Used Land Rover
Looking for Land Rover features and style at a low price?
Buying a used Land Rover means you get all the benefits of a Land Rover owner without the expense. New Land Rovers run from the low 30s well above $60,000. You can find a used Land Rover for as much 50% off the original sticker price if you do a little bit of legwork.
Used Land Rover Sale
Just checking out a couple of local private Land Rover sales, I found a 2008 LR2 with under 50,000 miles for just above $19,000. Literally down the street from that sale, I found a 2001 Discovery Series II for under $10,000. Sure, these were private sales, but classified listings in my area were comparable. Late model Land Rovers available anywhere from $10 - 30,000.
What To Look For When Buying a Used Land Rover
When buying a used Land Rover, there are some typically "troublesome" spots you should check out before you sign on the dotted line. Depending on the year and the model of Land Rover you're looking at, you may want to check. Assuming the Land Rover you're after had all its scheduled maintenance, take a look at the steering box, a notorious source of headaches for Land Rover owners. Check the rear axle for leaks or damage, and while you're under the car look for any visible rust.
If you're looking at a more recent Land Rover, since about 2005, you should ask the owner about the head gasket (is it leaking? has it ever leaked?) and if you have access to a mechanic, have them check the air suspension as well as the electrics leading to the navigation and entertainment systems.
Picking a Land Rover Model
There are a number of models of Land Rover -- lots of special editions or features packages. Some models of Land Rover are generally considered "better" than others.
Don't go spending a ton of money on anything before 2006 -- that was the year that the Jaguar-sourced V8 pair was included for the first time. This is a solid engine system, and most likely the engine that best suits the needs of most Land Rover owners.
I really wouldn't recommend buying anything before 2007, as that was the most recent significant redesign, which includes standard bluetooth capability, optional Sirius radio, and a new interior design and trim package. Unless you're looking for a "collectible" Land Rover, stick with 2007 or more recent.
If you're in the market for a "first-generation" LandRover, that means you're after a true "off-road" vehicle and won't mind paying the inevitable repair bills. Land Rovers from the early 90s had four doors and a less than 4-liter V8 with four-speed automatic tranny. They had extra long wheelbases that added an extra 7 inches of rear legroom, for some reason. This is a nice off-road vehicle, for those of you that love luxury muddin.
Land Rovers are the top of the line in SUVs, with plenty of luxury car features standard on Land Rover models. Go for a used Land Rover if you don't have a huge downpayment to drop on a brand new model -- you get off-road and city luxury for a much reduced price.