Other Decisions, decisions. What RR to buy, not to buy?

Major Tom · Feb 19, 2020

My 95 rover 4.0 died a quick and quiet death by smoke failure. Many miles - some health issues but overall it did well for 25 years. Then the wiring harness burned out and ALL the smoke leaked and we all know British cars need pressured smoke to run. So sad! I miss it.

I am looking for a more recent Range Rover, but there are various models and sub models. I am thinking Range Rover to haul a boat and give me a nice ride, not the smaller versions.

The questions are generally what models are better?

I am State Side and looking to spend up to $30,000 for a fairly recent model less for one in the pre 2010.

Are the Ford or TATA years better?

Are the Supercharged models better than not supercharged?

What general issues are to be expected from all models?

The air bags. How do you test for shock pillows failure? (the 95 cane used with shock over replacement)

What other questions should I be asking?

Other than the standard inspections: fluids, rust, leaks, body work are things I should be aware? Note: I am mechanically competent and have many British sports cars over the years even to frame off complete rebuild, engine / wiring harness, shocks, transmissions, differentials etc.

Thanks for your advice.
M T

Datatek · Feb 19, 2020

Best advice re buying a Range Rover is Don't, the newer ones are an electronic nightmare.
If you are a masochist and really want one, reputedly the later ones with the Jaguar engine are better.

myfirstl322 · Feb 19, 2020

Major Tom said:
My 95 rover 4.0 died
So sad! I miss it.

The questions are generally what models are better?

Are the supercharged models better than the non supercharged models?
Duh!!!

What other questions should I be asking?
Show me the supercharger, that's just a badge that anybody can buy and stick on.

M T

P38Tom · Feb 20, 2020

I would go for a low mile 2012 or 2011 5.0 supercharged which should give you a good $10k contingency for a warranty or just funding anything that goes wrong yourself. My understanding is that the timing chain guides can go bad on these engines, so get one that has already been done. The gearboxes can throw up a lot of problems if the oil cooler isn't working properly too. I think fixing these later models without some expensive diagnostic kit is pretty much impossible.

You could stretch your budget and go for a high mile 2013 L405 with a warranty? You could also spend $10-15k on a show quality P38?

Grrrrrr · Feb 20, 2020

The Jag engine is superb althou @Henry_b reckons a coolant pipe in the V sometimes lets go.

Major Tom · Feb 20, 2020

P38Tom said:
I would go for a low mile 2012 or 2011 5.0 supercharged which should give you a good $10k contingency for a warranty or just funding anything that goes wrong yourself. My understanding is that the timing chain guides can go bad on these engines, so get one that has already been done. The gearboxes can throw up a lot of problems if the oil cooler isn't working properly too. I think fixing these later models without some expensive diagnostic kit is pretty much impossible.

You could stretch your budget and go for a high mile 2013 L405 with a warranty? You could also spend $10-15k on a show quality P38?

P38Tom.
I am familiar with the engine. It came as a 3.5 in my TR8 and has been swapped to a 4.6L and modified. Runs like an booster rocket. Easy to work on.

I was just wanting something with a bit more creature comfort and HP than the 95 4.0.. The 95 4.0 had issues with degradation of the vinyl trim, after 15 years it would just crack and occasionally disintegrate upon touch. the locks, the AC, largely electrical, the air shocks. Nothing Major just degradation till the smoke got out.

Henry_b · Feb 20, 2020

Grrrrrr said:
The Jag engine is superb althou @Henry_b reckons a coolant pipe in the V sometimes lets go.

Yes the Valley pipe, 'tis an issue..

Piece of pish to replace..

The AJv8 is the best thing to happen to the Range rover,

Salisbury Nick · Feb 21, 2020

I’d go for the 4.4Ltr TDV8 - the Ford engine. And look for a 2012 Autobiography or later - I have no idea what they cost your side of the pond - or the 5L petrol or supercharged.

I know fuel is cheap in your neck of the woods - but I get more than 30mpg from mine on average combined cycle - and my typical drive is short local town journeys, medium journeys on what you would call a lane, but we call A roads and B roads - and some motorway miles - a real mix.

Major Tom · Feb 21, 2020

I am looking into it.
Thanks
2011

tomcat59alan · Feb 21, 2020

Grrrrrr said:
The Jag engine is superb althou @Henry_b reckons a coolant pipe in the V sometimes lets go.

Correct it runs in the valley under the supercharger, Done it twice on an XJR luckily about 8 years between replacements, what a ****. Don't know if there's more room on the RR.

Other Decisions, decisions. What RR to buy, not to buy?

Major Tom

New Member

Datatek

Well-Known Member

myfirstl322

Well-Known Member

P38Tom

Member

Grrrrrr

Technician, Bodgit & Scarper Ltd

Major Tom

New Member

Henry_b

Think outside, no box required.

Salisbury Nick

Well-Known Member

Major Tom

New Member

tomcat59alan

Well-Known Member

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