Thinking of buying a Rangie! - advice / opinions please

[sam303]

Alright ladies and gentlemen of Pistonheads,

I'm on the point of going for a Range Rover as an alternative to an estate. Reasons are that I need a big boot, I fancy owning a V8 and I can now afford running costs as long as they're not tooooo ruinous.

Budget is only about 5 grand at the moment but I'm finding that there is lots around for that - V8s about 1998 to 2001, not too high mileage (i.e. under 100k) and with decent spec. One or two even with LPG which would make it even more attractive. Mileage likely to be about 10k per year.

So what are the big things to look out for? Or am I being altogether mental even considering such a thing?

Thanks!

[B0LLIKS]

oddly the only car to leave me stuck was a range rover (fuel pump wiring)

[whitechief]

I know of a 4.6 HSE that will be coming up for sale, massive spec and only 55000 miles and two owners. It's in Essex though and looking at your profile you probably want one closer to home.

[eliot]

Have a read of my guide to buying P38's
If you are prepared to fix the more simple stuff yourself, then assuming the block is sound (many are not) - then most other things are repairable.
And as explained on my page, check that the remote reciever has been replaced - as my neighbors wireless temp sender kept waking my car up every couple of minutes resulting in a flat battery.

Edited by eliot on Monday 30th August 16:08

[spikeyhead]

Porous blocks on teh big engines are a real issue, only fix is a new block. Make sure, whatever other faults the car has, and it will have plenty, that the block isn't porous.

[Dick_Phallus]

Are they really THAT bad then? Usually on PH there is someone to come along to say that Alfa/Maserati/TVR/K Series engine are actually extremely reliable/can be serviced for peanuts.

[siscar]

Dick_Phallus said:

Are they really THAT bad then? Usually on PH there is someone to come along to say that Alfa/Maserati/TVR/K Series engine are actually extremely reliable/can be serviced for peanuts.

I can only comment on recent ones but have done about 150,000 miles in the past four years in RRs without them having even the smallest of problems.

[Shaw Tarse]

I'm glad of threads like this, they save me from clicking buy on eBay!