Replace car or keep??

[uteman]

My dilemma:
Firstly I hope the forum does not mind this post.
I am encouraged by family to replace my 2004 L322 TD6 which I purchased new.
I cannot justify (or afford) a new RR although I can afford a lesser new car.
My car has 206K on clock.
Car is not used for towing except an occasional motorcycle in trailer.
Auto rebuilt around 120K and serviced at 40K intervals since. Works fine
Front struts around 145K (Best memory)
Front bushings have been replaced at 196K.
Rear outer ball joints recently replaced.
I have just serviced fuel injectors and engine runs like new.
Brake discs replaced at 196K.
Aircon works fine.
Car has lots of genuine accessories and clean as a whistle.
Carpets covered since day one.
I am almost 80 years and a mechanic by trade and still do most work on this car
I have a FAULTMATE so do my own diagnostics when needed
QUESTION TO READERS: Is there anything that you may suggest from experience with higher mileage cars that could be lurking in near future?
If not I may keep even after 17 years.
Thanks for reading

[jsp]

its a 16 year old car - anything can break or wear out unexpectedly. I've had a few things go on my TD6 that the local independants say they have never seen before, and I have so far touch wood not had a few of the big ticket things fail. Its luck of the draw.

Alternator, turbo, injectors, gearbox (rebuild just buys more time in my view), stereo, steering column, air suspension, fuel pumps, egr setup.....

You might get lucky you might not. My TD6 is being retired from a daily driver when its rego runs out in a few weeks, its got nearly double the k's on it, but I think I might hang onto it as I am quite fond of it and everything works on it, its just got a few tired bits of trim, and like you I have done most of the bix fix items over the past 10 years.

[uteman]

its a 16 year old car - anything can break or wear out unexpectedly. I've had a few things go on my TD6 that the local independants say they have never seen before, and I have so far touch wood not had a few of the big ticket things fail. Its luck of the draw.

Alternator, turbo, injectors, gearbox (rebuild just buys more time in my view), stereo, steering column, air suspension, fuel pumps, egr setup.....

You might get lucky you might not. My TD6 is being retired from a daily driver when its rego runs out in a few weeks, its got nearly double the k's on it, but I think I might hang onto it as I am quite fond of it and everything works on it, its just got a few tired bits of trim, and like you I have done most of the bix fix items over the past 10 years.


You are so right in all that you say..
Like you I am fond of the car but soon I will not want to crawl under and over it.
I thank you for your input. I just have to get my head in the right place about this.

[NUTTTR]

It does depend on how often you use it and how often you "need" it. If it breaks down while you are out, or doesn't start, how much of an issue is it? I know for my wife she'd be very unhappy... But I don't mind an adventure!

My elderly neighbours sold their old car (just a magna) and got a second hand Rav 4. Depending on what you need, they are good cars and very reliable. Also quite boring and I don't find them comfortable at all, but if there is going to be a desire to stop working on the RR and the have to pay a shop to do it - then that's an issue. As covered above some of the problems might be solveable by a RR specialist, or a BMW specialist, but it is going to be a bit of pot luck I'd say unless you know a really good independent.

An option, of you want to keep "mechanicing" could be a Rav 4 as a daily and a project car which can be gifted to a kid or grandkid, or something :)

At the moment these cars (RR) seem to be selling ok and for decent money too, so if there ever was a time to sell, it would probably be now.

[Roverlord off road spares]

I now your feeling, sadly I can no longer drive, it sits in the driveway, just paid the rego again. l love my rangie it was a vehicle l had aspired to own one day , but reality sets in and she's going to go when l can get over the emotional attachment [bawl]

[irubix]

What is your family concerned about exactly?

[Tins]

I now your feeling, sadly I can no longer drive, it sits in the driveway, just paid the rego again. l love my rangie it was a vehicle l had aspired to own one day , but reality sets in and she's going to go when l can get over the emotional attachment [bawl]
You are welcome to park it at my place, Mario. Then you wouldn’t have to look at it [bigwhistle]

Seriously though, that’s sad mate.

[uteman]

What is your family concerned about exactly?

I guess they know how much I like to fix things myself but also recognise that the easy tasks are becoming hard tasks as I age and I have to agree with that.
I am starting to come around as I probably will enjoy something new once I bite the bullet.
I see that Mario has also posted in a similar manner and I feel for him with empathy,
I might even buy something new and keep this until I am ready to let it go.

