1998 Land Rover Discovery petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1998 Land Rover Discovery petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1998 Land Rover Discovery petrol than on all cars registered in 1998.

• Engine oil leaks1.9× usual
  Land Rover Discovery

  30% All 1998 cars

  15.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0.4% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Wheel bearings2.1× usual
  Land Rover Discovery

  13% All 1998 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 1% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)2.3× usual
  Land Rover Discovery

  10.3% All 1998 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.3%, against 4.5% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for an engine warning light.

Common 1998 Land Rover Discovery petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1998 Land Rover Discovery petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Lights and electrics
  34% 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
  33% 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
  33% 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
  30% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  20% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.

• Rust and bodywork
  20% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1998 Land Rover Discovery petrol

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

1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 1998 Land Rover Discovery petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 1998 Land Rover Discovery petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 1998 Land Rover Discovery petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?