Rangie purchase - recommendations sought

[kimcam]

Hi all,

I'm looking at buying a Rangie, about 10 years after selling my last one.

I'd like to set it up as a comfortable family tourer / off road vehicle, with a plan for an extended trip at some time. Total budget will be about $15k.

I like the idea of a HSE, as they had all the fruit. A quick check on the internet has shown a couple that look ok. One '98 with just a touch over 100k on the clock, and a '99 with about 200k, both within budget.

Unfortunately neither are in my home state, so I would have to buy sight unseen.

My plan would be to buy one and send it to Davis for a check and maybe an ECU upgrade.

Any suggesttions regarding issues with this model, things to be aware of or other recommendations would be most welcome.

Thanks

Cam

[Rangier Rover]

Hi all,

I'm looking at buying a Rangie, about 10 years after selling my last one.

I'd like to set it up as a comfortable family tourer / off road vehicle, with a plan for an extended trip at some time. Total budget will be about $15k.

I like the idea of a HSE, as they had all the fruit. A quick check on the internet has shown a couple that look ok. One '98 with just a touch over 100k on the clock, and a '99 with about 200k, both within budget.

Unfortunately neither are in my home state, so I would have to buy sight unseen.

My plan would be to buy one and send it to Davis for a check and maybe an ECU upgrade.

Any suggesttions regarding issues with this model, things to be aware of or other recommendations would be most welcome.

Thanks

Cam Just a quick reply.....They are a nice car when they work. Running cost can be eppic if you can't solve problems your self.
Make sure it has bosch eletrics. My best mate has a 95 and has had every ecu lie down:mad:,+ Air bags, +Engine liners 4.6, They go ok off road but don't enjoy water. The reason I don't have one:(

[spudboy]

Without wishing to offend any P38a owners, they were perhaps not the pinnacle of Land Rover reliability :(

Try doing a few searches here on P38a and see what you turn up.

This site is a good read for RR info too: Buying a new or used Range Rover (http://www.rangerovers.net/rrbuying.htm)

For 15K you would get an excellent condition Classic RR, say 92-94.

Just a thought...

[hoadie72]

Sorry to hijack this thread but I've recently joined because I'm interested in buying a Classic RR. I'm trying to find some unbiased information about the reliability of them, particularly models from 89 onwards. Are they as unreliable as they are perceived? And given their age wouldn't most issues have been rectified by now?

[spudboy]

89 and onwards are great models.

LR had to try and crack the US market, and they spent a lot of time in 87 and 88 improving the quality of their product. Interior improves from 88 onwards. 3.9 engine a good improvement over the 3.5.

88's are a good year if you don't want the viscous coupling centre diff. 89's onwards went VC.

Later ones (93 onwards I think) had the air suspension but myself I prefer the coils.

The very last classics got the "soft dash" from a Discovery and generally command a premium price over the older style dashes.

[spudboy]

I'm trying to find some unbiased information ....

BTW - This is not the place for unbiased advice :D

[mike 90 RR]

BTW - This is not the place for unbiased advice :D

Yep ... You will be told the good and the bad :)

RRC are a old model ... The trick is to find one that has been looked after .. And there are plenty about ... Once they are sorted, They are as reliable as you treat them

Mike

[hoadie72]

Thanks guys.. Danger with forums is that people do tend to be pretty one-eyed!

[Rangier Rover]

Thanks guys.. Danger with forums is that people do tend to be pretty one-eyed!

No..... We all tell the truth:D Buy wisely;)

Tony

[ScottW]

I bought myself a 98 P38 and haven't some across any big problems. When they run right they are great. I got mine pretty cheap too so you can get reliable ones cheap.

Very comfortable car :) but not much chop in the twisties

[adm333]

The P38 is a beautiful car to drive, but they can be quite expensive to maintain.

The air suspension is made up largely of rubber components that wear out over time not kilometres. Late 90's models by now will either have been overhauled in part or will soon need to be overhauled.

If you are handy, and enjoy a challenge, this can be inexpensive. If you get everything done at a workshop, this will likely be expensive.

There are several areas of the P38 like this, so you should find out if they have been done already or budget accordingly to get them done.

Eg Air suspension (air springs, valve block, compressor)
Hevac Aircon system (blend motors, recirc flappers, heater core orings)
Radiator (must be in good shape or get a new one)
Brakes (accumulator)

Just to name a few.

In other words - if you buy one for 15K, your budget should be 20K

Hope this helps

Dave

[PaulP38a]

I'd echo adm333's remarks. I picked up my 1995 P38A 4.6L HSE 5 years ago for $30k and spent on average $10-15k each year in running costs, fuel, repairs and upgrades.

They are not a cheap car to keep on the road by any means. However, they do drive beautifully when they are running and are a PITA when they're not.

I wish you well and hope you get a good one. If you don't get a good one, you might as well bite the bullet and lease a 2 year old L322 Vogue for 5 years with a 20%-30% residual. Do the sums, you might be surprised.

cheers
Paul.

[superflyte]

I'm just sorting out my key fob problem and mine is on the market inside your budget.

'97 4.6HSE, advertised on CarSales.com. 173k, Beluga Black, in Perth.

[ScottW]

Mines on the market too :) well inside your budget. When I got mine, it cost me $500 to get if shipped to my driveway (out in the hills behind the Gold Coast) from sydney. So as long as you can get someone to check it out, buying a car interstate isn't that big a deal. Opens up your options a little.