Drivers love Land Rover, faults and all

Published on Thursday 21 July 2011 14:41

A FAULT-plagued Land Rover is one of Britain's most loved cars, according to the country's largest annual satisfaction survey.

The Discovery 4 has been voted third best in the Which? Car poll of 63,000 owners, published today.

The British-built 4x4 was given an overall 95.7 per cent satisfaction rating, despite scoring two out of five stars for reliability because of a series of electrical and other problems.

The car, whose list price starts at 36,785, was beaten by only the Toyota Yaris Verso, made from 2000-05, which scored a 97.7 per cent rating, and the Volkswagen Passat CC, with 96.4 per cent.

Which? Car editor Richard Headland attributed the Discovery's high score to a combination of "feel good factor" - and said customers were less concerned about its faults because it is still a new model and therefore covered by manufacturers' warranty.

He said: "It is a status car and people like its spaciousness capabilities."

However, Mr Headland warned that the model was still a long way from being dependable. Faults reported by owners included breakdowns, and non-engine electrics such as the stereo system, sat nav and sun roof.

Mr Headland said: "It has been on sale only since last August, so faults will be largely fixed free, with dealers providing a good service. I expect satisfaction is higher now than it will be when owners start shelling out.

"There may be a pretty marked change after three years, when people realise the cost of owning an unreliable car."

Motoring groups said Discovery owners appeared to regard the faults as less significant than its positive attributes.

Automobile Association president Edmund King said: "The Discovery 4 results show that an iconic brand, loyalty, style and practicality can be more important considerations to some drivers than niggles with electrics which don't affect driving." Philip Gomm, a spokesman for the Royal Automobile Club Foundation, added: "Land Rover is one of the world's famous brands and it seems proud owners are prepared to overlook apparent shortcomings for the sake of buying British and owning such an iconic vehicle."

Poll topper the Toyota Yaris Verso was described by one owner as "so versatile, reliable, easy to drive, inexpensive to own and almost as good now as when I bought it."

The runner-up VW Passat CC impressed owners with its looks, practicality and comfort.

Four Skodas - the Yeti and various versions of the Superb - dominated the rest of the top ten, which Which? Car said confirmed that jokes about the Czech-founded marque were a thing of the past.

French cars comprised seven of the ten least popular cars in the survey, anchored by the Renault Laguna Sport Tourer.

It scored just 49.4 per cent satisfaction because of non-engine electrical problems, and poor handling and performance.Neil Greig, policy and research director of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, said: "Despite the car reviewers' obsession with handling and other performance issues, this survey shows once again that for most drivers, reliability and comfort are the most important factors in choosing a car."