Help avoiding dodgie 4.6 engines

Hi all

Newbie here, hopefully soon to become a RR owner.

My favourite is the 4.6 Vogue around 1999+. However, after a months annoying search and not finding right car, I now find out that the 4.6 has a lining issue which results in an engine change.

Can anyone tell me what year engines I need to avoid, assuming they eventually changed the engine to a more reliable one?

I've been told by one car salesman that the engine was revised in 1999, so anything after that is ok - typically he has a 2000 RR for sale. Is he telling the trust?

Thanks
B

No,all the 94mm blocks do it.

that includes the 4.0 litre models. and if you can get hold of a new land rover engine it is still the same design and has not been changed at all...

Blimey, thats a blow! And now I'm really confused.

A bit of history: Originally, I wanted a Grand Cherokee, then I broadened to the RR and the Discovery. I don't do many miles so wanted a large petrol engine and a definate off-roader. In the end I loved the RR for it's luxurious feel, I like to have something I'm proud of. My current top choices are a RR Vogue 4.6 (original engine) about 50-60K miles in black with as many extra's as possible. Yesterday saw a 4.6 HSE in Epsom Green lots of extras (SAT NAV, side steps, chrome exhaust) new engine 20K ago FSH with receipts and mostly done at a dealer.

Bearing the above in mind what would your advice be. I just don't know what to do for the best. I'm not rich, but can afford running costs but the threat of a new engine - of the scale!

Any help greatly appreciated. Don't want to land myself a ticking time bomb of expense that I'll live to hate and nobody will buy.

I wouldn't worry about it, it's not one of those faults that you see every day and not all 4.0/4.6 engines will fail, if it does then get the block machined and top hat liners fitted, it'll never happen again.

Also with top hat liners, you can bore it out to well over 5 liters, if you're into that kinda thing!!

I tend to agree with clutchdust.

I have recently bought a 38a. In addition to my Defender and classic.

The intention was to replace the classic, but if I can get away with it (wifey wise) hopefully it wont happen.

I have known about the p38 issues, but if I had gone with head and not heart I would never of bought one.
After aquiring the 38, I started to check out all the stuff that possibly could go wrong and really beat myself up abit.

I am coming through now, and to be honest I dont really care if thing go tits up, as like you I dont do many miles.
If I cant afford the repairs as and when, they will get done in time eventually.

You could allways get an independant inspection, though even if everything appears ok, you never know what problem you may have later.
A fully serviced pampered 38 is your best bet, though you dont have to go the dealer route. These RR's are becoming available at nice money due to the scaremongers. I have just paid 4k for a mint 4.6 hse with fsh and 54k, so if I have to ask for a sub of the bride, it cant be all that bad. (can it?)
Thats if the classic does'nt skint us first.

Its a good idea to get some breakdown cover, and even look into independant warranties if you wish.

Personally, I dont think you would ever regret buying any RR, but maybe I have more money than sense. ( and I aint got much money!!!)

Wish u well.

All very good,but the trouble is the cost of a top hat liner job done properly will cost up to the value of the car,(I'm in the middle of doing one at the moment) and no inspection can tell if its going porus or indeed likely too until it actually happens.
Poorly set up LPG systems seem to make the situation worse,so the best advice is to spend some decent money on a young enough,smart enough car that will be worth putting an engine in if the worst happens.
Dont expect a crap warranty company to cough up for it all either.

Hi Guys

Thanks so much for all your help. I can't face the prospect of a potentially massive bill if the worst happens, so I've said goodbye to the idea of a RR. However, I'm now looking seriously at a petrol Discover. And am now determined to dig the dirt on it just in case theres anything I need to be aware of.

Putting a new post in Disco section, c u there.

Thanks again