To upgrade or not

[FlyingTrotter]

Currently have a Dec 11 4.4TDV8 Vogue SE and love it

Only issues I have had with it have been 2 fuel gauge failures one of which left me running dry on the M4 (not funny) and have also been left stranded on the way back from a shoot in N Yorks when a turbo failed (definitely not funny) but otherwise it's been and still is awesome

Starting to think about getting a new model - will stay with a diesel but which engine is the better bet and why?

Obviously read about all the thefts and resultant issues with insurance (I live in London) have they now been addressed adequately with software upgrades etc ?

Would folk recommend holding off for a 2015 model year - read elsewhere on this forum that there were a few upgrades for that model year ?

[Phil.]

I did the same as you last Sept going from. MY11 4.4 VSE to a MY16 4.4 Autobiography. The L405 feels very special to drive.

I still think the 405 is over priced compared to the previous model so nearly new is better economically than new. There is a minor facelift due later this year which is reducing nearly new prices at dealers even more at the moment. I don't think the facelift will be too major - just look at the Evoque.

Go for a late a model as possible to avoid some of the teething problems that arose in the first few years of the L405.

I went for the V8 diesel because I like the RR ability to 'waft' along with immediate acceleration where required. It's very quiet under normal load and I get about 30mpg on average according to the computer which is the same as my old one but it uses much less fuel (work that one out).

Some like the V6 diesel and say it is more refined. I had one for 3 days and disliked it's lack of refinement and the need to press hard on the accelerator in normal driving conditions. It just wasn't RR like in its manners and didn't 'waft' along. In my experience you'll find a lot of V6 owners feeling the need to justify their purchase with tales of refinement and economy, but very few V8 owners doing the same

I believe the security matter has been fixed by LR.

The L405 has two batteries which means the pre-heater works as it should and was a must for me. The AB has all the bells and whistles but many are non-essential. So just go for a spec that has the features you want. Apparently the glass roof (fixed or opening) is a must for resale. I love the gesture control which is standard on all models and allows you to open the boot by moving you leg under the RR, without touching the car The self closing doors are nice but not essential. The all-around cameras are a waste of time unless you are going seriously off road.

Lots more info on the FFRR forum or feel free to ask more specific questions.

[FlyingTrotter]

Thanks for the thoughtful response

[poocherama]

I bought a 3.0L SE in the summer. It's a great piece of kit though I do struggle somewhat with the price, it's by far the most expensive car I've ever had. I also don't think it's particularly well made and some of the trim is of poor quality (the outer door handles come immediately to mind). Having said that the competition just didn't do anything for me.

I saved a pretty decent amount buying 8 months old. I'd have liked the AB but it was a fair bit more expensive and I found it hard to justify, perhaps next time. If you're going the finance route the difference seems to narrow a lot. A friend paid £1200/month for a Vogue and upgraded to an AB for £1250/month. I may finance next time.

I drove both the V6 & V8 extensively and found little difference between them. I went for the V6 as it was the colour / spec / price I wanted. Secondhand they seem to be similar in price. There are more V8s to chose from however. Pano roof a must, soft close doors I do enjoy (never had them before), adaptive cruise is really good. I wouldn't waste my money on the extra camera's or self parking etc.

P