Trying to swing one's opinion...HELP Jeep to RR 4.0?

[Skaramunga]

My good friend is a Jeep owner. He is currently in the market for a new vehicle, but which make? I bought a 1996 disco a few years ago and will never sell. I am a LR owner for life. I feel I was ripped on my disco (18,500 w/ 59,000 miles) However it was in mint engine and body condition. Then the used car market droped out, and I started to see other vehicles i.e. RR's for much less money.

So I am trying to convince him to buy a Range Rover 4.0 (1996-1999) They are pretty inexpensive with 60-80k. Can you guys answer a few questions for him? He won't believe me....Help me sell him on LR.

*Can you put a chip in the RR to make it more eat less gas? (My answer NO)

*What model RR could I get the most loaded and best price for? (any past year)

*Is the 4.0 (96-99) a pretty stable engine, as far as LRs go? (I wouldn't know, except w/ my disco which is great)

Thanks...I am just trying to spread the love of LR to everyone, and have another person to wheel with...

 

[cptyarderho]

I am selling my Wrangler, and I wheel a 92 Range Rover, so maybe that helps.

*Can you put a chip in the RR to make it more eat less gas? (My answer NO)
I believe you are correct, the Brits do some chip work but it is probably incompatible with NA spec.

*What model RR could I get the most loaded and best price for? (any past year)
What does he want to do with it? Some like the95 for features, before 92 and you have no ABS to deal with, etc... Is it to wheel or ride around in?

*Is the 4.0 (96-99) a pretty stable engine, as far as LRs go? (I wouldn't know, except w/ my disco which is great) nothing they make is exactly dependable, but if you can work on your own stuff it is not a huge deal. The parts for the RR are often more expensive, and I think the most important thing would be to buy one with a reliable history, tough to do unless you get it from a dealer.

I love the comfort, and after 2 trips I really like the longer wheelbase for offroading. I like the visibility and unique character, and my Jeep was really bumpy with a lift and mud tires.

 

[koby]

If he needs convincing, he ain't worthy of a Land Rover. You gotta feel the love.

Why 4.0? Why not 4.6? The 4.6 P38s are really coming down in price.

 

[scubaman99]

hey Logan

*Can you put a chip in the RR to make it more eat less gas? (My answer NO)

not sure about that... I could have sworn seeing some one selling chips for the 4.0 and 4.6 engines... but i dont have one so i dont really have the definative answer (i think the company is RPi???)

*What model RR could I get the most loaded and best price for? (any past year)

Personally I would (and did) look for a RR late 99 and newer because of the revamped electronics. late 99 LR changed from Lucas elec. to Bosch elec. i believe that the Bosch is much more reliable. i looked at SEVERAL P38's from 99 - 02 and eventhough i could get a 99 for considerably less!!!! i decided that i didnt want to hassel with "gremlins" and went for a 01 that only had 13K miles on it. I've had the car for aprox 6 months now and (Knock on wood) has been completely trouble free!!! (god i hope i didnt just jinx my self )

*Is the 4.0 (96-99) a pretty stable engine, as far as LRs go? (I wouldn't know, except w/ my disco which is great)

the basic block 3.9/4.0/4.6 are all the same. there was a departure in electronics between 95 - 96 when they changed from distrubutor to distributor less electronics... and again in late 99 when they change from Lucas to Bosch. but the core of the motor is pretty much the same... the difference in the 4.0 - 4.6 is all in the stroke...

what i think you will find is in the trim and cabin electronics there will be differences... i think a 99 P38 is (should be) much more reliable then a 96... and a 00-01 is even better then a 99P38... if not by design... but by wear factor/age...

so when it comes to LR's in general i say Always get the newest (most updated) one you can find... because every year they work out more and more bugs.

But a lot depends on your friend... make sure he/she understands that they are buying a LR... and LR can be quirky... ESP older ones. from the night i drove my 95DI home I noticed strange little things... things i dont see in my 01 P38... so newer is definately better then old... So as long as a potential new LR owner understands that they are buying a car that can be quirky... he/she should be Happy with its performance on and off road

hope this helps

KEN

 

[Skaramunga]

Thank you all, perhaps the extra convincing will bring him to the LR world. Your all right, if it takes convincing he may not be a true LR owner. At least he got his good basic questions answered by someone who isn't me or a LR dealer...

Logan