Is there any better family car than a Range Rover?
Discussion
In summary it appears a range rover is all the car a family of four could need.
Some may have other preferences, but that's down to taste.
As the passenger experience is down the list a bit, and no off road or bikes / dogs I'd be looking at one of the big saloons. Take your pick of which and buy one where a massive load of depreciation has already kicked in with a savings pot for the big invoice that will come your way.
Some may have other preferences, but that's down to taste.
As the passenger experience is down the list a bit, and no off road or bikes / dogs I'd be looking at one of the big saloons. Take your pick of which and buy one where a massive load of depreciation has already kicked in with a savings pot for the big invoice that will come your way.
BoRED S2upid said:
Far Cough said:
Volvo XC90 or 60...... Plenty comfortable and does everything a RR does unless you go really "off road" for a fraction of the price
And you can get it insured! The XC's are more Disco competitors that RR's.
The RR is so much nicer inside and - as others have said - huge glass area, fatboy seating position with superb climate control and lovely wafty, multi-cylindered powertrains make them very distinctive. I'd never go back to an estate car unless forced and that's not including their brilliance in s
t conditions and ability to drive over fields and tow anything. At the risk of being a heretic on this thread, I don't get the love for FFRR.
I had new one loaned to me by a Land Rover dealer in 2021 for 6 weeks when my i-pace had developed (another) fault and the parts were on back-order.
I liked the 'captain's chair' front seats, and it had a some nice features like a fridge. But the downsides.. thirsty... very wide.... wallowy.... slow....
There was plenty of space in the back seats, so that was good, but I didn't think the boot was even that big (given the size of the car).
However, it was also the only car my neighbour noticed and asked me about. He has never commented (positively or otherwise) on any other car I have ever had
So they certainly have the prestige, but objectively, as a family car, I think my wife's model Y is (much) faster, better handling, almost as much space in the rear, more reliable, and less than half the price! Not trying to be a troll, but as I say, putting aside the badge, I couldn't see what the fuss was about.
I had new one loaned to me by a Land Rover dealer in 2021 for 6 weeks when my i-pace had developed (another) fault and the parts were on back-order.
I liked the 'captain's chair' front seats, and it had a some nice features like a fridge. But the downsides.. thirsty... very wide.... wallowy.... slow....
There was plenty of space in the back seats, so that was good, but I didn't think the boot was even that big (given the size of the car).
However, it was also the only car my neighbour noticed and asked me about. He has never commented (positively or otherwise) on any other car I have ever had
So they certainly have the prestige, but objectively, as a family car, I think my wife's model Y is (much) faster, better handling, almost as much space in the rear, more reliable, and less than half the price! Not trying to be a troll, but as I say, putting aside the badge, I couldn't see what the fuss was about.
Ken_Code said:
Phil. said:
The market is awash with FFRR’s presently and there are some serious deals to be had. Plus the D350 can be found in late model L405’s as well as the new model in used form. Take a look at AT 
Possibly a silly question, but are they all listed as “D350” or are there a few different model designations with that engine in it?And, edited for another question, if the annual mileage is low enough that I could just put up with the fuel economy would you still rate the D350 as being the nicer drive?
Edited by Ken_Code on Tuesday 21st May 14:19
As model designations (specifications) you can have D350 in any of the standard specs (not the higher SV specs).
The D350 is definitely a nicer drive and more economical than the older SDV8 in the L405 of which I owned 3 and did over 100k miles.
EddieSteadyGo said:
At the risk of being a heretic on this thread, I don't get the love for FFRR.
I had new one loaned to me by a Land Rover dealer in 2021 for 6 weeks when my i-pace had developed (another) fault and the parts were on back-order.
I liked the 'captain's chair' front seats, and it had a some nice features like a fridge. But the downsides.. thirsty... very wide.... wallowy.... slow....
There was plenty of space in the back seats, so that was good, but I didn't think the boot was even that big (given the size of the car).
However, it was also the only car my neighbour noticed and asked me about. He has never commented (positively or otherwise) on any other car I have ever had
So they certainly have the prestige, but objectively, as a family car, I think my wife's model Y is (much) faster, better handling, almost as much space in the rear, more reliable, and less than half the price! Not trying to be a troll, but as I say, putting aside the badge, I couldn't see what the fuss was about.
