Widely regarded as one of the best 4x4s in the world and praised for its ability to tackle the depths of the wilderness as convincingly as emanating a sense of class and sophistication, the Land Rover Discovery 4, when new, was a near perfect vehicle.

However, Land Rover has built quite the negative reputation when it comes to reliability and the cost of ownership and maintenance.

Released in October 2009, the Land Rover Series I was manufactured in Solihull, UK, and was available with 2.7- and 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engines and 5.0-litre V8 petrol engines.

The Series II was released in January 2013 and introduced a lower output 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine and eight-speed automatic transmissions.

Fitted to models with turbo-diesel engines, the eight-speed ZF 8HP70 automatic transmissions contributed to improved fuel economy through earlier torque converter lock-up and ‘Transmission Idle Control’ which would engage neutral when the vehicle was stationary.

Released in Australia in early 2014, the Series III introduced a revised range as the 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine was replaced by a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 engine.

Visually, the Series III featured a new front grille, front bumper, headlights, daytime LED running lights, ‘Discovery’ badging on the bonnet (previously ‘Land Rover’) and two new alloy wheel designs.

The Discovery 4 may be supremely practical, incredibly comfortable, loaded with equipment and a joy to drive both on-road and off but should you buy one? Read on.

What goes wrong with a used Land Rover Discovery?

It’s important to know that for many years, statistically, Land Rover has been the most unreliable automotive manufacturer.

V8 petrol variants:

• Timing chains fail
• Oil pumps fail
• Various bearings fail if not serviced correctly
• Fragile cooling systems result in overheating
• Oil leaks
• Various electronic issues

Diesel variants:

• Turbo failure resulting in catastrophic engine failure
• Fuel pump and injector problems
• EGR problems
• Timing belt and fuel pump belt issues
• Belt tensioner and idler bearings can fail before scheduled renewals
• Multiple electronic gremlins
• Electronic handbrake problems
• Dirt in the braking system or badly adjusted brake shoes can disable the electronic parking brake
• Parking brake actuator can seize
• Air suspension problems
• Front lower control arm bushes fail before 100,000kms
• Roll bars and tie rods have problems
• Brake pipes can rust
• The sensors controlling the air con and air suspension can fail
• Fuel gauge can misread due to dodgy connectors and reprogramming of the software
• Various electronic issues

Should you buy a used Land Rover Discovery?

If you’re financially, emotionally and mentally prepared for the inevitable reliability issues and have another car to drive while the Discovery 4 is away being diagnosed and repaired (which could take weeks), yes should buy one. Very few other cars can do what the Discovery 4 does and it is truly wonderful, when it works.

However, when it works may be occasionally at best and we just cannot justify the cost of ownership or the mental anguish that comes with ownership. Especially if it is to be the only car in your garage and you are not in a financial position to justify the potential depreciation and maintenance expenses.

A 200 Series Toyota LandCruiser, Lexus LX or Nissan Patrol will do everything the Disco 4 can do without the looming reliability concerns and all seem more impervious to depreciation when compared to the Discovery 4.