Seeking L322 advice

Seeking L322 advice

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Discussion

Old Skool

Original Poster:

96 posts

165 months

Wednesday 30th July 2014
quotequote all
Hi guys

This forum is not my usual territory so be kind...

Am looking to replace my daily driver with a FFRR. Wife is complaining about the current IS200 being too uncomfortable and spending a lot of recent time on the motorways has made me want a more comfortable cruiser with more luggage space.

Always loved RRs and was thinking of buying a new Sport in a couple of years. However for the meantime I thought I'd try a proper one to get used to the size and upgrade early from the current rep mobile. I might then sell on in 2 years.

Budget is around 17/18k and for that id really want 08 onwards, black with a light interior. Not a fan of the woods so piano black would be preferred but not a deal breaker. Likewise tinted glass and side steps - could always have these added later.

Originally started looking at 3.6TDV8 but am now getting seriously tempted by the 4.2SCV8.... I know the mpg is ridiculous but I love V8s. Having a AMV8 already though makes me think I might be being silly since I already scratch that itch. For the DD should I really go for diesel? Then again I would like *some* performance...

So was just looking for some advice really:

Am I silly to consider a Supercharged considering I'm based in Central London (although do 150 mile motorway runs at least twice a month)?

Do the high mileage ones suffer? I'm currently looking at both diesel and petrol examples at 80k+miles. Recipe for disaster?

Would you rather go for a later 2009 model @ 100k miles or a 2007 example @ 55k miles? Both available circa 18k.

Any other advice for a inexperienced newbie?

Any and all comments welcome

Best,
OS

Old Skool

Original Poster:

96 posts

165 months

Tuesday 12th August 2014
quotequote all
Thanks very much for the replies guys. Just by way of quick update...

I have been persuaded (boo) to stick with a diesel for the time being so I think TDV8 it is for me now especially considering that there doesn't seem to be much of a discount on the petrol versions to justify the increased running costs.

However after making the mistake of looking at '10 models, the budget has shot up dramatically from 17/18 to around the 30k mark to try and get into (what looks to me) as a much nicer model both inside and out (mainly inside).

Am eyeing up an autobiography model as well which I wouldn't pay extra for but this is around the right sort of price. It also has the rare reclining rear seats option which seems intriguing... As an aside, I was quite shocked to see how much it would costs to replace the wooden panel parts with (say) a piano black version - looks to be circa £1000 to replace those things and another £500 for the steering wheel if I end up with one that has wooden inserts (which I really don't like). Ouch.

Any views on the 2010 models/rear reclining seats/swapping out dash trim most welcome!

Will keep you updated but moving closer to sorting one by the end of the week in Dark blue with ivory. Yum.

OS

Old Skool

Original Poster:

96 posts

165 months

Wednesday 20th August 2014
quotequote all
So an update.

Bit the bullet and am now the extremely happy owner of a 2010 3.6 TDV8 Autobiography in Buckingham Blue.

Did think about stretching for a 4.4 but considering I was way over my budget anyway and all the extras i was getting in this Autobiography (rear DVDs/Rear recline seats etc) I bit the bullet and am very very pleased i did.

Car still feels like a bit of a truck in terms of size but is SO comfortable and motorway journeys are a breeze. It has more than enough pull for what i need and although the lag can be a bit LOL at times it is all quite good fun. I have to say although one may instinctively think the opposite, the state of London roads is so appalling that I can see why so many people here have them and why it is in fact such a good car to have in London. It soaks up all the imperfections, the never-ending speed bumps are far more comfortable to traverse, the inside is a nice place to wait out the jams and with the cameras even the width restrictors are easy enough to handle.

I have also grown to really like the cherry wood interior and so wont be changing those pieces. I need to add some tints and steps and then it is complete in my eyes.

Very happy with the car - thanks to you all for your responses.

Only minor gremlin at the minute is that the ipod connector/lead does not seem to be working and will not recognise my iphone so will need to get that looked at. In addition, the USB port seems only to work intermittently, just barely charging my phone. The other day the car also randomly locked itself into valet mode for a few hours which was disconcerting. Given the electrical gremlins and the fact its had a few mikes I am tempted to get it assessed and then purchase an extended warranty since a local service centre isn't too far away from me.

Anyway thanks again for your comments and helpful responses. One very happy owner here!