If I did, this would be my first RR ever.What should I be on the lookout for when I drive up to see it? The seller left a fairly long description. Im going to copy/paste in case someone can pointout something I should need to consider, seller replaced the engine from a newer classic with 83k miles on it. The vehicle technically has 200k on it.

"The upper tailgate lifter/struts need to be replaced. One rarity is that both bottom tailgate lift tabs are intact. The powder coated front brush guard is peeling off badly. Water got between the coating and the metal and it has rust. I was going to remove it and throw it away, but since I am selling the truck, I will let the new owner make that decision. This only affects the brush guard, not the vehicle.

The Rangie has 215,000 highway miles. I bought and replaced the original engine with a newer engine from another Range Rover Classic with 83,000. The engine came with a 3 month warranty and there are apx. 2 months left on it. I have the documentation. Before installing it, I replaced the rear main seal, valve cover gaskets, exhaust manifold gaskets, spark plugs, rotor, fresh oil, an oil filter, etc. This thing runs like a champ and it has excellent compression in all cylinders. You have to drive it. By the way, if you want the original engine, I still have it and it is available, but NOT included with the sale. The transmission was rebuilt 45,000 miles ago. It shifts perfectly and there are no issues there. It has the usual clunks associated with RRC transmissions.

It has a good battery. It has excellent brakes. The instrument panel has the ABS light on. It could be a sensor, the pump or the Lucas ghost. The brakes work perfectly and if you are familiar with Range Rover Classics or with Land Rovers in general, you know that you learn to live with stuff like this.

All electrical components are working: Wipers (front and rear), washer, parking and head lights, signal lights, interior lights, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, sunroof, AM/FM/CD radio-aftermarket, AC is blowing but not cold (maybe needs a freon charge). The passenger power seat works 2 ways, but it doesn’t move forward. The front driving lights mounted on the brush guard, are new. They are installed, but not connected. I have the hardware to connect them and it is included with the sale.

The body and paint of the vehicle are consistent with a vehicle this age. The paint is very faded on the roof and hood, but very shinny on the sides. I buffed and waxed the truck and it looks better than the day I bought her. There are scratches and dings that I don’t know if you’ll be able to see in the pictures. I encourage you to come and see it in person. That will also give you the opportunity to drive it. You’ll be amazed.

The leather seats are dry, especially the front bottom, driver side. I’ve been using Lexol to revive them and they look better today, but still not the best of shape. I was going to order water proof covers for both of them, but after loosing my job, I can’t spend money on her. Another rarity is that the headliner is in place, in excellent condition and not sagging. The vehicle has road tires with about 13,000 miles, based on the records that I have. It has Bilstein shock absorbers, the best to drive this Classic on the road. It has all 4 front and rear bumper caps."


If anyone has any suggestions/comments about what he wrote or in buying such a late model RR they would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

You mean such an "early" model. Late model would be like a 2006 or 2007. But anyway, this guy sounds tremendously honest and the truck sounds "sound". What's he asking for it? That's the most important part. Can you stop by and look at it/drive it before you commit to purchasing or is it on eBay? Sounds like he's taken care of many of the higher price items. I wouldn't worry about the brush guard peeling and the tailgate stuff could be easily replaced with another from a junk yard. This one might just be a good find if you can vouch that it's in decent shape and drives OK. I saw one on eBay in real nice shape that was well taken care of sell for $3800 and it lived its life in Southern Cal ....that would be the ideal place to get one since you would have little rust concerns, etc. That one seemed to be a good buy.

Pads Fan

 

Doh, early model I meant. He's asking $3200 and the vehicle was asouthern california and then shipped to florida. Its about an hours drive from here, so I'll be able to test drive it before making a decision.

http://img443.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img5425gq1.jpg
http://img82.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img5392qk6.jpg
http://img443.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img5410jh6.jpg
http://img443.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img5421by0.jpg
http://img117.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img5427vc9.jpg

For some bizarre reason I'm really drawn to this vehicle. Now if i can convince the wife this is a good idea :P

 

the A/c fix could be expensive -- especially since it's black. If you are a wus and need A/C figure $1,000 for A/C repairs. mine went out years ago and I just roll the windows down without issues here in coastal/Central Florida. I don't miss the A/C but my wife does.

If the A/C is bad or you park it outside in Florida that headliner won't last too long. My southern Cal LWB rover lasted 2 months in the heat and then started draping down (with A/C working).

looks clean.

new seat switches: 120/ea

no comments about the brake age. parts are about $300 for everything. it's a day job if all goes well and you get the rear rotors off and know how to adjust Rover wheel bearings.

steering parts? that job isn't bad -- just replace everything all at once. Can't remember exactly but about $200 for parts seems right.

alternator - $150-250
starter same
headliner $500 ??


that's the worst of it -- probably won't need all that immediately...

I'd have a shop look at the A/C.