NEW - range rover addivce

[rubybrx]

hey guys, okay so please help me if you can,

so my dream has always been to own a Range Rover, in dream land a new top of the range model, but i cant afford 250k like most people

so its coming around to the time where my parents are willing to buy me a car, and i started research Range Rovers, i found some pretty good ones in great condition. they are old (1996-2002 models)

now i did my research, they have pretty ****ty reviews and crappy reliance ratings, and everyone seems set on crushing my dreams

i did enough research to know all the ins and outs of the engine and why they are crap for the car and i know the parts of the older models are hard to find.

BUT i want to hear from people who have OWNED a later model Range Rover - not just some mechanic (no disrespct) that has worked on Range Rovers, i want to hear how you liked the car,

because i know it is silly but i honestly love these cars, the look, the feel. but i want to see if anyone out there really liked their Range Rover, and didnt have that many problems or if like everyone thinks they are a waste of money.

and it would be like a everyday car, not a bush bashing travel one, more of the style side.

PLEASE HELP ME OUT GUYS X

[wayneg]

If you are a competent home mechanic who can afford to spend time and money to keep things in order then go for it, it will most probably be no more expensive to run than most 4x4`s or luxury cars. If you are relying on your parents or others to fund the purchase and upkeep then be fair on them and buy something else. These cars might be relatively cheap to buy now but still could bankrupt you with garage bills and parts prices.
If you fit the 1st paragraph then they are a great bargain and are quite easy to maintain with parts from the UK and online
And there is nothing wrong with the good old Oldsmobile Yankie V8 in these cars. They have been going strong since the 60`s in dozens of models. They just need constant maintenance with a rock solid cooling system.

[Aussie]

In your position don't do it. These vehicles need a lot of TLC and aren't for someone who doesn't want to get their hands dirty. You will regret it if you purchase one, but having said that they are also very good to drive etc

[bruce p38]

My advice is if you love these cars "the look, the feel " ect then maybe view things this way Look long and hard to find a good specimen. Do your home work and locate a Range Rover Mechanic/wrecker who you can trust and have a bit of knowledge re cost of parts ect i.e. so you "know your stuff " Learn how to do your own servicing and simple repairs if that can be your thing. Anyway, thats what I do and it works for me and it helps if you believe in some type of GOD
The sole reason a person owns this type of vehicle is because you love the look and feel!!! Buy one on lpg and reduce your costs that way. I bought mine a year ago and I still look at it like it was yesterday. Maybe pay cash for mechanical repairs and save there too!

Good luck to you

Kind Regs

Bruce p38

[Keithy P38]

I agree with the lads. They are fantastic machines but you need a reasonable income - especially if you buy one with gremlins... Initial purchase price is one thing, but once you get it home I'd suggest replacing all fluids, greasing your grease nipples, flushing your cooling system properly, replacing any radiator hoses that look remotely suss, and making sure your suspension system is in top order. So add a few grand to your purchase price to budget for these things.

If you are young and only earning maccas wages I'd be looking elsewhere.

Cheers
Keithy

[redandy3575]

:D:D:D ..... You know what ruby..... I was in the same boat as you are right now. If you've never own one in the past, you just have to have one for the experience.

I bought mine nearly 3 years ago and despite the slightly higher than usual maintenance and odd issues that I had with, I still love the vehicle. Quiet frankly, as a four wheel drive they are simply the best stock standard off roader full stop. Compare it to all the Japanese, Yankee & even European four wheel drives you'll see that for what you pay to what you get, they are unbeatable....

I bought mine specifically for on & off-road touring, I've so far done just to mention a few the entire Birdsville track & recently done the old telegraph track in Cape York and loved it ( with the exception of four damaged tyres ) it was an epic journey.

Sure you'll come across Landcruisers and Patrols that may slightly out do you off road, but when you ask them how much they've spent on all the aftermarket modifications, you can almost buy another 2 P38's.

You see the Range Rover is made by a company that just makes four wheel drives and up until more recently SUV, so in retrospect your saving money by not having to strongly modify the vehicle. I.e. you don't need a lift kit as you already have that standard with RR called the air suspension, and when finished you can return back to a lower ride height to improve the centre of gravity. Suspension flex is also superior too enhancing grip, a proper off road traction control system and off course all the bells an whistles you ever possibly want in a car. I'm telling you, that you won't find better ( starting to sound like a salesman aren't I ).

But as mention before, choose wisely and be prepared to spend a few dollars for maintenance up keep, and find a good service mechanic that specialises in land rovers, and I'm not talking about the dealers either. Though the Rangies are relatively easy to work on, a second eye from a qualified Land Rover mechanic during your service interval can point out things other mechanics including yourself won't pick up, a lesson learned early when I bought mine.

