1999 Land Rover Discovery petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Land Rover Discovery petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Land Rover Discovery petrol than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Engine oil leaks1.9× usual
  Land Rover Discovery

  27.9% All 1999 cars

  14.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.3% of all 1999 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.

• Chassis rust or damage2.8× usual
  Land Rover Discovery

  15.4% All 1999 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 2% of all 1999 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.

• Ball joint dust cover3.5× usual
  Land Rover Discovery

  12.5% All 1999 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 1.1% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Individual direction indicators2.1× usual
  Land Rover Discovery

  7.2% All 1999 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 1.5% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 1999 Land Rover Discovery petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 Land Rover Discovery petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  37% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  31% 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.

• 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  25% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  16% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1999 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 1999 Land Rover Discovery petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 1999 Land Rover Discovery petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the 1999 Land Rover Discovery petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?