2002 rr

[your pal]

Looking at a 2002 Range Rover. I currently have a 1995 LWB but for some reason this one has my eye. I have never had one so the question is how good or bad are they. The one I'm looking at is very low milage, one owner. It's 4 hrs away so I wanted to get an idea of what to look for.

 

[Tugela]

I very nearly bought a 2001 Range Rover earlier this year. Things to look for include:

• does the air suspension hold air? This will be hard to know if the truck has been driven right before you check it out as leaks often will show up after sitting overnight. Easy fix if it just involves replacing an airbag.
• worn-out air suspension compressor, often caused by working too hard inflating leaky suspension
• failing ABS accumulator, you'll hear the ABS pump working (different sound from the suspension compressor).
• usual Rover engine issues relating to overheating and cooling system- coolant leaks, overpressurized cooling system, low coolant, head gasket (probably not an issue if low mileage unless it's been abused)
• other usual Rover leaks - oil, power steering, transmission, transfer case, valve covers, etc.
• the P38's electrical system is pretty complex. If you're going to buy the truck you should consider investing in a code reader specific to the P38 like a BBS Hawkeye, which can talk to the air suspension computer and BECM, which is the cause of so many woes. Your garden variety code reader will not be able to read/clear many codes a P38 can give you.

The P38 is a nice truck to drive. If the one you're looking at is in good shape and a low price then go for it.


And then sell me your 1995 LWB!

 

[jymmiejamz]

A P38 would be a serious downgrade from a Range Rover Classic. Rangerovers.net should have all the info you need regarding common problems.

 

[FB111]

I have had 2 or 3 Gems and 3 Bosch P38's. Love the look and everything about the truck when they work. Used them as my daily driver and would drive about 15K per year. I truly like the air suspension. Only one of the six had been converted to springs. But I have finally worn out trying to keep up with all the crazy electrical glitches. My last few snafoos on a very nice low mileage 01 was first the loss of the audio on the radio. Here the amplifier controls both the GPS and the radio. These amps are becoming just about impossible to find and are not repairable. Then the interior temperature sensor fan started squealing like a pig and finally the SAI injection stopped working. Checked all the usual suspects on the SAI and came to the conclusion it was the ECU. Seems like I would get a month trouble free use before a new issue appeared. Liked the trucks but just too much effort to try and keep it right.
Oh and I am going back to a 95 LWB with 48K original miles.