Buying a New or
Used Range Rover
Introduction
Overall Considerations
What Model Year?
Custom Range
Rovers
What to Look Out For
The Test Drive
Price
Information
Buying New
Buying Used
Financing Information
Extended Warranties
Auto Insurance for Range Rovers
New & Used RR Sources, Price Quotes
& Buying Help
Links to Other Information
If you can afford a new Range Rover -- buy one! (See buying information at this link). Fortunately, if you cannot, Range Rovers have been officially imported into the US since 1987, so used ones have become very affordable. This page provides some basic information for prospective buyers. (Check here for my own ownership experiences, and here for other owners' views).
Overall Considerations: Is a Range Rover for You?
The Range Rover is the world's best 4X4; if you're looking for the world's best handling sports car or shopping mall conveyance, or the lowest maintenance and repair costs, look elsewhere. To find out whether you really want one, check out the SUV Comparison Page on this web site.
Studying consumer publications for details of reliability records and the like is not much help for Range Rover buyers, since there are insufficient numbers sold to register on the Richter scale in that type of publication. When data is available, Rovers usually rank low when it comes to the number of faults reported by owners, but very high in owner satisfaction. The basic frame, body, and drive train are very reliable and long lasting. (Take a look underneath a Range Rover and compare its solid engineering with the flimsy undersides of other sport utilities that are "off-road" vehicles in name only). However, when it comes to the small, annoying things that can go wrong, the Range Rover (like other Land Rover products) cannot compete with the reliability record of cars like Hondas and Toyotas. A Range Rover is well worth buying if you want to know you have the world's best four wheel drive capabilities. Other buyers may be happier with a lesser but more maintenance free vehicle.
If you buy one that is out of warranty, allow a realistic (i.e. large) annual budget for scheduled maintenance and the usually minor but often expensive things that have a habit of needing to be fixed. (For an excellent perspective on the right philosophy for living with a Range Rover, see this link). Or, consider paying a known amount up front for your repairs by getting an extended warranty.
In selecting a model year, it is useful to know when the main
mechanical
changes occurred; a thumbnail sketch is given below. For all the
details, including illustrations of the different models and their
distinguishing features, see the Detailed
Model Year Specs/FAQ. Individual model years below are linked to
those pages for more information.
Range Rover Classic
1987: Range
Rover introduced to North America.
1988: No major
changes
1989: Larger
3.9 liter engine and new chain
driven, automatic viscous locking transfer case.
1990:
Special 4 channel ABS added,
designed
for off road use.
1991: Great
Divide Expedition model (a white
1990 with special bumper and trim) sold alongside County (swaybars
added
for first time) and cloth seat Hunter (no swaybars, spoiler, or
sunroof)
1992:
Swaybars on County model, absent on
regular
model.
1993: Long
wheelbase (LWB) model introduced
with 4.2 liter engine, air suspension, rear traction control, stronger
24 spline axles.
1994: Air
suspension added to short wheelbase
3.9 liter model. Sometime early in 94, the LWB gets redesigned dash and
airbags and is sold as a 95 model for most of 94.
1995: LWB
discontinued. New dash design added
to short wheelbase model, sold alongside new model for 1995 as the
"Classic".
1996: Production of Classic ends in February.
Range Rover
P38
1994:
The all-new P38
model introduced in September in the UK.
1995: New
4.0 SE model goes on sale in USA.
1996: 4.6
HSE introduced to US with larger
engine, 18 inch wheels and 255/55R18 tires.
1997: Shock
valving recalibrated to softer
setting (mid year).
1998: 300
watt, 12 speaker stereo replaces
earlier 11 speaker setup. A limited edition 50th Anniversary 4.0SE
model
has18 inch wheels with a special color and trim details.
1999:
Engines receive new
intake manifold and Bosch engine controls for more low and midrange
torque.
Electronic Traction Control extended to all four wheels; larger
subwoofer
installed. Callaway 4.6 HSE limited edition appears
with 240 hp engine and body color bumpers. The engine has a modified
Lucas
EFI system instead of the Bosch system on regular models.
2000:
Addition of air injection reactor (smog
pump) on the engine, further complicating repair work. "Round effect
headlights"
introduced. Several new model designations, each with minor cosmetic
trim
variations.
