Late L320 RRS buying (not buying!) advice
Discussion
Hi Folks,
I have decided to admit defeat and give up on having a high performance car for the time being. This is mainly because we live down a 3/4 mile dirt track and short of resurfacing it, getting a low slung sports car up and down it is tiresome, particularity in winter.
Accordingly thoughts have turned to adding a second 4x4 to the stable. Currently have a 2006 Landcruiser which is great, but v dull. A few months ago I flirted with getting the full fat RR but for some reason they did not overwhelm me on test drives.
Having ignored the RRS back then I now find myself wondering if it might be a better buy. Unfortunately I know very little about them, save for their poor reputation for reliability (unjust or rightly attributed?). Also I am not a footballer - is this an impediment to ownership?
If I did go down this route I'd be looking at the latest L320 possible. The new model certainly appeals but the price is comical, even for one with 60k miles on it. So the old one it is - if at all.
I'm also flirting with the idea of a Cayenne GTS (2009 ish) but think the RRS may be a better compromise.
Would greatly appreciate any suggestions on what to look for and what to run away from. For instance is the newer SDV6 engine a much better option than the TDV8, or is it simply that because the SDV6 cars are newer they benefit from upgrades that the TDV8 cars won't have.
Reliability is important - are the later cars significantly better than the early ones or is something of a lottery with these cars?
Thanks in advance,
TD
I have decided to admit defeat and give up on having a high performance car for the time being. This is mainly because we live down a 3/4 mile dirt track and short of resurfacing it, getting a low slung sports car up and down it is tiresome, particularity in winter.
Accordingly thoughts have turned to adding a second 4x4 to the stable. Currently have a 2006 Landcruiser which is great, but v dull. A few months ago I flirted with getting the full fat RR but for some reason they did not overwhelm me on test drives.
Having ignored the RRS back then I now find myself wondering if it might be a better buy. Unfortunately I know very little about them, save for their poor reputation for reliability (unjust or rightly attributed?). Also I am not a footballer - is this an impediment to ownership?
If I did go down this route I'd be looking at the latest L320 possible. The new model certainly appeals but the price is comical, even for one with 60k miles on it. So the old one it is - if at all.
I'm also flirting with the idea of a Cayenne GTS (2009 ish) but think the RRS may be a better compromise.
Would greatly appreciate any suggestions on what to look for and what to run away from. For instance is the newer SDV6 engine a much better option than the TDV8, or is it simply that because the SDV6 cars are newer they benefit from upgrades that the TDV8 cars won't have.
Reliability is important - are the later cars significantly better than the early ones or is something of a lottery with these cars?
Thanks in advance,
TD
Might be able to offer a few thoughts on the topic - my wife currently has a 2012 SDV6 HSE L320 RRS that we have owned for nearly 4 years, and before that had a 2008 TDV8 HSE RRS.
The short version is that she loves them, even though she is also not inclined to play football or deal in narcotics. Her current 2012 model is grey with ivory leather and no privacy glass, which I actually think looks rather classy rather than chavy. The SDV6 is plenty powerful enough (the numbers don't look like much, but in driving it generally feels like it has plenty of poke available), however the TDV8 is certainly more torquey. I'd also say that the SDV6 seems smoother than the TDV8. The facelift car seems much better resolved with a much nicer interior than the pre facelift version, so I would definitely recommend going for 2010 onwards, plus the 8 speed box that came in around 2012 really works as a great combination with the SDV6. Handling is also really quite impressive for what it is (although most things feel like a sports car compared to my L322 - that prefers a more sedate driving style).
Tempting fate a bit here, however we have been very lucky with our RRS'. We had a few suspension warning issues with the 2008 car, however that seems to be largely due to clouting a curb rather hard (I'm talking 30 MPH hard on a curb that stuck out into the road) and screwing the alignment up, but nothing other than that. The 2012 (touching wood here) has had no issues at all in the nearly 4 years we've had it, which is better than any other car we've owned, so whilst I know that some people have had problems with L320s, not all of them suffer with poor reliability.
Hope this helps....
