Thinking about buying an $10k Range Rover - What could go wrong?

I bought my 2003 new and have about 62K miles on it. I have replaced front struts, radiator, alternator, water pump, air compressor, on top of scheduled maintenance, which I have done religiously. Most of the foregoing was in the extended warranty period. I love the vehicle. I've had several Range Rovers, and may trade this one for the new series, which is an incredibly competent vehicle.

All I can suggest is have a very thorough PPI done, and if service records are not complete I would walk away, although I think 10K is a pretty good price. If you're fussy about paint and interior make sure it's all in good shape, as it's expensive to do right. Mine is about ready for a new headliner.

Good luck with it.

PS: I lived in NOLA in the 60s...at Tulane. I miss it!

 

I had my 06 for almost 6 years and had little trouble with it but right before the warranty ran out the dealer had for a week. The cost of the repairs they did if it had happened after the warranty was up was over 8k. When they do have issues they can be very costly. Buy a Jeep more fun and cost less to keep up!

 

Absolute WORST cars/trucks ever made....li never had such an expensive automotive nightmare like I had with my range rover....but that was me and my experience fwiw
It was a '98 with 60k miles when I took the plunge, most expensive 40k miles in history when parted ways around 100k miles.

 

2008ish and back seems to be a whole different ball game....I really want a newer but highmileage LR4 for hunting....

 

Don't know the newer ones. Have worked on them pre 2005, my sister owned a 2001 Disco, I will never, never own one.
By fun, what do you mean? Going off road? Mild trails, or do you need it for winter. The newer ones aren't really what I would call special in the four wheel drive market. More towards pavement and maybe snow. If its just for fun, I would find a jeep TJ unlimited that someone's modified. Let them pay the premium, and it's a lot of fun. Not luxury though.

 

Land Rovers are nice. Really nice. But they seem to either be perfect, or money pits. Maybe an older Land Cruiser?
I like the idea of having a CJ. Though a YJ rides better, a TJ more so. Though the letter aren't classic. Lots of options out there, but I wouldn't buy a cheap Rover.

 

British vehicles are all a matter of how much do you love them.

If you really, really, really, enjoy their design and unique characteristics, then you're willing to go through the pain of keeping them running well.

My opinion is based on owning:
- a 1975 Norton 850 Commando motorcycle
- a 1970 Jaguar E-type FHC (stolen about 4 years ago)
- a 2008 Jaguar Vanden Plas sedan

On an old Land Rover, my advice is "buy it" but expect several multi-thousand $$$ repairs to be needed in the first few years you own it.

Disclaimer: I own a 2013 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4-door for my SUV choice.
.

 

The biggest problem is that it's a LandRover. Figure $10k to buy then $4k-$5k in repairs the first year and another $10k to buy the Jeep you should have bought in the first place. Make that $9k for the Jeep you'll get $1k for the Range Rover as a trade in.

 

2003 was the worst year of the Rover. 2006-2009 and 2011/12 are good from what i've heard

 

I HAD THE SAME EXPERIENCE...it was more expensive to operate than my boxer!!!!

 

Always loved the Range Rover's looks, but I went with a model year 2000 Land Cruiser instead.

I've owned it now 13 years, and am just about to turn 200,000 miles on it. Other than regular maintenance, I've had to replace 1 coil, and the starter motor. I've been trying to kill it since 2011 through neglect- it just wont die, although it's showing signs of fatigue.

 

I also found that they would eat tires and brakes for lunch. did you not replace those at short intervals?

 

The answer: EVERYTHING!

 

<2004 run fast

2005> run

 

Been there ,done that. Don't do it if you want to hang on to your wallet. When they run they are fine but that's the key...when they run. Pieces of crap that constantly need repair. Replaced struts, brakes, air suspension, alternator, water pump, GPS Nav., Stereo, fuel pump, battery and had to reset all the computer components, and that's all in the first year and a half. Thousands of dollars in repairs, towing and unexpected breakdowns. They look great, they ride great but they're junk.

 

A client of mine is a brand new Jeep Dodge dealer. Usually they get 2-3 Rovers traded in a month. I asked about why so many and their answer was the Jeeps offer better worry free bang for the buck.

 

All the time.

 

Everything is going to break.

Even the new '13s and '14s I've had for a few weeks at a time as testers to review have a few "British Car Gremlins".

That being said, I'd own one in a heartbeat.

 

you wiil be better off to buy a used lambo,less matince

 

My experience - you'll probably spend a lot of time in the shop, but its an awesome vehicle. IF you can afford it, go for it. If cost is an issue...stay away.

You're getting a lot of car for the buy price, and maintenance cost is more in tune with the cost of the original, than the buy price.

 

Look at my profile and you'll see pics of my older Rover. I purchased it
Last year at for an outrageous some. Yeah, I know call me stupid! I
Love that thing! It's nothing like a sports car, but it's fun to drive.
But you ask about repairs ? Although much work had been done to
Mine, alas it was not enough! So for I'm at $1.00 a mile in repairs!
It's not a ferrari but it's no Toyota either.

 

Look at my profile and you'll see pics of my older Rover. I purchased it
Last year at for an outrageous some. Yeah, I know call me stupid! I
Love that thing! It's nothing like a sports car, but it's fun to drive.
But you ask about repairs ? Although much work had been done to
Mine, alas it was not enough! So for I'm at $1.00 a mile in repairs!
It's not a ferrari but it's no Toyota either.