2001: 4.6
model only, in SE and HSE trim. HSE
recognizable externally by rub strip with chrome insert, and standard
18 inch wheels. Interior HSE trim differences: GPS system standard, 460
watt stereo, extra wood trim, optional lightstone leather, optional
wood
and leather steering wheel.
2002: Few Range
Rovers sold during first 6 months
as customers wait for new model
Range Rover Mark III / L322
2002:
All-new Range Rover III model goes on sale in
June (called a 2003 model in the US). If you buy a
"2003" in the US, check the rear of the driver's door for actual build
date.
2003: New
model continues unchanged.
2004: No
significant changes. An optional Luxury Interior Package added special
seats and more leather trim. A special "Westminster
Edition" limited run of 450 vehicles allowed buyers to pay $12,000 more
for a totally black interior including ebony wood, more front seat
motion options, a rain sensor, and 20 inch boneshaker wheels for
feeling every bump on the road.
2005: A new touch-screen
navigation system,
sound system and fiber optic network interlinking these and other
in-vehicle systems. No significant mechanical changes.
New Discovery/LR3
steals the thunder this year with many features borrowed from the Range
Rover, plus more power.
2006: Major model update
(introduced summer 2005) -- base model gets
Jag-derived 300 HP 4.4 litre V8 engine used in new Discovery 3/LR3. New
supercharged model gets Jag-derived 4.2 litre supercharged engine
(400HP) shared with new Range Rover Sport model (see below) also
introduced in the summer of 2005. New tire pressure
monitoring
system,
rear view camera, and re-tuned steering, braking and suspension, and
optional swiveling headlamps. Several cosmetic updates including new
front bumper, grille, power
vents and tail lights. Adoption of road wheel specs from LR3 and Sport.
Highway ride height mode setting eliminated.
2007: Significant interior facelift.
Redesigned dash including ignition switch
moved to upper dash. Improved air
conditioning including cooled seats
option. Redesigned seats with active head restraint and integral
airbags. Two gloveboxes, revised door trim. Terrain Response, electric
center and rear locking diffs. HSE gets Supercharged suspension with
reduced wheel travel. Introduction of all-new TDV8
diesel (except in US), with power and torque approaching
petrol/gasoline models.
2008: Minor trim upgrades such as four-zone
air conditioning, IR retarding windscreen and side glass, automatic
rain and headlight sensing, redesigned rear seat armrest, additional
leather trim additional wood veneer choices, new tread-plates, revised
graphics on the touch-screen and instruments, new colors, and another
20" alloy wheel design.
Range Rover Sport
2005 (summer) New Range Rover Sport model becomes available
(sold as a
2006
model in the US), with mechanicals based on a shortened Discovery 3
/
LR3
platform. Base engine is same as Discovery (Jaguar-derived 4.4 V8);
optional supercharged Jaguar-derived 4.2 V8.
2006: No significant changes
2007: Minor option changes --
bluetooth became standard, Supercharged had Sirius radio standard and
extra wood and leather trim choices.
Specific Model Guides and Specs
For overall information on each specific Range Rover model, see the P38 Range Rover, Range
Rover III, and Range Rover Sport
pages. For a detailed illustrated account of the options and changes
for each individual model year, refer to Kevin Kelly's Detailed
U.S. Model Year Specs, now here on Rangerovers.net with photos of
the various model changes and features. Mechanical specs are given in
our Specifications,
Dimensions and Performance Data section. In addition,
the 4WD page's Range
Rover Model Guide gives some information on major model year
changes for
the Classic.
Custom Range Rover Models
(P38, Mark III)
There has always been a market for Range Rovers that are upgraded and
personalized beyond the normal exclusivity associated with the regular
models. In the UK such firms as Overfinch and RPI have long supplied
this
need. In the US, suppliers of customized Range Rovers
now include Special Vehicle
Concepts and Overfinch USA.
For information on their available options
for engine & drivetrain, interior and exterior upgrades see the Range Rover Customization Pages.
Standard Equipment versus Options
Many private sellers and car dealers advertising used Range Rovers
list all the luxury features as if they were options (as they are on
other
makes); in fact with one or two exceptions they are all standard
on US models, so don't pay extra for them.