The short version is that she loves them, even though she is also not inclined to play football or deal in narcotics. Her current 2012 model is grey with ivory leather and no privacy glass, which I actually think looks rather classy rather than chavy. The SDV6 is plenty powerful enough (the numbers don't look like much, but in driving it generally feels like it has plenty of poke available), however the TDV8 is certainly more torquey. I'd also say that the SDV6 seems smoother than the TDV8. The facelift car seems much better resolved with a much nicer interior than the pre facelift version, so I would definitely recommend going for 2010 onwards, plus the 8 speed box that came in around 2012 really works as a great combination with the SDV6. Handling is also really quite impressive for what it is (although most things feel like a sports car compared to my L322 - that prefers a more sedate driving style).
Tempting fate a bit here, however we have been very lucky with our RRS'. We had a few suspension warning issues with the 2008 car, however that seems to be largely due to clouting a curb rather hard (I'm talking 30 MPH hard on a curb that stuck out into the road) and screwing the alignment up, but nothing other than that. The 2012 (touching wood here) has had no issues at all in the nearly 4 years we've had it, which is better than any other car we've owned, so whilst I know that some people have had problems with L320s, not all of them suffer with poor reliability.
Hope this helps....
TorqueDirty said:
Hi Folks,
I have decided to admit defeat and give up on having a high performance car for the time being. This is mainly because we live down a 3/4 mile dirt track and short of resurfacing it, getting a low slung sports car up and down it is tiresome, particularity in winter.
Not wanting to derail your thoughts, but maybe a rally rep would fit the bill better? I'm not sure what your budget is, but it sounds sufficient to own a rather sorted AWD turbo performance car.I have decided to admit defeat and give up on having a high performance car for the time being. This is mainly because we live down a 3/4 mile dirt track and short of resurfacing it, getting a low slung sports car up and down it is tiresome, particularity in winter.
The right setup should mean little issues on your dirt track, but a much faster and better handling car on the road.
I'm by no means against a 4x4 (check my profile if you don't believe me). Just highlighting an alternative option.
TorqueDirty said:
Accordingly thoughts have turned to adding a second 4x4 to the stable. Currently have a 2006 Landcruiser which is great, but v dull. A few months ago I flirted with getting the full fat RR but for some reason they did not overwhelm me on test drives.
Having ignored the RRS back then I now find myself wondering if it might be a better buy. Unfortunately I know very little about them, save for their poor reputation for reliability (unjust or rightly attributed?). Also I am not a footballer - is this an impediment to ownership?
If I did go down this route I'd be looking at the latest L320 possible. The new model certainly appeals but the price is comical, even for one with 60k miles on it. So the old one it is - if at all.
I'm also flirting with the idea of a Cayenne GTS (2009 ish) but think the RRS may be a better compromise.
Would greatly appreciate any suggestions on what to look for and what to run away from. For instance is the newer SDV6 engine a much better option than the TDV8, or is it simply that because the SDV6 cars are newer they benefit from upgrades that the TDV8 cars won't have.
Reliability is important - are the later cars significantly better than the early ones or is something of a lottery with these cars?
Thanks in advance,
TD
Land Rovers can be fickle. I think they can all have little niggles, so I would go in eye open and expect this of whatever you buy. That said, I'm not sure other car makers are truly much better by and large. Just some get far more press exposure about it than others.Having ignored the RRS back then I now find myself wondering if it might be a better buy. Unfortunately I know very little about them, save for their poor reputation for reliability (unjust or rightly attributed?). Also I am not a footballer - is this an impediment to ownership?
If I did go down this route I'd be looking at the latest L320 possible. The new model certainly appeals but the price is comical, even for one with 60k miles on it. So the old one it is - if at all.
I'm also flirting with the idea of a Cayenne GTS (2009 ish) but think the RRS may be a better compromise.
Would greatly appreciate any suggestions on what to look for and what to run away from. For instance is the newer SDV6 engine a much better option than the TDV8, or is it simply that because the SDV6 cars are newer they benefit from upgrades that the TDV8 cars won't have.
