2004 Land Rover Discovery II

The benefits of buying a car from Japan are clear, not least the fact it is so expensive to buy and run a car there means owners that tend to protect their considerable investment with an unusual degree of diligence. We also find to ones that make their way here to be surprisingly free of rust, which is always a bit of a shock compared to the salt-corroded examples we’re more used to seeing.

Which means this ex-Japan Land Rover Discovery II is a cut above the usual ones you’ll have been tormenting yourself with. Re-imported to the UK in 2020, this Adriatic Blue Royal Edition is thought to be one of only 22 ever made. 

Registered in mid-2004 in Japan and powered by the four-litre V8 engine, history shows it as being graded as ‘4B’ when it came over here, which those in the know will recognise as one of the highest grades possible with only 4.5 and 5 lying above it (6 is for nearly new cars).

Showing just one previous UK keeper on the V5 registration document, ‘LU04 KGE’ has been in the seller’s hands for three years now. He’s used it properly for trips down to Greece and across to Switzerland. The South of France and Italy too, journeys that demonstrate his faith in his vehicle (“it’s been very resilient”) but have left it with a few battle scars.

Only for sale because he’s run out of room after buying a Range Rover Classic and a Land Rover Defender recently, it’s being offered with a sensible guide price - and no reserve.

It’s a good job the panels are as straight and neatly aligned as they are because the dark blue paint is second only to black in the ruthless way it highlights flaws.

But, on panels as good as these Adriatic Blue adds a gravitas that’s hard to beat, doesn’t it? Familiarity can breed contempt and it’s easy to forget just what a great shape this is.

The silver 18-inch alloy wheels are in a good condition and sit well in the wheelarches, giving the 4x4 a suitably robust stance. They’re fitted with matching 255/55R18 General Snow Grabber Plus tyres too, all of which have good tread. 

These are fabulous tyres and will ensure you stay mobile in whatever snow and ice the coming winter(s) throw at you. 

The spare wheel, which is mounted on the boot, looks new and matches the rest. 

We will never get tired of telling you that experience shows that matching high-quality tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly. Their presence does not, of course, preclude the need for a thorough inspection - something the vendor would welcome, by the way – but it does perhaps give you a shortcut into their attitude towards maintenance.

The headlamps, which were part of a mild refresh midway through the car’s lifecycle, look terrific too, don’t they? The nearside one is in great shape although the offside one is heavily scratched. The rest of the lamp lenses are bright and clear and free of damage.

The all-important ‘Royal Edition’ badges are present and correct and are in good shape. 

It’s got wind deflectors fitted to all four doors too, plus a pair of mudflaps on the rear. There’s also a step at the back to improve access to that high boot and the two rear seats that lie within.

As for flaws, the seller is honest enough to admit that it’s taken “a bit of a beating” in his hands. As you can see, the alloy wheels have the odd mark on the rim plus some peeling lacquer, the front bumper has some marks on the corners, the rear bumper is damaged, the driver’s door has some scratches around the lock, the offside mirror is broken, and the rubber seal around the fuel filler is perished.

Some of the black exterior trim is a little faded too, but that’s probably a job for Future You.

The tan leather interior is piped with dark blue trim to match the coachwork. Containing no fewer than seven seats, it’s stuffed full of toys as well as a myriad of buttons and controls to keep you mobile no matter how awful the conditions underfoot.

The front seats are heated and electrically adjustable. In a very good condition, only very gentle creasing and softening to the outer edge of the driver’s seat betrays their age. 

The middle seats are even better and have almost no marks on them at all – and with leather this light, even the lightest of marks would stand out. 

The rear seats fold up and can even be removed should you need more load space. 

The boot is in an acceptable condition with a few marks and some dirt. On the other hand, the tool kit looks like it’s never been used.

The wooden trim is excellent too, as are the door cards, headlining, carpets, and dashboard, and the two sunroofs and the twin Alpine lights flood the cabin with light, making it a very pleasant place to be.

As for flaws, the fact that the most serious faults are the baggy netting pockets in the headlining and a taped-up horn button on the steering wheel says it all. 

Sure, there are some scuffs and scratches on some of the hard-plastic surfaces and the wooden veneer on the handbrake handle is cracked but the overall impression is of a well-cared for cabin with a boot you aren’t going to be afraid to use. The orange engine warning light is on too.

As you can see, it starts well, idles as it should and produces a very satisfactory exhaust note.

The seller was full of praise for the garage that sold it to him, and says it’s never needed anything other than an annual service, one of which was carried out in Greece with the other two being done in London.

The engine bay is nicely presented and while the underside does have some light surface rust, there’s nothing there we’d be too concerned about although its condition is easily good enough to justify some professional rust-proofing.

The Discovery’s MoT certificate is valid until the beginning of October 2024 and it, like every single one before, is free of any mention of rust or corrosion.

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear and it comes with two sets of keys, the handbook pack and wallet, and plenty of paperwork from its time in Japan.

We had a few cars from Japan pass through our hands and we’re always impressed by their condition – and this Discovery II has done nothing to alter that.

In a fine condition, the lack of serious rust has got to be its USP; even the firm’s most ardent fans would have to admit they tend to rust with the best of them so to find one that’s as solid and clean as this is a rarity.

Sure, there’s some tidying up to be done but that looks largely cosmetic, so you could do that as and when money and motivation collide.

And, the need for this work is reflected in our estimate of between £7,000 and £9,000. However, it is being offered with no reserve, so it will sell from the very first bid.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.