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Land Rover has been a popular utility vehicle for generations.  When it came to off-road duty this was the transportation of choice for many people, and a few armies.

The last ten years or so have not been so good for the brand. In 2007 the Land Rover was one of the 3 least reliable vehicles over the previous decade. Here are a few of the highlights:

• 56% of those who owned a 2003 Land Rover reported problems
• last on the US Vehicle Dependability Survey for 2005 (J.D. Power and Associates)
• tied for last place in the 2006 U.S. car reliability survey (Consumer Reports)
• second-to-last in the 2007 Consumer Reports survey of car reliability

Not so good for a vehicle with such an illustrious reputation.

If you are the owner of one of these luxury SUV’s maybe your experience has been better.  With the economy the way it is everyone is trying to get the most they can out of what they are driving now.

Leaking hoses.  Brakes not working right.  Engine noise.  Transmission problems.  These are all common complaints from owners of Land Rovers.  The internet is loaded with nightmare stories of stranded drivers and dangerous situations.

One bit of hope for those weary of expensive problems.  Not every symptom points toward another costly repair.

Ticking noises coming from the engine?  You might need a valve job.  If so, it’s an expensive repair.  This work could be as much as a couple thousand dollars or more at a Land Rover dealership.  It may run a little less at an independent repair shop.  Before you go spending your hard earned money try using higher octane fuel to improve engine performance.  Maybe the problem is as simple as bad gas.  Better gas might just stop the engine noise.

That’s one example of a simple fix to what could have been a break-the-bank mechanic’s bill.  It is a good reminder not to get too worked up before you really know what the problem is.

According to some (http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/reader_rides/4283360.html) , Land Rover Discovery models from 1993-1998 are a good buy.  Given their recent history it’s a little hard to believe but if they’re still on the road that’s a good sign.  The writer’s of the Popular Mechanics article remind us, “Any evidence of sludge in the engine oil or of fluid in the transmission, transfer case, or differentials suggest an ill maintained rig.”  If you are considering purchasing one of these used vehicles take a mechanic with you to check it out.

Land Rover had some good years.  Maybe Ford can get them back on the right track.  Difficult financial times may mean that disgruntled drivers have to put up with less than satisfactory (to put it lightly) performance but you can bet they will be looking for their first opportunity to find another SUV, luxury or not.

Own a Land Rover? Visit our main site for information or quotes on Indianapolis Land Rover repair