Land Rover Discovery Problems

It's the LandCruiser every time if you're heading into the outback. The truck itself is just about bulletproof and gets The Tick from me. Toyota's service and support in the bush is legendary and could make all the difference if you strike trouble.

The LR3 was hailed as a major step forward in reliability, but there are one or two issues to be aware of. Fuel injectors clog and need regular cleaning, the steering tie-rod arms wear and can show play at around 60,000 or 80,000 km, and the front lower control arms bushings wear, ultimately requiring replacement.

If it's just one of the tyres on the vehicle I would suggest it's a problem with that tyre, I wouldn't think it was a balancing issue. I'd take it back to the tyre dealer and have them inspect it.

I would expect that he should be paying for the repairs under the terms of the contract, and if you want to proceed that way I would be getting legal advice with the thought of sending him a solicitors letter of demand. The alternative is to negotiate a settlement as he suggests.

It's hard for dealers to predict what they might find during a service inspection, so it's always a possibility that the cost could blow out. They did phone and give you the option of repair or not, and you obviously chose not to do the repairs. That they didn't protest when you drove away suggests the ball joint wear wasn't of major concern, but if indeed they were worn out at such a low odometer it would be. I would seek a second opinion on the things the dealer said needed repairing.

The TD5 five-cylinder diesel fitted from 1999 has a timing chain and there's no servicing involved. Generally, using a chip works well without causing any problems with reliability.

A LAND Rover spokesman told us this situation does occasionally happen, however it's very rare and doesn't only affect Land Rovers, but all vehicles with keyless entry. Mobile-phone towers, airports and shopping centres can cause interference. In 2000 Land Rover changed the frequency of its keyless entry systems, reducing the risk of any interference. They advise that you should speak to your Land Rover dealer to see if it's possible to change the frequency of your system.

THAT is a lot of kays and, with the higher mileages, you have to anticipate there might be more problems. The Disco is generally a sound vehicle and is very competent off-road, so it can be a good choice. Another one is an older Mitsubishi Pajero -- not as flashy, but a good solid vehicle nonetheless and there are lots around.

THE cracks are most likely in the paint or joint sealer, rather than the body panels themselves, but I agree they're unsightly and give a bad impression of the structural integrity of the vehicle. I would certainly pursue Landrover and demand they take action to repair the area affected.