Possible new member seeking advice

Hi there all

I'm about to take what some may seem as backward in todays current overpriced fuel economy but I'm looking at a Range rover 1997 4.6 hse auto with 79,000 miles.

I know and have started to read some info but from those in the now I wonder if anyone could help before I make the move for the rr

It has 79,000 miles on it and from memory most cars need cam belts between 80-100k does this apply to the rr?

What service is due next and is it a big one etc and what should I expect to pay for that next sservice?

Is there anything to look out for on this model/engine combination?

I think my biggest worry is that I want one of these,always have, it's just I don't want t buy it then through lack of research be caught out with a huge bill within weeks

I hope you will understand?

Many thanks to those offering helpfull replies in advance

Cheers

hello mate welcome to the forum.The 4.6 has a bit of a reputation but do a search on here and youll get both sides of the argument.Also do a search on the air suspension thats quite a common fault.

i have a 96 4.6. they don't have timing belts so don't worry about that! they do sometimes suffer from slipped liners/cracked blocks and you may find your using water and making lots of condensation! drive them well and long b4 buying and check for water usage and keep an eye on the exhaust, look for a creamy "mayonnaise" like substance on the underside of the oil filler cap, the air suspension on mine has never give me trouble (touch wood) so they not all bad!
there defo worth the Argo if any!
and 79000 miles seems nice and low, look for service history too!

I've got a '95 4.6 HSE that's on 181k miles and other than the occasional electrical mishap seems to be spot on. Air suspension works as it should, aircon works as it should (90% of the time), and other than needing an abs sensor somewhere it's fine.

I'd say go for it, but be very very careful. If you buy a pup, it'll punish you.

God morning chaps and many thanks

I had heard of the air suspension and that was an area I am looking into to understand and inspect fully.

The frothy mayo (god I'm about to show my age) I remember from my old days of owning a austin montego, lots of short trips and not enough long trips.

Once again many thanks for your assistance will keep digging using the search option

ttfn

What you need to remember is that when searching the forums all you will find is people with problems. That is the nature of the forum. Dont let it put you off ! If you have a mechanical bent, then there is no reason to expect large bills. All the information on common problems, and some not so common is freely available here and elswhere. Budget for buying a Faultmate and then you will have no reason at all to visit a main dealer or specialist.

hello mate and welcome to the forums , my 97my 4.6hse has just reached 153000 and drive perfectly , the original motor gave up the ghost ( water issue`s ) but i knew of this when i bought it so it wasn`t too much of a shock , one thing you need to be aware of as well is after taking a prospective purchase for a good run feel the top hose and make sure it does not feel rock hard with pressure , and make sure the anti freeze is a good strong colour .
the best advice if these cars are new to you is take along someone who knows them very well , they are a very complex vehicle and can easily catch out the unwary .
rick.

Hi Colonel,
Welcome to the forum.

Great choice of vehicle.
Try a good one and you are hooked for life.
Not cheap to run but its a class car with a great ride, keep it serviced fully and drive it sensibly and you will have the time of you life.
I can't get mine off my wife she's so taken with it.
Ours is a 95 with 49k and full service history, so this gives you an idea of what you can get if you look around.
Look for the threads on this forum to advise what to look for, but remember how complicated the electrics are and these should all be tested fully before you decide.

Good advice from our members so far...

Here is my little list I used.
1. Check engine .....for leaks, overheating etc.
2. Check coolant ....for contamination and signs of overflow
3. Check oil............for mayo,smell of overheating,cleanliness
4. Does it have both No.1 and No.2 keys and some service history
Switch on...........
5. Check engine..... for unusual noise, leaks etc., general cleanliness / condition
6. Check suspension for operation up down several times, watch the lights
7. Check message center for errors
When engine warm
8. Check for ......... Smoke from exhaust what colour and amount is it spitting anything.Does it smell normal
9. Check hose for leaks and if under pressure.
10. Take vehicle on long test run and retest all of above

This list is not a very technical or final test to selecting a good vehicle but if you have any doubts about any of the above, walk away and look at another.
When you find one you like that passes the simple test, get someone who knows Range Rover to test it properly.
Don't rush, take your time as it is a buyers market at present so you can get a good deal.

Fred

Hello Colonel Mustard

I have a 97 4.6 HSE 121k converted to LPG and it runs beautifully everything works fine, just had to replace the rear air shocks due to wear but they are not too expensive and not too much of a hard job.

Although you may read of peoples problems here which may occur this doesn't really reflect that the car has alot of faults, its just if anyone needs any help, everyone here are always happy to offer any advice or assistance and useful links and tips on parts and accessories they can.

As you can see Redrenger has listed the points to look out for, and is good advice for buying any car really with the additional information about the air suspension.

Good luck and I hope you find a nice one because I am sure once you get one you will be hooked, the smooth drive, the power and extras you get with this car is wonderful..........makes you feel like the cat thats got the cream