RANGE ROVER WHAT TO LOOK FOR

INSPECT IT UNDERNEATH

Outer panels are aluminium but the steel shell, floorpan and chassis need inspection. The chassis resists rust fairly well but inspect around the fuel tank, outriggers and body mounts. Check for surface-rusty wheel arches and sills; trapped mud can crispen door apertures and rot around seatbelt mounts can be an MOT fail. Also check under the bonnet for inner wheel arch corrosion.

CHECK THE AIR SUSPENSION

Some owners fit coils but air suspension gives the P38 its plush ride. Check the air springs for cracks. The compressor is likely to burn out rapidly if there are leaks as it continuously attempts to achieve the desired ten bar. If you’re unsure start the car and check that it raises and holds at each of its four pre-set heights. To check the

CHECK THE V8’S HEALTH

Three engines were available – the ubiquitous Rover V8 in 4.0- and 4.6-litre guises and a 2.5-litre BMW six-pot M51 diesel. Problems with the V8s are well-documented because the engine’s architecture dates back to the Fifties. It’s crucial to check the coolant and oil levels and radiator hoses – neglected cars’ cylinder head gaskets fail and V8 cylinder liners can slip making the engine block porous and resulting in an overly pressurised cooling system; rock-hard hoses are the main giveaway. Leaking heater pipes are also common due to corrosion; check by sniffing for a tell-tale whiff of anti-freeze leaking into the driver’s footwell. compressor remove its inlet filter and put your hand over the gap as it works; the compressor is failing if suction is weak. Other failures can pop up on the dash blaming the suspension pressure switch, though it’s more likely to be a cracked valve block. Check the radius arm bushes too; P38s handle awkwardly when their bushes and joints wear.