Used Range Rover..?

Question

Your views please?

I'm looking at around 97-99, with a 5k budget...is it worth spending so little and getting so old? Or shall I just think about getting another car altogether? Also, for that age, it will more than likely have high mileage...is there a max mileage I should accept? Are they prone to any major problems?

I'll be honest and say I want a Freelander, but reading some views on here has put me off, so my other half has now suggested a Range Rover, cos he likes them.

Thanks.

Answer 1

It's easier to list what doesn't go wrong with a Range Rover! The engines/gearboxes are tough but the truck they're bolted to is just CR*P!
If you must buy one of these dreadful machines, suggest you look at a Mitsubishi Shogun instead. Just don't buy a Jap import one called the Pajero, 'cos that means w*nker in Spanish. Which sums up most of the owners of these anti-social trucks!
If, by any chance you do happen to live on a farm, get a Land Rover, they're cr*p as well, but you can fix them easier.

Answer 2

I highly doubt that you'll be able to find a good condition used Land Rover Range Rover from 1999 for $5,000 or less. Kelley Blue Book lists it as being worth at least $10,000 for the basic 1998 model with no options and 84,000 miles. I did a search on Autotrader.com for Land Rover Range Rovers under $5,000 and came up with only two 1997s in the entire United States, both with over 120,000 miles, and no 1998s or 1999s. There were a bunch of 1996s and 1995s, though, with the old-style body from the 1980s. I'd say max mileage acceptable as 100,000 miles, and only if it's been checked by somebody you trust who knows cars and engines very well.

However, if you do happen to find one, I do recommend these vehicles. They're reported to be quite reliable with no major problem areas, and are very luxurious inside and extremely good off-road. However, don't expect good gas mileage or any high performance. The Land Rover Range Rovers are notoriously underpowered, despite a V-8 engine (made by Ford, nonetheless), and it requires premium gasoline. The on-road and off-road ride is said to be very good, but expect insurance costs to be higher than most other vehicles because it was so costly when new (insurance companies go based on what the vehicle's brand-new price was, not the condition it's in now).

I'd say, if you find one, go for it, but only if you intend to take it off-roading now and then and don't mind paying the higher insurance and frequent fillups with premium gas. It would be a waste to buy a vehicle with the esteemed Land Rover nameplate and never let it see more than a dirty or snowy road. Plus, if you don't exercise the 4-Wheel Drive system, it could sieze up after a couple years and won't work properly when you do need it.

If you need a vehicle for city driving and not too much off-roading, then wait for a cheaper Freelander model to come along. Avoid the Discovery model, as it is very unreliable and gets even worse mileage than the Range Rover. If you can find a Defender model near you, that's a good alternative to a Jeep Wrangler, but again, avoid it if you like a smooth ride, luxurious interior, and don't plan to go off-road.

I hope this has answered your question. If you have any more, please feel free to ask.

Answer 3

I would check out some of the car buyers and seller listed here:

http://www.forcehigh.com/businessdirectory/cars-motors/carbuyersandsellers.shtml

Answer 4

You can look but you won't find any.