I suppose you either get the FFRR or your prefer a Tesla. Obviously not much difference between them. I had new one loaned to me by a Land Rover dealer in 2021 for 6 weeks when my i-pace had developed (another) fault and the parts were on back-order.
I liked the 'captain's chair' front seats, and it had a some nice features like a fridge. But the downsides.. thirsty... very wide.... wallowy.... slow....
There was plenty of space in the back seats, so that was good, but I didn't think the boot was even that big (given the size of the car).
However, it was also the only car my neighbour noticed and asked me about. He has never commented (positively or otherwise) on any other car I have ever had
So they certainly have the prestige, but objectively, as a family car, I think my wife's model Y is (much) faster, better handling, almost as much space in the rear, more reliable, and less than half the price! Not trying to be a troll, but as I say, putting aside the badge, I couldn't see what the fuss was about.
Skoda Superb Estate every day of the week and twice on Sundays. Laurin & Klement spec, most powerful petrol engine available, DSG. Don't see the need for SUV shaped vehicles on the road, I think estates are better family cars as most family cars live in urban environments, not ploughed fields, and so are "better" family cars as they're more suited to the environment in which most family cars operate.
Just an opinion, no need for any offence to be taken by SUV enthusiasts, you're quite entitled to run them and I'm quite entitled to think they're a bit over the top most of the time.
Just an opinion, no need for any offence to be taken by SUV enthusiasts, you're quite entitled to run them and I'm quite entitled to think they're a bit over the top most of the time.
I now have an E52 Nissan Elgrand - a JDM import. 3.5 litre V6. It’s one of those things that ferry Jananese executives around.
I finally got fed up with waiting for the shoe to drop on my L322 and sold it before it dropped another big bill on me.
The Elgrand beats it on space and comfort, as well as capacity (7 decent seats). There’s rear seat dvd entertainment, a 100v plug so a laptop can be run, and the seats can be dropped to allow the thing to become a serious load lugger.
I run it up and down to North Italy and it can do autobahn speeds all day long.
The only things that make me jittery are the JDM tax on parts and the CVT gearbox.
I finally got fed up with waiting for the shoe to drop on my L322 and sold it before it dropped another big bill on me.
The Elgrand beats it on space and comfort, as well as capacity (7 decent seats). There’s rear seat dvd entertainment, a 100v plug so a laptop can be run, and the seats can be dropped to allow the thing to become a serious load lugger.
I run it up and down to North Italy and it can do autobahn speeds all day long.
The only things that make me jittery are the JDM tax on parts and the CVT gearbox.
Do you really want your family sat by the m6 in the pouring rain when your range rover has gone wrong yet again???
Personally as an actual family car i'm happy with my VW Caddy Maxi Life, yes its not as posh as a range rover and doesnt do 0-60 in 4 seconds but for actual family life it suits us great.
In 81k over four and a half years its been reliable and just soaks up the miles and has had one fault which needed a trip to the dealer.
Even if money were no object i still wouldnt get a range rover, i'd be looking at a high spec VW Multivan and a fair chunk of change.
Personally as an actual family car i'm happy with my VW Caddy Maxi Life, yes its not as posh as a range rover and doesnt do 0-60 in 4 seconds but for actual family life it suits us great.
In 81k over four and a half years its been reliable and just soaks up the miles and has had one fault which needed a trip to the dealer.
Even if money were no object i still wouldnt get a range rover, i'd be looking at a high spec VW Multivan and a fair chunk of change.
ettore said:
BoRED S2upid said:
Far Cough said:
Volvo XC90 or 60...... Plenty comfortable and does everything a RR does unless you go really "off road" for a fraction of the price
And you can get it insured! The XC's are more Disco competitors that RR's.
The RR is so much nicer inside and - as others have said - huge glass area, fatboy seating position with superb climate control and lovely wafty, multi-cylindered powertrains make them very distinctive. I'd never go back to an estate car unless forced and that's not including their brilliance in s
t conditions and ability to drive over fields and tow anything. I still wouldn’t touch one. Estate cars a far cooler and I don’t need to drive off road or tow anything so will be sticking to an estate.
