Interested in a 95 rover I have questions!!!

[Selenababuin]

Hello! I am interested in a few 95 Rovers I have seen, I just wanted to know what are the main problems that these vehicles can run into, and where to get parts on Vancouver island/ Nanaimo. I was also wondering what year is best the 95 or possibly a little newer? Also I noticed on one of the rovers I looked at it has a glass or plastic looking top but no sunroof. I was wondering if they all come like that or maybe it was covered? Also where in Nanaimo can u get land rovers worked on if I am unable to myself.

[Crs]

'95 Rover' could mean a Defender 90, a Discovery (Series 1), a 'classic' Range Rover, or a 'P38 - Mk2' Range Rover. In fact, it's probably one of the biggest years for models until the coming of the Freelander, the Evoque and the Sport!

So, let's be general. Chemists will tell you, 'Alumimium will not rust.' That's right. Mechanics will tell you that it CAN oxidize and there's still plenty of steel on a Land Rover anyway. Check for rust/corrosion carefully. I'm NO expert, but: Discos - inner front wings & rear floor, Classics - tailgate, Defenders - bulkhead. Look carefully, poke around, get dirty.

Engine: it probably has the Rover V8. Head gasket failure can cause overheating. If that happens, then many bad, expensive things happen if not caught IMMEDIATELY. So, check for oil in coolant and coolant in oil. (I'm told you get a nice, mayonnaise type liquid.) The engines do run hot and the temperature gauge doesn't reflect this until it's REALLY hot. So, check the fluids, see how it runs, take a drive and pay attention to the temp gauge.

Try LOW RANGE. If it hasn't been in Low in a long time, things will cease up and not work. Easiest way into/out of Low is to have the car moving very slowly (walking pace or less), Neutral, high/low selector from high to low, stopping for a moment in neutral, then back into gear. If it's a manual, a further clutch for the change as well as the regular neutral is in order.

These were premium cars when new (and bloody expensive), so they should drive nicely (okay, less nicely if they're lifted). If it doesn't, something is wrong.

Not on Vancouver Island, so I can't recommend a place. There's a Van Isle site on Roverlanders, so they can help you. There's a dealership in Victoria and the dealers will order you parts for older Land Rovers. (Ask me how I know. :D )

Something newer? I don't know. The 2014 Range Rover is a fantastic car. The Sport and LR4 are also great. :alien: However, they do tend to be a bit expensive. :mrgreen:
So, depends again on what you're looking at. Defender - all same until 97 - they're automatics in '97, Discoverys - did a change from 3.9L to 4.0L engine and also changed the fuel injection system. I can't remember when. RRC - the last and some of the best. I like the dashboard. The LWB is like an off-road limo. P38 - first year, so first year bugs on a car known for bugs. The Discos and P38s offer a LOT of bang for your buck. P38 has more luxury gizmos, so more gizmos to fix.

Specifically, what are you looking at? Then you can get more focused info.

Enjoy. They ARE fun. I've enjoyed them more than any other vehicle I've owned.

[Selenababuin]

Haha thank you for the info! I am specifically looking at a discovery. It's leaking oil at the bottom but my fathers a mechanic answers going to take a look again at it. I hear parts are expensive for rovers? Also it has an exhaust leak. :shock:

[Crs]

I've also got a Disco, a 97. :D

I was worried about oil leaks too. :shock: I've been told a little weeping is normal, but actual leaks should be seen to.

Exhaust repairs: I doubt it's any different than any other car. Mufflers and pipes. Probably aftermarket. Catalytic converters are always very expensive, so make sure that it's not part of the problem.

Expensive parts? Probably on par with any other premium Euro brand that retails at the same price point. I've hear terrible prices for OEM alternators, but I'm waiting on a specialized part from the dealer that will cost $2.85 + tax. I didn't know ANY part was that cheap. (It's NOT an alternator! :mrgreen: )

There is a fine gentleman on island who is parting out a Disco now. So second hand parts are a good bet. For a Land Rover, a Disco 1 is pretty common. You already have the most important piece of kit - a mechanic in the family. :mrgreen:

You may want to have a Land Rover expert do a Pre-purchase inspection. Good piece of mind. Cuts down on surprises.

[Selenababuin]

Thanks again! Where would I find a land rover specialist to do a pre purchase check out?

[Crs]

On the mainland, HESP or Rovalution (both North Van).

On Island, other than the dealer, I don't know. Try reposting in the Vancouver Island section for their advice. :D

[Selenababuin]

Thnx!