorsman, but not for the weak!
All Name, No Game
JC, 05/09/2005
2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
After running my 03 Disco for 44k, my vote is mixed but leaning towards the not worth the price and could use lots of improvements side. Nothing big has gone wrong, but lots of little items have. Both front windows failed in a week. Gas door has broken twice, horn buttons snapped off, leaking windows, two oil leaks after service, brakes need changing almost yearly, spark plug wires went bust, cruise control is poor and punchy, and comfort level in rear is horrific, front poor. A/C vents just dont seem to hit driver in face, a must in Florida summers. On the other had, great looks, powerful, off-road works very well.
One of the last real SUV's
saharatj98, 12/15/2007
2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I researched this vehicle extensively and was warned about reliability issues although later Discos were to be better. I grouped most problems to improper maintenance. Owning other European makes I am well aware of religeous routine maintenance or expensive repairs. So far it has been just fine and I use it off road extensively. Having owned Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and Wrangler I would never go back. The Disco has more storage areas, is much more comfortable and much more solid than any Jeep. Interior materials are much better and the suspension articulation off road is amazing even stock. Not for everybody, but one of the last real SUV's built for off road use.
Better than the 2009's
NancyF, 12/21/2009
2003 Land Rover Discovery S 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for 4 years and put about 35000 miles on it have done my maint and have had very few issues with it. The Land Rover dealer here in Co is beyond great!I have looked at a lot of newer cars and suvs to trade to but the quality isn't there. Cheap interiors 2 that ,very cheap looking hate it..junk. As far as reliability its just as good as any chevrolet those have had issues 2 no ind suspension checked out infiniti did not care for there interior either! comparison doesn't hold a candle to Land Rover or Range Rovers int is amazing. And all cars have issues my dad was a mechanic for 40 years.. Not a car you buy even a Honda will not break down. MAINTENANCE!
To be avoided!
sgriggs, 09/14/2009
2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought my '03 Discovery II with 75K miles after a local Land Rover mechanic (independent) gave it a careful inspection and discovered nothing immediately wrong. In the 1 year and 7 months since, it has spent more time in the shop than any other car I've owned (including a vintage Bentley!) and cost me a small fortune in repairs. When I bought mine, I figured that none of the horror stories I read about would happen to me, and that if I was careful and took good care of my LR, I would be rewarded with a reliable ride. I was wrong. These things are poorly designed and built. The only up-side is that it looks good when parked outside my house. Which is more often than not these days!
I Love This Truck
Peter Taylor, 10/23/2004
2003 Land Rover Discovery HSE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
This is a truck - not a sedan! Don't make the mistake of confusing the two! This truck has been, over the past two years, simply the best handling, capable and fun to drive vehicles I have ever owned/driven. It handles very well on any surface, in any weather. The ride quality is superb! Easy to drive, it takes care of you. I've found myself in precarious situations and have made it through unscathed! With plenty of power and pickup, I've a confident feeling in any situation. To anyone who daily drives the DC streets, the offroad features make this vehicle a dream as it makes it's way, effortlessly, through arguably the worse streets in the nation.
Whatever you do keep it awayyyyyy!!
thesonnyjim, 03/27/2012
2003 Land Rover Discovery HSE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
6 of 10 people found this review helpful
I was the second owner at 38k miles with existing warranty paid 16.5k from Private seller about 5 years ago. At first glance I loved the car but after driving it for 6 months, a Nightmare!! The gaskets went, luckily I had warranty but still had to pay labor. Every little thing started to break down, cheap plastic pieces would break off and cost expensive for something that should cost very cheap & actuators go alot. Make a long story short after replacing the rear hydraulics (paid 4k & 2 months in the shop) I took the car to a dealer that took it in at a value of 4700 and traded it in for a 2012 Toyota Sienna SE. I'm very happy with that vehicle. A Land Rover...Never again in this lifetime!
