need help with a purchase, 97 HSE....

[Francis K]

Hi everyone, it has been about 2 years since I have posted here but the last time I did it was about the engine blowing in my 97 HSE with 140k on the odo. Well I ended up selling it a long long time ago and I have missed it ever since, my LX450 may be infinitely more reliable but the Range Rover was just an amazing truck in so many aspects, truly a great driving expierence........well, until the engine blew on the highway.


I have found a 97' HSE with 107k on the odo and all options in great condition from an exotic car dealer for 8,000.


I don't want to be in the same predicament I was in last time so I would appreciate it if anyone can tell me what to look for when I inspect it and if maybe I should stay away from it at all, I'm pretty sure 97 had the lucas electronics and I have heard the stories and jokes.


So basically what I'm asking is.......is the price worth it and what should I look out for?



Thanks in advance,
Francis

 

[Francis K]

.....

I would greatly appreciate any input, I am going to see the truck tommorrow.....

 

[cptyarderho]

If you are anywhere near a LR dealer, see if you can have them check it over. Most reliable dealers do no mind this if you pay for it, it is worth the peace of mind. I do not know much about the newer ones.

 

[Best4x4]

I myself have owned 2 Land Rovers so far. My first Land Rover was a 97 Discovery with 63k on it, but it sadly gave it's life for me back on 1/23/04. My second Land Rover is a 97 Range Rover 4.6L HSE AA Yellow Vitesse which had 94k on it when I bought it. It now has well over 107k on it and the only problems have been small interior parts, one RF Air Spring, a new air compressor (previous owner just rode around with the RF just leaking vs fixing it). Then I had the A/C charged because one of the line O-rings was leaking, but other then that I haven't had any serious issues with any of my Rovers.

My advice is write down the VIN # and take it to a LR dealership. Give it to one of the service advisors and they can look up the service history of the Range Rover you're looking at. Vehicle wise check out the air suspension by raising it and lowering it fully. Then check out all the interior electronics out making sure the seats work, the windows, the sunroof, the radio, the HVAC system works with no faults, and of coarse test the cruise control when you drive it. Engine wise look at the dipstick for varnish if it's dark the engine has probably not seen that regular of oil changes. Also away from the seller take it and place it in park and floor it until the rev limiter kicks in. If you see a lot of black smoke from the tailpipe then the engine is most likely carboned up. Also make sure the Transfer box shifts into Low Range okay as well.

If all that checks out okay and you're happy with the truck then I say go for it! I love mine to death and I wouldn't go back to a Mitsubishi, Toyota, Nissan, or Chevy for anything in the world. Nothing comes close to the ride quality, off abilities, and overall comfort of a Range Rover

Tad

 

[Francis K]

......

Thanks for the advice, even though I had a horrible expierence with my previous 97 RR, I fell in love it......I never drove a car, sports, sedan or SUV that compared in so many different aspects (except of course for reliability).


If anyone has any more advice or expierence I would appreciate it. I am going for the final look at it and maybe the purchase saturday.


thanks again,
Francis

 

[LMRW]

go year 2000 or newer! look at and test drive as many as possible! service history! buy an off lease! there are good deals to be had on three year and four year old se or hse models, considering what these cars cost new at the time of manufacture. good luck with it

 

[Str0ud]

Hey Francis, Run a check of the VIN with Carfax. Well worth the money. Ditto what Tad said, also check the number with the dealership. Knowing the information from these two sources could help prevent another "horrible expierence".
Good Luck with your purchase.

 

[Francis K]

.......

Thanks fellas, it is from a reputable exotic car dealer and I am assuming I will be able to purchase a warranty. I know I should go for something without Lucas electronics but for 8,000......don't you think it is worth it?

 

[LMRW]

keep in mind that this car is nearly ten years old! look for corosion under the floor mats; if it was used in salty winter conditions. if it has had all the corrective and preventive mantaince performed it may be a good buy! visit www.rangerovers.net for a little more information on the car!

 

[Alyssa]

Thanks fellas, it is from a reputable exotic car dealer and I am assuming I will be able to purchase a warranty. I know I should go for something without Lucas electronics but for 8,000......don't you think it is worth it?

I would NOT assume I could get a warranty! It has over 100k on the odometer. I don't know of ANY warranty company that will put a warranty on ANY vehicle with more than 100k miles. Make sure you ask about that, if that is a major factor in buying it!

 

[Francis K]

I would NOT assume I could get a warranty! It has over 100k on the odometer. I don't know of ANY warranty company that will put a warranty on ANY vehicle with more than 100k miles. Make sure you ask about that, if that is a major factor in buying it!

Thanks for the warning Alyssa but in fact i have found 2 companies who will give me some long solid warranties each for under 1500, one of them is even here in Michigan.

 

[NVRover]

Francis, be sure you look at the fine print on those extended warranties. I had a 97 HSE which I was shopping warranties for. I found two companies off the www.rangerovers.net website. I had 80k miles on mine, and after checking the covered items, stop loss amounts, and excluded items, I realized I wasn't getting much of a warranty. Not saying you're not getting a deal, just wanted to be sure that you were looking at the fine print.

 

[Francis K]

Francis, be sure you look at the fine print on those extended warranties. I had a 97 HSE which I was shopping warranties for. I found two companies off the www.rangerovers.net website. I had 80k miles on mine, and after checking the covered items, stop loss amounts, and excluded items, I realized I wasn't getting much of a warranty. Not saying you're not getting a deal, just wanted to be sure that you were looking at the fine print.

Actually NVRover I was planning on going with the companies on rangrover.net as well, care to share your findings or expierence? One of the guys, Wayne I think his name was grew up where I did and seemed very courteous and helpful.


Thanks,
Francis