[irubix]

I guess they know how much I like to fix things myself but also recognise that the easy tasks are becoming hard tasks as I age and I have to agree with that.
I am starting to come around as I probably will enjoy something new once I bite the bullet.
I see that Mario has also posted in a similar manner and I feel for him with empathy,
I might even buy something new and keep this until I am ready to let it go.

Fair enough, i thought i'd never sell my last car, but alas i did! I dont miss it (much).

Im sure you'll move on :)

Make sure you get something interesting though!!

[BradC]

Make sure you get something interesting though!!

My grandfather was just shy of 80 when he sold his last "interesting" car and replaced it with a V6 Camry. He turns 100 this year and still drives the Camry (although he probably shouldn't - Don't tell him I said that). I suppose you reach that point where you value reliability and simplicity over character.

Whatever you choose, make sure it's a decision you've made peace with before you do it and then don't look back except in fond memory.

[Chivalry]

Is there anything that you may suggest from experience with higher mileage cars that could be lurking in near future?
If not I may keep even after 17 years.
Thanks for reading

If I may suggest that as a mechanic you surely value the knowledge of a vehicles history, especially the major mechanical (vital) components that have or haven't been replaced. You've owned your L322 since new, you know it inside out, 206xxxKMs isn't huge for a diesel, definitely not a well maintained diesel. Your family might have their own opinion about your lifestyle as you are getting older but do YOU actually have any concerns about your vehicle? Even if something happens that you may not physically be able to repair yourself, do you not have someone to help you with that if need be?

You could follow advice given by others (especially family) through concern and be just another elderly man given up in a Camry or Accord, or make your own choice, if you don't feel any attachment or emotion with your Range Rover, sell it and buy something to just get by. If you still enjoy it, keep it until you decide that it is better to not have it. Do you have children or grandchildren who appreciate your vehicle, who you could pass it on to once you are ready?

If your vehicle still gives you joy, keep it until it does not. Because vehicles which make you feel good are more important than vehicles that are just a thing.

[towe0609]

While its difficult to judge the details of the circumstance, it sounds a bit like the families concern might be more about you working on the car yourself, rather than the car per se. Perhaps they think the only way to pry you away from the spanners, is to have you in a new car that doesn't need touching.

Perhaps another option is to find a mechanic you can trust to do all work on your car for you as things arise. Whether something is significant and costly enough to warrant moving the car on can be decided at the time, but it sounds like you have a well maintained keeper to me, and just need to find someone you trust to take care of it in the years ahead.

I also agree with the comments re how much of an issue reliability is ... definitely also a consideration when deciding to continue with an older vehicle.

[trout1105]

According to red book the value of you L322 is only $12,000/$14,000 so maybe it would be better to keep it considering the relitivly low milage and the history of not being used as a tug[thumbsupbig]

[DieselLSE]

Interesting and sage advice from everyone. One day, uteman, you will enter your workshop intending to do some maintenance on the car, but pause, look at it and realise you just don't want to do it any more. This will happen a few times and then you'll know that some sort of change is needed. Exactly what that change is will be more clear to you then.
I suspect Roverlord knows that one day he's going to prefer that there isn't that car in his driveway. His dilemma now is that he's not afraid of that day coming, he just doesn't want it coming any time soon.
Both uteman and Roverlord get pleasure from seeing their cars and the memories that shroud them. So where's the harm? The time for change will come, no need to rush it.

[fredd63]

Hi uteman. From your initial post, you asked if there were any big problems in the future for your vehicle, and the first responder replied that there were a few small problems which may occur. I understand where you are coming from, because of the personal investment of time and effort maintaining a vehicle which you enjoy driving. I vote to keep the TD6, and find a trustworthy mechanic to sort the heavy problems if they appear. Changing to something new will probably not give you pleasure.

Vote.....KEEP

[NUTTTR]

According to red book the value of you L322 is only $12,000/$14,000 so maybe it would be better to keep it considering the relitivly low milage and the history of not being used as a tug[thumbsupbig]

At the moment they seem to be going for a lot more than that for good ones!

[33chinacars]

Lots of good advice from everybody . My TD6 has 190,000 + kms on . Nothing major to report except the GM 5L40E . But l had made allowances for that.
Had thought of upgrading to a later model. Not that I can really afford to. Wife said why , what's wrong with the one you have got.
I'm probably in a different position as I had a BT50 ute as my run around and the RR only gets used as my " good " car.
Bit younger than the original poster at 62 and do all my own work on the RR.
Will I keep my TD6 . Probably for the see-able future. Just fix and replace what's needed.
Love driving it. Most comfortable car I've ever driven. Especially with my stuffed back.

