Land Rover Discovery Series II Review Covering 2002

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Quick Summary of the Land Rover Discovery

OVERALL

Land Rover had ironed out many of the niggling faults that plagued early Discovery models by the time the 2002 revision came around and the turbo diesel models are well worth tracking down. The petrol engined cars seem rather prehistoric although they are fun if you can afford to run them. Our choice would be a late, well looked after Td5. Just don’t feel too jealous when you have a look inside a Series 3.

THE LAST DAYS OF DISCO 2

Encouraged by the rapturous reception given to the 2002 Range Rover flagship model, Land Rover decided to sprinkle a little of the big car’s look and feel onto the Discovery range. With revised styling, equipment tweaks and improvements to suspension and brakes, this model – in effect a Series Two and a Half – brought the Discovery up top date in a market that was starting to spawn some serious rivals. With the Series 3 Discovery currently hot news, now isn’t a bad time to go shopping for a used late shape Series 2 Disco as prices are a little depressed. That’s great news for used buyers who are getting a lot of Land Rover for their money.
Used Land Rover Discovery for sale

History of the Discovery

Having enjoyed 13 years of continual development, the Land Rover Discovery received yet another makeover in July 2002 when they announced the 2003 Discovery, with changes to the suspension and brakes, some tweaks to the equipment levels, the option of a centre differential lock and some detail changes to the front and rear styling to bring it closer to the Range Rover ’family’ look. Autumn 2003 saw more incremental changes with the all-wheel drive system revised, improving the Discovery’s already impressive off road ability. A centre-locking differential now featured on most models. This served to distribute the engine power equally between the driving axles, reducing wheel slip in really slippery conditions such as deep mud and snow. The interior also came in for some attention, all models now receiving the acclaimed ISOFIX child seat system that was not only safer and more reliable than conventional child seating attachments but also removed much of the hassle of threading and clamping belts through child seats. A centre locking differential was fitted to plusher models and ISOFIX seats and Automatic Drive-Away Locking were fitted across the range. Standard equipment levels also got a tweak. In early 2004, new trim designations were brought in as the all-new series 3 model loomed. Buyers could purchase Pursuit, Landmark or ES premium models with the ageing V8 restricted to the top level and priced the same as the Td5 diesel. Land Rover unveiled the Series 3 Discovery in early 2004 but it didn’t go on sale until late in the year.
Used Land Rover Discovery for sale

Land Rover Discovery Road Test

Buyers of the facelifted Series 2 Discovery will be astonished by its wieldiness when compared with a Series 1 bloater. There’s far less of that nauseating lateral movement that so many high vehicles suffer from. This is largely due to a pair of sophisticated control systems - Self-Levelling Suspension (SLS) and Active Cornering Enhancement (ACE). Thanks to the SLS system's rear air springs (borrowed from the Range Rover), the suspension can continually self-adjust to provide a level ride; usefully, it can also be lowered or raised to attach a tow bar or cruise above rocky surfaces.SLS is standard even on base models but you’ll still need to fork out more for the ACE system on all but the plushest variants. Here, body-mounted sensors detect lateral acceleration and a high pressure pump activates 'roll control modules' in time to stop the car leaning before it ever starts. It doesn't stop there either. Other driving aids include Four Wheel Electronic Traction Control (ETC), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and, most notably, the Hill Descent Control (HDC) first introduced on the Freelander. This supplements the engine braking normally used for difficult off road descents by activating the ABS to keep speeds down to less than 9mph.
Used Land Rover Discovery for sale

Buying a Land Rover Discovery

Once under the auspices of the Ford empire, Land Rover had no option but to improve quality control and the later Discovery models feel well screwed together. Some gearbox issues have arisen, but otherwise there’s little to pick fault with the car. Check the differentials for wear and ensure that tyre wear appears uniform. The 2002 car was fitted with a revised transfer case to cut down on noise, vibration and harshness, so any audible ills are bad news. Always insist on a full service history. Be careful too if the car you're looking at has a towbar fitted, for this may mean that it has had a hard life dragging horse boxes out of muddy fields. The engines and the transmissions used are robust but expensive to repair if they do go wrong, so watch out for rattles and ensure that all the electrics work perfectly. Check too, that the heavy-swinging rear door has not dropped on its hinges. The car is a favourite target for thieves, so ensure on an HPI check to ensure it isn’t a stolen/recovered or an insurance total loss.
Used Land Rover Discovery for sale

Land Rover Discovery Typical Pricing

Prices kick off at £16,000 for an 02 plated seven seat GS fitted with the Td5 engine. You’ll need to budget another £600 if you want the automatic gearbox. An ES model, again with the diesel engine, opens at £18,600. If you enjoy the cosy ambience of a garage forecourt, you may well prefer a 4.0-litre petrol variant. These start at £16,300, reflecting their relative lack of popularity with used buyers. All prices quoted are for seven seat models. If you prefer the space of a five-seat version, simply knock £1,000 off these quoted prices.
Used Land Rover Discovery for sale

Land Rover Discovery Parts

(approx exc. VAT) A clutch assembly will be around £180, a starter motor around £200 and a radiator around £330, Brake pads will be around the £45 mark. A replacement headlamp (offside) is close to £30 and an alternator should be close to £260.
Used Land Rover Discovery for sale

Land Rover Discovery Rated

Performance Performance 2.5 out of 5

Comfort

Handling

Economy

Styling

Equipment

Build

Depreciation Depreciation 2.5 out of 5

Insurance

Value

Land Rover Discovery Series II Review2002 - 2004