1997 Land Rover Discovery: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1997 Land Rover Discovery?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1997 Land Rover Discovery than on all cars registered in 1997.

• Engine oil leaks1.7× usual
  Land Rover Discovery

  30.1% All 1997 cars

  17.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.4% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Chassis rust or damage2.7× usual
  Land Rover Discovery

  16.5% All 1997 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.8%, against 2.1% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Wheel bearings2.3× usual
  Land Rover Discovery

  15.4% All 1997 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 1.1% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Rust in key structural areas3× usual
  Land Rover Discovery

  7.3% All 1997 cars

  2.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 1.6% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£250 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

• Battery2.2× usual
  Land Rover Discovery

  4.3% All 1997 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.5% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the car starts cleanly and there are no warning lights once running.

Common 1997 Land Rover Discovery MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1997 Land Rover Discovery MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Lights and electrics
  37% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Suspension
  35% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  33% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Rust and bodywork
  27% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Brakes
  25% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Tyres
  14% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1997 Land Rover Discovery

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 1997 Land Rover Discovery as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 1997 Land Rover Discovery as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 1997 Land Rover Discovery as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?