Cheers Gary

[Grahame Roberts]

My dilemma:
Firstly I hope the forum does not mind this post.
I am encouraged by family to replace my 2004 L322 TD6 which I purchased new.
I cannot justify (or afford) a new RR although I can afford a lesser new car.
My car has 206K on clock.
Car is not used for towing except an occasional motorcycle in trailer.
Auto rebuilt around 120K and serviced at 40K intervals since. Works fine
Front struts around 145K (Best memory)
Front bushings have been replaced at 196K.
Rear outer ball joints recently replaced.
I have just serviced fuel injectors and engine runs like new.
Brake discs replaced at 196K.
Aircon works fine.
Car has lots of genuine accessories and clean as a whistle.
Carpets covered since day one.
I am almost 80 years and a mechanic by trade and still do most work on this car
I have a FAULTMATE so do my own diagnostics when needed
QUESTION TO READERS: Is there anything that you may suggest from experience with higher mileage cars that could be lurking in near future?
If not I may keep even after 17 years.
Thanks for reading

From purely a financial point of view; what $ cost will a replacement vehicle entail as opposed to keeping yours and getting an Indy to keep it running?

[4bee]

My grandfather was just shy of 80 when he sold his last "interesting" car and replaced it with a V6 Camry. He turns 100 this year and still drives the Camry (although he probably shouldn't - Don't tell him I said that). I suppose you reach that point where you value reliability and simplicity over character.

Whatever you choose, make sure it's a decision you've made peace with before you do it and then don't look back except in fond memory.

Sometimes other persons make this decision for you in your best interests, ie. GP etc.

[NUTTTR]

Depending on how much of an issue the money is, you could always keep it until it properly breaks... Then offload it as a project for someone...or keep aside a "if it costs more than 2k in a year, replace it"?

It is good always having things to do, but not so great NEEDING to do it to, say, go to the shops...

[Grumbles]

I'll add to this excellent thread. If well meaning family are pushing you into a decision which will affect your lifestyle be very careful.

You present your RR as a major part of your life/daily activity. Remove it and then what....do you get out of bed with nothing to look forward to except looking at the new Camry in the garage whilst regretting selling the RR. If the RR breaks down you can fix it....with a smile on your face......so what if it now takes you days to do a job which you could do in hours when you were younger. The important thing is that your RR makes you happy with it just being there let alone driving it and probably fixing it although you seem to have done the major expensive repairs.

I am over 70 but not yet 80 and cop pressure to give up heading bush every day - for safety reasons - move my 1994 RR LSE on ...and my Paj swapped for a car but no way. The RR puts a smile on my face every day even if it just cost a bucket of sheckles to fix and the Paj....well it wouldn't dare break down and leave me stranded amongst the gum trees. Without the fourbys, my dog and the bush what reason do I have to get out of bed.....daily TV.....bakery coffee whilst window shopping....YUK....no thanks.

I suggest you seriously consider your options and the consequences of decisions.

Cheers, good luck and enjoy your self.

[irubix]

I'll add to this excellent thread. If well meaning family are pushing you into a decision which will affect your lifestyle be very careful.

You present your RR as a major part of your life/daily activity. Remove it and then what....do you get out of bed with nothing to look forward to except looking at the new Camry in the garage whilst regretting selling the RR. If the RR breaks down you can fix it....with a smile on your face......so what if it now takes you days to do a job which you could do in hours when you were younger. The important thing is that your RR makes you happy with it just being there let alone driving it and probably fixing it although you seem to have done the major expensive repairs.

I am over 70 but not yet 80 and cop pressure to give up heading bush every day - for safety reasons - move my 1994 RR LSE on ...and my Paj swapped for a car but no way. The RR puts a smile on my face every day even if it just cost a bucket of sheckles to fix and the Paj....well it wouldn't dare break down and leave me stranded amongst the gum trees. Without the fourbys, my dog and the bush what reason do I have to get out of bed.....daily TV.....bakery coffee whilst window shopping....YUK....no thanks.

I suggest you seriously consider your options and the consequences of decisions.

Cheers, good luck and enjoy your self.

Well put and agree :)

[harlie]

Hi Uteman

I agree with all comments here - especially, be careful of family making decisions for you.

