SecondHandSense:ONLY TIME will tell if the large SUV has a future, but one thing is certain – as long as cars like the current Land Rover Discovery and the BMW X5 are powered by conventional engines, they are headed for extinction. Cars like this were plentiful when everything else was and, for many, they were must-haves.
Now choices are very much limited to cheaper, smaller and greener. Also, buyers have been forced to ask whether an SUV ever made sense. The fact that a new 2.7 Discovery costs almost €70,000 and you can get a 2007 with low mileage for less than half speaks for itself.
The latest generation of the Discovery launched in 2004. Until then it lost favour with many because of its generally appalling build quality and reliability. Also, the Discovery has been recalled 23 times since its 1989 launch, although obviously not all cars were affected. But since the newest model was launched under the management of Ford, things have been looking up.
The current model is good-looking, drives well and handles better than many SUVs. It looks like a modern Land Rover should and is very capable off-road. There are a couple of engines but the 2.7 diesel is the practical choice. It is not, however, a frugal choice, but this is a heavy vehicle by any standards.
Interior styling is smart and comfortable. The basic model has five seats but there is an option of two more. Seats are large and comfortable and you get the elevated position which makes the passing landscape more interesting. The Discovery is also well-equipped: multiple airbags, state-of-the-art stability control and active and passive safety equipment as standard.
However, the Discovery only scored a four star (out of a possible five) rating in the EuroNCAP crash programme because of the potential for damage to the knees of those in the front.
In short, models before 2004 should be avoided and cars since then checked for faults in the fuel tank and line. Also some were fitted with jacks not suitable for a car of this weight.
A 2006 2.7 with 58,000km on the clock is €34,999. A 2007 with seven seats, leather upholstery, automatic gearbox and 37,000km is €36,850. Both are ripe for serious bargaining.
STAR RATING:5/10