Defective seat
mimi1956, 01/31/2013
2003 Land Rover Discovery S 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
8 of 15 people found this review helpful
Our driver side seat craked a couple of years ago on our 2003 Discovery. The same seat keeps blowing the adjustment fuse. We have been getting burnt a little when we turn the heated seat on. My husband just noticed that it is black like a fire was starting, checked my coat and it is burned where I sit. Called the dealer said it's not their problem, called Lard Rover od America and was told the same thing. I sort of think this is a manufacturer defect. This is probably why the seat cracked and the fuse keeps blowing. Should we get a lawyer?
The good in the bad
saharatj98, 04/06/2009
2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
5 of 9 people found this review helpful
Oh, the stigma... You always hear the complaints and not the praise. Land Rovers do have their quirks. I have to say though that I will never own an American made car for reliability, resale, dealer professionalism, quality and just general engineering mediocrity. That said, the Land Rover shines in comparison. Many of the complaints are due to mis understanding as far as how it is designed. Reliability is a crap shoot. Mine have all been great. 288k on a 89 Rangerover is above average for any make. You have to maintain them to keep them happy as any European car. Off road these things are incredible and I've owned Jeeps of all types. These were never intended to compare to a highway SUV.
absoloutely wonderful
loooooove it, 09/17/2009
2003 Land Rover Discovery S 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
5 of 9 people found this review helpful
After doing much research on which vehicle I should get for my 16 year old I finally decided on a landrover discovery. I found one at a wonderful price and its still running strong after 120,000 miles. Regardless of what the other reviews say it is a very reliable vehicle... Those that have repairs all the time just don't know how to take care of a vehicle. My son loves the double sunroofs and the ability to haul his friends around town. This is a wonderful vehicle for any teen.
never again
casper, 06/20/2006
2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
Poor interior comfort. Horrible gas mileage and performance. Re-occurring mechanical issues. Yugos still have better resale value than these overpriced tanks. Never again!!!
90K miles - time to replace every gasket
BarryC, 09/06/2008
2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I loved my 03 Disco until year 5. After 90,000 miles (147,000 km) every gasket in the engine had to be replaced. What originally appeared as a simple oil pan leak turned into the replacement of the head, timing assembly, and oil pan gaskets, plus radiator leaks and other miscellaneous hoses at the cost of CAD $2000 in parts and $1,300 in labor. Other annoying items: the passenger window motor self destructed, premature fading of wheel well fenders, excessive engine knocking even with regular 94 octane use, seat heater failing. The vehicle was serviced religiously. My advice - sell before the warranty expires. I'm used to high maintenance vehicles but will never buy another Landrover.
FANTASTIC RELIABILITY (266301 kms )
td, 07/13/2009
2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
i bought my discovery just as it came off of a lease return. i've had many off road vehicles and have done my stint in the military and saw my share of off roading there! i'v been very impressed with the reliablity of this vehicle and will proabably always have a discovery or other landrover in my stable. i travel all aross Canada on business with my disco, as well as hooking up with some off road clubs. it is awesome on ice roads,deep snow and mud! it goes through all this and still looks awesome for business meetings. i now have 266301kms and counting with only regular tune ups,and tire replacements! SIMPLE AMAZING! BUT,if you own one, you HAVE TO do the regular maintenance!
DISCO x 2
dblake, 08/17/2011
2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
had a 04, HSE destroyed in Katrina, Bought an 03 right after. Typical issue as everyone elses. But one thing you have to realize is if you want town this type of vehicle be prepared to spend the maintenance cash. Yes its expensive to maintain & i have found parts via ebay OE sellers, in addition i happen to have my own personal mechanic with 30+yrs of experience & a 65$ an hr labor rate, so maybe not to shabby for me. For sure if i had to pay the dealer for all the work done so far it may have been sold long ago. I am @ 127k, replaced the Head gasket which is now leaking again 3yrs later. & just routine work. Its long paid off now & i invested so much in repairs i'll run in 4ever
In a market of its own
Dr. French, 01/09/2009
2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I'm coming from a 2001 Wrangler Sport and a 2002 Infiniti QX4 and I must say the Disco is unique. For whatever reasons, I love the rugged, quasi- military/safari styling and how the truck sits, especially from the front, and especially with the newly designed front end and lamps. I bought it about 1 year ago for $9000 from a wholeseller (it was about a 7.5 out of 10 with massive head gasket and coolant hose leaks, a faulty oxygen sensor, a broken glove box opener and a slightly damaged rear bumper and a few dings) and was prepared to put money into it. $1800 later it's a 9/10, puts a smile on my face, and is still cheaper than a Jeep product. More regal than the QX4 also and better leather.