The Usual Precautions
When buying a used Range Rover, many of the same considerations apply
as when purchasing any other used vehicle. The overriding priority is
to
make sure the vehicle has had its scheduled maintenance performed; the
owner's manual should be stamped to prove this. Do all the usual checks
such as those suggested by Edmunds
Price Guide. Look underneath to see if there are any leaks; if
there
are not, all fluids must be empty!! (Just kidding).
Things to Check on a Classic
On Classic models, the most notorious leaker is the
steering
box; if you don't like topping it up periodically the replacement
is
expensive. Other good leakers are the swivel pin housings on the front
wheels (the chromed spherical things on the inside of each front wheel)
and the rear
axle. While you're under there, have a look for any signs of rust.
There shouldn't be any on West Coast vehicles; there may be some on
vehicles
from other areas. See if the fuel
tank recall work has been done -- the original tank on 87-91 models
was said to be prone to rusting between the tank and skid plate. A
slightly
sagging right rear corner is normal due to uneven stock
spring
lengths (designed to balance out when the driver is seated). More minor
checks that can pay off are the operation of such items as the sunroof,
the heating and
air
conditioning systems, and the electric
door locks and seat adjustment
switches.
Check for rust -- the tailgate is a notorious ruster, and it's also a
good
idea to pull up a bit of interior carpet to see if the floor is
rusted.
Other Range Rover weak points are listed on the Range
Rover Remedies page.
Things to
Check on a P38
The P38 models are just as subject to
leaks as the Classic models. Coolant leaks are not uncommon, including
thermostat housing, hose leaks. Head gasket leaks seem to be especially
common on the later model years. Popular oil leak points include the
crankcase
pan and the pinion seals. There were several recall campaigns on the
earlier
models, including one to address coolant leak problems; make sure the
work
was done. See if the Message Center indicates any faults when you turn
on the ignition; this gives a good indication as to whether all the
electrical
and electronic features are operating. Make sure all the
electric
door locks work. Check the function of the air suspension (see
above)
and climate control. For the latter, just punch the "Auto" button and
set the desired temperature, making sure the system heats or cools
properly.
Check out the items mentioned in Range
Rover
4.0/4.6 Common Problems and Fixes.
Things to check on a Range Rover III
Like any new design, the Range Rover III had a number of teething
problems, some of which persisted through to the later years. It is
worth checking the air suspension operation and the navigation and
entertainment systems, especially on pre 2005 models. If you are
getting the vehicle checked out by a dealer, it might be worth paying
them to check the front
differential splines for wear to prevent possible failure. Things
to check
while driving are listed in the test drive section below. Reading the Range Rover III Common Symptoms and Fixes
page will give you a good idea of the most common problems.
Things to check on a Range Rover
Sport
The RR Sport is basiccally a replica of the Discovery 3 / LR3 with a
chopped down body, and was introduced after there was time to get rid of
the initial teething problems. Relatively fewer common problems exist
on this model, but it is well to check the air suspension operation.
Range Rover Classic:
Don't be alarmed if there seems to be excessive body roll when you
go for a test drive in a Range Rover Classic; this is normal and is a
result
of the superb off-road suspension.
As
soon as you leave the pavement you will feel like you are falling into
a soft silk pillow, with the Range Rover magic carpet transporting you
effortlessly over terrain that has lesser 4x4's reduced to a crawl,
while
their owners think about chiropractic bills. Check the operation of the
transfer
case in low range. (Stop and shift the transmission into neutral.
Move
the transfer case lever from H to L. All transmission shifts should be
smooth, except for a normally fairly hard shift from first to second on
Classics. Some gear noise is normal, especially on 87 and 88 models
with
the gear driven transfer case. Around 40 mph on 1987 models, or 52 mph
on 1988 and later Classics, you should feel the torque converter lock
up
-- this feels like another gear change but is not.
Air Suspension Models (93-95 County LWB, 94-95 County, 95 onwards
P38):
To test the air suspension, you need to know that it will only respond
to commands if the engine is running, all doors and the tailgate are
closed,
and your foot is off the brake. In Park, you should be able to raise
and
lower it over the full range from "access" to "high" settings. In
motion,
if the "inhibit" switch (to the right of the height control switch) is
off, the suspension should stay in standard profile until you exceed
50 mph
for about 30 seconds, then it should lower itself to "low" profile.
