“I regret buying the Discovery Sport…” is a comment I hear from time to time. The coveted Land Rover, especially the popular Discovery Sport, is a car that everyone wants. To avoid regretting your purchase and thinking, “This isn’t what I expected!”, we’ll explain some common points that can lead to regret and how to deal with them.
Is there a reason for the low price?
Land Rover Discovery Sport
The Discovery Sport is positioned as Land Rover’s entry-level model, so it is priced lower than higher-end models such as the Range Rover.
However, just because it’s cheaper doesn’t mean it lacks quality or performance. The Discovery Sport still has plenty of appeal, including a simple yet sophisticated design, a comfortable ride, and excellent off-road capabilities.
Is it really “lame”?
DISCOVERY SPORT
Some people say that the Discovery Sport’s design is “ugly.” However, that’s ultimately a matter of personal preference. Rather, its simple, timeless design is a major advantage in that it can be enjoyed for a long time. In recent years, the sporty “R-Dynamic” grade has also been introduced, giving it an even more sophisticated impression.
Are you concerned about maintenance costs?
There is a perception that imported cars are more expensive to maintain than domestically produced cars, but what about the Discovery Sport? It is true that fuel economy, taxes, insurance premiums, etc. tend to be higher than domestically produced SUVs.
- Fuel economy: The diesel engine model is approximately 12km/L, while the gasoline engine model is approximately 9km/L, which is slightly lower than domestic SUVs.
- Tax: Because the engine displacement is 2.0L, the annual automobile tax is 39,500 yen.
- Insurance premiums: Varies depending on vehicle price and grade, but tend to be higher than domestic SUVs.
- Maintenance costs: Regular maintenance and repair costs tend to be higher than for domestically produced cars.
However, regular maintenance can prevent major problems and ultimately reduce maintenance costs.
Is it worth your annual income? Consider the balance with your lifestyle.
When considering purchasing a Discovery Sport, balancing it with your annual income is an important factor. You need to consider not only the vehicle price, but also maintenance and running costs.
For example, if someone with an annual income of 5 million yen were to purchase a Discovery Sport, it would be important to carefully simulate whether loan repayments and maintenance costs would put a strain on the household budget.
Is it true that there are a lot of breakdowns?
Land Rover vehicles used to have a reputation for frequent breakdowns, but in recent years their quality has improved and the breakdown rate has dropped significantly.
However, since it is a machine, it is not something that will never break down. In case of a breakdown, it is important to check whether the company has a comprehensive support system in place, such as a warranty and roadside assistance.
What to consider when choosing a used car?
If you’re looking to buy a used Discovery Sport, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Check maintenance records: Check that regular maintenance has been carried out properly.
- Has the car been repaired? Check whether it has been in an accident.
- Mileage: The lower the mileage, the better the condition is likely to be.
- Warranty: If there is a warranty, check the details.
Make a choice you won’t regret
While the Discovery Sport is an attractive SUV, there are a few things you should know before purchasing one. Use the information in this article to ensure you have a car that you won’t regret!
Regret point 1: Poor fuel economy?
If you mainly drive around town, the fuel economy may not be as good as you’d expect. Some people are disappointed by the difference between the catalog figures and the actual fuel economy.
countermeasure:
- Choose a diesel model: These tend to be more fuel efficient than gasoline-powered cars.
- Drive eco-friendly: Avoid sudden starts and braking, and check your tire pressure frequently.
Regret point 2: High maintenance costs?
Imported cars tend to have higher parts and labor costs than domestically produced cars.
countermeasure:
- Consider a specialist repair shop in addition to an authorized dealer: you may be able to save money.
- Subscribe to a maintenance plan: Know your recurring maintenance costs in advance.
Regret point 3: Is the car too big?
This is Land Rover’s smallest compact SUV, but it may be difficult to maneuver on Japanese roads. Its overall length is 4,610mm, width 1,895mm, height 1,725mm, and wheelbase 2740mm. Compared to the Range Rover Evoque, its overall length, wheelbase, and height are longer, providing ample interior space for seven passengers in three rows of seats.
countermeasure:
- Test drive the car: Simulate driving on narrow roads and in parking lots.
- Use driver assistance features like Parking Assist to make parking less stressful.
Regret point 4: Interior quality?
Although it is a luxury SUV, some people feel that the quality of some of the plastic parts is lacking.
countermeasure:
- See the actual car and check the interior texture: You can check parts that you can’t see from photos or videos alone.
- Choose genuine leather seats as an option: You can customize the interior to have a more luxurious feel.
Regret point 5: Resale value?
Imported cars tend to have lower resale values than domestically produced cars.
countermeasure:
- Choose a popular grade or color: These tend to have a higher resale value.
- Maintain regular maintenance: Keeping your vehicle in good condition increases your chances of selling it for a higher price.
A word from the editorial department
In this article, we’ve summarized some points to consider when purchasing a Discovery Sport. Some people may have the impression that imported cars are expensive to maintain and prone to breakdowns, but the latest Discovery Sport has improved quality, reducing maintenance costs and the risk of breakdowns compared to previous models.
Of course, maintenance costs tend to be higher than for domestically produced cars, but with proper maintenance, you can continue to drive it safely for a long time. If you are considering buying a used car, be sure to check the maintenance records and repair history carefully.
I hope this article will be helpful to those who are considering purchasing a Discovery Sport.
Discovery Sport
https://www.landrover.co.jp/discovery/discovery-sport/index.html
