LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (1991)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 319 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,907
£242/month
MOT Pass Rate
78%
Average
Road Tax
£760
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
3528cc Petrol
Check Carefully
78% pass rate, £2907/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 3528cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the LAND ROVER brand average of 90%.
At 35 years old, 78% of LAND ROVER DISCOVERYs from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 319 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 155,439 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
155,439
Average miles
259,000
Expected for age
The average 1991 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY has 155,439 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 259,000 miles for a 35-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 1993 model has the lowest at 74%. The 1991 sits between the two at 78%.
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 96% | 49 | 38,552 mi | |
| 2020 | 94% | 214 | 44,873 mi | |
| 2019 | 91% | 5,578 | 59,876 mi | |
| 2018 | 92% | 22,325 | 64,985 mi | |
| 2017 | 90% | 26,598 | 70,439 mi | |
| 2016 | 88% | 20,634 | 84,155 mi | |
| 2015 | 87% | 19,128 | 97,377 mi | |
| 2014 | 86% | 15,907 | 104,968 mi | |
| 2013 | 84% | 13,944 | 115,146 mi | |
| 2012 | 84% | 15,207 | 123,543 mi | |
| 2011 | 83% | 13,928 | 130,567 mi | |
| 2010 | 82% | 14,999 | 136,363 mi | |
| 2009 | 80% | 11,739 | 140,963 mi | |
| 2008 | 80% | 10,859 | 148,481 mi | |
| 2007 | 79% | 14,662 | 151,679 mi | |
| 2006 | 78% | 17,245 | 159,807 mi | |
| 2005 | 78% | 17,079 | 164,007 mi | |
| 2004 | 77% | 12,321 | 152,573 mi | |
| 2003 | 77% | 10,616 | 147,743 mi | |
| 2002 | 77% | 8,549 | 153,912 mi | |
| 2001 | 75% | 6,308 | 153,394 mi | |
| 2000 | 75% | 4,148 | 156,648 mi | |
| 1999 | 75% | 5,978 | 158,555 mi | |
| 1998 | 77% | 3,539 | 158,458 mi | |
| 1997 | 80% | 3,177 | 154,598 mi | |
| 1996 | 78% | 2,725 | 153,238 mi | |
| 1995 | 77% | 2,437 | 156,551 mi | |
| 1994 | 80% | 1,885 | 161,208 mi | |
| 1993 | 74% | 1,108 | 155,475 mi | |
| 1992 | 81% | 438 | 149,802 mi | |
| 1991 | 78% | 319 | 155,439 mi | |
| 1990 | 82% | 251 | 138,947 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1991 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY
The 1991 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY is a performance with a 3528cc petrol engine. 319 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 1991, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 155,439 miles at 35 years old, LAND ROVER DISCOVERY owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1991 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY Fuel Costs
The 3528cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1991 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,907 (£242/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY Reliability Trend
Newer LAND ROVER DISCOVERYs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 7 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1991 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY
At 35 years old, the LAND ROVER DISCOVERY is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 94%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1991 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 35 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Clutch Wear
Watch outWith an average of 155k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 1991 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAND ROVER DISCOVERY(1991) | 78% | £1592 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £2907 |
| PORSCHE 911(1990) | 91% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2097-£810 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER(1993) | 81% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£660 |
| JAGUAR XJS(1993) | 84% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£660 |
| TVR GRIFFITH(1992) | 88% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£660 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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