Let me steer you away from Land Rover.
I am a long time Saab owner and have always been happy with the reliability/performance of my Saabs.
I got the Land Rover itch several months ago and bought a 1995 Range Rover. Nice truck, but a mechanical nightmare. Every time you blink there is something wrong with it.
I read constantly on a similar BBS to this one for Land Rovers. It seems that even the newer ones are not much better.
I talked to one guy with a 1998 Disco which he bought new and made over 30 trips to the dealer in 19,000 miles!!!
Rangies and Discos are basically the same vehicles (engines and may parts), Rangies just have more "bells and whistles".
I really dont like making blanket generalizations about a particular vehicle (I've had tons of people tell me how "terrible" Saabs are), but in this case from the many people I have met and talked with thru the Rover BBS, I feel like there is a general trend with Rovers towards constant issues.
So unless you have deep pockets or desire to spend alot of time in the dealer, I would steer clear of Land Rover.
If you still decide to do it, I suggest the newest one possible and purchase the 100K mile extended warranty...and any other warranty you can get your hands on, and make sure it includes rental car coverage!
Nick.
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Nick Shumaker
1982 911SC Coupe
nickshu@yahoo.com