which Range Rover

Not much in it between 1999 and 2002 really. Diesels are slow but just about usable if you chip them. 4.6 is more popular than 4.0 but in practice there isn't much in it when you drive them. Buy a high spec model in a pretty colour to retain resale value and get it checked by someone who really knows RR's before purchase.

4.6s have a worse reputation for reliability - porous blocks, slipping liners etc. I'd have bought a 4 litre if it weren't for the fact the 4.6 in mine had already been replaced.

David

Check it isn't losing water when you take a test drive - this *should* exclude the problems above. Perhaps better to say that if there is ANY sign of it losing water, walk away fast, as it indicates major problems. Or you can do what I did - get it from a LR main dealer. You pay a bit more than from the Autotrader, granted, but mine came with FSH and a full year's LR warranty. I paid a little under top book (according to Parker's) for mine, but the peace of mind is priceless. I've been back with a few issues (nothing mission-critical) but to be fair the dealer has been excellent and has resolved everything I've asked for. General opinion seems to be that it's an excellent car and mechanically very sound (apart from the above), with too many niggles, mainly electrical. My experience bears this out. FWIW, it's the best car I have ever owned and I wouldn't swap it for anything - even with the niggles. If you can afford the fuel, go for it - but at 2.2 tonnes kerb weight, it NEEDS that 4.6!

(Just done 1000 miles over the holiday - no stress, no nerves, no backache, no bank balance...)