Used range rover tips?

[wasabisashimi]

I am looking at a used 1999-2002 range rover with high milage around 180,000km on it, It is in good condition cosmetically except from minor scratches and 3 cracks on front windshield.

I reviewed service record from owner between 2008-2011. I noticed that the total cost of service and repair is over $20,000 for that 3yrs period (replacing serp belt, head gaskets, valve gaskets, other gaskets, sun roof leak, AC water leak interior, rear air spring change, coolant leak , water pump change...etc)

Now, being a newbie to the rover world, here is my question:

Since there are so many problems already fixed by previous owner, Would I consider this well maintained example and should I buy it hoping that all the bugs are fixed other than regular maintenance.

Or Should I stay away from this particular car because its so far been a money pit and may continue to drain my wallet once i take over because it constantly has to spend time in shop to fix this and that.

Your input is greatly appreciated,

I've never owned a range rover but i love them and have been wanting one for a long time. I have read and research about their common problems for 2 month now and I hope someone can clear my dilemma

[Dave_F]

1999-2002 ?

What year is it?

The date range you mention deals with vehicles with complex electronics, air bag suspension etc....

I would not even consider paying for one of these unless it was thoroughly checked over by a "reputable" Rover specialist.

Check out the links for them. Any money spent having them check it out, would be money well spent in the long term regardless.

[wasabisashimi]

1999-2002 ?

What year is it?

The date range you mention deals with vehicles with complex electronics, air bag suspension etc....

I would not even consider paying for one of these unless it was thoroughly checked over by a "reputable" Rover specialist.

Check out the links for them. Any money spent having them check it out, would be money well spent in the long term regardless.

its 2000 model with 4.6HSE. I do plan to have it checked out (if I decide its worth my time to look in more), but my question remains unanswered as to how do I interpret the frequent repair in the past 3 yrs. Do I see it as a well maintained car, or do I interpret as a "lemon"

[rhino_ed]

I wouldn't call it a lemon. These things all seem to have the same problems in general. There are not too many surprises from one to the next.
The first place to start is, another forum ahaha

http://www.rangerovers.net/forum

The P38 section is a amazing resource of knowledge on these trucks specifically, from people mostly in the USA (which covers North American Spec) but all over the world as well.
The $20K mark is not unheard of. However, if it is a truck that old with no real significant service history, it could very well be up for "the full-meal-deal".
Always have it go for a pre-purchase inspection.
In fact, was it the history on my Rover you were looking at? :shock:
-Eric

[wasabisashimi]

I wouldn't call it a lemon. These things all seem to have the same problems in general. There are not too many surprises from one to the next.
The first place to start is, another forum ahaha

http://www.rangerovers.net/forum

The P38 section is a amazing resource of knowledge on these trucks specifically, from people mostly in the USA (which covers North American Spec) but all over the world as well.
The $20K mark is not unheard of. However, if it is a truck that old with no real significant service history, it could very well be up for "the full-meal-deal".
Always have it go for a pre-purchase inspection.
In fact, was it the history on my Rover you were looking at? :shock:
-Eric

No , it's a local car from a dealership. So I guess lots of problem and fixed is better than no history of fixing . It still scares me that 20,000 put into fixing over 3 yrs of ownership

[Bill E.]

The 20 grand spent appears to be mostly engine related with the exception of the air suspension repair and the sun roof. Doesn't sound like there is any surety around the engine's health after this work and we haven't begun an assessment of the transmission, transfer case, differentials or ancillary electronics. To me, the 20 grand just means an older engine with peripheral repairs, a sun roof waiting to leak again and an air suspension that is waiting to give more trouble. Eric knows of what he speaks.

[wasabisashimi]

The 20 grand spent appears to be mostly engine related with the exception of the air suspension repair and the sun roof. Doesn't sound like there is any surety around the engine's health after this work and we haven't begun an assessment of the transmission, transfer case, differentials or ancillary electronics. To me, the 20 grand just means an older engine with peripheral repairs, a sun roof waiting to leak again and an air suspension that is waiting to give more trouble. Eric knows of what he speaks.

It will be a money pit then..... It's a shame such nice machine to have so much problems

[Colin]

Bought my P38 for $10,000. I have put about $3-4,000 over the last few years Other than being a gas sucking pig I love it. Excellent for long drives.