My girlfriend currently has a 2001 Nissan Pathfinder LE with just under 85000 miles on it. The car is very nice (four wheel drive, leather, BOSE, power everything, etc.), but it seems like the check engine light has been on for most of the past four years that she has owned it. Most of the problems we have had, have involved sensors going bad (O2, MAF, Intake Position sensor, etc.). She has always loved Land Rover Discoveries and has recently decided that she would like to trade her Pathfinder for a Discovery. We have read quite a bit about the common issues with these trucks. I have explained that she will have to maintain it and that things will break (I'm a BMW owner, so she has seen me face this first hand), but she still says she would love to have one even though it may be less reliable than her Pathfinder. I too like the Discoveries and even though they break, I recognize that these are incredible vehicles. I really think she would enjoy a Discovery. So my question for you, forum members, is, Do you all think she should get rid of her Pathfinder and go for a Discovery? It seems like her vehicle is worth a bit more than Discoveries with similar age and mileage, so trading shouldn't be too difficult. I am just looking for your opinions and advice on whether or not you all think she should trade her vehicle, especially with the difference in major reliability issues with the Discovery vs. the Pathfinder. Thanks for your comments in advance!

You should look at the R51. If you do a search you will see there are not alot of problems with the new Nissans. I have a 04 Xterra as well with no problems. But I do like the Landrovers too.

i agree with the capt. while the discovery is a very nice car all the parts for it like the bmw have realy nice price tags.

the r51 paths are also very nice cars with little problems and now have really great options. i would look at those before making your final choice.

my wife actually picked the path over the BMW, lexus and mercedes SUV. i wanted the mercedes but this was the winner for her and the kids

I have to agree with the capt as well. I've had my 2001 pathfinder for 2 years now I love it only minor problems.

My buddy just bought a discovery. Its only been a week he has had starter problems and now he blew a transmission line he has had more work than play and its only been 2 weeks.

I personally think the discovery looks awesome and when its working it sounds and drives great but not worth the trouble at all. I hope you make the right decision.

This is my first post what up

Thank you all for your comments so far! We will take a look at the R51's. Any one else have any comments?

Having worked for a Land Rover dealer, your girl friend better have a huge credit line on her American Express. The best thing about a L/R from a dealer standpoint is they break often & cost lots of $$ to fix.
I have an o6 Pathfinder LE & as far as drivability & reiliability it is much better than any L/R. True, the Disco is more distintive than a Pathfinder.
I would recomend that she run away quickly from the L/R.

Do a bit of research and you'll see the Disco II, the only one I am very familiar with, had a number of faults:

1. The worst gas mileage out of any SUV
2. The weakest V8 ever made
3. Parts are expensive & not off-the-shelf from Autozone.

I have always loved the looks of the Disco series, but there is no way in hell I would ever buy one. There are far superior vehicles out there. Even the LR3 is a huge improvement over the Discos.