1999 RR vogue for towing

[dnb]

I've decided I need a vehicle for towing cars around (and found out that I now have very little time to devote to my original plan of a TDI engined LWB series II ), so I currently have my eye on a RR Vogue from 1999/2000 since it's done most of its depreciation and it has "cheap" tax for the next couple of years.

What are the pitfalls to look out for? It's got just about every option - including air suspension - which worries me a bit due to reliability given the age and high mileage. Am I worrying about nothing? (Not worried about the engine since I am quite familiar with the Rover V8) Please don't just say "Stop being silly and buy a Toyota Land Cruiser" like some of my friends.

My current best insurance quote is £350. I'll just be 30 by the time I buy the said vehicle and have only 1 year NCB to use on it because the Scoob and TVR are using the other NCB... I spoke to my current insurers and while they would mirror the NCB, the quotes were considerably more than £350. Could I do better with more hunting from more specialised insurers? If so, then who? I only know of Lancaster and NFU.

Thanks.

[agent006]

dnb said:

(Not worried about the engine since I am quite familiar with the Rover V8)

Air suspension is cheap to fix. The engine is the bit to worry about (Slipped liner/porous block).

[dnb]

Thanks. That's made me a bit more comfortable with the suspension.

I have an extensively modified Griffith 500, so building Rover v8s doesn't worry me.

The next thing is LPG conversion. What's the break-even point? I suspect it's quite a few more miles than I plan to do in the next couple of years.

[eliot]

dnb said:

so I currently have my eye on a RR Vogue from 1999/2000 since it's done most of its depreciation and it has "cheap" tax for the next couple of years.
.

In theory, the tax will remain cheap for the forseable future. Its only cars registered after 1st March 2001 that will get clobbered when they decide put it up to £400.

[agent006]

dnb said:

The next thing is LPG conversion. What's the break-even point? I suspect it's quite a few more miles than I plan to do in the next couple of years.

By far the best way is to buy one already converted. They command very little premium over a non LPG model. Needs to be a good sequential multipoint system with certificate and also listeed as Bi/fuel on the V5.

If you want to be cautious then budget for a new radiator thermostat and coolant as soon as you buy it. It's cooling that contributes to keeping the 4.6 in good shape, and the lack of is what killed mine. If you're compentent mechanically then they're quite easy to work on, but do need computer intervention at unexpected moments. Air suspension has got its reputation from dimwitted dealers replacing parts without proper faultfinding.

www.rangerovers.net is invaluable.

[dnb]

Thanks.

Eliot - I know about the 1st March 2001. But do you trust Slugbrows not to introduce a greater than 3 litre tax band for older cars?

I know it's better to buy a RR with LPG if I want it assuming all RRs are equal, however searching the country for the one I want is not an option since it'll probably end up costing me about as much money and time in running about the country than buying the (locally sourced) one I'm looking at which I know the complete history of. LPG is a long way down the list of desires, but it would be nice to have.

[agent006]

I'd forget LPG altogether then unless you're doing 30K a year. The next opportunity to increase LPG duty is too close to justify investing in a conversion.

[mondayo]

agent006 said:

I'd forget LPG altogether then unless you're doing 30K a year. The next opportunity to increase LPG duty is too close to justify investing in a conversion.

when is that going to be then?

[agent006]

Off the top of my head, next October, but probably isn't.

[BIG DUNC]

It cost approx £2k to convert to gas.
The fuel is about half price. (I paid 49.9 today). Depending on you milage, its quite a simple sum to work out when it breaks even.

[Meeja]

Savings calculator

According to the conservative figures I entered for mine, my conversion will be paid for in around another six months.