Is the late-80s Rangie REALLY that bad?

Question

I'm looking at buying a four-wheel-drive for a future play-toy-slash-audio-powerhouse machine, and there is a 1988 Range Rover for sale $2400. Besides a bit of disrepair in the paintjob and a bit of dirt on the velour seats I can't really find anything wrong with it, apart from one crucial part. The "Lucas Electrics".

I know fully well that British cars were very VERY notoriously bad for their electrical systems, and from a quick Google search, the Rangie was no exception. However. In Top Gear UK's Bolivia special it was the most reliable car of the three apart from a couple of stalls, and there are a few going around that only had problems of user error rather than the electrics (For example, the owner of one put extended springs on his but not extended shocks, so every time it flexed the shocks popped out). This particular one is a Petrol/LPG 3.5L carb'd model that has over 310,000kms on the clock and so far as the owner's told me it has had no problems with electrics or with the motor.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

My cousin had an 80's one in the early 90's; I seem to recall it was an 88 or 89, with about 73,000miles on the clock. I used to drive it sometimes and it was often rather rough and would regularly stall when it came to a standstill. The reputation for the engines like many British cars was that they died around 75,000 miles without fail. This one was true to form and died before the 75,000 mile mark. I am astonished to hear of 310,000kms or getting on for 200,000 miles without problems or major work. All I can say is that it must like being run on LPG. To counter my opinion, my brother positively swears by them, and he has at least owned one in the past, and very much desires another.

All that said; if you  were prepared to recondition the engine when needed, it seems like you'd have a decent vehicle for the longer term, especially if it's basically sound outside and in. It's easy to get the seats cleaned and a paint job doesn't need to be a major expense. The good thing about such a vehicle is that it should be easy to repair. There are plenty of parts, and carbs are a lot less complex. I know a nice carbed Rangie would be my brother's idea of heaven.

Hope this helps somewhat.

Robbdog · Answer

if you not going to be driving it much than maybe its a good car, but 310,000 is alot of km and if you plan to drive it much it wont last long

it would be a waste because of the engine problem you might have in the future that old car's have to offer

good luck in your choice mate :)

Anonymous · Answer

oh yeah

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Is the late-80s Rangie REALLY that bad?

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