91 Range Rover 3.9

Specs
http://www.lrfaq.org/RR/FAQ.RR.RangeRoverC_US.html

Hope it doesn't go O/T while he needs advice now - BUT - If those in the know think he should skip that particular year/model altogether - what would be the bargain LR/RR?

 

the *******must sell******** might tell ya something

 

I've just bought a 1994 3.9ltr Range Rover (137K miles). Asking around the here (in the UK) the 3.9ltr version is regarded as a fairly good engine variant. The later engines, particularly the 4.0 and 4.6 (used is the later P38 model RR) tend to suffer head gasket problems at 140K miles.

So things I was told to look for:
a) cooling / radiator condition
b) antifreeze (corrossion inhibitor)
c) un-usual gearbox noises
d) whether the high / low transfer box was opperable (often stiff or siezed due to lack of use)

and in the UK the big issue is corrossion, once the rear mud flaps and brackets break a lot of mud and wet is thrown into the back end of the chassis and they begin to rot out (roughly) in this order...
1) boot floor (replairable)
2) rear cross member (repairable, but more expensive)
3) sills (not really economic)
4) front bulkhead (definitely un-economic to repair)

The rear tail gates suffer from (cosmetic) rust

Inside the seat controls fail (electric operation) and the head lining material does not stay glued. My RR has about 30 dress maker's pins neatly holding up the headlining!


To be fair at 173K the engine will be reaching the end of its life and the Rover V8 is reputedly prone to sludging oil and water ways, if fluids are not regularly flushed... But if it isn't rattling and the temperature seems to be okay it should be worth a punt? I have heard of these V8's doing >200K miles if looked after. If in good condition the engine should be smooth and sit still in its mounts, both at idle and as you run it up through the revs. There should NOT be any significant cam / tappet noise.

On a positive note, I paid 1,500GBP for my RR and am very, very pleased with it. Yes it is a bit tired and rusty. Some of the trim is battered and the clock doesn't keep time! Still last weekend it happily hauled the 308, on a trailer (2000Kg / 4400lbs), 300miles back from the paint shop in Wales. It didn't miss a beat, the temperature gauge never moved, it pulled the trailer strongly up and down gradients and dig 21MPG!


So not all Range Rovers are wrecks, but they can suffer for a lack of care.


David

 

Ha!