I'll start by admitting I'm not in the same generation as you - but I highly value personal interests and hobbies and as you get o0lder these get more valuable. If you enjoy tinkering (or just the satisfaction from it) than keep enjoying it until you don't - and as others mention it would be worth finding someone you can trust to do a job in the situation that you either can't or don't feel like it this time.

Like you, I do all my own work. I owned a 2004 TD6 for 11 years and swapped to a very neglected 3.6TDv8 (project) at the start of 2020. The TD6 is a very easy car to work on and compared to the 3.6 everything is significantly cheaper. In my experience you may be up for some drive line components like tail shaft recon, inner CV joints (don't know why the inners got clicky before outer). AC might play up. A properly fixed GM trans will last - and I mean properly - addressing the root cause which is all pressure. There are many "rebuilds" that are just addressing the symptoms like torque converter and don't actually solve the problem. I put over 140,000km (with lots of towing and a 500nm engine tune) on mine after the trans rebuild and the fluid still came out clean just before it went to its new home, A well sorted GML40E is also smoother than the later ZF.

If you are looking after the car yourself than costs are not an argument - the basic compulsory servicing on a new car to keep its warranty will cost more - the "free" servicing that some offer is just built into the price.... And depreciation on any new car will be more that your old TD6 will see from this point. My neighbour's 2014 Corolla just cost $1400 for new coil packs....

[uteman]

If I may suggest that as a mechanic you surely value the knowledge of a vehicles history, especially the major mechanical (vital) components that have or haven't been replaced. You've owned your L322 since new, you know it inside out, 206xxxKMs isn't huge for a diesel, definitely not a well maintained diesel. Your family might have their own opinion about your lifestyle as you are getting older but do YOU actually have any concerns about your vehicle? Even if something happens that you may not physically be able to repair yourself, do you not have someone to help you with that if need be?

You could follow advice given by others (especially family) through concern and be just another elderly man given up in a Camry or Accord, or make your own choice, if you don't feel any attachment or emotion with your Range Rover, sell it and buy something to just get by. If you still enjoy it, keep it until you decide that it is better to not have it. Do you have children or grandchildren who appreciate your vehicle, who you could pass it on to once you are ready?

If your vehicle still gives you joy, keep it until it does not. Because vehicles which make you feel good are more important than vehicles that are just a thing.

Chivalry: I will do as you suggest and keep it until such time as I feel fully ready to let it go. I do have an attachment to it. I recall hating to see my wife's Beemer go at 21 years old. Thanks for helping with my decision making.

[uteman]

From purely a financial point of view; what $ cost will a replacement vehicle entail as opposed to keeping yours and getting an Indy to keep it running?


Decision made to hang onto it at least for a while and get an independent that I have used a couple of times for jobs I simply did not have the energy for to continue the service work. Thx for good advice.

[DoubleChevron]

Decision made to hang onto it at least for a while and get an independent that I have used a couple of times for jobs I simply did not have the energy for to continue the service work. Thx for good advice.

Excellent ... :) I have heaps of old cars here .... I figure even if they are just "resting" [bighmmm] for years on end before I deal with them ..... Who cares? If they make you smile when you see them sitting there. That's all that matters. The day you look at it, and it doesn't make you smile, and you can't be bothered with it. That's the day to get rid of it.

Any car over 10years old ... has likely hit rock bottom in its value, so your probably not going to loose much money on it if it ends up sitting for a few years until you feel like making a decision.

seeya,
Shane L.

[Chivalry]

Chivalry: I will do as you suggest and keep it until such time as I feel fully ready to let it go. I do have an attachment to it. I recall hating to see my wife's Beemer go at 21 years old. Thanks for helping with my decision making.

Mate, if you are almost 80 and can use a computer to navigate a vBulletin forum, I think that your family may be letting their concern cloud judgment of your awareness. None of us here can fully understand their side of this but you seem like the type of bloke who knows when it's time to ask for help if something is difficult.

One of my friends is in his mid 70s, he has had brand new Range Rovers (RRC, P38, L322) since the early 90s, he still has his L322 TDV8 and loves it, works on it himself, has been around Australia with it, still takes it out on big trips with the caravan. It's one of the more important parts of his life, who knows why, but that doesn't matter. What matters is that no matter what your age is, life is always better with things that you treasure.

Best of luck with it, I'm sure if you do need any help that this community at the least will still always be here for you to assist.

[4bee]

Depending on how much of an issue the money is, you could always keep it until it properly breaks... Then offload it as a project for someone...or keep aside a "if it costs more than 2k in a year, replace it"?

