Range Rover Classic as a Daily Drive?
Discussion
Is this a practical proposition? I’m looking for a car I can use every day so it has to be reliable and reasonably economical. I’m not looking for a concourse example but ideally one which has had all the major issues sorted out and be in very good condition. Good enough to take out business contacts etc without embarrassment and run between service intervals without tinkering at the weekends. I have a TVR and that’s my hobby, the RR will need to be my transport.
So, is this a realistic expectation? A little bit of research seems to indicate the 1994 – 1996 200TDi models with the LT77 ‘box are the ones to look at (I’d prefer a manual). How much should I expect to pay for a really good example? What mpg should I expect from one of these? Is there a Range Rover owners club or other forum I should be looking at? Your thoughts, comments and suggestions etc very welcome. Thanks in advance.
So, is this a realistic expectation? A little bit of research seems to indicate the 1994 – 1996 200TDi models with the LT77 ‘box are the ones to look at (I’d prefer a manual). How much should I expect to pay for a really good example? What mpg should I expect from one of these? Is there a Range Rover owners club or other forum I should be looking at? Your thoughts, comments and suggestions etc very welcome. Thanks in advance.
Thanks for such a comprehensive and informative response.
I currently drive a 2.2 D4D Avensis which delivers remarkable mpg (45mpg around town and 60mpg on a long motorway run). I also run a 1992 TVR V8S which averages 20mpg from its RV8. Whilst I wouldn’t expect Avensis economy, single figure RV8 urban consumption in such heavy vehicle is out of the question but I had hoped the diesel would be 30mpg ish around town and possibly upto 40mpg ish on a long run. It won’t be driven hard and I won’t be towing or going off road but it sounds like I’m being naive.
In terms of reliability, I’d be wanting to avoid major mechanical issues and stupid things like the wiper switch or lighting malfunctioning, heating jamming in one position all the time ie the really annoying things stemming from the poor build quality of the time. Hopefully on a vehicle of this age, and for the money I’m thinking of spending, all that sort of thing, the rust and water ingress, would have been sorted out by a previous owner. Changing filters and other consumables as part of a regular service routine is a given. I ran an Isuzu Trooper for a number of years so 4X4 specific maintenance items like greasing all the different joints is again, just part of normal service expectations.
How leaky is the 200TDi? Is the VM any better? If the VM engined models are better value I’d see no reason not to consider one given your comments but I assume if it was VM it would be pre ’92? What about spares though? LR TDi spares seem to be readily available and inexpensive. Would it really be cheaper buying a V8 and swapping in a TDi engine?
I also prefer the older styling and I would definitely want to avoid air suspension as I’m sure it would be more prone to issues than the simple coil & damper set up.
Given the above what would your recommendation be? (Stick with the Avensis?
)
Thanks again.
Joe
I currently drive a 2.2 D4D Avensis which delivers remarkable mpg (45mpg around town and 60mpg on a long motorway run). I also run a 1992 TVR V8S which averages 20mpg from its RV8. Whilst I wouldn’t expect Avensis economy, single figure RV8 urban consumption in such heavy vehicle is out of the question but I had hoped the diesel would be 30mpg ish around town and possibly upto 40mpg ish on a long run. It won’t be driven hard and I won’t be towing or going off road but it sounds like I’m being naive.
In terms of reliability, I’d be wanting to avoid major mechanical issues and stupid things like the wiper switch or lighting malfunctioning, heating jamming in one position all the time ie the really annoying things stemming from the poor build quality of the time. Hopefully on a vehicle of this age, and for the money I’m thinking of spending, all that sort of thing, the rust and water ingress, would have been sorted out by a previous owner. Changing filters and other consumables as part of a regular service routine is a given. I ran an Isuzu Trooper for a number of years so 4X4 specific maintenance items like greasing all the different joints is again, just part of normal service expectations.
How leaky is the 200TDi? Is the VM any better? If the VM engined models are better value I’d see no reason not to consider one given your comments but I assume if it was VM it would be pre ’92? What about spares though? LR TDi spares seem to be readily available and inexpensive. Would it really be cheaper buying a V8 and swapping in a TDi engine?
I also prefer the older styling and I would definitely want to avoid air suspension as I’m sure it would be more prone to issues than the simple coil & damper set up.
Given the above what would your recommendation be? (Stick with the Avensis?
)Thanks again.
Joe
300bhp/ton said:
....... About the same an RV8 or a 300Tdi or any other engine LR have used.
Apart from having to tweak the rocker covers now and again my V8S is oil tight. It did take three attempts to seal the sump though before it finally sealed. From the information you’ve given it looks like this might be worth pursuing so now it’s a matter of being patient and waiting for the right one to turn up.Thanks again for all the information and help above.
Edited by v8s4me on Monday 24th June 18:09
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