5 Things to Consider Before Buying a Used Land Rover Range Rover

When you want to purchase a new car (or at least one new to you!) a Land Rover Range Rover is an attractive option. These luxury SUVs have always been status symbols, even early on when they were first introduced. However, they are anything but an impulse purchase. They can be expensive vehicles to own and feature complicated, costly car parts. Doing a bit of research before you purchase one is a good idea, as there are several things to consider before making this type of purchase.

What Range Rover Should You Purchase?

There are many Range Rover models to choose from, including the first generation, also called the Range Rover Classic. This model offered two to four doors and short- or long-wheelbase bodies. They also came with an automatic transmission and a powerful V8 engine.

The second generation of Range Rovers upped the luxuriousness of the car. Called by many the P38, this model offers modern conveniences and comfort with a plush interior. While it only came with one wheelbase, it did offer two choice of engine sizes. You could choose from a 4.0-liter or 4.6-liter engine.

A full redesign of the Range Rover occurred in 2003 with the third generation. At first, a BMW V8 engine was used, but this was later upgraded to a Jaguar-Land Rover V8 engine. More powerful Land Rover parts, equipment and luxury were added to the car.

Most recently, the fourth generation of Range Rover was released in 2013. With powerful, but costly, car parts, better equipment and those noticeable design touches that added comfort and luxury to the interior and exterior, it was the best redesign of the SUV brand so far.

So, which one sounds appealing to you? Each offers their own benefits, but as we see below, their own cons as well.

Common Problems With Range Rovers

Before you purchase a Range Rover, it’s important to understand what types of problems you might find over its lifetime. Range Rovers, unfortunately, aren’t exactly known for being reliable. You’re likely to experience mechanical issues, breakdowns and leaky Land Rover parts at some point. So what should you be expecting when you buy one?

• Air Suspension- One almost every Range Rover model, problems with air suspension are present. While this feature helps you adjust your ground clearance makes for a more enjoyable drive, it also makes for frustrating issues. This feature is known to fail after six to ten years of use. The result is a car that sags on one side. While you can replace the Land Rover parts that make up the air suspension and enjoy it for another six to ten years, many owners decide to convert the suspension into traditional coil springs instead for longer-lasting use.

• Oil Leaks- If you’re thinking of purchasing a Range Rover Classic, check the oil regularly. These used Land Rovers are known for their oil leaks. They are also known for having electrical issues as well.

• Head Gasket Failures- Want to buy a P38? Be on watch for head gasket failures, as these can put an expensive dent in your wallet. The model also commonly has issues with the heater core and electrics.

• Transmission- While the third generation of Range Rovers seemed to have more reliable car parts, they still experience problems with their transmissions, differentials and electronics.

Problems You Never Saw Coming

When it comes to Range Rover car parts, it’s best to expect the unexpected, and even the unusual. Owners of these vehicles have complained that their car’s door locks would repeatedly unlock and lock without being prompted until their battery was completely dead. Another had their steering column fail in the lowest position. This put them at risk every time they drove the Land Rover, as the air bag was pointed straight at their stomach.

Inspect the Land Rover Thoroughly

Now that you understand what types of car part problems to expect with a Range Rover, look for those issues when you inspect the used Land Rover prior to purchase. While their presence might not mean you won’t buy the Land Rover, you will know that you have to factor the cost of fixing or replacing those Land Rover parts into the final price you and the seller settle on.

As with any car, always make sure all the required legal documents, including MOTs and registration, are present and up-to-date. If you see any problems at all, walk away. The price may be right, but it’s not worth it if you’re buying a stolen car.

Inspect every inch of the Land Rover- especially if it is wet. While the seller may tell you they just had it washed, don’t fall for it. They know you’re less likely to crawl under it to inspect the chassis if it is wet. They also know that scratches and dents don’t show up as well on a wet car.

Assess the Seller

Before you buy anything, talk to the seller. They should know everything about the Land Rover’s past, including any Land Rover parts that needed to be replaced and where the Land Rover has been. They should also have documentation to back it up.

If you’re buying a Range Rover from an individual, always view the car at the same address it is registered to. This is a good way of verifying that the seller is actually the owner of the vehicle. Inspect it and test drive it during the day as well. If it’s raining, go ahead and inspect the car, but don’t pay for it until you’ve had a chance to inspect it on a sunny day. As mentioned before, wet Land Rovers hide scratches and dents well.

Buying a used Land Rover from a dealership? Don’t automatically assume you’re safe. Never look at the car or meet the seller off the dealership premises. If you’re asked to meet somewhere else, consider it a red flag and take your business elsewhere.

Trying to decide if you should buy a Land Rover? Before you do, take the time to do a little bit of research on the mode you’re thinking of purchasing. Each have their own problems, but also their own benefits. Also, once you find a Range Rover you like, take the time to thoroughly assess both the seller and the vehicle for sale. Doing so can help you avoid fraudulent sales that could put you in hot water.