Range Rover Purchase Questions & Advice Needed
Discussion
Hi everyone,
I’m looking to replace our current E70 X5 with a Range Rover, at the lower end of the budget (10 - 15k), however I know very little about the models and things to look out for. For example I know with Audi I like the sporty S-Line spec, but S and RS is a bridge too far for my needs, and budget. The same for BMW MSport vs MSeries - however I have zero understanding of the Range Rover model line-up. I guess I’m looking for a good, sporty spec, but do not need top of the range. In addition, what things tend to fail, and should be either factored into my purchase budget, or included within the ‘must haves’ for my desired purchase. I guess with my budget I will be looking at roughly a 2008 model with 80k miles.
It will be used for family duties such as weekends away, and my wife’s commute to work twice a week (60 miles).
I guess, the reason I want one is firstly I have been very impressed with my father’s Discovery 3, which hasn’t put a foot wrong in 10-years, and I’m looking for a large, practical vehicle, with some nice creature comforts and luxuries to enhance our weekends away and general travel. We don’t do too many miles, so I like to buy outright and sell after a couple of years, which often means we loose very little - sometimes nothing. But, I appreciate values are currently sky high for used vehicles.
So, all feedback, advice and guidance is very welcome. Additionally, if you know of any nice one’s for sale please send them my way. I’m based on the Southcoast.
I’m looking to replace our current E70 X5 with a Range Rover, at the lower end of the budget (10 - 15k), however I know very little about the models and things to look out for. For example I know with Audi I like the sporty S-Line spec, but S and RS is a bridge too far for my needs, and budget. The same for BMW MSport vs MSeries - however I have zero understanding of the Range Rover model line-up. I guess I’m looking for a good, sporty spec, but do not need top of the range. In addition, what things tend to fail, and should be either factored into my purchase budget, or included within the ‘must haves’ for my desired purchase. I guess with my budget I will be looking at roughly a 2008 model with 80k miles.
It will be used for family duties such as weekends away, and my wife’s commute to work twice a week (60 miles).
I guess, the reason I want one is firstly I have been very impressed with my father’s Discovery 3, which hasn’t put a foot wrong in 10-years, and I’m looking for a large, practical vehicle, with some nice creature comforts and luxuries to enhance our weekends away and general travel. We don’t do too many miles, so I like to buy outright and sell after a couple of years, which often means we loose very little - sometimes nothing. But, I appreciate values are currently sky high for used vehicles.
So, all feedback, advice and guidance is very welcome. Additionally, if you know of any nice one’s for sale please send them my way. I’m based on the Southcoast.
Edited by AudiSport on Wednesday 13th October 06:58
"what things tend to fail"
"looking at roughly a 2008 model with 80k miles"
With that spec I'd start with the assumption of "everything", and work back from that. Every working day is a bonus then.
But seriously, Sporty a RR isn't (not even a RRS in my opinion) and neither is it meant to be. Large, comfortable, wafty, capable, expensive to run and generally fabulous when everything is working correctly.
"looking at roughly a 2008 model with 80k miles"
With that spec I'd start with the assumption of "everything", and work back from that. Every working day is a bonus then.
But seriously, Sporty a RR isn't (not even a RRS in my opinion) and neither is it meant to be. Large, comfortable, wafty, capable, expensive to run and generally fabulous when everything is working correctly.
Deranged Rover said:
If you’re looking for ‘sporty’ then I’m afraid there’s little point in looking at a Range Rover.
Depends on your starting point an what you're comparing to:- Compared to other cars in the LR range... Yeah, it's 'Sporty'.
- Compared to a Scooby STi... Yeah, you're going to struggle.
camel_landy said:
Depends on your starting point an what you're comparing to:
Absolutely right, thank you. Clearly my ‘sporty’ reference wasn’t right, and has already derailed this post - Compared to other cars in the LR range... Yeah, it's 'Sporty'.
- Compared to a Scooby STi... Yeah, you're going to struggle.
Perhaps trim level is more fitting, for example:
- Alloy wheel style and size
- Colour coded trims and bumpers
- Seat design and fit
- Paint options
- Stereo and audio options
camel_landy said:
Get yourself a TDV8...
...but don't get hung up on the mileage. As you're looking at 13yr old cars, buy on condition (and service history).
