L322 4.4 TDV8

Author
Discussion

chappardababbar

Original Poster:

432 posts

150 months

Tuesday 15th December 2020
quotequote all
I'm thinking to myself, that the 4.4 diesel is a real sweet spot in the range.

By this point in the car's development cycle they had become more robust and reliable.

The 4.4, if you read contemporary reviews, was a real gem of a motor.

It delivered 30mpg

...and for about £15-18k, it's at a price point where it can be treated more as a utility vehicle, rather than a luxury vehicle.

Despite the sentiment (well mine anyway) that a Range Rover should be petrol, I think this motor suits the car's off-road focus really rather well. I would feel better about taking this car on a long distance overland trip, than the petrol equivalent. It feels closer to a Toyota Landcruiser in that respect, except much plusher. Perfect combo or what?

I might pull the trigger early next year. It's between this and a P38 which I also adore but purely for nostalgic reasons, and I love the packaging and design of the thing.

Is anyone else thinking the same (about the L322!)?

Griffithy

929 posts

283 months

Wednesday 16th December 2020
quotequote all
I was very tempted by the Diesel as well.
Performance and mpg are great.
Otherwise if things go wrong the bills seem to be horrible.
I decided for the 5.0 S/C eventually.

You only live once and life is to short for driving diesels. wink

Deranged Rover

3,768 posts

81 months

Wednesday 16th December 2020
quotequote all
Griffithy said:
You only live once and life is to short for driving diesels. wink
I am delighted to present you with the coveted "Deranged Rover's Internet Quote of the Year 2020" Award.

biggrin

Wonderman

2,471 posts

202 months

Wednesday 16th December 2020
quotequote all
I had that motor in a sport, real world driving is mid 20s and on a couple long runs to Cornwall fully loaded with family and stuff would tick over 30mpg on low mileage engine (50k miles) only moved it on as age related suspension repair was a body off job... I loved the engine surprisingly V8 rumbly but I was mainly doing longer journeys, unless doing stella mileage I'd go petrol next time but make sure have reserves as maintenance seems to be the main costs for RRs at that age...

Griffithy

929 posts

283 months

Wednesday 16th December 2020
quotequote all
Deranged Rover said:
I am delighted to present you with the coveted "Deranged Rover's Internet Quote of the Year 2020" Award.

biggrin
I'm honoured
bow

300bhp/ton

41,030 posts

197 months

Wednesday 16th December 2020
quotequote all
chappardababbar said:
I'm thinking to myself, that the 4.4 diesel is a real sweet spot in the range.

By this point in the car's development cycle they had become more robust and reliable.

The 4.4, if you read contemporary reviews, was a real gem of a motor.

It delivered 30mpg

...and for about £15-18k, it's at a price point where it can be treated more as a utility vehicle, rather than a luxury vehicle.

Despite the sentiment (well mine anyway) that a Range Rover should be petrol, I think this motor suits the car's off-road focus really rather well. I would feel better about taking this car on a long distance overland trip, than the petrol equivalent. It feels closer to a Toyota Landcruiser in that respect, except much plusher. Perfect combo or what?

I might pull the trigger early next year. It's between this and a P38 which I also adore but purely for nostalgic reasons, and I love the packaging and design of the thing.

Is anyone else thinking the same (about the L322!)?
I have 3 friends with these at the moment. Two of them are serial L322 owners having moved from the Td6 variant.

The TDV8 is a really nice engine, although I suspect pricey to fix should you have issues. I think mostly the 4.4 is pretty stout though.

The L322 is very good too. Although like all modern LR's does have its foibles and things that can and will go wrong. Like all air suspension vehicles, should you have a suspension issue overland. Then you could become stranded. This IMO would be the biggest risk, plus a vehicle such as this really relies on all its electronic trickery to make it capable off road. Should any of this fail, it will seriously limit the vehicles ability and potential.


Vs. the P38 I'd say the p38 is far superior off road in general. The live axles will give much more flex, stability and ability to keep the wheels on the ground more of the time. People who dispute this just aren't being realistic or simply fail to grasp the physics of the situation.

Latter (1999MY) p38's have 4wd traction control also. So also have the ability to make all 4 wheels rotate.

This isn't to say the L322 is incapable. It isn't. The L322 is highly capable IMO. But on serious off road obstacles I still prefer the live axle vehicle which will likely be more comfortable for this use too.

On the flip side, the L322 is likely to ride better at higher speeds on rougher terrain than the p38. And the TCS of the Terrain Response requires less wheel slip to work. But lifting wheels in the air more often will result in the L322 relying on the TCS a lot more often.

