I'm looking to purchase my first Land Rover, and have been haunting the forums here for a while. My initial plan was to purchase a early 2000's Discovery, but I came across what appears to be an incredible deal on a loaded 2001 Range Rover HSE with 120,000 miles on it for only $4250. KBB lists the value as $6,400. I have two questions:

1. Is it even worth considering this vehicle, given that it's one of the dreaded P38 models? I own a Ducati motorcycle, so I'm no stranger to vehicles needing some TLC, but this will be my primary means of transportation and I don't want to get stuck with a lemon that will require lots of costly repairs. My plan would be to keep it for a year or so before upgrading, so resale value is a big factor for me.

2. Can anyone recommend a good mechanic in the Denver area to take it for a pre-purchase inspection if I am considering buying it? I found JC's British & 4x4 online, and I see that Disco Mike is in Denver and has helped several people out with similar pre-purchase inspections, but being a new member I can't PM him.

Thanks guys! I've learned a ton browsing the forums, and look forward to joining the band of Land Rover owners!

 

I highly recommend JC

JC's British & 4x4 - Denver Land Rover Service and Repair

 

Reading about other people's problems is different than having your own.


A real glutton for punishment eh? Well, consider this. It was a Ducati. At least it looked good in the garage. But the homeowners association will actually complain about your junkyard, even if the parts car fits in the side yard.

 

Resale value is not an issue to most Rover owners.

Group A - maintain with open checkbook and keep forever
Group B - maintain DIY as funding and time premits, keep until scrapped.
Group C - get out of it at any cost as your are drowning in repair costs
Group D - purchase cheap and part out as a dismantler
Group E - purchase cheap, fix a cheap widget, and flip for $5,000 profit.

The number of owners in group E is very, very, small.

My point is these vehicles are so much fun that one in running condition is worth maintaining. Ones that have not been maintained can be a cost to get road worthy.

 

Thanks guys for the replies!

I went and checked it out this evening. Drives great, appears to be in excellent condition. He has all of the original maintenance records as well. I'll take it in to JC's tomorrow morning and have it checked over.

@Binvanna: funny man.

@Savannah Buzz: This guy appears to be a group A type owner, and he has a garage full of cars that he fastidiously maintains. He's only selling to make room for his new rover.

 

Would advise you investigate purchase of an Ultra Gauge so you can see exact digital coolant temp, reset codes, etc.

 

JC British or MIT in Evergreen, both great shops.

 

I've dealt with P38s and Disco IIs. I trust the P38 more...