I am thinking of buying a Range Rover and have my eye on a fully loaded 1999 4.0L model with 90K and service history. I have no problem with giving it the once and second over before buying. I bought a 1993 Disco 200 Tdi back in 2000 which has served me very well with little time out of action. I have carried out just about every repair/service job from bumper to bumper employing only garage services for ac, timing belt & welding. My experience of 4.0L V8 being my 1998 Jaguar Sovereign which is in exceptional condition for it's age and returns me a health 28 - 30mpg (using cruise) and an overall 20 - 24mpg on average motoring. I guess the fuel returns for the RR will most likely be similar.

I am a confident DIY mechanic/auto electrician and prefer to do the work myself, have had one or two unsatisfactory and expensive repairs in the early motoring years.

Please can you guys offer some guidance aimed directly at the 1998 - 1999 year models that I should be taking into account. I have read some scary stories which could have been avoided if the right checks were made from the out set.

Many thanks in advance.
Barrie

Glad to hear you are going for a petrol not a diesel! I favored the 4.6 as it had a bit more grunt.

The '99 models were the change from gems to Thor engine management. I went for a later model, as they tend to be more reliable (with a pinch of salt for a p38!). At the age I would check over the EAS, brakes and overheating. HEVAC as well. Also make sure the gearbox shifts hi/lo. Misfires can be prevalent and an omen - take it on a nice straight and bury the throttle.

If it looks shabby, no decent work/parts history then walk away. These big cars need the TLC!

If it's been modified then I would also walk away.

There is a p38 specialist I used in north London who was very good. If you would like his details pm me and I will send them (in case anyone thinks I'm promoting a business and gets a rag on!)

Check the cost of ownership thread too https://www.landyzone.co.uk/land-rover/cost-of-ownership-come-on-boys-add-to-the-list.133780/

string said:

returns me a health 28 - 30mpg (using cruise) and an overall 20 - 24mpg on average motoring. I guess the fuel returns for the RR will most likely be similar.

Click to expand...

....yyeeaahh, don't bank on it. You'll be lucky to hit 20 on the motorway, nevermind 'average' motoring

+1

+2 More like 15 in an auto. A couple better with a manual likely. The jag engine is decades newer in design.
Read up on slipped cylinder liners / porous blocks. It has always put me off owning a p38.

+3
Expect 15 - 17 average. I can get 24 in the 4.6 on a good run but mine is now higher compression. Also, don't discount a 4.6 (nothing in mpg difference).

I averaged around 25mpg on an 850 mile journey but that was taking it easy. When I'm pottering about in town and out of town briefly I get around 15-17 mpg.

Guessing that will be the same engine as in my 2000 D2. I get about 22 to the gallon knocking about locally, maybe 24 at a steady 60 on main road, about 17-18 towing cattle trailer. That is with auto box.
I would think very much in the hands of the operator, a heavy footed youngster might get down into single figures, drive it like a landrover surprisingly good on fuel!