Is there a reliable Range/Land Rover?

[TerryBPP]

Is there any model that is worth a damn? I've only heard horror stories.

I see the hardcore 4x4 guys make them into trail rigs but that doesn't attest to the reliability.

[Joeaksa]

Knew a lot of guys in Saudi who swore by the original versions but they suck fuel, especially when compared to the Land Cruiser's.

[chrisf]

I just sold my 1991 GDE RRC. It was one hell of a truck and was actually very dependable. Never had any of the dreaded electrical issues, my ABS system work flawlessly (this really comes in handy off-roading. If you start to spin a wheel, just activate the brake, and let the system do the work.)

I did, however, replace all wheel bearings and rotors/pads. I then had to replace the entire cooling system. But the truck was 18 years old and had over 230K miles on it. And it ran great, very smooth, but was pretty slow, and had to be driven that way. For me, that was fine.

Off road, it was simpley the best truck I've ever driven, and I've had several of the old toyotas (late 70s), which were great trucks themselves. But nothing compared to my rover. 60 mph on fireroads, and felt like driving on pavement. On the trails, the articulation was unbelievable, and in low range had plently of torque, and could damn near crawl up just about anything.

I can say, in my case, easily the best 4x4xfar. In the case of the older RRC, there really was not much that could hang with them off the show room floor.

Then again, it's really a roll of the dice. I'm sure you are going to hear stories from mostly the other side of the fence. It's like this: When I bought my "strange rover", I was constantly hearing "oh, electrical issues!!" "oh, cooling issues!!" "oh, transmission issues!!".

And then when I bought my 911 i heard **** like "oh, you'll hate it, you have to adjust the valves!!" "oh, the headlights are going to rust out!!" "oh, you won't be able to keep oil in it!!". yeah, sure, o.k.






I loved my truck.

[TerryBPP]

Originally Posted by chrisf

I just sold my 1991 GDE RRC. It was one hell of a truck and was actually very dependable. Never had any of the dreaded electrical issues, my ABS system work flawlessly (this really comes in handy off-roading. If you start to spin a wheel, just activate the brake, and let the system do the work.)

I did, however, replace all wheel bearings and rotors/pads. I then had to replace the entire cooling system. But the truck was 18 years old and had over 230K miles on it. And it ran great, very smooth, but was pretty slow, and had to be driven that way. For me, that was fine.

Off road, it was simpley the best truck I've ever driven, and I've had several of the old toyotas (late 70s), which were great trucks themselves. But nothing compared to my rover. 60 mph on fireroads, and felt like driving on pavement. On the trails, the articulation was unbelievable, and in low range had plently of torque, and could damn near crawl up just about anything.

I can say, in my case, easily the best 4x4xfar. In the case of the older RRC, there really was not much that could hang with them off the show room floor.

Then again, it's really a roll of the dice. I'm sure you are going to hear stories from mostly the other side of the fence. It's like this: When I bought my "strange rover", I was constantly hearing "oh, electrical issues!!" "oh, cooling issues!!" "oh, transmission issues!!".

And then when I bought my 911 i heard **** like "oh, you'll hate it, you have to adjust the valves!!" "oh, the headlights are going to rust out!!" "oh, you won't be able to keep oil in it!!". yeah, sure, o.k.



I loved my truck.

Your model is the one I would prefer. I'm looking for 4x4 with light duty towing. hear the power steering pumps are a big issue and sporty to replace.

I'm also looking at a few Landcruisers but the nicer ones command a premium.

[Eric 951]

Terry,

I recently completed re-furbishing a 96 Disco 1. My sister owned it for many years--and 2 winters ago, slid on some ice and wrecked the front end--the ins. co. totalled it, so I bought it back for 1,000 with a salvage cert. During her ownership, she had the engine replaced under warranty--I guess the early Discos were notorious for oil sludge build-up in the passages. She also had some electrical problems. When I got it, I traced down some bugs--most of the electrical probelms were traced to a control box on the passenger floor which had water damage--cleaned it up and re-sealed it. Did the body work to the front end, replaced the brakes, hoses, belts, T-stat, mufflers/tailpipe, etc. I have had it back on the road for about 6 months now with no major issues--it has 120K total miles with about 60K on the replaced motor. IMO, it is just like any other used car--each model has varying degrees of issues, and depending upon how well they were maintained, is how relaiable it will be--I will add that is is a gas hog, and doesn't have much pick-up--esp. when driving in hilly terrain, but for what I have in it, I am very pleased.

before:

after:

[Mule]

Yes, Toyota makes it.

[chrisf]

mine leaked from the day I got it. It left a little spot on the driveway, and I needed to fill up the little resevoir about every 700-800 miles. They are not difficult to replace, and aren't really that expensive. I used to think parts for them were pricey, but then I got the 911. Its amazing how relitively far your dollar can go compared to a porsche.

To be honest with you, if you're looking for a multy purpose rig, it's hard to beat a toyota. In fact, if you really aren't going to be doing much off roading, I would go with a 2 wheel drive V8 type vehicle. Try to go for one with the best milage.

If you are looking for a classic looking truck to play with, and don't mine wrenching yourself, the rovers are great trucks.

[adamred]

Terry, if I may, just want to jump in as this is timely for me as well. I'm eyeing a 1998 Disco 2 for sale locally with 89,000 miles. He's asking $7200, been for sale for a while so I have to figure it is negotiable...thoughts?

