Hi,

I'm hoping someone here knows enough about Range Rover model
numbers and features (in the USA) to help me here.

I've decided that a 2002 style Range Rover HSE 4.6 would be
the best next vehicle for me. Here are some consideratings
that lead me to that. Any comments welcome:
   1) I have a five hour trip to my home in the mountains
      A) three hours are at 70-85 mph on an InterState
      B) two hours on a twisty rural highway through the mountains
         (sometimes in light snow, possibility of heavy snow).
   My reasoning is that the Range Rover would be the most comfortable
   for this sort of driving and would be well equiped for snow.
   My current little AWD station wagon handles the Interstate and
   the twisty road well, but it is noisy and rattles my bones on
   this sort of long trip.

   2) I have a number of acres of wooded land with fire-roads and
      log skid roads. I have 600 feet of steep driveway and
      possible thick snow once I get up my driveway.
   My understanding is that Range Rover is just as capable on rutted
   and washed our roads (compared to Land Rover Disco, LR Defender,
   Toyota LandCrusier) as long as you don't get upset about body
   panel damage. I guess this comes down to underbody clearance
   and articulation.

Any feedback on my assumptions is welcome.

Then there is the question of which model year would be best
for me. In that case I was looking at occasional towing and
the best for off-road.

My understanding is that the 1994 through 2002 model years are
still frame-on-rail, solid-axles, and that they have a smaller
overhang than the earlier models. That sounds good for off-road
and towing. If I can afford a 2002 they would tend to have fewer
miles; so all things equal I would tend towards that.

Some questions:
   1) What years have the most advanced traction control (four wheel)?
      Traction control sounds like it would be very advantagous
      in snow and mud. How can I identify a model that has the more
      complete traction control (on a US model)?
   2) What does the tow package option change or add?
      If I get a RR that had the tow package added, will
      it be as good off-road as one without the package?
      (I'm thinking the tow package may make the suspension
      stiffer in way that doesn't articulate as well.)

Any help would be most welcome.

Yours,

Ed Elhauge

P.S. Anyone local to Northern California with a lead on a dealer that
sells used RRs with warranties? Up to now I've been told that Craigslist
is the best way to get one.