Ask an expert

We are looking for a reliable and comfortable 4x4. A dealer has told us this SUV is fantastic but we don't know enough about SUV/4x4.

This is a Land Rover Discovery 1995 Petrol for $11,000 with 145,000 on the clock.

Our needs include having the space in the car to be comfortable on long trips when on vacation and daily use to work and back from North Shore to Manukau.

1. Are there any pit falls that we have to watch out for?
2. Is it a good car to buy from reliability point of view?
3. If the above answers are negative, do you know which brand of SUV/4x4 should we rather look at?

Thanks very much for your assistance. We want to make the right choice.

Lynette

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 14 December 2009

I have to be totally honest and say this vehicle is extremely high risk and I strongly encourage you to have a good look at other options.

Based on your motoring needs, I believe the Discovery is way too complex for you and the thought of the petrol costs to run from North Shore to Manukau would be enough to put me off straight away.

It's a serious 4x4, the sort of vehicle that people go for when they have a need to tow a large boat or horse floats etc.

Like all vehicles as they get older, the risk of mechanical failure increases, so you need to look at potential future running costs and believe me the Discovery has the potential to cost you plenty.

Here are some other options to consider; Nissan X-Trail, Honda CRV, Toyota Rav4, Toyota Highlander, Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Hyundai Tucson 2.7litre. All of these vehicles will fit your needs better in my view.

With petrol prices continuing to climb, vehicles like a petrol powered Land Rover Discovery will get harder and harder to sell.