Worst vehicle I have ever owned!
styve, 03/16/2003
2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The Land Rover Discovery is the absolute worst vehicle I have ever owned. It spends more time in the shop than on the road. From an electrical system that does not work, to a windshield that breaks without being hit by anything, the reliability of this vehicle is horrible! We drive this vehicle to VT, and have had numerous problems with its ability to handle the elements. We have been told that this is due to the "extreme conditions in Vermont." I thought that this vehicle was for extreme conditions (the extreme conditions were snow and temps in the teens). If you are contemplating buying/leasing one, stay away. There are much better SUVs out there.
Ruff Rider
"LANA ROVA", 01/17/2009
2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I'm at 150,000 Km and am finding that every few months I'm having to spend a couple of hundred dollars on repairs. But I absolutely love my Disco! I read all of the reviews out there before I bought it (so I knew what to expect but decided I didn't care). Something about these you either love 'em or hate 'em. Just make sure you take into consideration the high cost of maintenance on this vehicle in conparison to an American or Japanese vehicle. As for the style or ability, there is nothing else like it out there.I hate all of these bubble crossovers. Bottom line I've had my truck for almost 3 years and still look forward to getting inside and driving around town especially in the snow.
Tough trucks, but expensive to operate
Raoulduke101, 09/26/2009
2003 Land Rover Discovery S 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've had my '03 Disco for just over 6 years now. Bought it used w/ 10k miles. It is a very capable off-road vehicle and can even tough a 4000 pound boat with relative ease (braking is not so great). The truck has held up relatively well, but I have had a number of major problems including a blown manifold gasket ($800 repair), blown axle seals (warranty), 02 sensor ($800 repair), and the window motor ($200, installed myself). Alot of annoying minor problems have occurred also. The gas mileage really stinks (11-12 town, 13-15 hwy) for such a small vehicle. The car is not very comfortable, as you feel pretty crammed inside it. I would not buy another one.
Discovery-atic
abombard, 03/13/2011
2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Well, I have owned three Discoveries now; a 98, 2000, and 2003. I have had problems with every one I have owned, in fact, the one I currently own is being repaired - the tail light spontaneously caught on fire. The crazy thing is, I would buy another one; although I would like my next LR to be a Defender. I love the way they feel on and off road - particullarly off road.
Awful Reliability
DisgustedNSF, 02/13/2009
2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I am the unfortunate owner of a 2003 Land Rover Discovery that I purchased new in August of 2003. Since the vehicle was first placed into service, the vehicle has been the most unreliable, frustrating and irritatingly expensive vehicle I have ever come across, let alone own. Although the vehicle is only 5-1/2 years old with approximately 78,000 miles, it is worth no more than the market value for its scrap metal due to its habitual mechanical failures.Despite religious maintenance, the mechanical failures have included: Rear-end differential failure at 30,000 miles; Power window failure at 55,000 miles; Blown head gasket at 55,000 miles; cracked engine block at 78,000 miles.
Beautiful to Drive, Awful to Maintain
skibum232, 05/20/2010
2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I would love to rate this car a 1 but honestly cannot. Purchased used with 50k in 2006 and sold in 2010 with about 90k. Routinely the car went in the shop from 2008 until I sold it and typically was $500-$2000 a time. The car constantly had issues with pumps, leaks, brakes, gaskets. The MPG too was horrid, at one point doing neighborhood/city only I averaged 9.8 MPG. Mechanical aside though I loved it. Loved the looks, the way you sat, the space, features, handling in snow and Land Rover knows how to make a car look cool. Would I ever own again? Probably not unless they overhaul how they build cars. My next car purchase I was focused on reliability and MPG and not just good looks.