M
Perfect, I’ll have a look for these. On another forum they mentioned that there were significant updates in 2009, and it is worth trying to get this model year on, even if the mileage is somewhat higher - as per your point. Thank you...but don't get hung up on the mileage. As you're looking at 13yr old cars, buy on condition (and service history).
M
AudiSport said:
camel_landy said:
Get yourself a TDV8...
...but don't get hung up on the mileage. As you're looking at 13yr old cars, buy on condition (and service history).
M
Perfect, I’ll have a look for these. On another forum they mentioned that there were significant updates in 2009, and it is worth trying to get this model year on, even if the mileage is somewhat higher - as per your point. Thank you...but don't get hung up on the mileage. As you're looking at 13yr old cars, buy on condition (and service history).
M
In 2011, the TDV8 went from a 3.6 to 4.4. It also received an 8spd gearbox.
IMO - The 'Sweet Spot' for these cars is a facelift (10MY) Vogue SE spec & 4.4 TDV8... But you would not be disappointed with a 3.6 TDV8.
FWIW - Personally, I hate to see 'bling' on these cars, it just looks vulgar. They also ride better on 19" rims but IIRC 20" is the standard.
M
Edited by camel_landy on Thursday 14th October 12:58
I've just bought a 2012 4.4 TDV8 Westminster (a run out model) with just over 100k miles for mid your budget.
As been mentioned look for a good service history and evidence of recent preventative maint e.g. gearbox flush / oil change would be a bonus.
Check ALL the electrics (I was a bit slack doing this only to then discover the heated seats are inop..!!)
Check the bodywork like you would normally but at this age / miles expect a few marks here and there and check for rust on the front section of rear arches and upper tailgate.
As been mentioned look for a good service history and evidence of recent preventative maint e.g. gearbox flush / oil change would be a bonus.
Check ALL the electrics (I was a bit slack doing this only to then discover the heated seats are inop..!!)
Check the bodywork like you would normally but at this age / miles expect a few marks here and there and check for rust on the front section of rear arches and upper tailgate.
Deranged Rover said:
If you’re looking for ‘sporty’ then I’m afraid there’s little point in looking at a Range Rover.
Stick to SUVs.
The FFRR isn't sporty, but is fairly quick off the mark in TDV8 guise (moreso Supercharged obv). I've often surprised youths in hot thatches away from the lights, but let them past before we reach any bends!Stick to SUVs.
An observation is that my TDV8 L322 may have been a tad quicker than my current L405.
I've just picked up a 4.4 tdv8 2011 Vogue SE. Certainly a bit wallowy but exceptionally comfortable. With the 8pd ZF I'm getting near-equivalent Mpg to something like a 2.0T hot hatch. Mid 20s around the doors and mid 30s on a gentle longer trip.
The Logic7 is pretty good but not exceptional. Mine has rear entertainment but one screen packed up after one use, probably down to a stretched cable which I need to investigate.
Mine is 106k miles and was well within your budget. 1 owner, FSH.
So far I'm loving it, although it was a rocky introduction to RR ownership due to a major oil leak, since resolved by an excellent dealer who specialises in them.
Check trim like rear ash tray covers etc. They can go brittle over time and the hinges snap.
Another thing to consider is (assuming any you look at are fitted for one) whether the towbar is present. Mine is tucked into a recess under the boot floor. The Witter ones are pretty expensive to replace.
I have to admit though, several that I looked at were absolute sheds.
The Logic7 is pretty good but not exceptional. Mine has rear entertainment but one screen packed up after one use, probably down to a stretched cable which I need to investigate.
Mine is 106k miles and was well within your budget. 1 owner, FSH.
So far I'm loving it, although it was a rocky introduction to RR ownership due to a major oil leak, since resolved by an excellent dealer who specialises in them.
Check trim like rear ash tray covers etc. They can go brittle over time and the hinges snap.
Another thing to consider is (assuming any you look at are fitted for one) whether the towbar is present. Mine is tucked into a recess under the boot floor. The Witter ones are pretty expensive to replace.
I have to admit though, several that I looked at were absolute sheds.
My dd is a 2011 tdv8 3.6 sport. My previous dd was the vogue equivalent. Current mileage of the sport is 77k. Both cars performed without issue, normal annual service costs at a local garage and no unexpected bills. Expect suspension bushes at some point, they are a big heavy beast. Looking to replace the current sport, but the only replacement I can think of is another RangeRover.
Edited by e600 on Sunday 17th October 01:00
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