Thread: Thinking about getting a rangie

You mean a 1993-4, the P38 is 1995-2002.

All old Rangies have certain electric problems, some due to poor maintenance, some due to high mileage. Nothing that can't be fixed with patience and skill. You're talking about 20 year old vehicles here.

The 3.9 is a fine engine while it is meticulously maintained, just like electrics. They are easily ruined by cooling system failure or running crap oils.

Finding a perfect one is not going to be easy, and the value of quality examples is rising rapidly.

Selling the fender mate ? Rich .....

I have a Disco 1 with the 3.9. They are a good motor and like any engine if they have been looked after they will last a very long time. As far as Rangie electrics go I can't help you there, but I replied more due to your reference for gas. Mine has injected gas and the supposed water tight computer has water in it after only it's second river crossing/mud hole, so is now buggered. $1000 for the replacement, so stick with the old style vapor gas. But I wish I had stuck to my motto re gas - Gas is for cooking, not cars!!
In all seriousness if you are thinking gas, put serious thought into a long range tank first. Much cheaper and more beneficial if you are going bush. You will only get about 300 - 350K range out of gas on the highway and far less in the bush.

Cheers,

Vinnie

If the radiator has been changed to a non-standard aftermarket core,- such as used to be supplied by a national radiator franchise.... then be afraid, -be Very Afraid.... If the heater does not roast you, be afraid again.... These 3.9 engines have a reputation for being "difficult" if/when they've been overheated, or not cooled properly with the correct coolant, and changed/maintained.

If there's ANY concerns about the cooling system, think twice. Twice over...
The tailgate upper frame will be rusted out. From the INside...
The Borg Warner transfer case innards (viscous coupling and output shaft) are probably 'cactus'. Or will be soon. If you're lucky, the current owner may have repaired/replaced it.

- Don't ask why I know...

As Bee pointed out, it's a 20-something year old car... if it has memory electric seats/mirrors, then that ECU battery must be changed (If it has'nt wrecked the circuit board already...) Really, around 5 to 10 years ago....
Your window switches may be past their use-by date, certainly the seat controls can be.............
And your heater/Air-con fan switch will likewise die young, as may the headlight dip-switch.- But you knew that, did'nt you...

Otherwise the '95 model Classic (built up to around mid '94) with a totally working Air Suspension can be a kool car....

James in Gosnells,

1995 Vogue SE with working air suspension and memory seat system.
(rusty tailgate, no heater pipes, and 2WD for last few years...)

PS, why not go for a nice P38?- They tell me they're nicer to drive, newer and better finished, - and you'll get more sympathy here for all you're moans & misfortunes. (Lots of complex electronic stuff !!!) The engine(s) are supposed to be "better", certanly could'nt drink more fuel than the 3.9

I just sold my 94 which I had for 13 years, brought it at 80,000kms and sold it at 230,000km. It was a great car and I had no problems with the electrics, the motor or anything much else. The guy that brought it has a 92 Range Rover and a 92 and 94 Discovery and I'm sure he will be able to keep my Range Rover for at least another 100,000kms without any major work.

The key is the service record.....

Thanks guys for your words of wisdom.
So the p38 is a better car then? Is it different in all aspects? ie running gear , motor etc

Originally Posted by noogie

So the p38 is a better car then? Is it different in all aspects? ie running gear , motor etc

That is a very open question. Those that own and love Classics (like me) will say the P38 is nowhere near as good as a Classic. Those that own and love P38s will be of the opposite opinion.

Why get a P38 when you can get an L322?

The L322 is a much better looking unit than the P38.

I bet it blows the P38 off the road too.

Handling, braking and acceleration wise.

The Classic is my preference over the P38.

However, if I got another RR it would be the L322.

I've put 100k miles on my 94 Vogue LSE with working air suspension.

Loved every one of them...