1995 - 2004 Land Rover Discovery Pre-Owned

On the downside, the Discovery is fairly inefficient regarding fuel economy and its reliability rating isn't exactly stellar,

The Discovery is fairly inefficient regarding fuel economy and its reliability rating isn't exactly stellar. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

depending on which third-party survey group you study up on. J.D. Power and Associates, one of the highest respected, rates Land Rover in 28th place out of 37 automakers for initial quality, not as poor as last year's 36th place finish and definitely better than Hummer's two years in a row of last placement. While not exactly the kind of result a premium brand should be achieving, its move up the ladder shows that it is improving, which will only help your cause if you're looking at purchasing new.

Now that you might be feeling fairly good about a Land Rover purchase I'll go ahead and dowse water on your flames of 4x4 passion with another J.D. Power statistic, the British marque's results in the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). The 2004 study, the results of which were obtained by surveying more than 48,000 original owners of 2001 model year cars and light trucks, is ideal for used vehicle shoppers. It placed Land Rover in 37th out of 37

For those that must have a Disco, be prepared to shell out regularly for maintenance. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

nameplates for 2001, yes dead last, just slightly worse than its 36th out of 37 brand ranking in the 2000 VDS which surveyed owners of 2000 model year vehicles. Ouch! Not the kind of results I'd want to be pondering while stranded 50 miles into the wilderness and no qualified mechanic in sight.

With such ammunition at hand, if you're looking for Lexus reliability with that optimal off-road capability you're better off buying a Toyota Land Cruiser or Lexus LX, at a premium mind you. For those that must have a Disco, be prepared to shell out regularly for maintenance and make sure and strap a small dirt bike to the back for emergency purposes when adventuring far from civilization.