What a waste
What a waste., 08/12/2010
2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought it used I am second owner at 75K miles the brakes are hard until warmed up. The Header gasket is gone. The worst thing is the car has a bad engine rap, diagnosed as a lifters issue. The dealer and HQ LR NA in NJ will not back it up. Imagine a luxury car whose engine is failing at 80K! Absurd. What we have here is a well wrapped interior and exterior with a piece of garbage BUICK engine.
Land Rover Discovery Not Comfortable
tester27, 10/14/2006
2003 Land Rover Discovery HSE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Drivers seat does not sit back far enough nor does the steering wheel lift up far enough for me to get comfortable. Also - gas and brake pedals are too close together... 6' 1" - 220 pounds
Realize what you've got
usexpat, 01/15/2004
2003 Land Rover Discovery HSE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've had this car since 6/03 and it has been the most enjoyable vehicle I've owned. Potential purchasers need to understand what they are buying--an offroad vehicle that has been given the creature comforts of a family car. You'll be getting the best offroad vehicle money can buy, but you will be giving up some things. There are reasons fo the apparent downsides of this vehicle (e.g., slow acceleration... so I don't fly off the side of the mountain!). Bottom line, its a great vehicle and a lot of fun to own/drive, but realize what you're getting.
Bring it back!
weinsteinb, 06/07/2008
2003 Land Rover Discovery S 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is by far one of the best looking trucks ever made. The ladies love its sexy looks and the interior! Fantastic sound system!
Love my Disco!
SEOMike, 02/04/2008
2003 Land Rover Discovery S 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My 03 S7 is just great. The truck handles so well! It's a lot taller and heavier than my 01 Explorer Limited was and yet it handles so much better. I have had some troubles mechanically though. If you're looking for an 03 Disco you should make sure that the previous owner had the "brain" for the ABS changed with the recall that went out. If not, expect to cough up around $2500. Tires have worn well as have the brakes. It's not a racecar, don't treat it like one. It goes everywhere I can think of without a single copmplaint. Had a lady rear-end me once and it destroyed her minivan. Didn't do a thing to my tank of a truck!
Can't Wait for Snow
Alaskan, 09/09/2002
2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Drives/feels like a luxury vehicle on the road. Very stable and comfortable on the rough Alaskan dirt roads. Honda Pilots and the like are just minivans, my Land Rover is a truck with true off road capability. I am looking forward to trying it in the snow.
The best REAL SUV/4x4
j kish, 12/19/2002
2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I owned Fords for years and thank God Ford has not infiltrated the designers at LR, yet. If you want a true 4x4 with the style and grace of the overpriced overvalued overgrown station wagons such as the BMW, Mercedes, Porche, etc. Look no further than the Disco 2. It is a beast with a Swan's exterior. Rugged, yet smooth as silk in the city. Its small enough to fit anywhere but deceptively roomy inside. I am over six feet and 250 lbms and I fit just fine inside. Elegant, yet VERY DURABLE.
Good off-road but unreliable.
Peter, 06/28/2008
2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Good approach and breakover angles, but poor departure angle will have you dragging your rear bumper on steep inclines. Very fun to drive, especially off-road. Reliability lives up to the Land Rover reputation, terrible. Several major and minor repair problems. Thanks to the extended warranty I have saved about $5,100 in total repair bills. It is now back at the dealership again with transmission and engine problems, total cost? Land Rovers are great if you literally have money to burn for gas and repair/upkeep costs.
Caveat emptor
CH, 09/10/2002
2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a high-maintenance vehicle that has lots of gizmos that go out of whack and are hard to get serviced. The commitment of the company to you after they have cashed your check is minimal. You better love the design and flexibility of the vehicle, and I mean really love it, because the problems, potential and actual, are many, and you're mostly on your own.
Bad All Over
Bad over, 09/20/2002
2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Nice 4wd, nice change for 2003. Car has humming noise, similar to gear noises around 50-70 MPH. People either seem to like it or think its ugly. Drinks gas like an gasoholic. why is it so hard to stick the key in the ignition? Bad dealers attitudes. I had better treatment at BMW, and infinity dealers.