Range Rover Classics

[Gravy]

I have an unshakeable desire for a Range Rover Classic.
It may not be tomorrow, but I can see one landing on the drive soon.

My question is, am I looking through rose-tinted glasses with these vehicles or are they really a great car? I have fond memories of travelling in one back in 1993 (as a nipper) and thinking it was a very nice way to travel.

What are the crucial check points and what are the most expensive things to replace?

I really fancy one of these and am just trying to gather as much info as possible, hopefully from current/past owners who can tell it how it is, warts and all. If it makes any odds I seem rather taken with the LSE variants.

Ta muchly!

[BLUETHUNDER]

In my opinion the less loved LSE was the best classic launched.It was in actual fact the test bed for the P38,and was also the launch pad for the air suspension.The achillies heel with the LSE was the air suspension.Early models suffered terrible problems with pumps and e.c.u,s.But by far it was the best developed out of the classic range,with a lovely 4.2 John Eales developed engine.

[Gravy]

BLUETHUNDER said:

In my opinion the less loved LSE was the best classic launched.It was in actual fact the test bed for the P38,and was also the launch pad for the air suspension.The achillies heel with the LSE was the air suspension.Early models suffered terrible problems with pumps and e.c.u,s.But by far it was the best developed out of the classic range,with a lovely 4.2 John Eales developed engine.

Thanks for the input, interesting to note you sold your LSE for a P38.
Is the money better spent on a P38 model?

[GTIR]

I have just bought a 1995 3.9 Classic and its great fun!

It has spring suspension so no probs with air pumps and the like. Mine is the EFI version and has Police spec suspension, as in not as bouncy as standard classics, it is an ex police car anyways.

If you get one look for one on LPG, as mine is, as the V8 likes a drink.

Edited by GTIR on Friday 2nd January 20:24

[BLUETHUNDER]

Gravy said:

BLUETHUNDER said:

In my opinion the less loved LSE was the best classic launched.It was in actual fact the test bed for the P38,and was also the launch pad for the air suspension.The achillies heel with the LSE was the air suspension.Early models suffered terrible problems with pumps and e.c.u,s.But by far it was the best developed out of the classic range,with a lovely 4.2 John Eales developed engine.

Thanks for the input, interesting to note you sold your LSE for a P38.
Is the money better spent on a P38 model?

The P38 was just the natural progresion for me.The P38 is a different kettle of fish over the classsic.Lots more use of electronics,hence more problems can arise.And trust me there are many.I think i suffered all the most documented problems of the P38 in 9 years of ownership.Its definatly not a car to be bought on a budget,as the pitfalls are huge.

[ehasler]

BLUETHUNDER said:

In my opinion the less loved LSE was the best classic launched.It was in actual fact the test bed for the P38,and was also the launch pad for the air suspension.The achillies heel with the LSE was the air suspension.Early models suffered terrible problems with pumps and e.c.u,s.But by far it was the best developed out of the classic range,with a lovely 4.2 John Eales developed engine.

I've got one of the last LSEs built, with the "soft dash" from the Discovery. I've done about 13,000 miles in 3 years, including a trip to Le Mans, and hasn't let me down once. I did manage to break a couple of suspension air bags, but that was more down to me giving it a battering on an off-road day, and aside from normal wear and tear, I think the only item I've had to replace has been the radiator.

It's a bit windy and noisy above 70, and does like to drink fuel, but it's a very nice way to travel and is very spacious inside. The 4.2 engine is great and sounds awesome - especially if you fit a sports exhaust system

I'm always tempted by the more luxurious nature of the P38, or even the latest shape model, but they just don't have the character of the classic, which lives up to its name IMO.

[Gravy]

Thanks for your input guys - I would actually prefer one without LPG, it would only be a weekend vehicle and having had an E34 M5 I can put up with the fuel economy or lack of.

I'm still mulling it over as I don't need one at all, I just really, really want one!

ETA - This is the one currently getting me excited:

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C71765

Edited by Gravy on Friday 2nd January 21:06

[BLUETHUNDER]

That looks like a very tidy example.Check the rear tailgate for the obvious.But for the money,then its more than worth a punt

[wiffmaster]

To give you an indication of how much I love mine:

I'm a poor student and currently looking for a new car. Yet even when I get my new car, my RRC will be staying with me. Can't see me ever selling it to be honest - worth more to me than it would be to sell. Had it four years and no major issues using it as a daily driver. It's amazingly good on the motorway and around town, but at the same time pretty good offroad even in stock form. Brilliant do anything student car!