Inside I personally prefer the interior of the p38, they have a low window line and are bright, open and airy. The L322 has a higher window line, is more cosseting and enclosed. It will also feel more car like. Dynamically the L322 is more modern with more toys. Tactile quality, I think there is less in it than people make out. The interior on the p38 is well constructed, doesn't rattle and uses nice materials. They do lack cup holders however!!! Something I find a bit of a pain in a vehicle such as this.

P38s are also prone to issues, in fact they will drive you nuts!!! But overall they are a much more simple system and more easy to maintain for the home mechanic (or when overlanding). The air suspension is also easier to work around or even replace with coils if you want true overland dependability.


On road the L322 should handle more car like and for most people arguably better. However for me they do lack the feel of a "4x4". The p38 IMO wafts better and feels more true to the classic Range Rover in sense of occasion. For a spirited drive the L322 is undoubtably more capable and faster. But for me I derive more enjoyment from the p38. If you want to go quickly however the p38 is not your weapon of choice.


Basically I'd probably categorise them as:

L322 - is a very modern design of vehicle and does pretty much everything a brand new Range Rover does to a very similar level. Giving all of the pros and cons of a modern design. Mostly more isolated from the outside world.

P38 - is much more of a modernised classic car. It uses hugely well proven designs, but such a design is more of a compromise to on-road usesage. But comes with many of pleasures people look for and seek in older vehicles.

Carnage

889 posts

239 months

Wednesday 16th December 2020
quotequote all
I’ve got one to tow my racing cars with and go fishing in. I love it. No reliability issues yet and a much more relaxing place to be than my other cars.


300bhp/ton

41,030 posts

197 months

Wednesday 16th December 2020
quotequote all
Carnage said:
I’ve got one to tow my racing cars with and go fishing in. I love it. No reliability issues yet and a much more relaxing place to be than my other cars.

Don't suppose that photo was taken anywhere near to Woburn Sands by any chance?

Carnage

889 posts

239 months

Wednesday 16th December 2020
quotequote all
Got it in one!

eliot

11,725 posts

261 months

Wednesday 16th December 2020
quotequote all
I’ve just picked up a 56k 2012 tdv8 off my mate to replace the p38 and 750 bmw. Got as far as selling the 750, but I’ve decided to park the p38 up in the garage to keep for the long term because for once in my life I dont need the space or money.

chappardababbar

Original Poster:

432 posts

150 months

Wednesday 16th December 2020
quotequote all
300bhp/ton said:
chappardababbar said:
I'm thinking to myself, that the 4.4 diesel is a real sweet spot in the range.

By this point in the car's development cycle they had become more robust and reliable.

The 4.4, if you read contemporary reviews, was a real gem of a motor.

It delivered 30mpg

...and for about £15-18k, it's at a price point where it can be treated more as a utility vehicle, rather than a luxury vehicle.

Despite the sentiment (well mine anyway) that a Range Rover should be petrol, I think this motor suits the car's off-road focus really rather well. I would feel better about taking this car on a long distance overland trip, than the petrol equivalent. It feels closer to a Toyota Landcruiser in that respect, except much plusher. Perfect combo or what?

I might pull the trigger early next year. It's between this and a P38 which I also adore but purely for nostalgic reasons, and I love the packaging and design of the thing.

Is anyone else thinking the same (about the L322!)?
I have 3 friends with these at the moment. Two of them are serial L322 owners having moved from the Td6 variant.

The TDV8 is a really nice engine, although I suspect pricey to fix should you have issues. I think mostly the 4.4 is pretty stout though.

The L322 is very good too. Although like all modern LR's does have its foibles and things that can and will go wrong. Like all air suspension vehicles, should you have a suspension issue overland. Then you could become stranded. This IMO would be the biggest risk, plus a vehicle such as this really relies on all its electronic trickery to make it capable off road. Should any of this fail, it will seriously limit the vehicles ability and potential.


Vs. the P38 I'd say the p38 is far superior off road in general. The live axles will give much more flex, stability and ability to keep the wheels on the ground more of the time. People who dispute this just aren't being realistic or simply fail to grasp the physics of the situation.

Latter (1999MY) p38's have 4wd traction control also. So also have the ability to make all 4 wheels rotate.

This isn't to say the L322 is incapable. It isn't. The L322 is highly capable IMO. But on serious off road obstacles I still prefer the live axle vehicle which will likely be more comfortable for this use too.

On the flip side, the L322 is likely to ride better at higher speeds on rougher terrain than the p38. And the TCS of the Terrain Response requires less wheel slip to work. But lifting wheels in the air more often will result in the L322 relying on the TCS a lot more often.

