What Model to buy

[Aussie]

Hello All,

After owning a series 2A 68 LWB land rover and going to every part of Aus in it I have decided to trade up to a Range rover. I am looking at a 99 to 01 model and was wondering what their like? I have heard some horror stories and 2 guys at work own them and have sworn they would never buy one again. Can anyone shed some light on 1) things to look for 2) if you own one would you reccomend it 3) best models.

Oh and great site admins, heaps of great info for us newb's :)

My apologies if this is the wrong thread to post in.

[VladTepes]

First thing is what are you intending to use it for ?

The petrol engines do tend to chew a fair bit of juice which is something to take into account when touring.

They had their share of electrical problem, air suspension problems, and engine problems but not owning one of that vintage (mine's older) I can't really give any detail.

There are a fair few guys on here with those Rangies, however, that will be able to shed some light on this.

[Aussie]

Thanks for the reply, my plans are to use it to tow my boat 20 foot cabin cruiser and to use it for camping trips towing a modded 6x4 trailer. I have a small car for commuting to work so it will only be used for weekend use. I

I was planning on getting it converted to gas in the near future as I understand they are guzzlers

[p38arover]

The P38A is more economical than earlier EFI Rangies.

On petrol, I get 13 litres/100km on a trip and 18 litres/100km around town.

On LPG, I get 18 litres/100km on a trip and 21-22 litres/100km around town.

I don't think mine has been unreliable. Most faults that have occurred have been what I cionsider fair wear and tear. For example, the ruibber bellows in the air suspension need periodic replacement about every 8 years. I've done my rears buit not the front which are now 11 years old. I have the parts and will do them soon. You could fit coil springs if you prefer.

The blend flap servo motors wear out and are a pain to replace but I've written up the method to follow when replacing them (see the http://rangerovers.net website).

The heater O-rings are also a pain to do and they will start to leak, especially if rough mechanics twist the heater pipes where they come out of the firewall. I've also written up how to replace the O-rings.

Replacing some of the light bulbs in the dash and HEVAC is easy enough but time-consuming. Again, I've written up how to do this. I've heard of cars having the HEVAC control panel replaced at great expense because the LR dealer mechanics didn't know you could replace the globes (in the USA, of course).

The biggest worry I think is whether (or when) the engine will suffer from a slipped liner and will need repair or replacement. I've replaced mine.

Another worry is will the auto trans flex plate shatter. Mine has and I know of a number of others that have also done so.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/09/162.jpg

If you buy one, I seriously recommend a radiator clean (rodding) or replacement. I suspect that was part of the reason my engine failed.


Ron

[LoadedDisco]

Dont muck around with problem Range Rovers just buy a D2, better off road.
:)