Buying advice for a RR virgin newbie please

cornwolf · Mar 19, 2011

Hi guys, sorry if you have already seen this post in another section but wasn't quite sure where to post)

Just joined up and don't know much about your beloved vehicles as currently using a semi-offroaded L200 (oops - am I allowed to say that here

?), but I am thinking of buying a V8 Range Rover auto to convert to Lpg to use as a comfortable daily driver and retire my **** to fully off road toy.
Being a Cornishman I don't want to spend too much but want to avoid wasting my money on a crock.... was thinking of spending £2-3k on an mid-late 90's, maybe more if it's right. I don't expect a lot for my money and realise I will probably get one needing work but I am a little handy on the spanners and have a tame mechanic in my employ for our campervan conversions for the dirtier bits but have read horror stories about stuff that needs more than my mole-grips and hammer to fix (ie electronic stuff)

Could you guys please tell me what to avoid (must be auto as wife cant drive stick an I'm lazy), or if anyone knows of a good'un for sale perhaps you could give me the details, thanks in advance

Phil, West Cornwall

SLY-SY · Mar 19, 2011

Phil ffs read on and listen

2-3k is only going to buy you, lots of trouble.

Dont do it, its not worth it.

P38 in best form and working is OK, but in 2-3k form, f that.

Vagrent · Mar 19, 2011

Get a fender that's my 4000th opinion.
Comfort is for gaylanders

Series71 · Mar 19, 2011

p 38 for that sorta money is a **** load of trouble

cornwolf · Mar 19, 2011

SLY-SY said:
Phil ffs read on and listen

2-3k is only going to buy you, lots of trouble.

Dont do it, its not worth it.

P38 in best form and working is OK, but in 2-3k form, f that.

Hmmmm, major rethink then as this seems to be the consensous of opinion, I really fancy one but haven't got the patience to deal with constant trouble, opinions on plan B - spending shed loads more cash and getting something like a 2002/2003 L322 ???

many thanks to all

bison4x4 · Mar 20, 2011

Hi, I replied in the general chat, then found you here too,
so have copied my answer here for you:

cornwolf said:
Hi guys

I am thinking of buying a V8 Range Rover auto to convert to Lpg to use as a comfortable daily driver ....... was thinking of spending £2-3k on an mid-late 90's, maybe more if it's right.

I don't expect a lot for my money but have read horror stories about stuff that needs more than my mole-grips and hammer to fix (ie electronic stuff)

Could you guys please tell me what to avoid (must be auto as wife cant drive stick an I'm lazy)

Phil, West Cornwall

Hi Phil,
You are looking at a P38 Range Rover, I've had a few of these, and have 2 at the moment. I may be mad, but I love them, foibles and all.

To start with, do the research, watch them on ebay, see what they sell for - there are loads out there, so don't rush into this.
You should be able to get a decent one (pre 1999) 4.6 HSE with LPG already fitted for less than £3000.

Make sure it does not overheat, use water or oil.
If the advert does not say this, ask them the question.

Air suspension problems are common, but can be fixed with a little perseverance.

The AC usually doesn't work, most common cause is a leaking AC condenser, 2 hrs to replace and £80 odd.

HEVAC 'book' symbol usually is 1 or 2 or 3 faulty blend motors (£60 - Island 4x4) each or heater temp. sensor (£15). You just need to have small arms and 2 elbows to replace them - although I haven't and can just about manage - see rangerovers.net for pictorial guide and shortcuts.

Buy a post late '96 model or later for improved central locking and immobiliser systems - not as much hassle if / when it does go wrong.

That will do for starters, although I may think of more later.

Budget for investing in some diagnostic software from the likes of Blackbox Solutions or similar.

I know this sounds a lot, but when they are working properly they are fantastic vehicles, and they do respond well to TLC and a dedicated owner.

I hope this helps,

Mike .

gemsdad · Mar 20, 2011

Series71 said:
p 38 for that sorta money is a **** load of trouble

not necessarily S71,just ask the chap who i sold my p38 to.he he he.

Series71 · Mar 20, 2011

gemsdad said:
not necessarily S71,just ask the chap who i sold my p38 to.he he he.

I have been proven wrong by a manc.....whatever next a land rover thats reliable ?

SLY-SY · Mar 20, 2011

bison4x4 said:
Hi, I replied in the general chat, then found you here too,
so have copied my answer here for you:

Hi Phil,
You are looking at a P38 Range Rover, I've had a few of these, and have 2 at the moment. I may be mad, but I love them, foibles and all.

To start with, do the research, watch them on ebay, see what they sell for - there are loads out there, so don't rush into this.
You should be able to get a decent one (pre 1999) 4.6 HSE with LPG already fitted for less than £3000.

Make sure it does not overheat, use water or oil.
If the advert does not say this, ask them the question.

Air suspension problems are common, but can be fixed with a little perseverance.

The AC usually doesn't work, most common cause is a leaking AC condenser, 2 hrs to replace and £80 odd.

HEVAC 'book' symbol usually is 1 or 2 or 3 faulty blend motors (£60 - Island 4x4) each or heater temp. sensor (£15). You just need to have small arms and 2 elbows to replace them - although I haven't and can just about manage - see rangerovers.net for pictorial guide and shortcuts.

Buy a post late '96 model or later for improved central locking and immobiliser systems - not as much hassle if / when it does go wrong.

That will do for starters, although I may think of more later.

Budget for investing in some diagnostic software from the likes of Blackbox Solutions or similar.

I know this sounds a lot, but when they are working properly they are fantastic vehicles, and they do respond well to TLC and a dedicated owner.

I hope this helps,

Mike .

As honest as this member may be, get sucked in at your peril!

fett · Mar 20, 2011

it will buy you a very nice classic, watch out for the rust and enjoy it!

Buying advice for a RR virgin newbie please

cornwolf

New Member

SLY-SY

New Member

Vagrent

Yaaaar

Series71

Space man

cornwolf

New Member

bison4x4

Active Member

gemsdad

NOT BOTHERED.

Series71

Space man

SLY-SY

New Member

fett

Well-Known Member

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