1993 Land Rover Discovery diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1993 Land Rover Discovery diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1993 Land Rover Discovery diesel than on all cars registered in 1993.

• Chassis rust or damage2.7× usual
  Land Rover Discovery

  13.5% All 1993 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.2%, against 1.8% of all 1993 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.

• Brake discs1.9× usual
  Land Rover Discovery

  13.4% All 1993 cars

  7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.5% of all 1993 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Rust in key structural areas3.4× usual
  Land Rover Discovery

  7.4% All 1993 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.8%, against 1.5% of all 1993 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£250 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

• Number plates2.2× usual
  Land Rover Discovery

  8.5% All 1993 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.6% of all 1993 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Steering box4.1× usual
  Land Rover Discovery

  5.7% All 1993 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.2% of all 1993 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 1993 Land Rover Discovery diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1993 Land Rover Discovery diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Lights and electrics
  35% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  31% 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.

• Suspension
  31% 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.

• 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
  27% 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
  15% 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 1993 Land Rover Discovery diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 1993 Land Rover Discovery diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 1993 Land Rover Discovery diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rust in key structural areas? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 1993 Land Rover Discovery diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?