The Best Used Land Rover To Buy

The 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport offers great value for a midsize luxury SUV but can be a risky purchase due to its reliability issues.
Written by Drew Waterstreet
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
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The best used Land Rover to buy is the 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport. That being said, proceed with caution. Land Rovers do not typically age well—many of the models begin experiencing frequent leaks, breakdowns, and other mechanical issues five or six years after production.
Critics often blame the Land Rover’s issues on British automobile engineering, commonly renowned for their lack of quality and unreliability. So, if you’re willing to take a risk, the 2016 Discovery Sport presents an exciting buying opportunity for a used vehicle. With only a few years on the market, they currently resell for roughly 50-65 percent lower than their original MSRP.
Since these vehicles are known to be susceptible to wear and tear, it’s important to be thoroughly informed about their tendencies before heading to the used car dealership. Luckily, the top-rated
car insurance
app
Jerry
is here to give you the good, the bad, and the ugly of the 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport. Then keep reading until the end to find out how to save on your
Land Rover Discovery Sport insurance costs
!
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The best used Land Rover to buy: 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport

The ownership of a used Land Rover has been historically difficult. But, if you’re set on owning one, we recommend the 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport. The purchase value is certainly there for this all-terrain midsize luxury SUV if you can find one in good condition and with the right modifications.

What makes the 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport a good used car?

Our rating focuses on four key factors: true cost to own, safety features, reliability, and customization. Let’s take a closer look at these:
  • True cost to own: The value in the purchase price is very tempting on its own, but maintenance costs can add up if you don’t properly inspect your Discovery Sport before buying.
  • Safety features: This is a highlight of the vehicle. It has all the high-quality safety features of an SUV that you could ask for—without sacrificing the driving assistance of an all-terrain vehicle.
  • Reliability: Land Rovers are simply a headache when it comes to reliability. Owners frequently report leaks, breakdowns, and other mechanical issues five or six years after production.
  • Customization and styling: Land Rover has always had a way of combining style and adventure. For all your off-road needs, you’ll want to look for a used model where the stock air suspension system has already been replaced with traditional coil springs.
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The true cost of owning a 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport

A vehicle's true cost of ownership includes the purchase price and operation costs, including maintenance, insurance, and depreciation. 
Purchasing the 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport is a bit of a risky bet, but a good one if it works out. The purchase price presents a great value for an all-terrain SUV in its class, but maintenance costs can be a bit of a wild card.

Purchase price

Depending on mileage, you can find a used 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport for as low as $17,000 and at an average price of about $23,000. Considering the initial MSRP of $46,960, this is a 50-65% discount
This model's accelerated rate of depreciation creates an appealing value proposition, especially since it’s only a few years old. Depreciation is expected to slow after the initial surge, so the vehicle should retain its value well.

Costs of operation

Land Rovers typically see maintenance costs drastically increase five to six years after production. These problems are at no fault of the driver—they usually derive from design or mechanical flaws. Make sure you have a reliable mechanic on speed dial.
You’ll also need to factor in fuel costs—the Discovery Sport isn’t incredibly efficient at the fuel pump. This four-wheel-drive SUV only gets 20-26mpg.
Considering the value of the vehicle and the Sport trim level, expect to pay a higher insurance premium for a used 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport as well.
Key Takeaway The high operating costs of the 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport have the potential to outweigh the value of the purchase price.

Safety features of the 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport

The safety features are certainly a highlight of the Discovery Sport. You get all of the safety without sacrificing the adventurous nature of the vehicle. Here are some of the specifications you can expect:
  • Anti-lock brakes
  • Stability and traction control
  • Front, side, driver knee, and side curtain airbags
  • Rearview camera, parking sensors, and lane departure warnings
  • Hill descent control and hill start assist

Is the 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport a reliable used car?

The simple answer is no, but reliability should always be considered in context. Historically, Land Rovers begin to experience reliability issues after five to six years of regular use. It’s always a good idea to request the maintenance record of any used car, but it’s essential to evaluate the current condition of a Land Rover before you buy it. This will help you determine where you are at in the dreaded reliability timeline for the Discovery Sport.
Common issues include
air suspension
failure, electronic park brake failures, and crank-shaft seizures. These repairs can cost you thousands of dollars at the mechanic.
Don’t get us wrong; the 2016 Land Rover Discovery is an amazing SUV. But, navigating through the questions about the used vehicle’s current condition can be difficult—especially when discussing a vehicle that has a finicky history with reliability.

Customization and styling

The 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport offers the style of a midsize luxury SUV and the hauling power expected of an all-terrain vehicle. It offers a turbocharged 2.0- liter four-cylinder engine that produces 240 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque.
During this year of production, the Discovery Sport was offered in three trim levels: SE,
HSE
, and
HSE Luxury
. While the performance is standard across trims, the alternate versions offer more advanced technology features, more luxurious upholstery, and some upgrades to the exterior. But remember, higher trim levels will raise your insurance costs.
There is a customization/modification you’ll want to keep an eye out for. In almost every Land Rover model, the air suspension begins to fail after 6-10 years. The air suspension is intended to create a smoother ride across uneven terrain but simply does more harm than good. Look for a used Discovery Sport that has already replaced the air suspension system with a traditional coil system. This could save you thousands of dollars down the road, as the suspension almost always needs to be replaced in these vehicles eventually.

How to find affordable insurance for a used Land Rover

Finding a used 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport in the right condition and with optimal modifications can be challenging. But, finding
car insurance
doesn’t have to be! We have just the solution for you.
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