Date:         Tue, 6 Sep 2005 02:06:14 -0700
Reply-To:     BenT Syncro <syncro@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         BenT Syncro <syncro@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Trading a Westy for a Rangerover?
Comments: To: Taobythesea@aol.com
In-Reply-To:  <195.46aaaacc.304b7309@aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

On 9/3/05, James Benthall <Taobythesea@aol.com> wrote: 
> 
> Hi all,
> My brother-in-law really wants my Westy, and he will trade me a 1991
> Rangerover
> plus some cash. Other than the poor gas mileage of the RR, does anyone out
> their
> have an opinion on the reliability of these vehicles? I know zilch about
> these vehicles
> (sorta like when I decided to get my Westy ;-)
> Thanks ahead of time,
> James in Houston
> 87 Westy
> 
  James,
 In California, the 1991 Range Rover is worth $2500 in good shape with 
mileage uner 100K. The cheapest Westy you will find is an aircooled variety 
at about $2500 in just ok condition. You didn't say what year your Westy is. 
If it was a 2wd and a 1991 model, it is easily $15K-more for one in good 
condition.
 I had a 1991 Range Rover up until a month ago. The power windows were not 
working and there were few minor nagging issues. It was worth ten times more 
in pieces than as a whole. I paid $1400 for it in good running condition 
from the original owner. Seat alone go for about $500-$750 a set.
 Their headgaskets, much like watercooled Vanagons, have a tendency to need 
attention after 100K miles or so. parts are about double Vanagon parts 
prices. quality is very bad. One example are frames. In the process of 
having a bunch of RR bull bumpers made, we discovered none of the 6 or so 
RR's we were measuring had the same frame rail distances in the back. It 
just worse from there.
 I realize you have made a decision you decline the trade. Just thought you 
should know why it was a good idea to keep your Westy. I can speak from 
experience as I have a couple of Rovers and more than a half dozen Vanagons.

-- 
BenT