Turbo D

Bit of a truck but the more I drive it, the more I like it.

There it was on Ebay. Shining green, eloquent description, an array of complimentary pictures, all the MOT's from No.1 etc, etc. How long have I been in the motor trade? Oh, yes; nearly forty years.....And I still believe in fairies? Ha, ha! "Oh yes, mate. It's brill on fuel- well over 30 mpg". "Yeah, the top end of the engine was rebuilt and all the heads done". "Oh yes- I've been using it for towing my Mini's around on a trailer". Well, firstly, it's not brill on fuel. Maybe 25mpg but not over 30. Secondly, no, I don't think the heads have been done as it sounds like one is leaking when ticking over hot. Lastly, he towed with it??? Must have been in low range then! It's fine when you hit 3000rpm, the turbo finally starts to blow instead of suck (seemingly) and it hitches up its skirt and gets a wriggle on but below that? Nah! Between 750 and 2500rpm is merely exercise for the rev-counter or maybe trying to keep the turbo spooled up so when the traffic lights change in town, you don't get blown away by the cyclists! So now you are all thinking that I hate this Rangy and all you R. Rover fans are getting out the old doll and the needles to get me! But I've really only had dealings with v8 Rangies and the only diesel one I rode in was some American engined one of my mates which was terrifying! This VM 2.4 is a new adventure. Apparently, a Range Rover with this engine set several records at the MIRA track which still stand to this day. In the forums, there seems to be equal numbers of lovers and haters of the VM lump so I can only speak as I find. The more I drive this, the more I like it. You have to think ahead to keep it moving without thrashing it and thrashing it is something I will not do. It corners well and with so little roll that I was convinced that someone had fitted anti-roll bars to it but I can't find any. The interior looks like it's never been sat in or used. The exterior is just amazing with the only scabby bits being the usual rear window corners. Gearbox and change is perfect, axles quiet, transfer box and diff lock all ok. Original tool kit still there. All in all, a nice old truck. Too early for all the electronic c*** but new enough to be worth looking after. Well worth the money.

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