Last Chance To Buy: Land Rover Discovery

When is it going?

When is it going?

In September you will be able to get yourself an all-new Discovery. It will be the basis of five new models which, like the old one, will have a separate chassis meaning peerless off-road performance. The new Discovery looks chunkier and funkier than ever, but Land Rover still have to sell the old flavour Disco.

What's good about it?

A Discovery still goes where you point it, provided you drive it like a 4x4 with a high centre of gravity rather than a car. The handling is fairly crisp and communicative for a 4x4. It has a capacity for hard work and can tow with the best of them. Low and mid-range torque is good whether you go for a diesel or V8. Outright speed and straight-line thrills are not part of the equation even with the V8. Long-travel coil springs mean a comfy enough ride and there is more than enough axle articulation to deal with almost any eventuality off-road. The cabin is airy and there is good stowage space.

What's bad about it?

The Disco actually dates back to 1970. It is outdated and, arguably, overpriced for what it is.

How much?

At the moment Land Rover are offering special edition Discoveries; an ES Premium at £33,995, a Landmark for £28,995 and a Pursuit for £24,995. You can probably still get a discount at your local dealer. At the car supermarkets, a basic 2.5 TD5 S is £20,699 and a better-equipped GS £21,499. Contact Trade Sales on 08701 222970.

Any snags?

It is difficult to see why the Discovery has kept on selling in spite of its less-than-sparkling levels of reliability. A fundamental requirement in any hard-working

4x4 is that it won't break down, but the Discovery does, frequently. In fairness, the last Ford-sponsored revamp of the model saw much-improved build quality, but there could still be problems with clutches, gearboxes, anti-lock brakes and suspension.

FACT FILE

Launched: 1989

Engine: 2.5TDI, 2.5TD5, 3.5, 3.9, 4.0

Performance: TD5, 0-60 in 14.2 secs, 98mph

Economy: TD5 30.1mpg

NCAP: never tested