Should I buy a Range Rover?

[JeepN95YJ]

I didn't see a bash at all. Simply good information for someone asking if this was a good buy. When I followed the links to Rover Net, I saw a HUGE laundry list of things to be aware of for my purchase.

If you go to www.wjjeeps.com, you will also see a long laundry list of things to look out for before purchasing a Grand Cherokee. Bash my Grand all you want (not "you" personally, but "you" in general). I know it's capability and limitations but I don't take offense if someone doesn't appreciate it as much as I do. I know what the trouble spots are and avoided the dreaded "blend door" problem by avoiding the Dual climate control model. I've had to rebuild the front and rear axle (replace bearings and seals) when they became noisy and I replace brake pads/rotors every 20K miles because they become so annoying.

On my Wrangler YJ, I've swapped the entire drivetrain to fit my personal use, though I could probably still be happy with the previous setup.

Some folks do take all this more personally than others. I've not found this site that way, though. Much more respectful than other sites. In fact, most on this site react like most of us do in "real life" rather than the "web world".

I've been ridiculed more than most about vehicle choice in real life, I'd bet. After all, I bought a brand new Suzuki Samurai right after the Consumer Report came out. LOL! I had a blast in that little 4x4 and attribute the driving skills I have today to my experience behind the wheel of the Sammy. I can still pick the "best" line with the most chance of success rather than the "hardest" line or tallest ledge. I prefer to drive in, have a good time, and drive home. I despise working on trucks in the woods because of an "unintelligent" driver.

:victory:

 

[JeepN95YJ]

Keep looking, I'm sure you'll find one that meets your criteria. Don't disregard all Rovers based solely on price. There are plenty of good rigs out there that people are selling for one reason or another. I'm sure the cost of premium gas has hurt Rover prices, and V-8 SUV prices are pretty much in the dirt anyway. If you find a rig like Scott Brady's Disco I and are looking at the long-term (diesel or other engine swap?), this is a good time to be in the market.

I want to replace my Dodge Ram so that I can take over my wife's Grand Cherokee. I'd like to do a little more to personalize it to my tastes.

The wife loves the Grand but wouldn't mind having something a little bigger. She likes the maneuverability of her Grand, though. I think a Rover would fit the bill perfectly for her. Great visibility (I think), maneuverable, high seating position, easy to park, etc. All things she likes.

 

[Alaska Mike]

I love these trucks though, and when I hear one get (in my opinion) beaten down when it's not the only vehicle with issues it upsets me. I personally think the P38 got a bad rap for reliability. I know of countless guys who have run the P38 on EAS and or converted to springs, and have done some amazing things offroad. They require thorough maintenance and wrenching like anything else.

While I agree the P38 is a very capable vehicle and worth defending, its record is on average is not as good as other offerings from what I've read and seen. I still think it's a great rig.

In this thread you've had one poster who has nothing to contribute at all except for the price of parts are genuine and what the dealership fees are (and we all pay those right, because we all go to the dealership to get work done right?) and a handful of others who can only point the OP in the direction of RangeRovers.net.

That simply seemed out of place for this forum.

Unfortunately, the specialization of some Land Rover systems requires specialized tools to effectively troubleshoot/repair, which the average shade-tree mechanic might not have (they cab be a tad spendy). We can all do the basic preventative mantenance, and many of us can do major rebuilds on drivetrain components, but few have the resources to do everything on a vehicle as complex as a P38 without taking a few semi-educated SWAGs. Sometimes they can be as expensive as taking it to a professional. Not everyone has the resources, time, or interest to do it all themselves, so those kinds of comments are valid in a discussion of the platform.

And it's not that we (meaning me) have thin skin - it's not that. I spend a lot of time on Dweb which toughens one up pretty quick. This site is the exception to that, which is why I responded so quickly and vehemently. Of all the forums I lurk and post on, I for some reason hold this one to a higher standard. This thread took me aback, and maybe it's simply my perception.

OP - good luck with your search, hope you find what you're looking for.

Again, my apologies for coming off like a jerk. It wasn't my intent. I'm a little protective of my Rovers (all four of them) just as I suspect we all our when it comes to our obsessions.

I think P38s are pretty cool rigs, so I can understand your desire to defend them. I didn't think you were out of line. We need input from all sides to get a clearer picture of the capabilities and limitations of the vehicle. I see tough times for NAS Land Rovers as gas prices rise, emission standards tighten, and logistics support shifts. In the short term there are going to be a whole lot of cheap Rovers on the market. In the long term... ?

 

[stevenmd]

On a side note: superpowerdave's wife can drive better than most guys can. I see nothing wrong with Dave's post or any other post in this thread.

 

[tshirttom]

Sunroof p38 rr

I picked up a used RR sunrroof motor for $35 and it was an easy fix.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

Maybe the sunroof doens't work because the motor or switches are shot and it's a simple fix?

If the body computer was toast, I'd think nothing would work. It probably wouldn't start. Since the problem is just one of the many systems going through the BCU, I'd think it's just an actuator or input problem?

Good news. :coffeedrink: