Yeah, if you haven't figured out what to look for by searching on here, take it to a land rover mechanic and pay for an inspection before you buy. Looks like $11.5K is what you are going to pay for a decent truck. People are from all over on here and prices range all over. SoCal is one of the higher areas.

 

Guys, does it mean anything if a valve cover gasket has been replaced by dealer 3-4 times on an '04?

 

yes, it means the dealer is mis-diagnosing the problem.

 

okdiscoguy: thanks for the guidance. Believe me, I've been reading ALOT on here and that's how I've learned to ask the right questions, like head gasket, front ds, etc.

It's frustrating that I see one with potential, but then take time to post on here and/or run carfax, then call a mechanic, and by the time that all occurs, the vehicle is sold. It's not that easy to tell a dealer here in so. cal that I want to pay 10k when they can sell it to an LA yuppy for 13k.

I'm trying to connect with the guy that's in N. Cal. with the 04 se7 for $10,500. That's the one with the valve cover gasket replaced like 3 times from dealer. The current owner seems like a straight up guy, has owned 2 rovers in the past and supposedly wants to sell this one so he can buy the new rover. He says he's certain the HG were replaced, but it doesn't show on carfax. That's the one I'm thinking about asking him to send to an indy mechanic, if it's still available. Then I'd have to figure a way to get up north, etc.

 

Think about travel time to pick it up too... If the gaskets were replaced 4 times, they weren't done right, it is leaking somewhere else, or something is wrong with one of the heads.

I understand your frustration, but that is why I said you should know the price by now. Someone will pay it. Ask the guy where he had the HG done and call the shop. Just because they were done doesn't mean they were done right. Just something to keep in mind.

Most people will let you run it by a shop on a test drive for an inspection. I sold a bug to a lady in NYC and she had an indy mech inspect it at my house. She spent $300, but never left home and was really please when it showed up at her place.

 

Thanks again for all the great guidance...I've come across this vehicle and would like some feedback. I plan on seeing it tonight.

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/1552963850.html

According to owner, it has been maintained at west coast rovers and euro west rovers in orange county (supposedly he has all records). He's asking $12k for it AND tells me that the head gasket job was just done last month. Owner says he doesn't want to sell it, but he needs to buy a van for the family...Please let me know what you think.

 

its a nice truck.. looks to be in good shape.. here is a question.. what was he towing with it?

 

Looks sharp. Do a KBB search for it, tell him you were really looking for a 7 seater with rear air. Check the records and if you like it, pull the trigger. Might ask about the DS and if it hasn't been done, use it to knock $1K off.

 

Ok, so I'm having the vehicle inspected tomorrow...head gasket has been replaced last month.

The vehicle has OME suspension / nitro charger shocks, etc. Not sure what all that is yet. The seller is also including 18" hurricane rims/tires in addition to the 16" rims/tires you see in pics.

How does the black paint age?

Any other guidance?? I make a decision tomorrow. The seller is not busing on the 12k price..

Btw...he towed a trailer to the dump twice...
DS is always lubed, etc. but has not been upgraded.

In my research in the area, it seems like a fair price...