Worth it to have Range Rover 1997 Engine Rebuilt?

jnathanc on 12/12/2016 - 12:28
Last edited 12/12/2016 - 12:34 by 1 other user

Hey Ozb

We have a '97 Range Rover which has engine and valve issues (thus little power when driving). Have been quoted around 7k to replace a new engine. I believe the vehicle also had overheating issues because the hood paint evidently is deteriorated. The car has been online for sale and receiving a lot of attention from interested individuals.

Question is We're now thinking whether it may be worth it to replace engine/rebuild and repaint the car and whatever touch ups it may need appropriately priced of course.

Do any motor heads or enthusiast have some thoughts to share?

I'm going to put a poll up but i would love some textual answers if you can.

Thanks all!

Poll Options

• 2
  Yes it's worth the replacement/rebuild
• 13
  No its not worth it

• 

  Wampus on 12/12/2016 - 12:33

  Do you have a sentimental attachment to the car? If not, I would suggest selling

  • 

    jnathanc on 12/12/2016 - 12:35

    No sentimental value just because the fact when it worked it was an amazing ride. But then we gotta consider the age etc

• 

  mskeggs on 12/12/2016 - 12:37

  Not a rev head, but I can't see how it would be worthwhile.
  There look to be plenty of that vintage for sale under $10k, so investing $7k in an engine rebuild seems a folly.
  Considering the interest online, I would sell it and find a replacement.
  If you were a mechanic who could do the work yourself as a bit of a hobby or timefiller, then maybe, but not if you are paying for it.

• 

  Forskin on 12/12/2016 - 12:42

  Is it still registered? Not worth it if you have to get a roadworthy.
  Have you thought about sourcing an engine from the many wreckers in vic?

• 

  pantsparty on 12/12/2016 - 12:42

  How much do you estimate it would sell for once you spend an additional $7k on it? How much would it sell for now, with no additional work?

• 

  try2bhelpful on 12/12/2016 - 12:53

  Read this review by Clarkson; it is long but it is worth it.

  http://forum.landrovernet.com/showthread.php/77745-Letter-fr…

• 

  jackary on 12/12/2016 - 12:59

  I'd personally sell. Love my British cars (I'm an old Jag man myself) but every single Land Rover or Range Rover owner I've ever come across over the years has described the experience as "bittersweet" - great when it's working…. but oh so rarely working. This includes their new vehicles.

  I can actually recall being around 17 and going to inspect what looked like a very tidy LR Defender. I arrived, and it refused to start. Seller said he'd got in touch when he fixed the issue - I never heard from him again.

  If you have a local Rover specialist mechanic prepared to go easy on labour, maybe, but unless it were a second car I'd be parting my losses. A knackered engine isn't the only mechanical marvel on your horizons, I promise. If you go through with repair, do it because you love/are attached to the car, knowing you won't make your money back, and knowing if you've blown the engine, there will be more to come.

  All the best!

• 

  JimB on 12/12/2016 - 13:24

  +1

  Near 20 year old car.

  Fix one thing and something else will need repairs.

  Forget it for $7k.

• 

  MITM on 12/12/2016 - 13:53

  +2

  Throwing good money after bad.