Two things about 1976 stick in my memory. It was very hot, and I had my first crush — on a Range Rover. It was years before I drove one and even longer until I owned one. But for other lovers of this car, is a used Range Rover a realistic proposition?

The ground-breaking original was in production for over a quarter of a century, surviving its 1994 replacement, the P38A, by a couple of years. The "mid-shape" P38A was superseded in 2002 by the L322, the BMW-engineered rival to luxury cars such as the Mercedes S-class, the Lexus LS430 and its own 7-series.

So what about prices? The early "classics" are plentiful, but condition varies hugely. Tidy 1990 cars with 3.9 litre engines, leather seats and air con can be had privately for Ï3,500. The last of the classics with air suspension, a 4.2 litre V8 and auto box can be found for about £6,000. The "soft dash" classic from 1994/95 is a popular choice and came with a redesigned fascia that included twin airbags. It is worth paying up to £8,000 for a prime example.

The mid-shape model starts at about £10,000 and you will find really nice examples for £12-15,000.

There are three engines, two burbling petrol V8s and a diesel. The 4 litre petrol produces 180bhp, the 4.6 litre 225bhp. The 4 litre is a bit sluggish but picks up over 30mph; the 4.6 has a decent turn of speed and feels smoother.

If you want diesel be prepared for virtually no performance. The six-cylinder 2.5 litre turbo-diesel is a BMW unit but, with only 134bhp, it is fine in a 3-series saloon but not in a heavy, brick-like Range Rover.

What should you check? Number one is service history: make sure the service book is original and that the stamps are from a main dealer. No history? Then politely walk away.

Try all the electrics; windows, roof, mirrors, seats and stereo. The climate control can be expensive to repair so check it for heating and cooling. The biggest problems are with coolant leaks and head gaskets. The 4.6 was bored out to within a millimetre of its life and suffers most. The 4 litre is less prone but check all the same.

Don't be put off by a car that has had a replacement engine from Land Rover. In fact, it's probably a better buy.

Make sure you buy a car with a good level of equipment; must-have options are climate control, leather and metallic paint.

Check that the car has all its original keys as they are expensive to replace. Always go for classic colours, dark exteriors and lighter leather interiors. The leather will wear, so be ready to have the seats fed and cleaned every year.

Where should you buy? An approved Land Rover dealer should have a range of well-prepared cars with a full history and 12 months' warranty. If you prefer buying privately then expect to travel, and cars' condition will vary enormously.

For less than half its price new, the best buy would be a 1998 4.6 HSE with full history, in metallic blue with light leather, on 40,000 miles for £18,500. Expect to pay £8,000 for a 1994 4.2 LSE with full history, in metallic green with light leather, on 80,000 miles.

Vital statistics

Engine type V8
Transmission 4 speed automatic
Max power 160bhp at 4750 rpm
Acceleration 0 to 60mph: 96sec
Top speed 122mph
Mpg in town 11.8mpg
Out of town 23.2mpg
Average 17.2mpg

Values: Range Rover 4.6 HSE