Land Rover Discovery Sport Finance | Mis-Sold?

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Land Rover Discovery Sport Finance | Mis-Sold?

Last updated: 27 February 2026

The Land Rover Discovery Sport was commonly sold on Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP) finance agreements during the period from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024, when the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) conducted its investigation into motor finance mis-selling. This investigation revealed significant issues related to discretionary commission arrangements made between car dealerships and lenders.

How the Land Rover Discovery Sport was Typically Financed

The typical financing arrangement for a Land Rover Discovery Sport during this period involved Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) agreements, with terms ranging from 36 to 48 months. The finance amounts usually ranged between £15,000 and £30,000. Common lenders providing finance for the Land Rover Discovery Sport included Black Horse, Barclays Partner Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, MotoNovo Finance, and Santander Consumer Finance. Under PCP agreements, customers would make monthly payments with a significant balloon payment at the end of the term if they wished to own the vehicle outright. This final amount is known as the Guaranteed Minimum Future Value (GMFV) or simply the "balloon" payment.

The FCA Motor Finance Investigation

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) conducted an investigation into motor finance agreements from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024. One of the key issues uncovered was the use of discretionary commission arrangements between car dealerships and lenders. These arrangements allowed dealers to receive additional payments based on the type and volume of deals they facilitated, which could influence their sales practices. The FCA estimated that 12.1 million eligible agreements were affected by these practices (FCA estimate), resulting in a total mis-selling cost of £7.5 billion (FCA, March 2026) across the industry. On average, customers who entered into such arrangements may have overpaid by about £829 (FCA estimate).

How to Check Your Agreement Look for terms that indicate a "Discretionary Commission Arrangement" or the abbreviation "DCA." These agreements were prevalent during the period from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024.

If your agreement includes these clauses and was signed within this timeframe, there is a high likelihood that it may have been subject to mis-selling practices. You can also check with your lender or dealership for more information about any specific DCA arrangements in place at the time of your purchase.

How to Complain Directly to Your Lender for Free

If you suspect that your Land Rover Discovery Sport finance agreement was affected by discretionary commission arrangements, it is important to know that you can complain directly to your lender without needing a claims management company. Common lenders for Land Rover Discovery Sport include Black Horse, Barclays Partner Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, MotoNovo Finance, and Santander Consumer Finance. When making a complaint, provide detailed information about the issues you encountered with your finance agreement. Include any relevant documents such as your original contract or correspondence from your lender. The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) can also assist if your lender does not resolve your complaint satisfactorily. You do not need a claims management company to handle this process for you. Complaining directly to your lender is free and straightforward, allowing you to seek redress without additional fees or third-party involvement.

Sources and References

Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). "Motor Finance Discretionary Commission Arrangement Investigation." 2024.
Office for National Statistics (ONS) Census 2021.

Land Rover Discovery Sport MOT Pass Rate

Based on 68,743 MOT tests conducted in 2024 (source: DVSA anonymised test data), the Land Rover Discovery Sport has a pass rate of 86.5%. This is above the national average of 79.6%, meaning the Discovery Sport performs well in MOT testing.

The Discovery Sport pass rate is better than the overall Land Rover average of 82.6%. The average mileage at MOT for this model is 64,970 miles.

MOT pass rate: 86.5%
MOT failure rate: 13.5%
Tests analysed: 68,743 (2024 DVSA data)
Average mileage at test: 64,970 miles
Land Rover average pass rate: 82.6%
National average pass rate: 79.6%

Data source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results 2024, published under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I seek redress if I believe my Land Rover Discovery Sport motor finance was mis-sold?

If you suspect that your Land Rover Discovery Sport car finance agreement was mis-sold, start by reviewing the terms and conditions of the contract. You can also seek advice from independent financial advisors or consult consumer protection organizations for guidance on your rights under the Consumer Credit Act 1974. Additionally, you have the option to complain directly to your lender for free.

What are the common signs that my Land Rover Discovery Sport motor finance might have been mis-sold?

Signs of mis-selling in a Land Rover Discovery Sport car finance agreement can include high-pressure sales tactics, failure to explain all costs and charges clearly, providing incorrect information about your credit score or eligibility, and not offering alternatives such as less expensive financing options. Mis-selling may also occur if the terms are overly complex or if you were unaware of better deals available at the time.

How many Land Rover Discovery Sport owners might have been affected by mis-sold motor finance agreements from 2007 to 2024?

While exact figures for Land Rover Discovery Sport are not publicly available, given that there were 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) potentially mis-sold in the UK during this period, a portion of those could have involved owners of specific models like the Land Rover Discovery Sport.

What steps should I take if my Land Rover Discovery Sport car was purchased with a problematic motor finance agreement?

If you believe your Land Rover Discovery Sport purchase was financed through an agreement that may be considered mis-sold, start by documenting all communications and financial details related to the deal. You can complain directly to your lender for free or seek assistance from consumer advocacy groups to better understand your legal rights and options.

Important: MLJ.org.uk is an independent information resource. We are not a claims management company, solicitor, law firm, or financial adviser. We do not process claims, take fees, or provide advice. Where the law gives you a right to complain or claim directly (to a lender, council, FOS, court, or regulator), you can do so without paying a third party. MLJ.org.uk is operated by Copious Ltd, registered in England and Wales, company number 11437826.