I am buying a 20 year old Range Rover V8.

[BCM1976]

I was minding my own business buying light bulbs this morning and on the trading estate was a Range Rover Vogue SE 3.9 on an H plate and looking rather good - long story short, I'm picking it up tomorrow and I have not been this excited about a purchase ever - not even the first brand new car I purchased 10 years ago..!!

Any advice of any Range Rover Anoracs..?

[ATTAK Z]

check for oil leaks rear crankshaft

[Piepiepie]

Get some of these;

[BCM1976]

Thanks Attak Z. I am only buying once its been mot'd tomorrow lunch and have been told to check inner sills and front wheel arches for rot etc. The guy says he has done all of it and its rot free, so fingers crossed. I drove it today and it drives very well.

there is something about an old Range Rover........

[ShayneJ]

Check rear X member, inner sills, footwells, boot floor, chassis outriggers for rust.

and warm up your wallet for the HUGE fuel bills its about to get.

[BCM1976]

pie man - Lmao. Its just a winter smoker, so i couldnt care less about fuel economy. I do however love a V8...!!

[balls-out]

either learn to do your own mechanics or find a good local specialist. As long as you avoid main stealers it shouldn't be expensive to run (except petrol).
Is it air suspension?

Edited by balls-out on Thursday 10th November 18:25

[BCM1976]

Thanks Shayne.

[crankedup]

Walk away if its air suspension, or have it converted to coils.

[ShayneJ]

ShayneJ said:

Check rear X member, inner sills, footwells, boot floor, chassis outriggers for rust.

and warm up your wallet for the HUGE fuel bills its about to get.

ETA: also get a crowbar or a LARGE flat screwdriver and check for movement
in the rear A frame Ball joint, and while looking at the front axle to frame
tie rod get a mate to push the body sideways any more than a few mm of movement
in the tie rod bush's and driving at over 40 will be err "interesting"

ETA2: if you want any specific info just ask i have had 6 of em and practicly
rebuilt 3 which is why now i drive a LWB pajero and a jag

Edited by ShayneJ on Thursday 10th November 18:27

[BCM1976]

Balls Out - No i deliberately steered clear of air suspension. Replaced it in a CL600 merc once. Never Again.

The guy that has it has just fitted new police spec springs and it feels great on the road, very little pitch and roll and it is slightly higher than normal, which is good as it will be a winter hack and farm car.

[balls-out]

crankedup said:

Walk away if its air suspension, or have it converted to coils.

Its not that bad - most of the air suspension is pretty basic, but the computer is a pain. If you have access to somebody who can read the error code (ie a proper bit of kit) its usually not that bad to sort it out.

[McSam]

No advice to add, but this sounds absolutely great, so photos when you pick it up, please!

[BCM1976]

Shayne - i punted it up to 80 odd today and chucked it around and was amazed at how it hung on, so think it is ok. I wont buy it if it fails the mot, but will drop the mot guy a few quid and show him your amalgamated "check list"...

[wackojacko]

Vixpy !

[BCM1976]

McSam - i will certainly put some photos up. The fellar I am buying it off is clearly a LR enthusiast and has another 5 Land Rovers and needs the space (and probably the money) so I am looking forward to having a big old smoker. I have owned most things you can think of from mini's to 911's, but never an original RR.

Cant believe how excited I am, its like Xmas..!!

[BCM1976]

what is Vixpy..?

[badlands1]

Enjoy it dude, please add pics though.

[BCM1976]

Badlands - i certainly will. It is gunmetal grey with dark leather and walnut wood.

I have a two hour massge booked for 9am, then collect RR at lunchtime.

I have had worse days.

[kellys hero]

I've had 2, if you haven't collected it walk away now. Austin Metro and Montego switch gear and electrics. The rest of it is worse. If a bit hasn't broken it will. The roof is held on by self tapping screws, the rest is held together by hope and the power of prayer.