When
you slow down below 35 for about 30 seconds it should revert to
"standard".
Below 35 mph you should also be able to select "high" profile.
Range Rover
P38:
The P38 should feel tight and car-like
to drive, with reduced body roll, and virtually none of the clonking,
slop
and gear noise associated with earlier models. Steering should be
precise
and the car should track straight. Transmission shifts should
be
very smooth. Engaging "sport" mode by pressing the button next to the
shifter
should make the tranny stay in its lower ranges longer and shift down
more
readily. The torque converter lockup is electronically controlled and
can
tend to hunt to and fro a bit on hills, giving the impression of
frequent
gear changing. To test the
transfer case, stop, select neutral,
move the shifter across to the low range neutral position, wait 'til
the
beeps and flashing lights stop, then select the desired gear ratio. To
test the climate control, just punch the big "auto" button and set the
desired temperature.
Mark III Range Rover (2003 Model Year
& up):
On this model the new drivetrain and independent suspension should make
the test drive feel like driving a (heavy) car, with everything smooth
and quiet. There should be very little body roll (although more than in
a car). Listen and feel for vibrations in the steering or drivetrain --
these seem to be the most common defects (see common problems and fixes) and are
hard to get rid of. Make sure the steering column adjustment goes up
and down without sticking, and that the radio and navigation systems
operate normally without any static or other quirks. Test the air
suspension to make sure it goes up and down normally.
Range Rover Sport (2006 &
up):
Not much to worry about on this vehicle except making sure everything
works! Test the air suspension, but most other systems have not been
subject to many problems. .
Most buyers will want to get some idea of prices for the new and
used models before making a decision on what to buy.
In North America,
Edmunds Land Rover Price Guide is a good place to start, giving you
an idea of new prices as well as used. Dealers have told me that
Edmunds used
prices are far more realistic than the Kelly Blue Book. They also have
research, road tests etc to browse. The other site
I have found most useful for price information, and one of the few that
divulges dealer invoice pricing on Range Rovers, is
Cars.com.
In all cases, bear
in mind that the "optional extras" listed by these sources in their
used price guides are in
most cases standard equipment on US spec Range Rovers so use of these
price
adjustments for them be misleading. Also note that used prices are
higher on the West
Coast of
the
US where vehicles have not been subject to extreme temperatures,
humidity and salted roads. More sources of pricing
information and free quotes are listed below in the buying
help section.
Dealer Shopping:
For new vehicles the usual procedure is to shop the dealer and spend
half a day to a day of your time bargaining with sales people whose job
it is to
extract the maximum $$ from you. If you enjoy the adversarial haggling
experience, go for it -- it is part of the American tradition! Remember
that these folks are playing this game all day every day, and you do it
once a year at best -- so the odds are stacked against you, no matter
how well informed you feel you are.
Hiring a Buyer's Broker:
An alternative being used by more and more buyers in both the US and
the UK is to hire a buyer's
broker -- for a surprisingly small fee (usually $200-$400) they will do
the shopping for you, finding the exact vehicle and options you
specify, with full factory warranty. Due to their purchase volume and
knowledge of the dealer "back
door" they will get you a much lower price than you can possibly get
yourself.
They will also deliver the car to your door, where the paperwork is
usually 10 minutes or less. This process is not meant for those who
enjoy a good fight with their local dealershp sales staff, but if you
are tired of that game and want to save both time and money, you might
want to give it a try. More details
appear on our Buyer's Broker page.
Buying Used
If you are in the market for a used Range
Rover, you can try the several online used listing services including
the popular Rangerovers.net used listings,
or www.ebay.com, lrx, craigslist,
and the ads in your
local newspaper. Or, you can shop the
dealer's used stock, knowing you will be paying a $5-10,000 premium
over private party prices but will have someone to go back to if there
is a problem.
If your search is confined to late model Range Rovers (say 2003 and up), a third alternative is to hire a buyer's broker to find the best deal for you. For example, try Carsmith for a quote -- they cover the whole Western US, and you are likely to be surprised at the savings they can get you. They use their huge buying power to shop a nationwide database of used Rovers, and also attend the regular "dealers only" wholesale auctions.
