Going to look at '93 vogue se 3.9...what should I look out for?

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jack_110

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I have had a 110 200tdi, and my dad has had a couple of rr classics, but this will be my first. Possibly just for winter if my wife doesn't like driving an auto. But just want some things to look out for! Its a 1993 Classic vogue se 3.9efi, seems tidy from pictures, it's done 145000 miles and is LPG converted with paperwork.
 
:welcome2:

Rust....

Rust gets everywhere on the classics....Check the Bulkhead, Front Door Pillars, under the door sills, the Foot wells, the outriggers (the angled bits sticking out from the chassis that the body tub is bolted too) the rear cross member (look right up between the rear bumber and boot floor).

Check condition of the oil, look under the Oil filler cap for signs of mayonasse, sniff the expansion tank for smells of exhaust gas.

Check for free play in the steering, check condition of the steering box for leaks.

The Gearbox is pretty bullet proof, but ensure it changes smoothly and kicks down readily and swiftly without seeming like it is bogging down.

Check the operation of the Transfer Box, she should pull well, the 3.9 really did suit the Classic, very pokey when needed.

If it is a single point LPG, make sure you don't run the tank empty as they do tend to backfire and knacker the MAF - fit a Fart Flap (LPG Backfire valve to protect the MAF)

My 1993 Classic on LPG was a fantastic car, although she looked like a dog, she was one of the best Rangies I have had and I would still have her today if some like scrout hadn't nicked it and burnt it out!!!!!

But Rust is the biggest killer.....

Also if it has EAS, check the suspension bags, they could be getting old.....
 
Cheers, for that, will make some notes! Think it's been changed to springs but will double check. It past an MOT in september, so you would hope it would be ok. Will make sure I do a thorough inspection though. Have read a few posts about LPG blowing induction tubing and MAF's, is this just down to running empty?
 
Cheers, for that, will make some notes! Think it's been changed to springs but will double check. It past an MOT in september, so you would hope it would be ok. Will make sure I do a thorough inspection though. Have read a few posts about LPG blowing induction tubing and MAF's, is this just down to running empty?
Either running empty or running the mixture too lean....
 
They often have electrical gremlins, as well. Things like electric seats that are on the glitch, doors that don't lock or unlock properly, and the cruise control often doesn't work. All these things can be fixed if you're inclined, and some can be ignored if you're not the anal type. :D

My '93 is my daily driver. It really is a top notch vehicle, in spite of it's niggles. Good luck!
 
On mine the rear offside door doesn't open from the outside the electric mirrors don't work and the heater doesn't work, just discovered it isn't connected :O, check the top tailgate for rust as these are prone to it, body mountings and pretty much what the others said really :)
 
I have the same machine and rust is the biggie. It looks fab from the outside but was very dodgy in the places you can't see. Looks great underneath now!
 
As above, main problem is rust. I have a '92 Vogue 3.9, which is surprisingly rot free but my previous '87 was a rust bucket. Have also had a '94 soft dash 3.9, that had also suffered badly from rust and I ended up selling it.

If its solid and mainly rot/rust free I find if it needs anything it can normally done quite cheaply as second hand parts on ebay are often very cheap.
 
On mine the rear offside door doesn't open from the outside the electric mirrors don't work and the heater doesn't work, just discovered it isn't connected :O, check the top tailgate for rust as these are prone to it, body mountings and pretty much what the others said really :)
Try opening the door by first levering the handle open then push door the inward. It may pop open. Mine does it, and when I looked at a '92 that was for sale a few weeks ago the seller told me that the right hand door didn't work. I walked over and did the magic on it and it opened. He said that he hadn't opened it from the outside for over a year!
 
Cheers for the advice! It seems rust will/could be the main issue then, and seeing some of you use em as a daily driver I guess if looked after should be pretty reliable too. My theory is if an older car is still going now after many miles, it must be one of the good ones....though there will be exceptions I'm sure....
 
Try opening the door by first levering the handle open then push door the inward. It may pop open. Mine does it, and when I looked at a '92 that was for sale a few weeks ago the seller told me that the right hand door didn't work. I walked over and did the magic on it and it opened. He said that he hadn't opened it from the outside for over a year!

Ill try it but often you have to lift up the door lock tab from the inside a little than it will open from the inside, needs opening up and fixing when the heaters done :)
Thanks :)
 
check for the cooling system over pressurising , if it is walk away as there are lots out there. Check the heater blows hot consistantly as if its doesnt this can be another sign of hgf or worse. and has been said check for rust everywhere!

Check the abs light comes on and goes out when you reach 7mph?

and also stand by for plenty to go wrong, it is a landy
 
head gasket failure which the 3.9 likes to do , particularly on gas.

Its been a while since I sold my 1990 se but yes I think two come on with the igntion then either one goes off when the engine starts and the other at 7 mph or both go off at 7mph I cant remember now lol
 
Are there particular things you can do to reduce risk of hgf? Or just a case of checking for seaping and replacing every now and then?
 
well making sure the cooling system is in tip top shape will always help, and not running on gas will too, and not running a lambda system on the rv8 will help in some peoples opinion. however the later two are mandatory for you with that car so your only option is to hope the last owner did the first one and you can carry on with it. and make sure that they system isnt loosing coolant or over pressurising now as in my last post.

also on a separate note make sure the car is on coil springs not air or that is a whole nother world of hurt lol
 
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NB:

Your best bet for reliability is not to buy a landy, failing that a 3.5 v8 on carbs is easiest to fix but if you did want a later rrc for comfort then a 91 on coil springs is the best year as it has nice toys but no air ride to go wrong
 
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