Gents/Ladies:
I need some advice and counsel. I am seriously considering purchasing a 2001 RR HSE with 122K miles on it. The dealer is, I think, giving a pretty good price at a little below USD $7K. This would be my "project" car and I'd be willing to put in around $1500 to spruce it up and add some cosmetics, but I'm concerned that the 122K is a bit much on the engine and transmission and suspension. I don't want to purchase this car and then need to replace the engine - not worth it for me. In that case, I would rather have purchased a less used car for more money up front or purchased a Discovery, of which there are plenty to chose from in the New York area. I have owned a 99 RR in the past and it was a good truck (had to sell in when I moved to NY from the UK). I currently own a 08 LR3 which so far has been very good. I need this project car that I am contemplating purchasing to run me another 20K miles with reasonable upkeep (i.e., no engine replacement, etc...). I appreciate your thoughts on this. Thanks!

 

'01 was a good year, just like your '99 ... 122K, as you know, is nothing for the actual engine and tranny, but I'm now having some troubles finding replacement trim parts for my '99 4.6HSE. My local Land Rover dealer said that with the sale to Tata Motors and and downturn in the market, they have discontinued making quite a few bits for this truck. Although they did say that they will probably start producing popular parts again, some day.

 

Thanks, pauls - the truck is in reasonably good condition, but by no means am I the mechanic type of Land Rover owner. I may pull the trigger today but am trying to get the truck up on the blocks to have a better look at the undercarriage first. I just want this baby to run (relatively) pain free for 20K miles...

 

Just like with all P38's the suspension and possibly the head gaskets are going to be your pains. If the bags look good then feel confident that suspension is in good repair. The head gaskets will be hit or miss. If they know they have been done then even better. I would still try to get it as low as possible and plan on putting that $1500 into it.

 

122k is alot of miles for any rover, and if you can't fix it on your own, better have deep pockets.

 

Thanks, sideburns. Question, in the hypothetical, would you recommend spending about 10-12 $K for a RR with around 90-95K miles rather than the less than $7K for the HSE with 122K miles? Thanks!

 

I would not spend $12K for a Rover P38 with 50K on it. 121K is not a lot for a Rover, I am not sure what Sideburns means by that. There are many that make it well into the mid 200's with just normal care.

If you are willing to work on it yourself then the Rover is a great deal. I bought my 97' with a blown motor for $2000, found a used one for $700 and have only had to replace rear bags ever since. I do all the normal maintenance as well and have put about another 30K on it in the past two years. I plan to get another 100-125K out o fit before I look at the motor again.

You can find great examples with about 130K on them for around $5K, give plenty of room to do repairs and whatever else you may need.

 

Thanks, handsome rob. Sorry, but I may be confused - you are saying do not buy a 99-02 RR P38 with between 90-100K miles on it for around $10K... correct? Instead, you are suggesting that a better buy is to go for a higher mileage, well-maintained P38 (e.g., with +150k miles) and for much cheaper... correct? Second and related question, would you advise buying a 03-04 Disco with 90K miles for $10K rather than the aforementioned 2001 P38 HSE with 121K miles for $6,995? Generally, are high mileage Discos better performers than RR's? Thanks,

 

Mine (1996 p38) has 153k miles on it. I was going to replace it with a newer model, but I just can't bring myself to do it. I just runs and drives so well. I could see it going to 200k miles easily. Some may think I'm crazy, but I think $10k is way too much for any p38 unless it is in near new condition. For less than $5k, you should be able to find a very nice p38. Just be patient.

 

OK. Thanks for the advice. Same question to you though - generally, do you have an opinion on high mileage Disco II vs. P38s?