It is good always having things to do, but not so great NEEDING to do it to, say, go to the shops...


Near 80? Still just a kid then? [happycry] When you get to 84 & are still in good Physical health albeit a bit out of condition the only thing that buggered me was the getting under the D1 Facelift.

Axle stands & a new modern Jack made it better but it seemed it was still a bit of a trial & eventually it was the rising cost of Fuel that decided me to get shot. Felt quite sad when I left the Mazda Dealers seeing her all lonely looking in their car Park & I miss her today but time moves on & I have still got memories + more dosh in the bank. Well, after coughing up for the Mazda that is. I liked the D1 for it's ease of ingress & exit + the ride height. But.......... .

The '66 S2A still lives here & that is ok, it is easier to work on, what little there is to go wrong. But whatever it is, is easily fixable.
Recent problems have been a crook bulkhead mounted Push Button Starter Switch which was faulty & was covered under the supplier's Warranty. Leaking Clutch Master Cylinder seal, replaced. Oh & a tail light Bulb.[bigrolf]

[rar110]

Uteman

I transitioned from a Perentie 110 wagon (that I rebuild - ground up) to a 2008 tdv8 L322. I still have the 110 very temporarily as it rarely is driven and I have another perentie project to do. So I understand holding on to something you’ve invested in.

From my perspective:
• having an interest is important;
• an interest that doubles as a useful thing like a daily driver is great to have;
• no vehicle is perfect;
• your 2004 td6 maybe a good viable vehicle to retain, at least for a while;
• the L322 is an impressive vehicle, that got better with each new release;
• there is no doubt new vehicle technology has improved driver satisfaction (for most) and safety (both in preventing and surviving an incident);
• the L322 got better than your 2004, so consider test driving a later model. The last of them was in 2012.

So I would consider upgrading your current L322 to a later L322 or L494, with extra safety features. That’s what I’ll do in about 6 or 7 years, and will also look at a post 2016 L405.

If you decide to go this way, take you’re time finding a good one (eg presents well, and excessively serviced). They are out there for those who wait.

[Tins]

I'll add to this excellent thread. If well meaning family are pushing you into a decision which will affect your lifestyle be very careful.

You present your RR as a major part of your life/daily activity. Remove it and then what....do you get out of bed with nothing to look forward to except looking at the new Camry in the garage whilst regretting selling the RR. If the RR breaks down you can fix it....with a smile on your face......so what if it now takes you days to do a job which you could do in hours when you were younger. The important thing is that your RR makes you happy with it just being there let alone driving it and probably fixing it although you seem to have done the major expensive repairs.

I am over 70 but not yet 80 and cop pressure to give up heading bush every day - for safety reasons - move my 1994 RR LSE on ...and my Paj swapped for a car but no way. The RR puts a smile on my face every day even if it just cost a bucket of sheckles to fix and the Paj....well it wouldn't dare break down and leave me stranded amongst the gum trees. Without the fourbys, my dog and the bush what reason do I have to get out of bed.....daily TV.....bakery coffee whilst window shopping....YUK....no thanks.

I suggest you seriously consider your options and the consequences of decisions.

Cheers, good luck and enjoy your self.

Gets my vote for post of the month.

[Tins]

This thread is so pertinent to me atm. Two days ago I made the hardest decision I've ever had to make. I had to choose to place mum into care.

I know, this isn't truly relevant, but bear with me. There is a line in a movie ( Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, apparently ) that goes " we seem to have reached the age where life stops giving us things and starts taking them away".

Mum was about 88/9 when she was diagnosed with macular degeneration, so, no more driving for her. She simply accepted this. She still kept a car, and in fact bought a new one, so she could retain a sense of independence, even if she needed me to drive it. ( Bloody Golf, she couldn't manage the climb into my car..., or the step down into the EF ). She is now 102 and her life is winding down rapidly. But, until maybe 5 years ago she could still have driven, if her sight hadn't let her down. Thing is though, she KEPT DOING the things she loved doing, walking dogs, cooking, weaving etc. Obviously, climbing under a Range Rover wasn't her thing, but if it was she would have been doing it, if only to check that the indie was doing it to her liking.

Dad went into a home at 93, (not my choice ) and that was the end. I promised mum that she wouldn't, and here we are. What I have done for mum has cost me, but what did I cost her?

Live what you have, uteman. I don't wish to denigrate your family, but the decision is yours, not their's.

I vote "Keep".