Discovery 2 TD5 LAND ROVER Discovery II (L318) (10.1998 - 08.2004)

The Land Rover Discovery 2 TD5 can be a reliable vehicle with proper maintenance, but it does come with some specific considerations you should be aware of before purchasing.

Reliability of the Discovery 2 TD5

The TD5 engine is generally considered durable and capable of high mileage when properly maintained. As one owner put it, "A Discovery TD5 can be a reliable vehicle providing all common problems known to fail are fixed. Being aware at certain KMs/time things will need replacing."

Many owners report positive long-term experiences, with one stating, "I sold my 52 plate D2 with 130,000 and whilst it had the odd moment, overall it was a fantastic bit of kit."

However, reliability seems to depend heavily on preventative maintenance and addressing issues promptly. Some owners even suggest that these vehicles develop character over time, with one humorously noting that after becoming less meticulous about maintenance, their vehicle paradoxically became more reliable.

Common Issues

Engine-Related Problems:
- The TD5 engine doesn't tolerate overheating well, so a watchdog to warn of low coolant is recommended
- Oil contamination in the engine loom/harness (wiring) is a known issue
- Motor mounts tend to wear due to the heavy engine
- Intake cracks are common but can be sealed
- At higher mileages (200,000-250,000 km), components like radiators, injectors, turbos, and ECUs may begin failing

Mechanical and Chassis Issues:
- Rear U-joint on the back propshaft should be treated as a service item
- The double cardan on the front shaft needs regular inspection
- ABS/traction control problems can be expensive to fix
- EGR valve issues are common but addressable
- Automatic transmission may require ABC switch replacement

Three Major Concerns:
1. Rust - frame and body corrosion can be significant
2. Gearbox issues - particularly on automatic models
3. Head gasket problems - can be expensive to repair

Maintenance Costs and Considerations

Parts for the Discovery TD5 are reportedly less expensive than comparable Nissan or Toyota vehicles if you know where to source them. However, several owners mention regular maintenance costs can add up, with one suggesting it "can cost you a few thousand every couple of months".

Finding qualified mechanics who understand the TD5's common rail diesel system can be challenging, especially outside major urban areas. The vehicle has more electronics and complex systems than its predecessor (Discovery 1), which can lead to more potential failure points.

Comparison to 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser

While the search results don't provide a direct comparison to the 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, we can infer some differences:

The Land Cruiser is generally known for superior reliability and lower maintenance costs. The Discovery TD5, being a 2002-2004 model, is significantly older than a 2011 Land Cruiser and will likely require more frequent repairs and maintenance due to age alone.

The Discovery offers excellent off-road capability with its center differential lock and electronic systems, making difficult terrain look easy "until it breaks again". The TD5 is also noted as being "highly tunable" for those interested in modifications.