Inside I personally prefer the interior of the p38, they have a low window line and are bright, open and airy. The L322 has a higher window line, is more cosseting and enclosed. It will also feel more car like. Dynamically the L322 is more modern with more toys. Tactile quality, I think there is less in it than people make out. The interior on the p38 is well constructed, doesn't rattle and uses nice materials. They do lack cup holders however!!! Something I find a bit of a pain in a vehicle such as this.

P38s are also prone to issues, in fact they will drive you nuts!!! But overall they are a much more simple system and more easy to maintain for the home mechanic (or when overlanding). The air suspension is also easier to work around or even replace with coils if you want true overland dependability.


On road the L322 should handle more car like and for most people arguably better. However for me they do lack the feel of a "4x4". The p38 IMO wafts better and feels more true to the classic Range Rover in sense of occasion. For a spirited drive the L322 is undoubtably more capable and faster. But for me I derive more enjoyment from the p38. If you want to go quickly however the p38 is not your weapon of choice.


Basically I'd probably categorise them as:

L322 - is a very modern design of vehicle and does pretty much everything a brand new Range Rover does to a very similar level. Giving all of the pros and cons of a modern design. Mostly more isolated from the outside world.

P38 - is much more of a modernised classic car. It uses hugely well proven designs, but such a design is more of a compromise to on-road usesage. But comes with many of pleasures people look for and seek in older vehicles.
Thank you, this was extremely helpful. Now I want a P38. A yellow one!

chappardababbar

Original Poster:

432 posts

150 months

Wednesday 16th December 2020
quotequote all
eliot said:
I’ve just picked up a 56k 2012 tdv8 off my mate to replace the p38 and 750 bmw. Got as far as selling the 750, but I’ve decided to park the p38 up in the garage to keep for the long term because for once in my life I dont need the space or money.
I hope to achieve the same thing one day.

Why keep the P38? What do you find appealing about it?

camel_landy

5,081 posts

190 months

Wednesday 16th December 2020
quotequote all
chappardababbar said:
Thank you, this was extremely helpful. Now I want a P38. A yellow one!
Layer Cake... biggrin

M

camel_landy

5,081 posts

190 months

Wednesday 16th December 2020
quotequote all
300bhp/ton said:
Vs. the P38 I'd say the p38 is far superior off road in general. The live axles will give much more flex, stability and ability to keep the wheels on the ground more of the time. People who dispute this just aren't being realistic or simply fail to grasp the physics of the situation.
Really?

Can you just stop flogging that poor old dead horse... Whilst you obviously disagree with their views, they do at least have qualifications & industry experience to back up their statements. As for the 'grasp of physics', they probably have that on their CV too. wink

M


eliot

11,725 posts

261 months

Wednesday 16th December 2020
quotequote all
chappardababbar said:
eliot said:
I’ve just picked up a 56k 2012 tdv8 off my mate to replace the p38 and 750 bmw. Got as far as selling the 750, but I’ve decided to park the p38 up in the garage to keep for the long term because for once in my life I dont need the space or money.
I hope to achieve the same thing one day.

Why keep the P38? What do you find appealing about it?
It was the wife’s idea surprisingly - I was cleaning it to sell, but she said why not keep it? So it’s all polished with new oil and filters and will stay in the garage and perhaps get the odd dry run until the insurance runs out next year - I dont need much encouragement to hoard cars, have the space and a couple of grand is neither here nor there in the scheme of things.
My son turned 17 in November and the P38 was the first car he ever drove - so maybe in 10-20 years he will want it?

Might also consider upping the power - boosting it or chevy swap maybe (done nicely)

My E39 540 and my LS3 VXR8 are to this day worth more than I sold them for.


Edited by eliot on Wednesday 16th December 23:04

A.J.M

8,012 posts

193 months

Wednesday 16th December 2020
quotequote all
When I briefly looked at L322s I always found the biggest issue was the disgusting colour combos for trims on them.

Red, brown, cream, with cherry wood etc, just looked awful.

A black with grand piano was a rarity.

The 4.4 seems less likely to eat the turbos like the 3.6 do. 8 speed box is very nice.

Lovely cars but need good care to be kept in best condition, with a decent slush fund for any bills.

300bhp/ton

41,030 posts

197 months

Thursday 17th December 2020
quotequote all
camel_landy said:
Really?

Can you just stop flogging that poor old dead horse... Whilst you obviously disagree with their views, they do at least have qualifications & industry experience to back up their statements. As for the 'grasp of physics', they probably have that on their CV too. wink

M
Who's views?