Would be a winter runner/kid hauler for me as an alternate to my MB...

[JavaBrewer]

A 1998 Disco would be the series 1. The series II Disco was released in mid 1999.

Land Rovers are a unique breed. You have to accept the fact that they are going to gulp gas and will drip some fluids along the way. Absolutely avoid the LR dealership for repairs. If you don't have access to an independent shop then I say steer wide around a LR.

The Disco 1 had a center diff lock (CDL) making it a superior off-road choice vs the Disco II. However the Disco II is nicer and better finished. Most common issues with the II is the "three amigos" which is traced to the ABS system. When that has issues the traction control system does not work. The 03-04 Disco II got the larger displacement Range Rover motor and the '04 was again blessed with CDL. That said the '04 Disco is pretty much the best of breed and you can find bargains out there. Otherwise Chris's '91 RR above is very sweet. Avoid the later models of the RR.

The 1998 Disco could be a good buy but definitely deal a lower price. Another place to find sorted LRs is on DiscoWeb. You'll have to join to see their for sale forum. There you can also read months worth of complaints & praises of all LR vehicles.

Owning a LR is not unlike owning an aircooled 911. You have to love the entire package (concept, execution) to get past some of the issues you would not have in a Toyota.

[chrisf]

some of those are indeed plagued with electrical issues. Get a copy of all the dealer service type recalls if there were any. I believe these would show up on a carfax report. Several of my buddies had turned down decently priced DIIs, because of 2 & 3 page dealer reports showing that they were tracing down electrical issues.

I would also see about getting a PPI from a local rover specialty shop.

[adamred]

Thanks David...I have a local Euro shop that works on LR...Right around the corner from where it is for sale so a PPI would be easy...Terry sorry to steal the thread, back to you...

[chrisf]

one more sweet pic of my girl gone.

[Paul K]

Simple answer: No. I owned a '96 Discovery and an '00 Range Rover. I have also used an '85 88' , '87 D90 and '90 and '92 Defenders. All terribly unreliable. Good ones are out there, but there's no telling if you'll get a lemon or not. I suggest if you do buy one, avoid the eas (air suspension) models. There are aftermarket spring kits available, but those also require a module to quiet the sensors, etc. Might want to check out this website (and feel the pain of the P38a owners).

http://www.rangerovers.net/forum/

Cheers,

Paul.

[JavaBrewer]

From the DiscoWeb 4-Sale forum -

Roman Bronze RRC with 160,000 miles
4.2 with 60k
Trans was replaced under warranty at 65,000 miles
New AC Compressor and Condensor Dryer less than 500 miles ago, blows ice cold
GBR rear axles
DII front shafts
ARB's front and rear
Rovertym 3 inch HD springs
Rovertym Radius Arms
Rovertrax Trailing Arms
Extended Brakes lines
Cross Drilled and Slotted rotors from AB
Sewer Capped Diffs
Relocated steering dampner
ARB Winch Bar
Super Winch E.P. 9
Hella 4000 Compacts wired to factory switch
Larry Grubbs rear bumper with swingaway tire carrier, gas can holder and High Lift Mount (60inch High Lift included)
Full length roof rack
Custom Sound System
Boston Auccoustics Pro Mids and Tweeters
Audiobahn 10in sub in custom fiberglass box in factory location
ADS power 1000 watts
all meant to look as close to stock as possible.
Asking for $7500...

[johndglynn]

Those RR pics above are superb. I love Range Rovers & live quite near the factory. Here is a pic of my last one - was hard work. Now own the towcar plus a pair of 4runner turbodiesels.

If I was buying another Rangie I would buy an early 2-door, they are the bees knees looks-wise. When I build a proper garage at home I might do that, but for sure they take some maintaining. The 4runners are zero maintenance except for a bit of grease every now and then, they haul ass and the diesels do 35 to the gallon (UK gallon).

[Komenda Fan]

No, you really need to go back further than the Disco's, RR's and such. The Defender was an honest, hard working truck. Simple and tough, but I know in Canada atleast, very rare and expensive for what they are. I know they might not have the high zoot name, but a Toyota is always going to be a better choice.

[jyl]

I'm sure there is, but your chances of stumbling upon it are low.

The newer they are, the more electrical, EAS, trim etc crap to go wrong. The older they are, well, the older they are.

I have a 1995 RR LWB that I would be pleased to sell for $3,000 OBO.

[stealthn]

No probably the best would be the diesel defender 110's, but I had a butt load of issues with my 91 RR it left me stuck twice, the exhaust went once and it was $3000 just for the fricken cat downpipes (I didn't pay that). The same truck had a major head issue (warpage) and I had to get them off and ground flat. My 02 Disco has been reliable (knock on burlwood) but it's the electrical that will get you, as well as rust?? What is up with modern trucks that rust so fast (Is this an English thing?)

Anyway Porsche and LR both have really bad reps for reliability (and part costs) with their trucks so I would recommend against them unless you A. have a cheap parts source, and B. do all the wrenching yourself.

[K9Torro]

Defender 90 - nuff said

Todd

[jkarolyi]

I wish Toyota would import those *real* Land Cruisers like the burgundy one above instead of the posh independent suspension Land Cruiser we get or the fugly PT Cruiser...I mean FJ Cruiser. Go to the wilds of Africa, and these are all over the place...they are TOUGH!