Old Range Rover question
Discussion
Chaps, want a cheap (£4k) estate car - and noticed that late 90s RRs are in this bracket.
Are they an utter nightmare? What do I look for when buying? Fuel consumption not a big issue - this will do about 2000 miles a year, if that...
Other options are usual Volvo, BMW, Audi etc - not as much fun as the RR, though.
I need something that can be left for weeks on end undriven, outside (with a solar charger plugged in) that will not fall apart. Is considering a Rangie for this sort of thing a bit...stupid?
Are they an utter nightmare? What do I look for when buying? Fuel consumption not a big issue - this will do about 2000 miles a year, if that...
Other options are usual Volvo, BMW, Audi etc - not as much fun as the RR, though.
I need something that can be left for weeks on end undriven, outside (with a solar charger plugged in) that will not fall apart. Is considering a Rangie for this sort of thing a bit...stupid?
All LR products like a dose of TLC.
If you do this, then there's no reason why they shouldn't be reliable.
But buy one that's not been looked after and expect problems.
We had 2 4.6 HSE's over the years, one brand new and the other used. And if I'm honest I don't recall a single issue with either of them, not even a blown bulb!!
Air suspension can cause grieve, but again this is mostly due to neglect than anything else.
Not too sure how one would take to being plugged into a solar charger though, they have fairly complex electronics, especially for that time period.
A Disco II might be worth a look also.
If you do this, then there's no reason why they shouldn't be reliable.
But buy one that's not been looked after and expect problems.
We had 2 4.6 HSE's over the years, one brand new and the other used. And if I'm honest I don't recall a single issue with either of them, not even a blown bulb!!
Air suspension can cause grieve, but again this is mostly due to neglect than anything else.
Not too sure how one would take to being plugged into a solar charger though, they have fairly complex electronics, especially for that time period.
A Disco II might be worth a look also.
I've had mine for 4 years, and I've hardly had any issues at all. It's been great for just wafting around East London, but managed trips to Le Mans and Courchevel without any hassle, other than a bit of wind noise at speed.
As with any car, they do prefer more regular use, but other than the occasional flat battery when I've left it for a bit too long it has been very well behaved.
I don't think a solar charger into the cigarette lighter socket would work, as it isn't live when you turn the ignition off, but don't see why you couldn't connect it straight onto the battery.
It's for sale too if you're interested
ETA - just noticed you're looking at late 90's, and mine's a 94 classic, but it depends if you want more modern, or more classy
As with any car, they do prefer more regular use, but other than the occasional flat battery when I've left it for a bit too long it has been very well behaved.
I don't think a solar charger into the cigarette lighter socket would work, as it isn't live when you turn the ignition off, but don't see why you couldn't connect it straight onto the battery.
It's for sale too if you're interested
ETA - just noticed you're looking at late 90's, and mine's a 94 classic, but it depends if you want more modern, or more classy
Edited by ehasler on Thursday 4th March 14:03
Not too long been a P38 owner but do your homework on some of the RR sites to familiarise yourself with some of the common problems then buy on condition. Engine related teething problems are well documented on the Internet but most are simple enough to fix.
If doing little mileage then a dead battery is going to cause you the most grief with spin off problems relating EKA code etc.
If doing little mileage then a dead battery is going to cause you the most grief with spin off problems relating EKA code etc.
edc said:
Engine related teething problems are well documented on the Internet but most are simple enough to fix.
If porous blocks and slipped liners occur (in the 4.0 and 4.6) then I'd suggest not simple, and also damned costly.As suggested, research well, and buy with eyes (and wallet) wide open.
I recall another thread about Rangies where someone said....
Another PH'er said:
P38 - Has ability to perform open wallet surgery monthly.
L322 - Has ability to perform open wallet surgery half yearly.
I love mine to bits, but am always nervous that it is about to break the bank without warning.L322 - Has ability to perform open wallet surgery half yearly.
PH'er Eliot wrote a guide to buying a P38. Very sensible reading.
http://www.mez.co.uk/p38.html
Harry Flashman said:
Chaps, want a cheap (£4k) estate car - and noticed that late 90s RRs are in this bracket.
Are they an utter nightmare? What do I look for when buying? Fuel consumption not a big issue - this will do about 2000 miles a year, if that...
Other options are usual Volvo, BMW, Audi etc - not as much fun as the RR, though.
I need something that can be left for weeks on end undriven, outside (with a solar charger plugged in) that will not fall apart. Is considering a Rangie for this sort of thing a bit...stupid?
Afternoon Harry.Are they an utter nightmare? What do I look for when buying? Fuel consumption not a big issue - this will do about 2000 miles a year, if that...
Other options are usual Volvo, BMW, Audi etc - not as much fun as the RR, though.
I need something that can be left for weeks on end undriven, outside (with a solar charger plugged in) that will not fall apart. Is considering a Rangie for this sort of thing a bit...stupid?
I'm about to release one of my classics back into the wild.
It's a perfect wagon for random useage.
It's spent all it's life in a barn (possibly because the previous owner was embarrassed by its Jewish Racing Gold livery) and has all documentation. Good condition underneath and reliable.
I haven't got round to sticking it up on the classifieds but ping me an email if interested.
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