Reliability is important - are the later cars significantly better than the early ones or is something of a lottery with these cars?
Thanks in advance,
TD
If you look at any reliability or customer satisfaction survey, true enough Land Rover might be near the bottom of the listing. But if you actually look at the data behind the surveys, you'll usually see that percentage wise, last place is often actually very close to first place. But that doesn't make for good reading or propaganda. So companies like JD Power force a list, making the top ones look better and the bottom ones look worse. When the reality is, almost all of them attain almost the same level.
As for the vehicles. How many miles a year do you do? As in, would you consider petrol? If your annual mileage isn't massive, then the monthly fuel cost between petrol and diesel might be pretty meaningless, especially if you weigh it against the depreciation cost of ownership.
As for the SDV6 or the TDV8. That's a tough one, I think you may need to drive both and see which you like the best.
My hunch is the TDV8.... I know on paper the SDV6 claims to match or exceed the performance and mpg. But I'm not sure that it does in reality when you aren't using timing gear and a staged launch.
The TDV8 has more power and torque and will likely spend less time changing gear. My 'hunch' is this will be more relaxed, less frantic and more accessible and progressive power for normal driving.
But, I would personally be wanting to drive a petrol V8 just for comparison
Thanks for the input guys.
To answer some questions - I did the rally rep thing a few years ago and whilst it was fun (350bhp switchable map Bugeye Scooby) I'm really after something more refined now. I don't do that many miles at the moment but when I do it is usually a 2 or 3 hour during which time I need / want most of the mod cons (decent sound system, bluetooth, up to date sat nav etc).
As for the petrol option this is interesting. The outgoing car will be a 2009 510bhp 5.0l XKR and if I am right the supercharged RRS has basically the same engine. Not sure if I want to change car and end up with the same engine. Mind you it is a great engine but in a 4x4 I don't think I'd feel the need to mash the right peddle that often. Fun every now and then but for the rest of the time I'd rather make reasonably rapid yet calm progress. Suspect (sadly) that the oil burner options might be better suited to my needs. Also there aren't many petrol ones about in my price range and none locally, but I won't discount them until I have had a go.
Not easy to find ones without the tinted windows either, which is a shame as I prefer to look I think - less......well you know!
To answer some questions - I did the rally rep thing a few years ago and whilst it was fun (350bhp switchable map Bugeye Scooby) I'm really after something more refined now. I don't do that many miles at the moment but when I do it is usually a 2 or 3 hour during which time I need / want most of the mod cons (decent sound system, bluetooth, up to date sat nav etc).
As for the petrol option this is interesting. The outgoing car will be a 2009 510bhp 5.0l XKR and if I am right the supercharged RRS has basically the same engine. Not sure if I want to change car and end up with the same engine. Mind you it is a great engine but in a 4x4 I don't think I'd feel the need to mash the right peddle that often. Fun every now and then but for the rest of the time I'd rather make reasonably rapid yet calm progress. Suspect (sadly) that the oil burner options might be better suited to my needs. Also there aren't many petrol ones about in my price range and none locally, but I won't discount them until I have had a go.
Not easy to find ones without the tinted windows either, which is a shame as I prefer to look I think - less......well you know!
Have you sat in a RRS?
Sat in and got driven around in a mates mums new to her 2010 model.
It felt really crampt inside and at 5 8 i'm not overly blessed with height.
Maybe my D3 has me spoiled with space...
Handled nice and the ride was good, even on the s
t 22s with cheapo budget tyres on it.
What about a D4? Same chassis and drivetrain but in a larger car and without the image problem.
My mate picked up a SDV6 8 speed 12 plate HSE,with 56k from a LR dealership for £31k.
2 year LR warranty and MOT failure protection. Black on black with 20s. It's a lovely car.
Sat in and got driven around in a mates mums new to her 2010 model.
It felt really crampt inside and at 5 8 i'm not overly blessed with height.
Maybe my D3 has me spoiled with space...
Handled nice and the ride was good, even on the s
t 22s with cheapo budget tyres on it. What about a D4? Same chassis and drivetrain but in a larger car and without the image problem.
