2003 Land Rover Discovery: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Land Rover Discovery?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Land Rover Discovery than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Engine oil leaks2× usual
  Land Rover Discovery

  31.7% All 2003 cars

  16.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.4% of all 2003 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 damage4.7× usual
  Land Rover Discovery

  18.9% All 2003 cars

  4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 1.2% of all 2003 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.

• Ball joint dust cover2.2× usual
  Land Rover Discovery

  10.6% All 2003 cars

  4.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.8% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Transmission oil leaks4.1× usual
  Land Rover Discovery

  7.4% All 2003 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0% of all 2003 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.

• Steering box15× usual
  Land Rover Discovery

  4.5% All 2003 cars

  0.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 2003 Land Rover Discovery MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Land Rover Discovery MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  42% 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
  37% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  34% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  28% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  25% 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.

• 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 2003 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 2× as often on the 2003 Land Rover Discovery as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 4.7× as often on the 2003 Land Rover Discovery as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2003 Land Rover Discovery as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?