RRC Reliability Question

**big_waity** · 13th March 2013, 04:30 AM

Hi guys, I've got a question about the reliability of Classic Rangies. I know that lots of people joke about this but I'd like to hear your experiences. I've owned a 91 vogue and it was a heap of fun and one of the best driving vehicles I've owned but I had a heap of reliabilty issues, mostly just constant, little things. I was offered a hilux really cheap and went for it. The Hilux was the most reliable car I've ever owned, only had about 1% of the comfort and speed that the Rangie had but it never leaked oil and never gave any reliability issue. I've since sold it and am keen to get back into 4x4ing. I was thinking about buying am 80 series Cruiser or GQ Patrol because I really like that Japanese reliability but there's just something about the sound of a Rangie V8 and nothing comes close in comfort, not to mention that you can pick up a Rangie for half the price of a Cruiser or Patrol of the same age.
So I'm wanting to know, who of you have a classic Rangie as a daily driver or tourer? Do you find them reliable enough? Can you ever get on top of the oil leaks? Should I just man up and get one? Thanks in advance.

**rangieman** · 13th March 2013, 06:10 AM

The oil leaks in my opinion are caused by lack of or poor maintenance

i have owned several Landrovers in my time and all have been dailys and play cars and none of them have suffered massive oil leaks that they are supposed to suffer from

The reliability issue in my opinion is all down to the correct car you intend purchase and if it has been bodged in the repair or maintenance intervals.
Spend the money and get a goody

**Camo** · 13th March 2013, 08:07 AM

Just don't buy a P38.. I'd rather own a Lada Niva

Think that pretty much it.. rangieman has it spot on. My 2 rangies have been great. All about keeping on top of the maintenance

Camo

**PhilipA** · 13th March 2013, 08:56 AM

BUT I still cannot figure out how the Japs can make an oil seal/seal surface that lasts 22-300kk while the Brits ones last 100KK if they are lucky!LOL
Regards Philip A

**bidds** · 13th March 2013, 09:14 PM

Just do it. I've got a 1990 and it's never stood me up. The key is knowing that the service history is good and maintaining it by the book. I've learned to only buy genuine parts, even these are good value all things considered.

I might have found part of a solution to the oil leaks - keep tightening the bolts. I found the sump gasket would keep leaking - every time I found a few loose bolts, cinched them up and no-more-leaks. If I could only keep the bolts tight... (I probably could lock-tite them but just haven't gotten around to it)

Unbelievably comfortable and capable off road, if a bit rolly on it.

PS - Yes, I also have a td5 D2a but that's all about the range, seven seats and the on-road handling (ACE!).

**Homestar** · 14th March 2013, 05:47 PM

Mine spent 17 years as a daily driver and has never left anyone on the side of the road. Only bad oil leak was the transfer case intermediate shaft o ring.

Maintenance is the key. Look after it and it will look after you.

Have fun - Gav.

**dungarover** · 14th March 2013, 09:36 PM

Yes Japanese cars are reliable, well made and do what they say on the tin but one word to describe them- Boring. Driven quite a few but never owned one, just don't interest me

Anyway, best paying for a good one than be a cheap bastard like me

But then I do expect to have problems but having owned many a RRC over the last 16 years I have a pretty good idea of what to do when I get one and cheaply (I don't have a life either

).

Trav

**superquag** · 14th March 2013, 10:24 PM

HJow can I put this, without upsetting the Faithful... (as I normally do...), um,,, "If you enjoy the Journey more than the Destination" then the Classic-or any LR product- is indeed for you... If you derive satisfaction from the result of your labours..the LR will reward you beyond your wildest dreams...

But if you're 'over' continual maintenance, on items you've rarely or ever done on a Jap car... you may not find Peace of Mind in the Classic.

Boring ? I call it 'Mechanical Predictability'. For me the Destination is more important than 'what' I have to fix/replace/put up with on the way there...

Does that help

Disclaimer:- Still got my 'unreliable' Classic...

**big_waity** · 14th March 2013, 10:35 PM

Thanks for all of your replies guys. I don't really mind doing maintenance, in fact, I'm a big fan of it. It's more the break downs that I'm conserned with. I have 3 young kids so time on the side of the road can be very painful and even dangerous. But I think you all have me convinced. Now I just need to convince the minister for war and finance to release the funds... wish me luck!

**Grimace** · 15th March 2013, 08:16 AM

Originally Posted by big_waity

Thanks for all of your replies guys. I don't really mind doing maintenance, in fact, I'm a big fan of it. It's more the break downs that I'm concerned with. I have 3 young kids so time on the side of the road can be very painful and even dangerous. But I think you all have me convinced. Now I just need to convince the minister for war and finance to release the funds... wish me luck!

Most common break downs that involve some expense with the old classics will be Alternator, and starter motor, but do try remember these are getting on in age and you simply replace with new and forget about them for many years to come.
Almost every Rangie I have had, once the above two items are replaced, has been next to faultless when it came to general commuting.
The next item of great expense (if buying original) on the EFI, is the Air Flow Meter, these do fail and do cause all sorts of fuelling issues that can go undetected for ever!
The off-road work does take it's toll on stuff, and could see you with a much more expensive breakdown (ie Auto transmission or differential go bang!).

The majority of road users have seemingly accepted that a v8 classic range rover will use any where from 20 to 30l per hundred, this is just an accepted trend that has occurred over many years. Only old Toyota & Nissan petrol motors came from factory with them sort of economy figures.
A RRC should use approx 16-18L/100, but getting back to that figure can be an absolute mission (and more $$$ then its worth)!

All in all I don't think my Land Rovers have been any worse off then even a jap vehicle of equivalent age.
It's one of the cheapest cars I have ever owned and cost me far less then having a newer car. Hence why I can (or more could) afford to do the number of upgrades over the years.

Actually come to think of it, putting 4wd breakages aside, I don't think I have ever once been stranded on the side of the road in any of my Land Rovers.
My first car was a RRC so that's saying something.

I live for oil leaks thou, love em!

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