Faults:

Not enough space to list the things that went wrong with the Range Rover, but here is a start.

1. AT NEW, head gasket not fitted correctly,

2. AT NEW leather steering wheel trim falling off

3. After some miles, roof rack mountings failed with about 50Kg load

4. At 40K Kms, jockey wheel failed, very cheap plastic version replaced by dealer with metal one.

5. At 60K Kms, airpump for suspension failed completely. Cost to fix was literally thousands.

6. Rear left traction servo failed at 65K Kms, cost $950 to replace

7. Battery collapsed twice - new RR has a SMALLER one!

8. At 35K Km's, oil leaks in three places, transfer box, rear diff etc. Not snibbed up properly to start.

9. at 65K Km's vacuum for brakes failed - gave up and did not replace it.

10. Very poor original tyres fitted, changed for BF Goodrich - great move.

11. Bonnet flaps, metal too light.

12. Not all alloy panels, as advertised, rear panels are steel.

13. When battery failed, could not get into the rear to get tools - rear access is via an electric switch.

14. Tried to get access to "the book" to do own diagnosis (PC Software program) - denied by Rover.

All in all, a particularly ordinary vehicle for the money - and other friends with the same, have said the same. Bought a Nissan GU Patrol TI- much better than the RR.

General Comments:

General comment is that Rover have cut all the corners on a luxury car. Nissan and Toyota make much better luxuery vehicles, particularly for reliability.

Other minor matters don't help - fuel tank is too small, no rear seats available etc.

Faults:

As the advertisment goes - 'the best 4x4 by far' and after 2 years of ownership I would have to agree. It performed superbly with a wonderful interior and excellent build quality. Only a few minor problems blighted its path: Recall for engine problems, a huge appetite for expensive tires and a colossal thirst. Otherwise conducted itself excellently.

General Comments:

Its handling is insecure on twisted roads, and acceleration is ponderous in 3rd gear. Unfortunately the vehicle was written off in November 2001 - a stolen car smashed into it broad side at about 40 mph after failing to make a turn (the Range Rover was parked) fortunately no one was hurt. And although the vehicle was written off, one could see the advantage of a 4x4 in collisions over a car.