Should I buy a 1992 Range Rover for $750?

[Little Red]

I have a chance to buy a 92 Range Rover locally.
If I do this will be my first Land Rover, so I want some advice and know what to look for. What are the common issues / weak points?

Here are all the details I have:

The truck runs good but the Transmission went out, body is in good shape and it has a brush guard and large roof rack.
I have not been able to take a look at it yet, so that’s about all I know for now.

Thanks for your help / advice

 

[Wander]

What are expectations and budget ideas for the restoration? The main rust area for a Rangie is the rear tail gate and surround for the glass-both are available. The heater cores often need replacement and the electrical can be a challenge but nothing that patience can solve. Mechanically it is pretty basic to service and there are parts sources. Pay close attention to the frame-look hard for rust as that can turn it into a handsome planter rather than a off roader.

 

[Little Red]

My budget is limited so I am hoping that after I get the transmission rebuilt (for around 600-900?) it will be a good solid car.

My suburban will be my main vehicle for longer trips and overland travel (more room and I can sleep in the back). The Range Rover would be used for short trips off road as well as be a daily driver for my wife.

I don’t think rust will be a major concern, the body seems to be in pretty good condition. However I won’t know for sure till I take a look at it of course. I am hoping this guy calls me back and I can take a look at it tomorrow. And I will make sure to crawl underneath it and check it out.

 

[Wander]

Do a tap test along the frame with a hammer or screwdriver-you want to hear a ring rather than a thud. The body is aluminum but be sure to check the door bottoms and the tail gate.

 

[Little Red]

I found a lot of useful information on this site http://www.rangerovers.net/modelspecs/1992.html

I now know that it is a county edition with all the options.
But I have still not heard back from the seller, so it looks like I will not be able to check it out today.

The more I find out about these Range Rovers the more I want to buy it though.

 

[DividingCreek]

What are expectations and budget ideas for the restoration? The main rust area for a Rangie is the rear tail gate and surround for the glass-both are available. The heater cores often need replacement and the electrical can be a challenge but nothing that patience can solve. Mechanically it is pretty basic to service and there are parts sources. Pay close attention to the frame-look hard for rust as that can turn it into a handsome planter rather than a off roader.

rear fender well where the seatbelts anchor, under the front floor mats, carpet, soundeadening/insulation, lots of rain in your part of the world and these trucks are famous for getting moisture under the carpet and never drying out. I have seen the entire drivers floor gone on many trucks. Look @ the frame particularly around where the removable cross member is (have removed them to find huge gaping holes in the frame that weren't visible other wise, also look @ the rear frame where the rear bumper bolts on-hard to see but prone to rusting out there as well.

 

[evilfij]

You can get a used transmission for $250 or so (or less). They rarely go bad. Anything 95 on down to 87-89ish will fit.

 

[redveloce]

Parts

<SPAM> If it helps your decision, I'm local (South Everett), and will be parting my '93 Range Rover (blown head gaskets) as soon as the weather improves. It has a good transmission, transfer case converted to LT230, converted to solid non-sunroof top, D2 cup holders, some new brake components, nearly new 235/85/16 Cooper STT tires, etc. </SPAM>

 

[Little Red]

<SPAM> If it helps your decision, I'm local (South Everett), and will be parting my '93 Range Rover (blown head gaskets) as soon as the weather improves. It has a good transmission, transfer case converted to LT230, converted to solid non-sunroof top, D2 cup holders, some new brake components, nearly new 235/85/16 Cooper STT tires, etc. </SPAM>

PM send

 

[ColoDisco]

the electrical can be a challenge but nothing that patience can solve.

I actually think you meant to type that!

 

[roostercruiser]

I'm amazed on how welll those rovers wheel

 

[Funrover]

I'd say go for it. But I am partial. If the transmission is really the only issue you will be fine. There is a lot of great info on the rangerovers.net site, in all honesty that site is very honest and tells you how it is.

 

[BKCowGod]

Just for a comparison, mine cost quite a bit less than $750. Every warning light does what it should (and all turn off), as does every button inside. All the defrosters work and so does the air suspension. Viscous coupler is getting mighty tired, but I have put 5000 trouble free, 17mpg miles on it in three months. Lovin' it.

 

[High Center]

"17mpg miles"
Hate you. Kidding of course- Do you really get 17mpg out of that Classic?


Original poster- Buy it. 750.00 doesn't buy much regret...

 

[Little Red]

Thanks for all the replies and advice. The more I came to know about these RRC’s the more I wanted to buy this one, but unfortunately after leaving 3 voicemails and an email I have still not heard back from the seller. So looks like I won’t be buying this Rover after all. (Maybe he already sold it)

I am going to keep my eyes open for any other good deals on a RRC though, so who knows.