2003 range rover

[Springsroverfamily]

Hello everyone i currently own a 93 classic LWB and a 2004 discovery. My classic has gotten to the point that when i fic one thing another one breaks. I am currently looking at a 2003 mkIII with 90000 on it. the vehicle was owned by a couple here localy. All of the service had been performed by landrover all recals have been done I have checked with land rover and they have everything on it. The vehicle even has the origional purchace order with it. I have looked no oil leaks new tires perfect inside and out. My only problem has been the miles are they to high? Should i keep looking? i have gotten the dealer down to 16999 + tax and handling. I dont know much about MKIII but all i have heard from the local indy mechanic is good. thank for the help.:banghead:

 

[KyleT]

sounds like a fair price if it is clean and well kept. miles are nothing for that motor (BMW v8)

if you haven't already, take it to pikes peak rovers and let them go through it.

 

[Springsroverfamily]

I talked to Will he said they will take a look at it for me. I just dont know any thing about those years

 

[DukTruk]

Where to begin.......

1. Air suspension (I know, shocker for a rover to have air suspension problems). The front bags will wear out somewhere around 90K miles. Each bag is about $ 1,000 (parts only) to replace. The rears seem to never wear out.

2. Radiator - I'm on number 5......nuff said

3. Transfer box neutral warning light - It will intermitently flash on and off. It seems that the only fix is a new t-case motor

4. Battery life- Ours couldn't sit for literally more than 24 hours without the battery dying. It seemed to be a "gremlin" that the dealer can fix, but it took a while to figure out.

5. Tilt / Telescoping wheel motor - ours will only go up and down. Started this wonderful feature about 80K. $ 2300 for the new motor. Needless to say, it still just goes up and down.

6. You better have a mechanic with an OBD machine or you'll be at the dealer alot (even to change the battery).

Other than that, the vehicle drives and rides incredibly well (when the airbags work). The fit and finish are top notch, but it doesn't wear well for a vehicle with an initial sticker of over $ 70K.

Sorry to sound so negative, but just wanted to give you a real world experience with our '03

 

[kevin-ct]

My customer just sold a 03 with 90k for $9k It needed a new cat.

They do cost a lot to fix, as stated by DukTruk.

Call the dealer and ask how much is a brake job

 

[KyleT]

My customer just sold a 03 with 90k for $9k It needed a new cat.

They do cost a lot to fix, as stated by DukTruk.

Call the dealer and ask how much is a brake job

brakes are super easy on those.

the other stuff mentioned is right. all in all, i think they are pretty rleiable.

 

[Springsroverfamily]

Thanks for the help guys the thing is in perfect shape now time to make a decision.

 

[Springsroverfamily]

If i buy it i will have to give up my 93 lwb

 

[EJB90]

I've heard the 03 and 04 (maybe 05 too) RR's have issues with the front differentials failing. The original design has one flexible coupling connecting to the t-case. This wasn't flexible enough and put too much stress on the diff. The fix is flexible at both ends of the front driveshaft.

There was a service campaign for the new front driveshaft to be installed but was only covered if you had it repaired in a certain time period. I would check into if that work had be done. If it was regularly serviced at the dealer I would imagine it would be done, but you never know.

I've never owned a Range Rover but from my research I'd feel a lot safer driving an MKIII than a P38. The MKIII has the BMW V8 which I believe is a solid engine compared to the awful Rover V8 and what seems to be a more reliable electrical/computer system in the P38.

 

[RVRSRVC]

Arnott has reman struts/bags for around $350 after the $100 core charge. Radiators, breather hoses, column motors. Check out range rovers dot net for a list of common ailments and fixes.

 

[KyleT]

I've heard the 03 and 04 (maybe 05 too) RR's have issues with the front differentials failing. The original design has one flexible coupling connecting to the t-case. This wasn't flexible enough and put too much stress on the diff. The fix is flexible at both ends of the front driveshaft.

03-05 were included, and as of a few weeks ago, they are still doing the repair actions or whatever they call them.

the rest of your points are dead on.

p38 weights about 1k more, so i would say it is still safe.

 

[ptschram]

OBD? I thought they were all CAN BUSS trucks.

I've yet to replace an air bag on a vehicle that wasn't abused.

The steering wheel motors are problematic, but like the diffs, most have been replaced under warranty by now.

Cooling systems seem fragile. Hoses, expansion tanks, etc. For some reason, th viscous fan clutches all seem to be damned near welded on. The $100 tool was worth every penny.

No parts are maintained in anyone's stock for them, everything needs to be ordered in.

NEVER let the BMW overheat or you are SCREWED! You think a head job on a Rover V8 is bad, just wait!

 

[carlosz]

on the same token you metioned the purchase of a cat, they are under recall due to broken (craked) seam welds

 

[Springsroverfamily]

Thanks guy all the recalls have been done. All the service records were confirmed with land rover it also has.new tires and brakes. I walked out the door with it for 14999 and traded my 93 classic

 

[rcshauger]

Good buy! Congrats and check out rangerovers.net. Those guys will help you understand some of the quirks of the rangie...

I love mine and have had good luck so far with it!

 

[Springsroverfamily]

So far so good I love it I do miss my Classic but the the MKIII is WOW my wife wants to swap her 2004 disco for it thats a no go I told her.

 

[bri]

Where is your classic now?

 

[KyleT]

I think he said it was a trade as part of the deal.

 

[bri]

Yeah, but it seemed also like it could have ended up at a dealer.

"i have gotten the dealer down to 16999 "

I'd like to know if his old 93 LWB might still be for sale somewhere in my area.