Purchasing a Range Rover ... What to look for ?

[User]

Hi everyone !

This week, I am going to take a look at a 1994 LWB Range Rover for sale ! From what I know, it is a dealer's truck that have been used for the Land Rover Experience program, so it should have been use for "light" offroad use.

What are the things should I look for on the truck ? Any common things that tends to brake (like suspension, brakes, ...) Should I test something ?

Thanks for your help !!!

Guillaume

[RageRover]

Welcome to LRO man!

The 1994 Range Rover (Classic) is a pretty rugged off road truck. Using the orignal solid axles front and rear with offset differentials, it is pretty superior to other 4x4s out there. It is always a good idea to inspect as much as you can when you get the LWB. I have one myself, and I had quite some time to inspect mine. Mine had hood problems like the front hood was rusted through the latching mechanism and made the hood inoperable to close, so I have ratchet straps hold her down. I checked all fluid levels, shortly after getting her, I changed most of the fluids, like oil, coolant, etc..

Check out the thickness of your brake pads, also the wear of the brake rotors, front and rear. I was lucky to have mine in spec to save me some money. Also, depending on the mileage and what you said about the RRC being used as a "light" off road truck, change the diff fluids, both front and rear. I yet have to do mine, I have a lot of miles put on it.

Also any miscellaneous stuff, like interior controls, such as the HVAC system, radio, turn signal lever, windsheild wipers front and rear, defrost, just all the small stuff that make life easier when your driving.

It will be a great vehicle for ya man.

[Disco Mike]

Originally Posted by User

Hi everyone !

This week, I am going to take a look at a 1994 LWB Range Rover for sale ! From what I know, it is a dealer's truck that have been used for the Land Rover Experience program, so it should have been use for "light" offroad use.

What are the things should I look for on the truck ? Any common things that tends to brake (like suspension, brakes, ...) Should I test something ?

Thanks for your help !!!

Guillaume

How mechanical are you, have you had a 4wheeler before??
How many miles on the truck your looking at?
No matter who has had it, would stll let another shop do a once over to make sure you don't mss anything.
She is 12 years ols, plan on changing out "ALL" fluids, check the hoses and belt, don't worry about minor oil leaks, they supposed to lek.
She should make a nice strong truck for you.
Let us know what happens and send pictures.
Mike

[gregolma]

Look for rot under floor in front seat areas and sills under doors.

Does air suspension work?

ABS warning lights?

All of these are potentially expensive repairs.

[Funrover]

Well...... If it has the air suspension still look for problems...leaking air bags etc.. also chances are you will have a small power steering leak.... looks for leaks...you will have some.....just look for major ones..... Other than that just the basics really.....

www.rangerover.net has some hints on what to look for also!

if purchased change fliuds...... belt, etc...... The LWB is a great rover.. I love them.... I don't have the LWB but here is my RRC http://www.cardomain.com/ride/735661

[daway]

welcome! u also should check the breather filter, crank case intake filter, air intake filters (3) above hood (these filters get over looked). depending on the miles i bet they have not been changed and if u say they used this for light off roading then the dust/dirt will get in the filters. u will like the LWB, the extra room is like having another small cargo space! look for rust around the tailgate (top/bottom), power seats, and ect. go to www.rangerovers.net this will give u all the info u need, problems that RRC comes with, trouble shooting and ect. hope u get one and show some pic's if u buy the RRC.

[JungleRR]

This of course is coming from a girl, so take it with a grain of salt....

but check to see if it has the cargo cover, if not it's an expensive item to replace from atlantic British.... I use mine ALL the time...it's super nice to have! (it might make a good point of getting a better deal on it. It worked for me)

[kdkg]

Originally Posted by JungleRR

This of course is coming from a girl, so take it with a grain of salt....

but check to see if it has the cargo cover, if not it's an expensive item to replace from atlantic British.... I use mine ALL the time...it's super nice to have! (it might make a good point of getting a better deal on it. It worked for me)

HaHa, first thing I did was take mine off and put it in the garage...

Did the same thing with my wife's station wagon.

I don't have much use for those covers

[JungleRR]

Originally Posted by kdkg

HaHa, first thing I did was take mine off and put it in the garage...

Did the same thing with my wife's station wagon.

I don't have much use for those covers

REALLY!?!? I can't live without mine. I'm a student so I have my backpack ect with me all the time, so it's nice for that kind of thing.

[Funrover]

Originally Posted by kdkg

HaHa, first thing I did was take mine off and put it in the garage...

Did the same thing with my wife's station wagon.

I don't have much use for those covers

I may need one if possible..I am redesign my rear section..I have a cover now..but it is beat up!!

[kdkg]

Originally Posted by Funrover

I may need one if possible..I am redesign my rear section..I have a cover now..but it is beat up!!

Oh I doubt it is in much better shape than yours. It is off of my 88. The Red 90 didn't come with one.

You should build one of those wood cabinets. Those are great.

If I had more time, I would help you come up with a design. I am kinda handy with the redneck "chainsaw" cabinetry.

One of the first things on my "Rover to do list" is to make a console. Will start on that project in about a year and half.

[Badger1]

Check for corrosion!!!!! Crawl around underneath with a flashlight and have a look around at the frame, a little light rust is fine if you see any holes run for the hills! Also while you are getting dirty under the truck check for any "major" leaks. Like stated in an above post check under all the carpets for rusted out floorboards(you will need a screw driver) especially bad in the front if not fitted with front mudflaps. Peel back the carpet and pad in the cargo area and check for corrosion, also the sills are prone to major rust, and open the rear doors and check to see what shape all the seams are in. Post up some pics, would love to see this truck! Good luck!

[User]

Thank you very much for your help !

I went to see he truck today. First, they didn't find the key (at the dealership), so I wasn't able to start it ... but gladly it was unlocked !

From what I saw, it dosen't look that bad ! The interior is very clean, as the exterior. The interior is complete (the cargo cover is there ) and the rear bumper is a little bit rusted. One thing that bugged me is when I closed the rear passenger door, I heard some rust falling inside the door ... Also, the rear driver door dosent open. The tires were flat down so I didn't see under the car.

The RR has about 66 000 miles, so it's not that much ... The thing is that it has been sitting there for about a year now, so I hope the floor isn't all rusted (I'm going to see it again tomorrow, we will move it and I'll check). Still, they are asking me $4500 for it, do you think it is to much (I think so...)?

Here's some pictures !







I know alot about mecanic, I own 2 Mazda Rx-7 and they need alot of maintenance (or swaping a new motor in ...) but it is the first time that I would buy a 4x4. Why a Range Rover ? I love them, I think they are special trucks ! My dad owned a 1991 Range Rover, a 1998, a 2001 and he has now a 2004 Westminster (I'll post pictures eventualy).

If I buy it, I am going to use it as a daily driver and as a utility truck (towing my Rx-7, ...). I want to off-road also !

Thaks very much for your help and for the links !
Guillaume

BTW, on my way back home, I saw another LWB Range Rover ... I'll go back tomorrow to see if it is up dor sale !

[Funrover]

Looks to be in great shape....but becareful with tthe air suspension......also....are new tires part of the deal? and who is fixing the door?

[RageRover]

Originally Posted by Funrover

Looks to be in great shape....but becareful with tthe air suspension......also....are new tires part of the deal? and who is fixing the door?

x2!!! That does look very clean, mine sat for about a month or two before I got it, and the hood on mine, is well crap. But yours looks solid, the window prolly jammed like mine did. It can be easy to fix that.

Just have the rubber replaced or if the rubber is still any good to drive on, easily inflate them. Good find!