2005 Land Rover Discovery petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Land Rover Discovery petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Land Rover Discovery petrol than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Steering rack inner joints3.1× usual
  Land Rover Discovery

  11.9% All 2005 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2005 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.

• Chassis rust or damage2.2× usual
  Land Rover Discovery

  6.9% All 2005 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.9% of all 2005 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.

• Engine warning light2.1× usual
  Land Rover Discovery

  6.1% All 2005 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 2.9% of all 2005 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.

• Transmission oil leaks2.4× usual
  Land Rover Discovery

  3.3% All 2005 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2005 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.

Common 2005 Land Rover Discovery petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 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
  35% 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
  34% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  27% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  21% 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.

• Steering
  15% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

• Rust and bodywork
  13% 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.

Known faults on the 2005 Land Rover Discovery petrol

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Air suspension leaks and faults

  All engines

  The air suspension can leak or suffer electrical faults.

  At the viewing: Make sure it rises and lowers through every height and sits level at all four corners, including after standing.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Land Rover Discovery 3 buying guide

• Fuel leak recalls

  All engines

  There were 11 recalls on this Discovery, including five for fuel leaks (mainly on pre-2007 cars), plus seatbelt buckle and brake servo recalls.

  At the viewing: Run the free DVSA recall check on the reg and ask for proof the work was done.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Land Rover Discovery 3 buying guide

• Electronic parking brake not holding

  All engines

  The electronic parking brake can fail to hold the car.

  At the viewing: Apply the parking brake on a slope and check it holds firmly.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Land Rover Discovery 3 buying guide

• Air con and interior electrics

  All engines

  Air con sensors, compressors and pipes give trouble. Central locking, electric windows and the rear wiper also commonly fail.

  At the viewing: Test the air con and every window, lock and wiper.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Land Rover Discovery 3 buying guide, What Car?: Land Rover Discovery advice

• Wear from towing and off-roading

  All engines

  Hard towing and off-road use can lead to oil leaks and engine or gearbox noises.

  At the viewing: Look for a tow bar, underbody scrapes and oil leaks, and listen for drivetrain noises.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Land Rover Discovery 3 buying guide

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 Land Rover Discovery petrol

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

1. Has any air suspension work been done, and does it sag overnight?
2. Has all the recall work been done, and can I see the paperwork?
3. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2005 Land Rover Discovery petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2005 Land Rover Discovery petrol as on other cars the same age.)
5. Any recent work on the engine warning light? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2005 Land Rover Discovery petrol as on other cars the same age.)
6. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?