L322 Reliability. Early vs Late models

[Walter Sobchak]

Doofus said:

So to spend 8-9k on a 2004/05 with 120k+ miles on, to replace a perfectly good Volvo estate and to use as our load lugger (3rd car) would, in all likelihood, be a bit of a dopey thing to do?

Not at all, just check it's had some of the expensive jobs done:

Air Suspension Compressor, bushes etc.
New radiator on a petrol, possibly new gearbox on a TD6, gearbox fluid flush and filter change on either petrol or diesel.

[Doofus]

Ok, thanks.

I suspect finding one with some of that work done, at the price I have in mind will be a bit difficult. If seems there are 2005s out there for 9000, but also for 16000, so I'm guessing the cheaper ones are time bombs.

Guess I'll have to go and look at a few.

[crispian22]

I recently purchased an 04 4.4 petrol vogue with 107k on it,everything works,although it has more history than the Catholic church and has had serious money spent on upkeep,as has been said,make sure it's had the big jobs done and it shouldn't be too painful an experience.

[Walter Sobchak]

Doofus said:

Ok, thanks.

I suspect finding one with some of that work done, at the price I have in mind will be a bit difficult. If seems there are 2005s out there for 9000, but also for 16000, so I'm guessing the cheaper ones are time bombs.

Guess I'll have to go and look at a few.

I wouldn't write them off to be honest, I paid £9.5k for my 2005 last summer-85k Miles,touch screen updated nav etc and it was VERY well looked after, the previous owner had done gearbox flushes, huge history file, it was obviously well cared for, this is a 4.4 V8 with an LPG conversion, great combo if you never find yourself hunting for LPG.

£16k for an 05 is dreaming IMO, that's in 07 TDV8 territory, I think the problem partly is theyre still in winter price mode.
For your needs, particularly if you're looking at an earlier one(02-04), I wouldn't rule out an HSE to be honest, if you find one in good condition, the old BMW sat nav is so obselete that it wouldn't bother me anymore, I would miss the heated steering wheel though.

[Doofus]

Having spent waaay too much time on these today (I'm supposed to be on vacation with Mrs D), I think a late 04 or an 05 (with the touchscreen nav) will fit the bill. V8, obvs () LPG would be good, for the smug factor, and £9-10k seems to be the sweet spot for something with less than 100k miles on it.

Back home on Saturday; I have a feeling that I know how my Sunday will be spent