1994 Land Rover Range Rover Vogue LSE 4.2Litre V8
Summary:
The ultimate grand tourer
Faults:
I have had no major problems with this car.
1. The passenger side front door has required adjustment to the locking mechanism as it does not always unlock fully. The car is 10yrs old so I expect that door has been unlocked a few times in its life.
2. The spring which counter balances the bonnet has snapped. This spring makes the bonnet appear lighter, making it easier to open. As you can imagine a Range Rover bonnet is a big lump of metal so I now build my biceps opening it, so its not a real problem.
General Comments:
This is my second Range Rover, the first being a 1990 3.9 Vogue. I was perfectly happy with it, but now comparing it to the LSE there is no contest. The level of luxury in the LSE is unsurpassed, pretty much everything is leather or electric or both. The drivers seat has memory settings which is excellent for my wife and I as our driving positions are very different, you push the relevant button and the seat resets to whichever position you want.
The 'soft dash' interior is a major improvement. Air bags are an added safety feature, this was the first RR to have them. Everything is near to hand, essential to aid safe driving.
The extra capacity of the 4.2 V8 is quite noticeable, you gain 15-20bhp over the 3.9. Some of that is used to propel the extra 8" of car you get with the LSE, but not all. 17-18mpg is normal, not brilliant I grant you, but what do you expect for 2.5 tonnes of car with the aerodynamics of a brick.
LPG. The answer for anyone who wants to own a RR without having noisy diesel engines. My tanks are where the petrol used to be, a custom petrol tank is in the rear wing. 70litres of LPG will cost me £24 and take me 200miles. 70litres of petrol will cost me £55 and take me 250miles. The figures speak for themselves. You do have to factor in the cost of the conversion, the less miles you do per year the longer it will take to recoup your outlay. My conversion is the neatest, with everything out of sight, but it is also the most expensive... £2300 (it is not a direct injection system).
I love driving this car and will continue to do so for many years to come. With regular servicing the engine will go on forever, its aluminum so it won't rust and it eats miles for breakfast.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 29th June, 2004