Even used Range Rovers are fairly expensive, and I always hate walking into a dealer or a private deal knowing I will have to be at their mercy for arranging financing. I have researched various different extremely low interest financing options that make the cost of ownership more affordable, while allowing you to walk in with a blank check. This greatly improves your bargaining power! Or, these options can be used to refinance your existing auto loan at a much lower rate, or buy out your lease. For more information please see the Range Rover Financing Page.
Due to the considerable expense of proper maintenance and repairs
for
Range Rovers, extended warranties can be an attractive deal, but
because of this reputation many of the usual providers will not cover
Range Rovers. Some other providers have specialized in providing
affordable coverage for these vehicles however; click
here to find out more about the pros and cons of aftermarket warranties
for Range Rovers, from new to 20 years old.
Auto
Insurance for Range Rovers
Worried about the cost of insurance for your new Range Rover? Our Range Rover Insurance page has easy links
to help you get auto insurance quotes that should save you money.
New & Used RR Sources, Price
Quotes and Buying
Help
British Sources:
New-Car-Deals.co.uk
(Online Broker): One of the UK's leading suppliers of new and
pre-registered cars, with discounts of up to 35% on dealer prices. They
nearly always have special deals on Range Rovers and Sports.
Carwatch
UK:
Provides complete vehicle history data for Used Range Rovers in the UK.
eBay
Motors
North
American Sources:
Used
Range Rovers for Sale:
Listings right here on Rangerovers.net
Carsmith: The premier
buyer's broker, covering the Western US for new and used (2003 & up) RR
buyers. Try them for
a quote -- you'll be amazed!
Best
in Fleet: A Land Rover specialist buyer's broker for new
cars in California, also serving
some adjacent states (eg Hawaii).
Sherman
Oaks Exclusive Auto -- Southern California independent supplier of
used Range Rovers, all rigorously inspected.
Land Rover
Farmington Valley -- direct link to used "Certified" inventory of
the smallest and best dealer in the New York area.
Range Rovers Wanted page: If
you are looking for a specific model, advertise here.
Automotive.com: New & Used Range Rover
discount price quotes, 60-second auto loan quote, information, reviews,
you name it!
Cars.com:
Custom
Range Rovers
(uprated power, interior and exterior)
DealerDirectUSA.com Free new car quote service that matches you with the best
price from with a dealership in your area.
Edmunds.com New
Car Invoice Pricing, research, reviews, multiple dealer quotes, used
price guide, etc -- the most trusted source of independent automotive
info on the web. Prices are way more realistic than KBB or NADA.
Edmunds.com
Direct link to New Range Rover Page
Edmunds.com Used Range Rover Price Guide Page. Land
Rover dealer insiders say Edmunds prices are
the most realistic -- Kelly Blue Book and NADA are way too high.
eBay
Used Range Rover Listings Direct Link to eBay Used Range
Rover Listings
Extended
Warranty
Information for Used Range Rovers up to 20 years old
LeaseTrader.com
Range Rover New & Used
Financing Page
Overfinch
USA: Custom Range
Rover upgrades including 380 HP package, aero moldings, interiors, many
other options
Special Vehicle Concepts:
Customized Range Rovers (uprated power, interior & exterior
upgrades)
Other Used
Listings:
Land Rover Exchange
Used Land Rover.Com
Rovers North Vehicle
Sales
Atlantic British
Land Rover Classifieds
Autotrader.com
Epage
Range Rover Classifieds
Car-List
Motor Zoo Auto Classifieds
Find It (UK
listings)
DAP
Enterprises
Drive Archive: another UK
site
enabling you to look up the history of a used vehicle
Links to Other Information
Detailed Model Year Specs/FAQ with
Illustrations
Technical Specifications
Custom Range Rovers
One Owner's Experiences
Ownership Experiences of Others
Power Upgrades from
Rechipping
Range Rover Lifestyle Accessories
Range Rover Service
Rovers
North page on choosing a used Range Rover, by Mick Patten
If you have corrections, comments or suggestions, email us.
Page revised February 10, 2012