£4k budget - 90 or Range Rover Classic?

[ehasler]

Ever since I learnt to drive in my dad's 110, I've always had a soft spot for Land Rovers, and I've recently been thinking about getting one for pottering around town in, and getting my own back on everyone who cuts me up when I'm in the Tuscan I'd also use it to tow my race car when I can't borrow my dad's Freelander, and possibly do a bit of off-roading in it.

I'm also a big fan of Range Rovers, and have been very pleased to discover that it looks like you can get pretty good examples of both the 90 and RR for the amount of money I'd be looking to spend (around £4k). I've seen quite a few RR 3.9 Vogues from 93/94 for under £4k, which look like very good value.

I'd like to go for a V8 if possible, and I was wondering if anyone had any pointers for things to look at, or recommendations for specialists to go to.

The 90 wins bonus points for being small, cheeky and has less to go wrong, but the RR wins points for being an auto (for all the time spent sitting in traffic), is much more comfortable, and so would be more enjoyable when doing the 4 hour drive to Pembrey! The main downside is really the size and increased risk for things to go wrong, although I'm more than happy to work on it myself.

I don't mind niggles like mirrors not working etc, but I'd like to try and avoid getting something that breaks down completely and lands me with big bills.

Any comments would be appreciated!

[ehasler]

What are the major areas that go wrong on the RR? Apart from the air suspension, is there anything else that is expensive/difficult to fix?

I'm guessing that even engine/gearbox rebuilds aren't too horrendous as there should be plenty of specialists who deal in these?

Realistically, will a 94 RR with ~100k miles under it's belt be reliable enough to leave parked on the street for 2-3 weeks at a time, then get me 1/2 way across the country with > 1 ton hitched to the back?

Although I like the RR, my girlfriend still prefers the 90, so I may end up going for one of those anyway!

[ehasler]

farmeryellow said:

as for the 90 we all love them but for the money you are spending you will just about buy a very well used 200tdi and a very well used landy has had a very hard life! to get a tidy landy you need to spend about 10K just my opinion of course

Really? I thought that most Landies actually lived pretty pampered lives (our old one certainly did!)? I've seen quite a few decent looking examples for sale for that kind of money too, although whether they are actually any good under the skin is another matter. I agree I'd probably be looking at the bottom of the pile of the 200tdi, but I'm more interested in the V8 anyway, and similar age to the RR, so I was assuming similar condition.

Saying that, I've not looked at any yet, so will take heed of your advice!