Newbie looking to buy LWB with questions - Land Rovers Only

Todd951968 · 08-10-2006, 07:33 AM

HI, everyone. I've been reading posts here for a while and learning, as I look for a Classic. I found one and have a few questions. Its a '94 LWB with 140k miles. I'll be looking at it in a few days but have seen pictures and asked questions. Its basically original and runs well but has a lot of "minor" issues that's got me wondering. The list is, as follows:

-Upper tailgate completely rusted (lower tailgate has a spot or two as well)
-front corner of hood rusted through. (not sure about underneath-chassis and frame though owner says its pretty clean)
-Needs sway bars linkages (are these difficult or expensive to replace?)
-headliner sagging and some torn leather on drivers seat
-hood latch sticks
-pass side door handle sticks on outside
-Drivers side window issues
-power mirror switch
-power steering lines leak and need replaced
-vehicle not inspected (ran out in June)
-tires are getting worn

According to the owner, things like the alternator, radiator, heater core, transmission are original.

What is a vehicle in this condition worth? I am inclined to call it "fair" condition but if ANY of the major components go, its going to cost ALOT to fix. Is this a ticking time bomb ready to explode everything in my wallet?
Or, is it reasonable to assume that if I fix the above, I can expect 20-30k miles out of it? Should I assume that if the tailgate is rusted and the hood has some rust that it WILL be rusted underneath and therefore, not worth it?

He also said the transmission fluid wasn't changed and someone told him it should be changed at about 150k. (I've heard to change it every 30k).

Well, I've said enough for my first posting. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks
Todd

OkieRover · 08-10-2006, 04:02 PM

I think you could find a better specimen than that for a price your willing to pay.
If you want EVEN MORE to read about LWBs I have a webpage devoted to my 93 LWB.
Click my sig link. Hey and it's FREE!

Todd951968 · 08-11-2006, 06:30 AM

I think he's looking for something in the $2-3,500 range, which is pretty low. I suppose I'd be better off paying more and (hopefully) get a more reliable vehicle. I'll probably go look at it since I've never inspected one close up before or driven one. At a minimum, I'll gain a reference point with which to compare future vehicles.

Paul Grant · 08-11-2006, 09:06 AM

Run away. Fast. If this guy wants anymore that $1500 he's crazy. You're right in your wondering whether this is a time bomb waiting to go off. If the bonnet is rusting away I bet the floors are a mess as well as the sills. My bet is that you'll be replacing most if not all of those "original" parts that are still on the truck. Look for a better example if you expect to hit the ground running with a Range Rover. Three thousand dollars can buy a lot of Range Rover these days.

Todd951968 · 08-11-2006, 11:48 AM

Thanks. I guess I'll keep looking for a nicer example; too bad they are getting few and far between...

08-10-2006, 07:33 AM	#1 (permalink)
Todd951968 Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 4 Gallery: 0	Newbie looking to buy LWB with questions HI, everyone. I've been reading posts here for a while and learning, as I look for a Classic. I found one and have a few questions. Its a '94 LWB with 140k miles. I'll be looking at it in a few days but have seen pictures and asked questions. Its basically original and runs well but has a lot of "minor" issues that's got me wondering. The list is, as follows: -Upper tailgate completely rusted (lower tailgate has a spot or two as well) -front corner of hood rusted through. (not sure about underneath-chassis and frame though owner says its pretty clean) -Needs sway bars linkages (are these difficult or expensive to replace?) -headliner sagging and some torn leather on drivers seat -hood latch sticks -pass side door handle sticks on outside -Drivers side window issues -power mirror switch -power steering lines leak and need replaced -vehicle not inspected (ran out in June) -tires are getting worn According to the owner, things like the alternator, radiator, heater core, transmission are original. What is a vehicle in this condition worth? I am inclined to call it "fair" condition but if ANY of the major components go, its going to cost ALOT to fix. Is this a ticking time bomb ready to explode everything in my wallet? Or, is it reasonable to assume that if I fix the above, I can expect 20-30k miles out of it? Should I assume that if the tailgate is rusted and the hood has some rust that it WILL be rusted underneath and therefore, not worth it? He also said the transmission fluid wasn't changed and someone told him it should be changed at about 150k. (I've heard to change it every 30k). Well, I've said enough for my first posting. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! Thanks Todd Last edited by Todd951968 : 08-10-2006 at 11:15 AM.

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08-11-2006, 06:30 AM	#3 (permalink)
Todd951968 Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 4 Gallery: 0	I think he's looking for something in the $2-3,500 range, which is pretty low. I suppose I'd be better off paying more and (hopefully) get a more reliable vehicle. I'll probably go look at it since I've never inspected one close up before or driven one. At a minimum, I'll gain a reference point with which to compare future vehicles.

08-11-2006, 09:06 AM	#4 (permalink)
Paul Grant Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: CT Posts: 846 Gallery: 0	Run away. Fast. If this guy wants anymore that $1500 he's crazy. You're right in your wondering whether this is a time bomb waiting to go off. If the bonnet is rusting away I bet the floors are a mess as well as the sills. My bet is that you'll be replacing most if not all of those "original" parts that are still on the truck. Look for a better example if you expect to hit the ground running with a Range Rover. Three thousand dollars can buy a lot of Range Rover these days.

08-11-2006, 11:48 AM	#5 (permalink)
Todd951968 Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 4 Gallery: 0	Thanks. I guess I'll keep looking for a nicer example; too bad they are getting few and far between...

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