No worries with this Landy
Riaan and his Land Rover Dicovert II TD5.
The Discovery has permanent four-wheel drive, which makes it rock-steady on gravel or even a wet tar road.
Land Rover Discovery II, Td5, 2004 model, R190 000
Every time we got stuck in our 4x2 vehicle at our regular weekend spot, I had to look to other people to tow us out, which is why I decided to buy a 4x4.
I didn’t want an expensive vehicle, because you want to use it without worrying about it getting scratched or dented. I look after the Discovery, but if it gets the odd scratch I don’t feel as bad as I would have if it had been a brand-new vehicle.
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What would you buy if money weren’t an issue?
The new Land Rover Discovery III.
Where did you buy it and how much did you pay?
I did a few Internet searches and found this one in Paarl. It was well looked after and had its full service history. It cost R190 000. It’s a pretty “serious” 4x4.
What technology does it have?
Everything you can think of: a central diff lock, which sends an equal amount of power to the front and rear wheels if you’re in trouble; electronic traction control; hill descent control; and adjustable air suspension at the back, which you can adjust a bit higher if you need more ground clearance.
How does it feel behind the wheel?
Even though the vehicle is almost five years old, it drives like a new one. I miss my Landy when I have to drive my wife’s car.
How does it go on tar?
Thanks to the air suspension at the back, the Landy goes like a dream. It’s not as “hard” as other 4x4s; in fact, it drives like a normal car.
And on gravel?
I won’t mention which make of car I sold to buy the Land Rover, but the first time I drove on gravel in my Landy I was greatly surprised: The road holding is excellent, to say the least, and it is largely due to the fact that the Land Rover has permanent four-wheel drive.
What about performance and fuel economy?
I would have liked a little more power, but I can’t really complain. I often tow a boat and I don’t have problems. I’m happy with the fuel economy, especially when you bear in mind that I use it as a towing vehicle from time to time. I get an average fuel consumption of 11,24 ℓ/100 km, but I guess it depends on your driving style.
What’s the luggage space like?
It’s adequate. There is an extra row of small seats at the back, which folds away to give more space. You can remove these seats, but I often use the vehicle to cart the children around.
What bothers you about the vehicle?
Nothing really, but if I had to complain about something, it would be that the back seats are higher than the front seats. If the sun visors are down in front, the passengers in the back can’t see much through the windscreen. Oh, and because it’s an automatic, the children constantly want to drive it!
What has your experience been with regard to reliability and service?
I was a little reluctant to buy a Landy, but I read up on it, asked lots of questions and spoke to other Land Rover owners. I’ve read about complaints in newspapers and magazines, but all the Landy owners I spoke to were very happy with their vehicles. I haven’t had any trouble yet.
When I bought the car there were a few niggles the previous owner hadn’t sorted out, but these have been resolved. I have the Discovery serviced at an accredited Land Rover dealership and I’m very happy.
What surprised you about the vehicle?
The luxury. It has everything that opens and shuts, split air conditioning, electric seats, radio, CD player – everything you can think of (and yes, possibly also everything that can break).
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