What to look for when buying a Rover?

[ExplorerExplorer]

In my recent search for a new vehicle (getting rid of my Camaro for something I can "get away" in)... I have a guy with a Disco interested in a straight up trade http://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/1503156742.html for my Camaro, and I've been slightly wary of the 'Rovers due to the rumors of poor reliability... I know a lot of rumors aren't seeded in the truth and I was wondering if it's more of a "They're plenty reliable with proper maintenance", or is it "Do all the PM you want and still have a truck break down for no reason?"... I don't mind doing plenty of PM, as I normally do that anyway, but if it's going to be a lost cause I'm going to steer away... Also, what are things to look for when checking this truck out? Is there a "list" somewhere, or a good forum to look at? Thanks...

 

[Alaska Mike]

Depends on which Rover. There are a few models.

You might find what you're looking for here:
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20219

 

[ExplorerExplorer]

Depends on which Rover. There are a few models.

You might find what you're looking for here:
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20219

I'm sorry, a Disco or Range Rover... Mainly Discovery...

 

[timmy!!!!!!!]

If I were you I would try and find a 95 disco or a 98-99 disco 1. They should all be around 4k or less in the current market

 

[Snagger]

Discovery I: look for rotten rear floor, body rear cross member, body mounts, sills and inner wings under the bonnet. Clunks from the transmission when pulling away tend to be from one of two things - a worn A-frame ball joint atop the rear axle or worn splines on the gearbox main shaft and transfer box input gear (expensive as it means a gear box rebuild). Timing belts on the Tdi should be replaced every 72k. Look for leaks on the PAS steering box and worn suspension bushes.

Discovery IIs seem much better. Look for worn bushes and oil in the engine ECU wiring harness. The Discovery TD5 engine runs much higher boost than the Defender TD5, and can distort the exhaust manifold and shear the manifold studs close to each end. Also be aware that early TD5s had plastic dowels for lateral head/block location which could shear, misaligning the head. These were later replaced with steel dowels that cured the problem. If you are looking at a 7-seater, check the air suspension closely at the back and check for signs of leaks from the Active Cornering Enhancement system on the front suspension (it's an electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated anti-roll system on the front end to improve cornering)

 

[stevenmd]

If he is advertising a 1996 then it has the 4.0 engine, not the 3.9. If he doesn't know that, then I would be wary of the seller.

Ask for all maintenance records.

Nothing wrong with the 1996-1997 years. Some people believe they were the worst years, have the most breakdowns, etc. Not true, just a myth.

 

[Christophe Noel]

I would have a very hard time saying any Rover is "reliable." Your level of reliability is directly tied to the maintenance history of the individual Rover and a bit of it boils down to luck, but staying on top of preventative maintenance and preventative REPAIRS will make your ownership more enjoyable but not any less expensive.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

Mine has been pretty reliable. <shrug>

 

[Geo14cux]

I would have a very hard time saying any Rover is "reliable." Your level of reliability is directly tied to the maintenance history of the individual Rover and a bit of it boils down to luck, but staying on top of preventative maintenance and preventative REPAIRS will make your ownership more enjoyable but not any less expensive.

I would have a very hard time saying any Rover is "reliable."
& you know cuz of your vast experience.

 

[Alaska Mike]

I'd have a hard time saying any vehicle of that vintage with average mileage could be considered reliable (in our modern viewpoint) when speaking generally. Too many variables. Some fare better than others, some shoulder abuse longer before they die.

What a Disco or Range Rover has going for it is they are a known quantity. The common fails are known and in most cases there are fixes out there. The right Rover can provide you with an luxurious, highly capable 4x4 for not a whole lot of money (compared to when it was new).

 

[Michael Slade]

You should look for the 'Easy' button. If it doesn't have an 'Easy' button on the dash, don't buy it.

 

[Root Moose]

The only real thing that scares me about Rovers is the head gasket issue.

Is that addressable? Certain aftermarket gaskets? ARP studs/bolts?

 

[BIGdaddy]

LOL. this thread brings the funny. Any car of that vintage is going to need repairs. The OP is not indicating that he thinks differently. He's just asking if the one he's looking at is a good year in general.

My XJ is a 92 and I chose that year specifically. OBDI. bulletproof transmission, tcase, non-disconnect high pinion front axle, non-renix motor parts, etc.

Think of it that way fellas. An average Joe knows that most cars are fairly reliable, but can be easily turned into turds by the previous owner. Lots of people on the other hand don't know the model to model funkyness that some cars have.

For example Honda brakes and auto trannies = crap. Honda w/ manual tranny and upgraded brembo brakes = bulletproof.

my .02 cents on your stupid rover pissing matches.

 

[Christophe Noel]

& you know cuz of your vast experience.

One curious thing about Rover ownership - Rover forums. If you buy a Rover and intend to frequent a Rover forum, be prepared to recieve challenges about who's the mostest smartiest about Rovers and who's been driving them longest. Someone will say they've been driving Rovers since they were 10 and others since they were a zygote in a Series II. I don't get it, but there must be some point system with Rover ownership that didn't come with my Rover.

I'll stand by my statement that I wouldn't consider a newer Land Rover to be as "reliable" as some other brands. Nor would I suggest they're anything other than more expensive to drive than some. From my very brief experience as a Rover owner, I've not only been exposed to my own myriad of mechanicals, but I've listened to countless others discribe similar woes. The cute phrase issued with every repair bill, "Well it is a Rover" didn't fall out of the sky. This isn't to say many will never have a moments challenge, but if reliability is a top priority, I would think better options exist. That said, I will never sell my Rover.

And yes...I had to replace my head gasket, too.

 

[Geo14cux]

I'll stand by my statement that I wouldn't consider a newer Land Rover to be as "reliable" as some other brands.

Thats not what your statement was! I rest my case. Go back to noobville Mr Mod..