I am looking at getting a Series II for the wife. Most likely a 2004.. Can you give me some advice as to what to look for, what to avoid, etc? I was looking for technical info, but didn't see it. I do need a reliable vehicle. I understand that there will be operating costs. Thanks for the help!

 

Inspect and test drive about 4-5 of them. Then you will know what to look for, what to avoid. Your looking for one that has been loved on, not **** on. Unfortunately there are tons more that have been **** on.

 

go to the "write ups and how to sticky" then scroll down to the "buying a rover" section. everything u want to know should be in those links. good luck

 

there used to be a post that read S0 you've decided to buy a 2003? some 04 had the same issues as the 03 did, you should be able to do a search and find it. And read the sticky titled Major Service and that will give you an accurate idea of what your looking at for operating costs. The 04 has a larger engine and a locking center diff. which a lot of the earler series II did not.

 

I'm almost willing to bet you could ask the person selling the truck if they've done a 60k service or serviced the drive shaft. If they look at you like youre speaking French, probably find a different one. That will help weed them out quickly. I would suggest going with someone who has a whole list of ugrades, services they've performed, etc. That being said, I love my 04. Having the CDL is awesome when you really need it!

 

if your wife is like most women she will abuse this thing till the point it erupts on you.

if you are lucky this is not your wife.

you cannot crank the key and shove into drive and be foot to the floor before all 8 cylinders have had a chance to fire. at the very least you need to let it churn for 30-45 seconds on warm days and a couple minutes in cold weather.

she cant be allowed to drive with lights on for 5k miles and say she didnt notice them. services must be done and all things cared for.

that being said i have had my 04 for about 3 years and besides the ferrari and the ducati (not daily drivers) it is the longest i have kept a vehicle for daily or nearly daily use. i just simply enjoy being in the rig and driving it and being in the woods and snow with it.

in conclusion,,,service service service and enjoy the hell outta it