I would be gratful for some pointers. I am looking at a 2010 Range Rover but the car is on the far side of the country so it is potentially a "buy and deliver" transaction. The mileage is low relatively (under 40,000), there is a full service history and good MOT record so it all sounds good. I've been told there is no rust in the tailgate, but " some light rust under the wheel arches but not on the bodywork" and have been provided with the attached photos. I am particularly concerned about the 4th picture. Is this to be expected for a 10 year old RR or something to be wary off? Any comments would be gratefully received as this would be my first Range Rover and I don't want to make a big mistake!

Cheers.

H.

H

There are threads on the rust in those areas on FullFats. It is an area of concern and my opinion is that I would inspect personally rather than rely on photos. That rust appearing on the wheel (photo 4) would give me concern on a 10yo car.

Have a search on here for rust, rear wheel arches, sill rust etc. Quite a few and some, although older models are not good at all. It can be prevented by cleaning and repairing the area if caught early, but if left is difficult to repair. There are as yet (TTBOMK) no repair panels for inner cills.

That all said, the cars can and do live long lives if looked after. Don't let my post put you off, just make sure you research the thoughts of those on here and use that to inform your purchase.

A further thought, if the car has been used for towing and launching a boat in the sea, then that is a probable cause of such corrosion.

HTH and put up any other questions you may have. Lot's more knowledgeable than me. Cheers
Richard

(there are no such things as an ordinary FullFat, an ordinary cat or too many tools)
2011 TDV8 Vogue Santorini Black
Gap IIDBT

Whilst I’m sure there are rust free examples about, I recon more than likely you will see rust in those areas I’m afraid. When Tata took ownership of Land Rover, they used their own steel, which seems to have more recycled steel in it, and makes the later cars maybe more prone to rust.

You need to check down near the sill with the rear passenger doors open.... that should still be clean.

 2011 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8

Previous cars :
2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6
1999 Discovery Td5 ES
1995 BMW M5 3.8 6 speed
1992 Range Rover 3.9 Efi Vogue
1992 BMW M5 3.8
1988 BMW 735i SE
1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9i
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport

Thanks for your comments. I have asked for photos with the door open and will post once I get them.

Down the bottom here mate, and hidden behind the plastic cover.

I can’t imagine it’s bad there on a late car, nothing on mine, but you must check....

Click image to enlarge

In terms of comments “they all do that sir” does actually apply to this. Most RR rust to some extent in this area because the under arch protection doesn’t cover it properly. Never has. So long as it is only surface rust it is easily rectified. More serious rust occurs under the cills covers and at the bottom of the rear wheel arches. If it is bubbling there then beware and more inspection is needed. **MJD beat me to it.**

There are many threads on the wheel arch rust, and the usual solution is to spend a few quid rubbing it back and repainting with some better paint and or stone chip. Then using a rubber protector strip over the lip in the arch to prevent it happening again.

If the rest of the car looks good then I wouldn’t let this put me off. If it is a dealer then ask them to body shop it before delivery.....

The fact that the car is sitting on the proper tyres is also a good sign  There is nothing that can't be fixed with a hammer😜😜
FFRR 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography Santorini Black.
Fiat 500x 1.4 multiair Lounge 2015
2010 LR D4 Commercial 2.7 TDV6

If buying maybe take it to your known local body shop. I inspected one for a mate where the seller had a prepurchase paint job that was very badly done and then it re-emerged far worse later as a result.

Unfortunately the car is not close by so I am trying to do all this from a distance and if I decide to buy, it will then be delivered to my home address! Not ideal I know.

Only my inexperienced view, but the bolt in the second picture looks brand new. I wonder if it’s had any recent work to try to fix rust??

I spotted that too and thought it was strange. I will ask the seller.

Is the bolt in the right place, in other words, is that the way the mudflap is held on?

Very difficult to assess properly based on a few photos. If it were me, I’d hang on until being able to view in person. As already noted, it could be just superficial surface rust which is easily dealt with, or it could be more extensive needing more work to sort properly.

fanders ---------------------------------------
2009 4.2 SC Buckingham Blue
2021 Hilux 2.4

I have a similar bolt on my rear mud flap - fitted by my indy without prompting during a service as the original bolt had removed itself voluntarily from the vehicle!  Bish.

2005 110 TD5 CSW
2011 TDV8 Vogue SE (gone)

Good to know! Thanks.

i'd be more concerned with rust in the area you can't see or photograph. Lower front wheel arch at the join with the rear sill.... hidden away under the plastic sill cover.

Anyone tired Lanoguard for keeping this at bay

Looked really closely at my new to me VSE it’s solid but I do want to get some protection in

Hard to see on the photos so I ended up getting one local so I could
Do a good inspection