Carnage

889 posts

239 months

Thursday 17th December 2020
quotequote all
A.J.M said:
When I briefly looked at L322s I always found the biggest issue was the disgusting colour combos for trims on them.

Red, brown, cream, with cherry wood etc, just looked awful.

A black with grand piano was a rarity.

The 4.4 seems less likely to eat the turbos like the 3.6 do. 8 speed box is very nice.

Lovely cars but need good care to be kept in best condition, with a decent slush fund for any bills.
Concur. I looked at loads before I bought mine. There were loads of family buses that had been abused and some grim colour choices.

witten

226 posts

55 months

Friday 18th December 2020
quotequote all
Had one for a year and absolutely adore it. Driven it to the Highlands and to Cornwall and the family loved it - just comfy and quiet. Only problems I have had are an unacceptable amount of rush perforation on the lift gate for a 9 year old car and some small cracks in the intake hoses. That is it. Even journey is calming and I never knew I needed a heated steering wheel as much in my life.

bakerstreet

4,822 posts

172 months

Friday 18th December 2020
quotequote all
300bhp/ton said:
I have 3 friends with these at the moment. Two of them are serial L322 owners having moved from the Td6 variant.

The TDV8 is a really nice engine, although I suspect pricey to fix should you have issues. I think mostly the 4.4 is pretty stout though.

The L322 is very good too. Although like all modern LR's does have its foibles and things that can and will go wrong. Like all air suspension vehicles, should you have a suspension issue overland. Then you could become stranded. This IMO would be the biggest risk, plus a vehicle such as this really relies on all its electronic trickery to make it capable off road. Should any of this fail, it will seriously limit the vehicles ability and potential.


Vs. the P38 I'd say the p38 is far superior off road in general. The live axles will give much more flex, stability and ability to keep the wheels on the ground more of the time. People who dispute this just aren't being realistic or simply fail to grasp the physics of the situation.

Latter (1999MY) p38's have 4wd traction control also. So also have the ability to make all 4 wheels rotate.

This isn't to say the L322 is incapable. It isn't. The L322 is highly capable IMO. But on serious off road obstacles I still prefer the live axle vehicle which will likely be more comfortable for this use too.

On the flip side, the L322 is likely to ride better at higher speeds on rougher terrain than the p38. And the TCS of the Terrain Response requires less wheel slip to work. But lifting wheels in the air more often will result in the L322 relying on the TCS a lot more often.

Inside I personally prefer the interior of the p38, they have a low window line and are bright, open and airy. The L322 has a higher window line, is more cosseting and enclosed. It will also feel more car like. Dynamically the L322 is more modern with more toys. Tactile quality, I think there is less in it than people make out. The interior on the p38 is well constructed, doesn't rattle and uses nice materials. They do lack cup holders however!!! Something I find a bit of a pain in a vehicle such as this.

P38s are also prone to issues, in fact they will drive you nuts!!! But overall they are a much more simple system and more easy to maintain for the home mechanic (or when overlanding). The air suspension is also easier to work around or even replace with coils if you want true overland dependability.


On road the L322 should handle more car like and for most people arguably better. However for me they do lack the feel of a "4x4". The p38 IMO wafts better and feels more true to the classic Range Rover in sense of occasion. For a spirited drive the L322 is undoubtably more capable and faster. But for me I derive more enjoyment from the p38. If you want to go quickly however the p38 is not your weapon of choice.


Basically I'd probably categorise them as:

L322 - is a very modern design of vehicle and does pretty much everything a brand new Range Rover does to a very similar level. Giving all of the pros and cons of a modern design. Mostly more isolated from the outside world.

P38 - is much more of a modernised classic car. It uses hugely well proven designs, but such a design is more of a compromise to on-road usesage. But comes with many of pleasures people look for and seek in older vehicles.
The OP is asking about L322s and has a £15k budget, so why are you talking about live axles and the P38?

My main concern with the TDv8 would be Turbos. Think that is a substantial bill (£3k?) if they fail and if memory serves, a failed Turbo could lunch the engine as well.

My old Boss had one of the first sports with the TDV8 and it was a lovely thing to drive. One of the best sounding Diesels I have ever heard. He sold it to one of clients and he modified the exhaust and remapped it. Sounded great and went very well for something so heavy. Can't comment on the L322 as I've not driven a TDv8 and my only experience was about a mile in a petrol V8 and I was pissed so can't remember much!

As for the P38 Interior Vs an L322. How the heck would anyone prefer the P38 Interior Vs an L322. IMO the L322 is one of the est Interiors Land Rover ever produced. Stylish and some great colours were available too.