take it for a long test drive and have the codes read. make sure the ABS, TC and HDC lights work when you turn the key and check the oil for contamination

 

Reliable is really relative. Is any Rover really reliable? What I can tell you is if you get one from an owner who cared about it, at 130k if its running well and everything works anything that can go wrong has already. Most of the things that were going to break or go bad have and have been replaced.

 

My thinking exactly. I've contacted the seller and she is getting me the records and putting me in touch with the mechanic who worked on it. I should be able to get a better read on the truck after I've talked to him.

 

I have a SAI truck and have had no trouble from the SAI system. It makes some things a bit more of a pain in the @$$, but doesn't affect reliability.

Besides, he's in CA so it'll be almost impossible to find a truck that's not SAI there. CA is the whole reason for SAI!

 

Make sure all of the warning lights come on when you turn the key to the "II" position.

 

I didnt read any of the reply posts, but i would say that in the next 40k you will have to spend around 1200 dollars on repairs and bringing it up to par in regards to preventative maint. I spend about that on my 2002 with 50k miles, so i would assume that you would AT LEAST spend that on yours, if not closer to 2000.

 

This is helpful. I'm trying to understand what will be needed over the next two years. This will be a second car for the weekends so, if it needs work it can be parked in the garage during the week and I can work on it in the evenings.

I should be getting the records shortly along with the most recent service/repair items. I'll share this when I get it.
Thanks.

 

I recently (about two weeks ago) bought a 2001 with 95k miles from second owner, who put roughly 30k of those miles on it. Carfax shows first owner had regular service at dealer, second seems to have kept up with it himself. Interior and exterior are very good, and the engine looked relatively clean. Bought for $5500 and immediately did all the flush and fluid changes recommended here, replaced thermostat, had ss brake lines fitted, etc. Only thing I didn't do is replace serpentine belt, as it looks good. Most of this I had done at a local mechanic that I trust, paying about $1200 in the first week. I had a couple of spurious three amigos prior to doing the brakes, but drove the car 350 miles today with no lights, chimes, noises, etc. In fact, it drove like a new car (knock on wood). One thing mechanic noticed as one plug wire had a two inch slit at the plug that was taped up with electrical tape - hard to believe that wasn't arcing all over the place. Oh, and AC is not blowing cold, but that's something I can probably deal with. All in all, I'm pretty happy - glad I did the service you guys recommend as I think it will pay off in the long run.

 

Work done in Dec 2011 includes...
new brakes, new tires, new head gasket, new radiator,
new cooling system, new coolant lines

Still working on getting the complete list from the mechanic.

 

Dec 2011??? Are you sure it's not a Delorean?