Thread: Thinking of buying a 1985 RR...

Thanks for all the comments. I have just got back from looking at it. The main comments after seeing/driving for 4 or 5KM in it are:
- Pretty good nick for a 22yo vehicle. Not mint condition, but nice condition and obviously well cared for by the first owners. Just looking a bit tired now and needs a freshen up.
- Service receipts back to day 1. Serviced every 5000Km. Has had a gearbox o/haul and a new clutch 20,000 Km ago.
- Stainless exhaust system on original headers
- small amount of rust on the rear tailgate, and the strip of steel on top of the tailgate "fold-down"
- Broken side mirror + small dent in pass. door.
- Seats clean but looking threadbare. I don't think the back seats have ever been used.
- Air conditioner compressor apparently compresses (it has been tested) but something is blocked under the dashboard. He's had a quote of $800 to pull the dash and fix it. It has the new aircon gas in it.
- Gearbox baulks on 3rd sometimes. Mostly went in OK, but every 3rd or 4th attempt would not go (gearbox not really warmed up though)
- Gearbox was quite notchy and felt tight (just too tight in 3rd!)

It drove nicely although it was really just a potter around the block in peak hour.

Anyway, will make some calls tomorrow about the aircon & will post a picture or two later.

I think $6K is too high with the gearbox/aircon issues. I reckon it's prob worth about $4.5K, but don't think he will let it go at that price.

Thanks again.

G'day Spudboy

The gearbox might just not have warmed up enough, as that is sometimes the problem, also the type of oil in it, as if it has the wrong oil it will cause problems, yes, your price range seems about right, the airflow problem could be just a blocked phelm chamber, under the windscreen, particularlaly if it has been partked under trees and dropped leaves are blocking it, it will have poor fresh air intake too.

cheers

With the rusty tailgate (although not horrendous as you describbed) and the other list of faults, it can't be worth more than $3K IMO. It might have a good history which will justify thr $3K price tag but like you said it's 22 yo Rangie and it's looking tired.

My Brother-in-law bought an 85 Rangie off here a couple of years back for $1.9K and it was a good runner although a bit scrabby in spots but it was a good buy even with 400+ kms on the clock

If he doesn't let it go, then it'l sit for months even years til it does sell for the right price. There's plenty of Rangies about for less that are just as good if not better

Trav

seems odd that it had a box overhaul 20k ago but still a problem into 3/4th sometimes.

not to put you off but that happened to me now I have no reverse and am swapping the box. mines an lt95 though.

I paid 2.5k for my 81 about two years ago, needed lots of hidden work though.
Maybe there is someone in your area who knows rangie's might be willing to have a look with you?

But if it's a nice motor for you and you want THAT rangie good luck.
My FIL aways said cut thier legs off you can always offer more, you can't offer less.

Some photos:

looks very original !
Things I have had problems with and may be worth looking for

rust:
check the sills behind the door rubber
under the spare wheel
both footwells
at the hinge end of the lower tail gate.
botton corners and inside near handle of upper tail gate
along bottom of doors and near hinges

overheating, try low range for a while
look for sooted black plugs <-- is bad
droopy headlining
play in rear a frame balljoint
sagging back-end springs, (get someone to sit in cargo space to see if it drops too much)