Modern Classic: 1993 Land Rover Range Rover
Despite a fairly nefarious reputation for being costly to maintain, there are legions of Range Rover Classic fans out there that adore these old squarebodies. The “Classic” nomenclature is fitting considering the design was largely static going on 15 years, and while you’ll absolutely see more Land Rover Discoveries on the road at a given time, the values and desirability of those models is decidedly lower. This 1993 model is a desirable long-wheelbase example that appears to have been lovingly maintained by an enthusiast owner. You’ll find it here on eBay with bidding to $15,600 and no reserve.
For a very short time, I was a Range Rover owner. I spotted one on the side of the interstate, in Tennessee. It was a ’95 long-wheelbase model, not unlike this, but it had the “soft touch” dashboard that many enthusiasts get fairly hot and bothered over. I had never spent much time with a Range Rover, but upon its arrival up north, I could immediately understand why people love them. They are inherently charming and the styling is timeless. The 4.2 liter V8 is generally reliable and capable of 200K miles without a rebuild, but buying like I did can quickly turn into a nightmare.
My Range Rover was almost certainly a project at some point in time. It was mostly rust-free and the panels were straight, but the interior was trashed and it seemed like every power-assisted control has been previously worked on – and, this being an older luxury vehicle, there were loads of high-end features that needed rebuilding or replacement. Power seats, power windows, power door locks, heated windshield – the list goes on. So, take it from me: don’t buy a project-grade Range Rover, especially when $10K will still buy you a runner. This example appears to be in excellent condition, with the seller claiming the leather to be original.
The long wheelbase models have an incredible amount of legroom in the rear seat, so it’s not an exaggeration to call one of these stretched. The seller’s truck not only looks the part but has also been restored mechanically in a significant way: the engine was rebuilt 8,000 miles ago, and is said to be mechanically near-perfect. The carpets and cargo bay trim all appear to be in great shape, and the rear cargo floor is one of the most vulnerable locations for rust to appear – but the seller doesn’t indicate it’s a problem with his specimen. The Union Jack flag on the roof is definitely not original, but it’s a nice touch. This Rover will likely pull near $20K when all is said and done, and I doubt the price will ever go down for a good one.
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Comments
Somebody buy it and get rid of that Union Jack on the roof. This vehicle is far too dignified for such a display.
You are 100% right.
I have one of these, a 94 hard dash. Rust is indeed the issue; they rust like Fiats. And Jeff’s right that the electronics are a nightmare: it’s filled with all sorts of “luxury” hardware that generally doesn’t work. And, for some reason, even into the mid-90’s, the flimsy interior plastic parts were all ill-fitting junk. Still, with the Connolly leather and veneer trim, and that high-sitting stance, you feel like you’re pulling into Sandringham instead of Costco. The classic shape is a thing of beauty. And, when sorted out, they run fine.
I wanted one so bad and it broke down on the way home. From then on it lived in the shop and I had to replace it with my Jeep Commander but I’m still paying the Rover off. That’s it for me. I grew up where if you didn’t at least own a Rover you were driving something considered lowly, but I will never make that mistake again!
For the “I light my cigars with $100 bills crowd”
Owned a Land Rover LR-3. Great power and used it for off roading on some pretty difficult AZ trails. However not for the faint of heart when you are buying parts or working on it. Caught fire one morning and after settling with the insurance company was quite relieved…
I have been lucky to own two survivors, an 03 discovery which was mechanic owned. completely flawless. I should have shipped it across country when we moved. I find them easy to work on every component can be rebuilt instead of new if thats your preference. my 07 Is superior to the 03 in many ways And 123K miles it runs flawlessly. they are no more expensive to repair than any car these days if you really know cars
Costly to maintain ,Ha Ha Ha good one Jeff.
Surprised to hear of the electrical foibles in a british autocar 🤷♂️🇬🇧
I agree with everybody about accessories, parts thereof, electronics, plastics.
If you buy one of these you have to have fairly deep pockets, assured of supply, and a mechanic who knows the cars. If i had the room I’d buy it anyway.
I never had a problem with mine – a ‘91 LWB County. Fantastic truck, go absolutely anywhere. It was my first Rover and got me hooked. I’ve owned 6 others since; never not had one.
Ah, Land Rover. Like an addiction. One is too many, and a million is not enough. I had two of these, a ‘93 hard dash followed by a (one year) ‘95 soft dash. So nice, like a 4WD Jaguar. Always working on it. As previously stated, all the lux in a state of constant disrepair. We still have an LR3 in the family. Oldest son has been driving it for the past year. Brought it home and we’ve been driving it for a week. Wife is ready to trade in her new Mercedes and relive the “good old days”, I’m breaking out in a cold sweat. Fabulous trucks.