Are the 2003 or 2004 Range Rovers realible? What problems if any do they have. What should I look for when inspecting before I buy?
I currently have a 2000 Disco II. Hope to upgrade soon.

 

I've had a 2003, certified pre-owned with an extended warranty from the dealer, since 9/06. It's a big, beautiful, Adriatic Blue (almost black) luxurious creature with real off-road and towing capabilities. Living in Monument, Colorado, I've had many occasions to drive through two feet of snow, pull people out of ditches on icey roads, and enjoy commanding power and smooth rides on the interstate. The stereo is excellent. Auto-temperature cabin controls and seat warmers are great. However, it is a mistress - very finicky, expensive to maintain, and always something going wrong requiring a visit to the dealership ever couple months. Before that, I had a 99 RR for three years that was more reliable (but not as pretty!). Before that, I had a Discovery as well. You'll definitely want an extended warranty - mine has paid for itself four times over. That's why this year, the price of them has doubled! Specifically, problems have been from front to back, top to bottom, transmission differential replaced twice, tailgate latches failing, cup holders popping out, radiator exploded, oil filter casing leaks, etc. But the thing has literally saved my life a couple times getting me out of tough situations in snow and ice. When my warranty expires in two thousand more miles (at 75k), I'm just going to hang on to her and hope for the best (but sock away a rainy day repair fund)!

 

I would stay away from 2003 models as that was just after the refresh. The newerRovers are far more reliable (if you can sayReliable and Rover in the same sentence). Thereare a lot of could be issues asSeab very nicely pointed outbut the differentialisvery common.

I said it in another post just today, buy the newest one you can afford

 

Oh, and regarding your question; "what should I look for when inspecting before I buy?"

Have a mechanic look over it, look at the tires, look for overspray in the doors, pull a vehicle history, look for service records, find out the conditions of the brakes, ensure all recalls were performed and there is a lot more. Buying a used Rover is sometimes very tricky