Sorry chaps, but I don't yet own a Range Rover.

However, I have a rather large desire to own an L322 4.4 Vogue. This has replaced my desire to own a P38 as I realised the P38 was an attempt to be relatively sane with the purchase price. But the L322 makes more sense to me as a daily car on my current 30 mile round trip to work.

Much searching has netted a shortlist all hovering around the £11,000 mark and the 85,000 mile (with full LR history) area.

The one that particularly grabs my eye has been LR serviced only recently and looks glorious in exactly the outside and inside colour combination I want.

Before I take wife and the little people off to view, may I ask whether this mileage spells iminent gearbox failure? I'm well aware of their 'sealed' nature and should I purchase this particular one, I'd get the 'box emptied, flushed and re-filled and filtered.

I'm assured it drives seamlessly, but I'll be the judge of that.

And anything else I should be especially vigilant for?

Sorry if this is an oft-repeated question. I have looked and amassed some very useful information here, but can't really find anything that prevents me asking. I'm sure I've missed it. A man ain't truly been insulted until he stands buck naked in front of a woman and she didn't even notice. Or care.

Hi there,

You're right to focus on the gearbox, I'd say make sure you get a 3 month warranty, get the gearbox flushed as soon as you get it. Before you buy, ensure that flushing the gearbox won't invalidate any warranty, possibly try to get the dealer to flush the gearbox oil before you buy.

Check all of the electrics, every single thing. Check the suspension goes up and down as it should check the low ratio gearbox. Other than than, as with any other car. Good luck with it!  2006 Supercharged

85k on a petrol V8, the 'box should be fine. A fluid flush is a good idea like you mention. Check to see if it's had the front diff recall done as that could be a bargaining tool. Do a search on here for diff recall for all the info.

Other than that, check everything electrical works, especially things like the air suspension, make sure it goes through all of the height setting quickly and smoothly. Check the low range works, as occasionally, they can seize up with lack of use, (select neutral, then flick the low range switch on the centre console, you should hear the actuator then get the confirmation on the dash that it's in low range) Take a couple of allen keys with you, whip off the plastic engine cover, (4 1/4 turn bolts IIRC) and feel for soggy/damaged rubber pipes for the oil breather system at the back of the engine next to the bulkhead as they can split, again, all the info about the PCV breathers are on here if you do a search. Listen for any ticking when starting from cold for the first few seconds, could be a sign that the vanos unit needs looking at, common BMW issue, plenty of info on the 'net about it.

Body wise, open the back doors and check for rust at the bottom edge of the wheel arch lips where they meet the door aperture , they can bubble up there. Open the compartments in the boot and check for any signs of dampness/water ingress, especially in the n/s compartment that houses all of the radio/nav/dsp units etc. 2006 Mercedes CLS
1991 Retro-style Mini
But really finding it hard to fight the urge for a S/C...

Don't get frightened by the gearbox so much on the petrol one . Do as Bozman advise , ie the Flush , but FYG , the actual big issue with Gearboxes is with the GM box for the TD6 .
Jaybear Jaybear

2002 V8 , premier edition , 19" alloys ,

Bang on!

Thanks. There's one other Vogue that's had a 'box replacement at 94,000 miles. Actually, there's two reasonably local to me. And another that's had an engine replaced at 100k (stone hit the rad and lunched the engine) which looks stunning at a nearby specialist.

But this one and the dealer's approach to me has really got me fired up. No sales patter and he walked round the RR on the phone and answered every question I had.

I'm a fairly competent DIY mechanic (had to learn with a Series, Defender and an old Discovery) and can enlist excellent help when the need arises to keep mechanical costs down. But I don't want a gearbox or engine failure and am a very firm believer in preventative maintenance.

If there's any further nuggets, I'd be really grateful. A man ain't truly been insulted until he stands buck naked in front of a woman and she didn't even notice. Or care.

Go in the boot and pull off the side access panel on the passenger side and check for signs of water ingress and electrical components wet and suffering corroded connectors. Can be very costly to remedy and generally a b y nuisance that will only get worse thro time.

[quote="M44K TS"] Listen for any ticking when starting from cold for the first few seconds, could be a sign that the vanos unit needs looking at, common BMW issue, plenty of info on the 'net about it.
quote]

Hi Mark,
Is that really correct, I am sure I have came across a few threads with people asking about this and its not something to generally worry about, I used to have an e36 M3 which obc had the vanous units and that made a noise over 50,000 miles but never once had an issue with it at all. They do have a unique sound and especially from cold for the first 2-3 seconds.

Just my 2 pence. I wouldnt let it put me off buying a car unless it sounds like a tin of nails.

&Yeah, you're quite right, it's nothing to really worry about, mine used to do it from cold for a second or so, doesn't affect anything but just thought it could be a good bargaining tool. 2006 Mercedes CLS
1991 Retro-style Mini
But really finding it hard to fight the urge for a S/C...

Have you had a look at mine?
Less miles and open to offers...

http://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/post98298.html

Not far from you either. Ram Kanadia

Probably (was) the youngest (19) L322 FFRR owner on here.
2002 Range Rover P38 4.6 Vogue
*2005 Volvo V70 2.4 (170) SE Auto - 7 Seater* GONE
*2002 Range Rover L322 Vogue 4.4* GONE
*1998 Porsche Carrera 3.4* GONE
*2003 Jaguar XJ-6 SE Auto* GONE

In the family Stable:
1995 Ferrari 355 Spider (2.7 Motronic) Manual with Capristo
*2004 Porsche GT2 Mk2* GONE

Very nice, Ram!

Could you please confirm the current price as it was originally up for £12,500 and then 'reduced' to £13,500.

I've planning to view 3 Vogues over the next few days. Could you please PM me your approximate location?

And thanks again for more of your excellent replies! A man ain't truly been insulted until he stands buck naked in front of a woman and she didn't even notice. Or care.

Bellini wrote:

Very nice, Ram!

Could you please confirm the current price as it was originally up for £12,500 and then 'reduced' to £13,500.

http://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic9348.html  Have "RSW All Comms" in Hampshire - happy to help

Current Combustion Engine Transports:
Range Rover 2002 TD6 HSE Alveston Red, Sand Leather
Audi 2004 Cabriolet Sport 3.0 (Amulet Red)
Mazda Eunos 1990 (Brilliant Red)
MG Midget Mk 1 1962 (undergoing restoration) (to be Nightfire Red)

47p2 wrote:

Bellini wrote:

Very nice, Ram!

Could you please confirm the current price as it was originally up for £12,500 and then 'reduced' to £13,500.

Bargain of the week, now further reduced to £15,000

Well chaps. Thanks to your excellent advice, and a few conversations with Ram (Evo...), I piled wife and the two orphans into our E55 and headed to Ram Towers in Londonshire.

This was after looking at a few other Vogues and calling and discussing countless others.

Ram's Vogue stood out from the others I'd shown interest in. It's very nice indeed!

So it didn't take me long to decide to buy it. Funds are yet to exchange, but the details are agreed.

If all goes according to plan, I'll have the keys next weekend. A man ain't truly been insulted until he stands buck naked in front of a woman and she didn't even notice. Or care.