Hi guys,

Wondering if you can give me some advice. Thinking of trading my god awful Hummer is for a Range Rover. Looking through the adverts I couldn't believe how cheap you can pick one up here in Florida, but given my credit is bad I am going to be a cash buyer so it limits me to around $12,000 and 100,000+ miles.

I am not particularly scared of high mileage.. I have a F250 at 265,000 which I have hardly had any issues with and then also just sold an X5 at 185,000 (which had multiple small but time consuming issues).

I was wondering if there is anything in particular I should be looking at when oing to buy one. I read something about the diff and transfer casing for leaks? Anything typical and expensive that I need to stay away from?

Would sincerely appreciate the advise - especially if it is just ''this is a bad idea period'' (I'm british, its got 'rover' in the name and I'm aware they are made in Turnip-shire)

 

If you have owned an X5 4.4 then you know all of the mechanical problems that arise. If they have service records it is always a plus.

Beware of front airbags going out and possible trans problems.

 

If the truck was well maintained, it'll be ok. The top of the engines like to leak oil, and the cooling system is somewhat temperamental, but once fixed it's fine. The biggest thing to be scared of is poor maintenance. The air springs are rubber and will fail eventually, however it's usually only the fronts on these.

Don't see too many driveline issues with them, including leaks.

I would have it checked out by a Rover specialist, small price to pay to know what you're getting in to. That said, if it was taken care of decently, they're pretty solid trucks, but getting it right if it's in bad shape, can be pricey.

 

I would aim for a 2004 model. The early 2003s had troubles with the front constantly velocity joints, if I remember correctly, and when they went out they snapped and broke other things as well. By the end of 2003 BMW resolved the problem with some redesigns.

 

Hey guys, thanks for your valuable advice.

I actually found today a 2005 with only 58,000 on the clock for 20 grand so I put a $500 deposit on it tonight - the bank was closed though so couldnt do the deal.

Was wondering if you could help me - when I test drove it I tried the high and lower suspension settings and I noticed it seemed pretty loud and jerky moving up and down. Does the air-suspension make a noise when you lower/higher it? I know its a pump and airbags so would make sense to me but it did seema little 'clunky'. Having never test drove another before I wasn't sure if this was normal or not?

Also, the engine oil leak, the dealer must have steam cleaned the engine, I couldnt see any signs of leaks after m test drive, any particular seal and location to look?

Tranny seemed good, reminding me alot of my x5 to drive only that front cabin is sooooo nice. Beautiful cars cant wait to get one.

advice appreciated..will post a pic when i hopefully buy it!


p.s.

I tow 7400 lbs. I know its rated for 7500lbs but I am guessing I am best sticking with my old F250 for that? anyone seen it tow that kinda of weight before?