I'd say have a crack, but make sure your parents are in on all this.

[Keithy P38]

Well said redandy!

Ill add to that - a P38 with one diff locker and a set of good tyres will go as far as any of the big boys with a lift, locker and tyres. So really you save over $1k in modifications plus the many other thousands on purchase price, plus the ability to carry all your camping gear on a trip without having the rear end sag like the others. And you don't drive around unloaded with the rear end 4" higher than the front to compensate.

[33chinacars]

Hi Ruby

I was looking for a 4x4 about 3 years ago and came across a P38 with a few air suspension problems. Other than that all was great. Asked a lot of questions on this forum. That gave me the confidence to buy my first RR. Something I probably would not have done without the advice from this forum , saved me thousands . As those on here have been there done that all before. Did all my own mechanical work as the P38 is pretty easy to work on.

Find yourself a good one as once you have driven one there is no going back. The only thing that will make you give up a P38 is an L322 which I have now. Do I miss my P38 YES but couldn't afford to have both.

Gary

[bruce p38]

We all need to know if you have bought one yet. There aren't many girl p38 owners as yet so let us all know whats going on . Ruby. Hello are you there ?

Bruce p38

[whisky_mac]

The Range Rovers when new are brought on lease, they get only the basic servicing and at the end of 5 years they are sold, often picked up on another lease agreement. By the time they come into the hands of those that love and understand them they have missed out on a lot of TLC. I brought my 1998 one three or four years ago. Myself and the best Rover mechanic in the North East have now got it about right. Did 15,000km north and west a year and a half ago, 7,000km last winter up to Birdsville and will do another 7,000 this winter. It is my personal car and now has 260,000km on the clock.

Many of the electrics in the P38 were cutting each at the time. Have patience and a bank balance. I would not change mine for quids, the family have been told to bury me in it.

[bruce p38]

Come on Ruby!!!

[81stubee]

I'm going to go against the flow and reccomend that you dont get a P38. Based on the following assumptions, #1 Your 18/19 and this will be your first car, #2 Your financialposition is average.

I brought mine 5 years ago, and despite doing all the research i got stung. Ended up needing a new motor :( My financial position wasn't as strong as it is now, and basically now the car feels like a burden. Don't get me wrong, i love it to bits, and so much character.

I guess its a bit like a child, once you have it your committed and in my current scenario, i need to repay some debt from the engine rebuild and i need a smaller car with a cheaper fuel bill. Plus, i'm moving into the inner city and wont have access to a workshop :(

All i ever dreamed of as a teenager was to have a P38 Range, and having finally got one, i'm dissapointed that the whole experience has been tainted by tight finances, and dip**** mechanics. Seriously, there are only three Specialists in Melbourne i would trust with my car.

They are seriously great though, and put a decent exhaust on and WOW!!

Last night i booted it up Toorak Rd, and i swear it sounded Astonish, just AMAZING :twisted:

Let us know how you go...

Cheers

Stu

[sheerluck]

Given that Ruby hasn't been back here since 3 hours after posting her original question, I reckon any argument for or against is pointless.

Or in the words of the Kaiser Chiefs

Ruby, Ruby, Ruby, Ruby....

Due to lack of interest, tomorrow is cancelled
Let the clocks be reset, and the pendulums held
'Cos there's nothing at all except the space in between
Finding out what you're called, and repeating your name

Ruby, Ruby, Ruby, Ruby....

[can't you tell the drugs are working well tonight!]

[PaulP38a]

Since Ruby wants it for pose/style value and not it's off-road capabilities, most of our reasons given so far will be lost on her.

My daughter wanted a Range Rover too... she got a Freelander TD4. Great car!
My wife didn't want a Range Rover, until she drove it... now she won't give it back :)

[redandy3575]

Yeah well my final advice is to be carefull what you hear and to believe everything either about the negativity on the Range Rovers. As I mentioned earlier, it mostly comes down to maintenance up keep and how the previous owner looked after them. Buy a poorly maintained one, and you can pay a fortune in repairs, buy a goodie, and they'll go the distance, but you must still keep up that maintenance if you want the vehicle to hold up. It's a bit like all cars except the Rangie requires just that little extra.

If you're not financially strong and up for it, I'd say maybe wait a little and come back to it when the finances improve. Who knows, you may end up buying a newer Range Rover I.e the L322 ( series 3 RR)

[Craig_Keira]

Just do it. Buy one that's been loved.

When I was buying, there was nothing better than to read the owner was buying another RR. That meant this vehicle was a good one to me.