I own the V8, and yes only a smile on my face. Have been off road at grade 5 trials and have managed to receive respect from my cruiser friends. The Landrover will go anywhere without a big display of wheelspin that destroys the habitat. I thinks that is propably what impress me most is the no fuss, no spectacle way the Discovery overcome obstacles. The car is so capable it doesn't need to show off to make a statement.

Land Rover Discovery V8i ES 4x4 Review
I have always loved the 4x4 and especially the LR.
Tried the Mitsubishi Shogun, it was ok but not a land rover. The name it self has a snob following and that is for a reason - ITS BRITISH!!! As I said I love the Land Rover but hate the fuel bills needed to run the V8 - so had it converted to LPG. This cost a mere £2300 for one of the best conversions around - you can get cheaper but the safety factor not as good. I now get just over 14mpg out of lpg and only put £10.00 worth of petrol in every other month or so (LPG requires petrol to start from cold). This works out to about 15000 miles for the conversion to pay for itself! On a negative side to the Landy is the transmission clonk. All the Autos have it when changing from Drive to Reverse. As far as I am aware it's nothing to worry about - try turning the radio up!
The pulling puwer is great. Use it on the beach to pull the Jetski out and the boat. Have even pulled other 4x4's out!! Not my first Land Rover and will not be the last.
Dont forget it's a 4X4. Its clumbersome, bulky and heavy - if you want speed and handling buy a porsche!

I have owned this Land Rover Discovery V8i ES 4x4 for 4 years now and would only part with it for another, she has had her bad days during this time but only when i have abused her, parts are so common that if you break something its normally fixed within 24-48hrs. The wife loves driving it but complains about the fuel but everytime i've offerd her an alternative it has had a short comming that she could not accept unlike the landrover, if you dont mind getting your hands dirty then it can be a lot of fun for very little expense when she needs some TLC, always join the owners club and save money on insurance and parts, I have had many other cars but i just couldnt imagine not having one of these in my garden, BMW tried to steal the technology and make it better but how can you improve something that is already perfect. To show how much she means to me i now live in spain and she is here with me but i am shortly moving to New Zealand and i am taking her with me again Halfway round the world.

Landrovers are a love hate thing - After my 4th Landrover, a Land Rover Discovery V8i ES 4x4, I'm afraid this will be the last. I'd love to stay faithful but I've driven a BMW X5 and the rest is history. If you are going to drive 10,000 miles a year or more on-road don't buy one, get something else. However the Disco is great, it's really useful off road with plenty of room for the wife, 3 kids, dog and mother-in-law. The ES spec is great and you get all the goodies you could ever want in this type of car but, and it is a big but it just does not compare with other cars in its class on-road. I've woke up to the fact that ALL my Landrovers have spent less then 0.001% off-road. Anyone (like me) buying them from new are really stupid - My last Disco V8i ES lost £24,000 in three years - However if you really want one and don't mind spending a lot of time and money at petrol stations with a car that has constant rattles and clunks then get yourself a 3 year old V8i ES - You will get a lot of car for your money. Make sure it has a full Landrover service history and you must, must get an extended warranty - If you don't keep a grand in the bank just-in-case .

Driven the Land Rover Discovery V8i ES 4x4 daily for 1 and a half years and approx 30.000 KM in all conditions. Performs nicely and relaxed on road and in city traffic.
Compared to the Land Cruiser, Pajero, Patrol and Mercedes G class, a much sportier drive due to the precise steering and responsiveness of the V8.
Off Road ability in a league of it's own. Able to traverse obstacles that leaves Mercedes G class and other likewise vehicles stuck.
Nothing whatsoever has gone wrong on this vehicle and I must say that I have been positively surprised at the reliablity off this vehicle.

Not perfect, but great if you want a vehicle that is versatile and has loads af character..

If you enjoy sitting back and letting the world go by, the Land Rover Discovery V8 Auto is the one. More than capable of making swift progress - althought the fuel consumption may alarm some.

Great off road and with a wash - can be left in any Hilton car part without upseting the locals!

After 134,000 miles and 8 years - the Disco still makes me smile each time I get in it.

Would buy another one tomorrow - however perhaps a TD5 next time!