OP, here are a couple of examples both with the D350 drivetrain.
Previous L405 model top of the range Autobiography:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024050192...
Newer L460 in HSE spec:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024030572...
Previous L405 model top of the range Autobiography:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024050192...
Newer L460 in HSE spec:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024030572...
EddieSteadyGo said:
At the risk of being a heretic on this thread, I don't get the love for FFRR.
I had new one loaned to me by a Land Rover dealer in 2021 for 6 weeks when my i-pace had developed (another) fault and the parts were on back-order.
I liked the 'captain's chair' front seats, and it had a some nice features like a fridge. But the downsides.. thirsty... very wide.... wallowy.... slow....
There was plenty of space in the back seats, so that was good, but I didn't think the boot was even that big (given the size of the car).
However, it was also the only car my neighbour noticed and asked me about. He has never commented (positively or otherwise) on any other car I have ever had
So they certainly have the prestige, but objectively, as a family car, I think my wife's model Y is (much) faster, better handling, almost as much space in the rear, more reliable, and less than half the price! Not trying to be a troll, but as I say, putting aside the badge, I couldn't see what the fuss was about.
I bought a Model S new from Tesla and it was by far the worst car I’ve ever had.I had new one loaned to me by a Land Rover dealer in 2021 for 6 weeks when my i-pace had developed (another) fault and the parts were on back-order.
I liked the 'captain's chair' front seats, and it had a some nice features like a fridge. But the downsides.. thirsty... very wide.... wallowy.... slow....
There was plenty of space in the back seats, so that was good, but I didn't think the boot was even that big (given the size of the car).
However, it was also the only car my neighbour noticed and asked me about. He has never commented (positively or otherwise) on any other car I have ever had
So they certainly have the prestige, but objectively, as a family car, I think my wife's model Y is (much) faster, better handling, almost as much space in the rear, more reliable, and less than half the price! Not trying to be a troll, but as I say, putting aside the badge, I couldn't see what the fuss was about.
The “known” negatives I could have lived with (plastic seats, for example) but the unexpected problems were myriad and Tesla argued that I should not be complaining about them in an “experimental” car (weirdly they’d not described it as such when taking my money.)
blue_haddock said:
Do you really want your family sat by the m6 in the pouring rain when your range rover has gone wrong yet again???
Ah that old wives tale. How many RR’s have you owned and when have they failed you on a motorway? My experience is happened once over 15 years and owning 7 FFRR’s plus my wife wasn’t in it at the time and the sun was shining Chamon_Lee said:
I think a fully loaded q7 or sq7 is a good shout.
Maybe x7 or GLS
As others have said the RR is incredible when it’s working. Even that is pot luck if you get a good one, if not it can really put you off the brand and makes you admire it from a distance.
I never thought I'd agree with this, until we went car shopping for a family car.Maybe x7 or GLS
As others have said the RR is incredible when it’s working. Even that is pot luck if you get a good one, if not it can really put you off the brand and makes you admire it from a distance.
Fully spec'd Q7 is a lovely place to be and very comfortable. Lots of space and 7 seats if you ever need it.
Phil. said:
Ah that old wives tale. How many RR’s have you owned and when have they failed you on a motorway? My experience is happened once over 15 years and owning 7 FFRR’s plus my wife wasn’t in it at the time and the sun was shining
In my case three blown gearboxes and two suspension failures in five years. All under JLR warranty. psi310398 said:
In my case three blown gearboxes and two suspension failures in five years. All under JLR warranty.
All FFRR’s? Sounds like you have had some bad luck then because I frequented the FFRR forum for years. Occasionally someone gets a bad one and it’s rejected or sold. But never heard of anyone with your bad luck.
Rusty Old-Banger said:
Aah, the Flying Spur, that famous "family car"
"Here you go Jimmy, have that jam sandwich in the back, and take these crayolas too..."
Don't knock it. I considered a FFRR to replace our family Cayenne but went for a Flying Spur in the end-just felt more special to be in. Luckily our 3 are beyond the jam sandwich/crayon/car sick phase. Full leather and varnished veneer is surprisingly easy to keep clean (even in cream!)."Here you go Jimmy, have that jam sandwich in the back, and take these crayolas too..."
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