...never met anyone who owned one and didn't love it!

Nice and clean:



Not so clean:

Edited by wiffmaster on Saturday 3rd January 02:50

[Psimpson7]

I love mine too

[GTIR]

Gravy said:

Thanks for your input guys - I would actually prefer one without LPG, it would only be a weekend vehicle and having had an E34 M5 I can put up with the fuel economy or lack of.

I'm still mulling it over as I don't need one at all, I just really, really want one!

ETA - This is the one currently getting me excited:

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C71765

Edited by Gravy on Friday 2nd January 21:06

Hmm, sold....

Weel, did you?

[Ecurie Ecosse]

I too have a large desire for the CSK model. Uber cool:

[BLUETHUNDER]

Ecurie Ecosse said:

I too have a large desire for the CSK model. Uber cool:

A friend of mine had 002 up until last year.

[CQ8]

I owned 003 for a couple of years, sold it on in 2006. Regretted it everyday since! Wonderful thing, one of the best cars I've ever owned.

Went looking for 4 door classic last year. Looked at a few but all needed lots of work. Ended up buying a 4 litre Jeep Grand Cherokee. I hate it! God I miss my RR!

[radzoule]

Wonderful cars, and surprisingly refined if you get a late one. Driving mine always brings a smile to my face. Everyone loves it.

[defender50th]

CQ8 said:

I owned 003 for a couple of years, sold it on in 2006. Regretted it everyday since! Wonderful thing, one of the best cars I've ever owned.

I saw 003 for sale in early 07, passed as it needed to much work, dented rear wing, passanger door bashed in, but could have been restored into something very nice.

I got number 28, as you say they are fabulous vehicles!

[Gravy]

GTIR said:

Gravy said:

Thanks for your input guys - I would actually prefer one without LPG, it would only be a weekend vehicle and having had an E34 M5 I can put up with the fuel economy or lack of.

I'm still mulling it over as I don't need one at all, I just really, really want one!

ETA - This is the one currently getting me excited:

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C71765

Edited by Gravy on Friday 2nd January 21:06

Hmm, sold....

Weel, did you?

Unfortunately not, I have been out of circulation for a while and totally snowed under!
Still keeping an eye on the classifieds though!

[Noogly]

ehasler said:

I'm always tempted by the more luxurious nature of the P38, or even the latest shape model, but they just don't have the character of the classic, which lives up to its name IMO.

I agree!!
I've had most variations of Range Rover (except diesel, I don't do diesel!), any late classic is good, but my favourite is the soft dash LSE (in black of course!). It isn't the best car, but it is the best "owner experience". It is something special.

All Range Rovers are going to break down at some point, they're getting old. The classic has that something special, proper character such that you will forgive it.
It had 150k miles on it and finally three things broke in one week and I couldn't get some of the parts! Beware that the LSE also has some special bits, making sourcing parts interesting at times.

I then bought a P38 4.6 HSE, it is more comfortable and quieter. But it is also a step too far IMHO. The 4.6 is great, but has a reputation for being fragile and the electrics are just frightening, the security systems especially disturbing!! And when it broke down I cursed it.

I now have an L322 (4.4 V8) Fantastic car. Hasn't broken down yet, even the TV still works...
But for some reason I never managed to part with the LSE and one day I'll give it the attention it deserves. One day...

Andy

Edited by Noogly on Saturday 10th January 18:23

[BLUETHUNDER]

After the classic,s the last RR i had was this............



I had this for nine years,and had a L322 lined up to replace it.But i share my garages with a mate that repairs LR,s as his business.I was put off by the constant horror storys of L322,s leaving the workshop with huge bills.Decided to do the full LR evolutionary circle and opted for this...........



Not as comfy as a RR.But has the things i need.V8,aircon,and its auto.I have had it 15 months.And in that time all its cost me is the petrol to run it,and a service for £200.Still loving it.

[GTIR]

BLUETHUNDER said:

Not as comfy as a RR.But has the things i need.V8,aircon,and its auto.I have had it 15 months.And in that time all its cost me is the petrol to run it,and a service for £200.Still loving it.

Thats looks sweet!

I fancied a V8 one of those but for my budget the classic was the best choice.