Land Rover Discovery sits between the simple Defender and the luxurious Range Rover in the lineup. The fourth generation, introduced in 2009, emerged from a thorough refresh of the previous model. Suspension was upgraded, new components and electronic helpers were added. While the overall silhouette stayed familiar, the main shifts were in the detailing. A facelift came in 2014, broadening the offer and refining features.
Land Rover Discovery IV
Advantages:
- Comfort and equipment are premium class
- Strong off-road capability
- Rust resistance, with the frame integrated into the body structure
- Massive luggage capacity
The cabin design, both in form and content, does not disappoint. Materials are high quality and durable.
Cons
- Road wear and maintenance can be a concern
- Not every engine is simple or perfectly reliable
- A manual transmission is not available
engines
Engine choices are challenging. The petrol V8 5.0 (508PS, 375 hp) is rare and thirsty. It can endure long miles, but timing chain wear may become an issue around 100,000 km, with replacement costs often exceeding substantial sums. Water pump and current heat exchanger faults are noted risks.
Diesels are a Ford-PSA collaboration. The new 3.0 (211-249 hp) is based on the older 2.7 (190 hp) yet retains some inherited issues. These include possible liner movement and wedge wear before the 2013 facelift, as well as leaks from the front crankshaft oil seal.
The older system uses Siemens fuel injectors and can be problematic. Bosch fuel systems on newer models offer more reliability but bring lower high-pressure fuel pump performance. It’s important to monitor drive belts (three on the 3.0) and keep the EGR valve clean.
The 2.7 engine is estimated to last around 250,000 km; the newer 3.0 tends to live longer. It lacks an oil dipstick, and the electronic level gauge can fail, especially in cold weather. Without a superior 3.0 diesel in the more efficient variant, this engine line remains a reasonable choice.
Gearboxes
Up to 2012, a 6-speed automatic ZF 6HP28 paired with diesel engines, followed by an 8-speed 8HP70 that also suits the petrol V8. These units are used across various German brands and are well understood by technicians. They can overheat in heavy traffic and dislike oil starvation, leading to wear, potential mechatronics failure, and occasional leaks from a warped plastic pallet. With diligent maintenance, a well-kept unit can reach 200-250 thousand kilometers even under tough conditions.
The permanent four-wheel drive with a reduction gear and lockable center and rear differentials is notably reliable. Failures are usually tied to normal wear. It is important to inspect the inner CV joints, as their anthers can crack quickly.
operational ulcers
- On well-paved roads, suspension components last beyond 100,000 km. On rougher surfaces, expect regular replacement of silent blocks, front lower ball joints, and wheel bearings.
- Air suspension on higher trim levels offers comfort but can become a source of multiple faults after 100,000 km.
- The electrical system tends to be weak in our climate; wiring can corrode and electronics may fail. Locks, parking sensors, and the parking brake can suffer, and diagnostic tools are often needed to pinpoint the causes.
- The secondary market is dominated by cars around 150,000 km, and many examples are believed to be altered in mileage.
Euro NCAP: not tested
The largest resale offering is the Discovery with a 3.0 automatic transmission
Optimal choice: Discovery with 3.0 automatic transmission
In the same price range: Audi Q7, Lexus RX, Toyota Highlander, VW Touareg, Volvo XC90
- Step-by-step instructions for choosing a used car are available here.
- Alloy thresholds from the Turkish supplier Can Otomotiv help preserve the body and give the vehicle added character.
- Driving can also be followed on Viber.
Photo: Landrover