2005 L320 RRS 4.2 buyers guide?

[LincolnLovin]

Hi Folks,

I'm interested in getting a RRS as a third car, the supercharged one specifically. As with any car purchase I've started diving into youtube, forums etc but I want to make sure I have a solid checklist of known issues to ask about/cross off the list when I view cars.

From this initial research, the 4.2 engine seems to be relatively trouble free (if thirsty), but the rest of the car I'll need to check for (in no particular order):

Lots of preventative maintenance
Radiators & cooling all work (or have been replaced)
Electrics all work
Rear hatch/window open
Recent gearbox service, transfer case etc
Suspension & bushings
Rust (sills, boot floor),
Oil leaks

Is there a definitive buyers guide anywhere?

[bakerstreet]

LincolnLovin said:

Hi Folks,

I'm interested in getting a RRS as a third car, the supercharged one specifically. As with any car purchase I've started diving into youtube, forums etc but I want to make sure I have a solid checklist of known issues to ask about/cross off the list when I view cars.

From this initial research, the 4.2 engine seems to be relatively trouble free (if thirsty), but the rest of the car I'll need to check for (in no particular order):

Lots of preventative maintenance
Radiators & cooling all work (or have been replaced)
Electrics all work
Rear hatch/window open
Recent gearbox service, transfer case etc
Suspension & bushings
Rust (sills, boot floor),
Oil leaks

Is there a definitive buyers guide anywhere?

Have they had the transmission flushed? If yes, the TC was probably slipping and they have been advised to flush the box because 'that will fix it', when in reality it won't.

Never heard of the boot rusting out. Sills are the common areas and the rear cross member, but that is quite labour intensive and people will most likely just write the car off instead. Sills are the biggest issue though.

Electrics, suspension and gearbox would be where I would focus my attention.
Does High/low range work?
Does the car go into access and extended mode with out any issues?
wet carpets? That will be the sunroof drains.
Stereo (Fibre interface and can be a real pain to faulty find, so check it works). Audio quality is actually quite good, but no Bluetooth streaming (annoying)

the facelift car (09>) is much nicer inside than the first gens. First gens are far from Range Rover quality IMO. a 2002 L322 is probably nicer inside than an 05-09 RRS.

In fact, I would consider the 4.2SC L322 as I think its just a much better car all round compared to the Sport. Yes, they are more expensive, but interior is vastly superior IMO. Same can be said for the seats too.

Owning a Land Rover ids more of a vocation, so just be prepared....

Edited by bakerstreet on Thursday 8th December 11:39

[LincolnLovin]

I would have thought transmission servicing would have been a good thing?

[bakerstreet]

LincolnLovin said:

I would have thought transmission servicing would have been a good thing?

When they were launched the gearboxes were 'sealed for life' and therefor people didn't clock that really needed oil changes every 40-50k. Look how many ads you see for gearbox specialists in the back of the Land Rover mags

A Torque Converter is about £1300 drive in/drive out and gearbox rebuild including fitting is about £3k drive in/drive out.

Any fluctuation the rev counter or grumbling when its under load? That can be a sign that the Torque Converter is on its way out.

Suspension arms can be pricey too. two arms per axel and they are £500 to replace and there are two arms per corner (I think). Just listen out for squeaks or bumps on the test drive

Parking sensors. Like any car of that vintage. 50/50 on if they will work. Usually its wiring to the sensors and not the actual sensors which is what the code readers say.