What to look for when buying used Range Rovers

Landrover's Range Rover seems to have been with us forever. As at home on the farm as it is outside the Dorchester, this practical, go-anywhere British stalwart just goes on and on. Its popularity never wains and, it appears, never will. Here is what you need to know if you're thinking of joining the unique group of car owners.

A brief history of the "Rangie"

First released in 1970, by the classic, Range Rover cars were a basic work-horse of a vehicle built on a separate chassis. Designed to be a comfortable, go anywhere, do anything wagon, it was a far cry from its modern counter-part. At its launch, it was only available with the 3.5 litre V8 engine, but this was later opened out into 3.9 and 4.2 litres. It continued pretty much unchanged, with the exception of the introduction of a five-door version, alongside the three-door, until the new model came onto the scene in 1994. Known as the P38A, the new model abandoned the chassis design of its Defender 90, and 110 stable-mates. Luxury became the watch-word, and leather and wood trim abounded. P38A drivers expected far more from their Range Rovers and got it. 2002 saw the influence of BMW ownership, and another increase in luxury levels (and prices). Manual transmissions were dropped, and a series of BMW and, later, Jaguar engines provided the power. Gone were the days of austerity, but off-road ability remained.

What to watch for

Early Rangies suffer from rust as much as any other car (floors and tail-gates particularly). Known mechanical problems include leaking steering boxes, and axles, sagging springs and rusty fuel tanks. Electrical items may be succumbing to age by now as well. The engines are truly bullet-proof and, barring fluid leaks. Hence, they should not be a worry. The P38A is known to suffer with head gasket failure. and fluid leaks are still regular features. Electrical problems are common places with the air-con, and security systems being regular suspects. Engine electrics can cause weak idle, misfiring and acceleration flat-spots. BMW ownership brought improved quality, but there can still be vibrations in the running gear and air-suspension issues.

What to pay

In recent years, 4x4 used sales have dropped due to the cost of fuel and public perception of the environmental damage they cause. All this means that, as a used vehicle, there are some bargains to be achieved out there. Condition is everything, and good Classics can start at around £4000, and can fetch more than £15k. The P38A are less sought-after, and begin at around £1500 for a high mileage diesel. Post-2002 vehicles will cost approximately £7000, but can expect to pay around £12k plus for a low mileage.