My mate picked up a SDV6 8 speed 12 plate HSE,with 56k from a LR dealership for £31k.
2 year LR warranty and MOT failure protection. Black on black with 20s. It's a lovely car.
Buy a car with full service history and not too many miles and you should be fine.
I bought a face lift TDV8 (2010) with 55k miles and it is arguably the best all round car I have owned. I replaced the battery and so far the car has been faultless (10k miles in). I have a premium warranty in place and have not
There are some horror stories out there but if you look after your machines, change the oil regularly and have the properly serviced (which is surprisingly inexpensive) you won't regret it.
check out www.rrs.co.uk for useful info - although on these forums owners tend to discuss issues so don't get to subjective.
I bought a face lift TDV8 (2010) with 55k miles and it is arguably the best all round car I have owned. I replaced the battery and so far the car has been faultless (10k miles in). I have a premium warranty in place and have not
There are some horror stories out there but if you look after your machines, change the oil regularly and have the properly serviced (which is surprisingly inexpensive) you won't regret it.
check out www.rrs.co.uk for useful info - although on these forums owners tend to discuss issues so don't get to subjective.
Thanks Guys,
I think the D4 is probably not on the cards because we don't really need the extra space. Let's face it, we don't need another huge 4x4 at all, but that said we are looking to get down to 2 cars so a couple of go anywhere do anything trucks would seem to be a reasonable(ish) option.
Don't suppose any of you have any experience of the Cayenne GTS do you. Silly car I suppose but there is an appeal of having a thumping growly V8 combined with what I understand is passable handling. It would need to be the older model. There are a couple of 2009 cars that look OK - if a bloody long way away from us.
Also is it absolutely imperative to have a tiny member and a huge ego in order to drive one of these, or can you just get away with being childishly irresponsible and largely disinterested in what other people think?
TD
I think the D4 is probably not on the cards because we don't really need the extra space. Let's face it, we don't need another huge 4x4 at all, but that said we are looking to get down to 2 cars so a couple of go anywhere do anything trucks would seem to be a reasonable(ish) option.
Don't suppose any of you have any experience of the Cayenne GTS do you. Silly car I suppose but there is an appeal of having a thumping growly V8 combined with what I understand is passable handling. It would need to be the older model. There are a couple of 2009 cars that look OK - if a bloody long way away from us.
Also is it absolutely imperative to have a tiny member and a huge ego in order to drive one of these, or can you just get away with being childishly irresponsible and largely disinterested in what other people think?
TD
Well I finally got round to test driving the RRS (2013 HSE Black edition) and I have to say that it was a little underwhelming. Very good car with lots of toys, a good interior (although not amazing) and a capable engine (SDV6) but the overall driving experience was one of great competence rather than excellence.
Can't really put my finger on it but I was certainly not hooked on the first drive. It did not exactly thrill but then I guess it is not designed to really. Looking back to my 4.4 TDV8 FFRR test drive I think I actually preferred that car. No doubt it is a car that grows on you over time.
One thing is for sure - the idea of trading in my beautiful 5.0l XKR plus handing over another 10k does not feel like a complete no-brainer.
Did have a poke around in the new RRS whilst I was there and that really did look the part - and so it bloody should given what it costs!
Think I will wait until I win the lottery and look again. The odds must be heavily in my favour by now as I have already tried it at least 25 times over the years.
TD
Can't really put my finger on it but I was certainly not hooked on the first drive. It did not exactly thrill but then I guess it is not designed to really. Looking back to my 4.4 TDV8 FFRR test drive I think I actually preferred that car. No doubt it is a car that grows on you over time.
One thing is for sure - the idea of trading in my beautiful 5.0l XKR plus handing over another 10k does not feel like a complete no-brainer.
Did have a poke around in the new RRS whilst I was there and that really did look the part - and so it bloody should given what it costs!
Think I will wait until I win the lottery and look again. The odds must be heavily in my favour by now as I have already tried it at least 25 times over the years.
TD
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