im going to look at a 1997 2.5 dse today, not had a rangie before, so looking for a few pointers. i do know there is a problem with the sls, compressor failure and a new commpressor comes with the car. if anyone can give me a few quick pointers and a rough idea at what i should be paying it would be much appreciated.
thanx gazza

Hiya mate, same as what I currently have, if it's 1st one, then I'm sure many on here will agree, some can mean having your wallet out more often than you'd expect. Others may not be as bad, but with proper research (ie) on here, you may find very helpfull. One thing I have seen on here is the advise they give is look at more than just 1 or 2, there are plenty out there that have been looked after, & take out for a long test drive to ensure all electrical stuff works, if not I'd walk away, chances are you will always find something better. Try looking on here at previous posts & should give you a lot of hints..

Does it lock and unlock from the remote at a decent range? Has he got a spare key? Does it work as a remote? Spare keys about £160.

Start it upand have a good look around. The engine running means that you should see any fluid leaks and the suspension is building up some pressure. Look at the coolant overflow bottle (on the bulkhead in front of the driver) Any bubbles coming up the pipe from the rad and you walk away unless the price allows for a new head!

Whilst you're there take the lid off the fuse box, just in front of the overflow. Get your nose in and sniff. Any smell of burning and you've got problems. New fusebox about £150.

Once all the doors, bonnet and tailgate are closed then look at the height switch on the dash. If the bottom light is lit (access height) then press the up button once. It should lift, arse end first, then the front, to the second top light. Or drop it to access then re-raise it.

Then check the heater display there shouldn't be a book symbol (it's known as the cheque book symbol). Push every button on the heater and make sure they do what they're supposed to.

Then check that all of the windows, and sun roof if fitted, fully open and close.
Now for the test drive. The temperature gauge should settle at about the middle. Too low and it's possibly had the stat removed to hide a cooling problem. Too high and it's got a cooling problem.

Try to get over 50 for 5 minutes and see if the suspension settles down one light to it's high speed setting. Any rattling or knocking, or wandering steering and this one's not for you.

Do not buy a Rangie with your heart. They can be money pits. Buy it with your head, be prepared to walk away. I walked away from over 20 before I bought mine.

Of course if you can beat the seller down to peanuts and you enjoy messing with cars then . . . . .

If it needs a new compressor, then it will almost certainly need new air suspension bags unless they have been done recently.

And rad and water pump and injection pump and in tank pump and leak off pipes and well, you get the idea.....

Shame your so far away, i'm looking at selling my 2.5 dse, just had new front suspension air bags, radiator, and also sports a well suited private plate on it, H15 DSE

hickman2342 said:

Shame your so far away, i'm looking at selling my 2.5 dse, just had new front suspension air bags, radiator, and also sports a well suited private plate on it, H15 DSE

Click to expand...

Stick it in the "for sale" section